GM Alexander Shabalov wins 2015 U.S.

Open title in Phoenix, Arizona

GM
LEVON
ARONIAN
2015 Sinquefield
Cup Champion

November 2015  |  USChess.org

 2015 NATIONAL K-12 GRADE CHAMPIONSHIPS
DECEMBER 4-6, 2015
DISNEY’S CORONADO SPRINGS RESORT, 1000 WEST BUENA VISTA DR., LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL 32830
$129 single/double/triple/quad

OPENING CEREMONY 7SS, G/90 D5 13 SECTIONS Play only in your grade. November 2015
Friday: 12:30 pm rating supplement will be used. Team Score = total of top three (minimum
two) finishers from each school per grade. First place individual and team,
including ties, will be national champion for their grade.
ROUNDS
Friday: 1 pm, 6 pm
Saturday: 10 am, 2 pm, 6 pm
AWARDS Trophies to top individuals & top teams in each grade.
Every participant receives a commemorative item! Full list of trophies
Sunday: 9 am, 1 pm
on tournament info page.

AWARD CEREMONIES BLITZ Trophies in K-6 and K-12 sections. Full list of trophies on
Sunday: 4:30 pm (K-1) approx. tournament info page.
& 5 pm approx.
BUGHOUSE Top five teams.
SPECIAL ROUND TIMES
FOR K-1 SECTIONS
Friday: 1:30 pm, 5:30 pm
SIDE EVENTS
Saturday: 9:30 am, 1:30 & 5:30 pm
Sunday: 9:30 am, 1:30 pm BUGHOUSE Thursday: 1 1 am Reg. onsite only Thurs. 9-10 am. $25/team.

ON-SITE REGISTRATION BLITZ Thursday: 5 pm Reg. onsite until 4 pm. Entry in advance $15
12/3: 9 am-9:00 pm by 11/23, $20 after or at site. Register at https://secure2.uschess.org/
12/4: 8 am-11:00 am webstore/tournament.php

Players registering late (after 11 am Friday) will not be paired for round 1, will receive a half-point bye,
and will begin play with round 2.
Team Rooms are limited! Contact Susan Kantor 931-787-1234 ext. 136 or by e-mail: skantor@uschess.org

NAME ___________________________________________________________USCF ID #________________________________ RATING ____________________________________

ADDRESS ___________________________________________________________________ CITY_________________________________ STATE _________ ZIP_________________

E-MAIL ADDRESS ______________________________________________________________________________________________ REGISTRATION INFORMATION:

US Chess membership is required and must
SCHOOL _______________________________________________________________________________ GRADE ________________

BYE REQUESTED: Rd. 1 q 2 q 3 q 4 q 5 q 6 q 1/2-pt bye available if requested in advance (except rd. 7)
be current. You may pay US Chess membership
with your entry. Adult: Please check our website
(uschess.org) for Adult and Young Adult options.
USCF MEMBERSHIP DUES: Please go to www.uschess.org for appropriate membership category and rates. Advance entries must include player’s name
and all fees to be accepted. Roster changes
ENTRY FEES: $50/participant postmarked by 11/2, $70/participant postmarked by 11/23, $85 after 12/3 or $90 on site.
are considered new entries and will be charged
(Add $5 for all phone registrations.) Blitz entry: $15 until 11/23, $20 after or at site. according to date received. List name, address,
phone, section, grade, school (even if no team),
AMOUNT ENCLOSED: Entry Fee $ _________ Blitz $ __________ USCF Dues $ __________ TOTAL ENCLOSED $ _____________ coach’s name, e-mail, birth date, US Chess ID
#, USCF expiration (enclose USCF dues if nec-
In advance: Make checks payable to: US Chess. On site: Make payments in cash, by money order, or credit card. essary) and rating. Players must be eligible to

q q q q
play in accordance with US Chess Scholastic
MASTERCARD DISCOVER AMEX VISA NUMBER _______________________________________________ Regulations. Please bring clocks. Ent: “K-12
Championship,” c/o US Chess, PO Box 3967,
EXPIRATION: ______ /______ V-CODE (last 3 digits on the signature line) ____________________________________________ Crossville, TN 38557-3967. For more info or
to register online: www.uschess.org. Please
make all checks payable to US Chess.
SIGNATURE: ________________________________________________________________________________________
 Be a US Chess Benefactor!
Benefactor Membership includes Life Membership, a special membership Main office: Crossville, TN (931) 787-1234
card, and recognition on a benefactor page of our website and periodically Advertising inquiries: (931) 787-1234, ext. 123
in Chess Life. The cost is $3,000, or $1,500 to existing Life Members.
Tournament Life Announcements (TLAs): All TLAs should be e-mailed to
Half the funds collected will go to US Chess Life Member Assets Fund
tla@uschess.org or sent to P.O. Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557-3967
and half to assist US Chess operations. Become a Benefactor at uschess.org,
by phone at 1-800-903-8723, or by mail to US Chess, PO Box 3967, Letters to the editor: Please submit to letters@uschess.org

Crossville TN 38557. Receiving Chess Life: To receive Chess Life as a Premium Member, join US Chess
or enter a US Chess tournament, go to uschess.org or call 1-800-903-USCF (8723)

SPECIAL THANKS TO Change of address: Please send to addresschange@uschess.org

Other inquiries: feedback@uschess.org, (931) 787-1234, fax (931) 787-1200

ALL OUR BENEFACTORS!
US Chess Benefactor Members as of August 10, 2014: Chess Life
US CHESS
Jim Bedenbaugh (ok) • J.E. Blackwood (fl) • Joseph EXECUTIVE EDITORIAL STAFF
Boyle (TX) • John J. Brendel (NY) • fabiano Caruana (fl) BOARD Chess Life Editor and Director

• Jonathan Crumiller (NJ) • Jeffrey Davidson (CA) • of Publications, Daniel Lucas

Martin Dean (VA) • kenneth Duffy (CA) • Bill Goichberg

dlucas@uschess.org
President

(NY) • Robert E. Hux (NE) • In Memory of: David kaplan •

Gary Walters Senior Digital Editor, Jennifer Shahade
Walters & Wasylyna LLC jshahade@uschess.org

David kochman (NH) • Christopher lewis (wA) • David C. Shaker Finance Chess Life for Kids Editor, Glenn Petersen

Miller (NV) • Parker Montgomery (VT) • David H.

PO Box 20554 gpetersen@uschess.org
Cleveland, OH 44120

Raymond (fl) • Timothy M. Sawyier (Il) • Phillip Smith

gary@wwiplaw.com Senior Art Director, Frankie Butler
fbutler@uschess.org

(TN) • Henry l. Terrie (NH) • Thomas N. Thrush (NV) • Editorial Assistant/Copy Editor, Alan Kantor

Harold Torrance (PA) • Charles Unruh (ok) • Edward

Vice-President akantor@uschess.org
Randy Bauer
wycoff (CA)
Editorial Assistant, Jo Anne Fatherly
10990 NW 115th Avenue
jfatherly@uschess.org
Granger, IA 50109
rbauer.chess@gmail.com Editorial Assistant, Jennifer Pearson
HELP PROMOTE AMERICAN CHESS jenpearson@uschess.org

Technical Editor, Ron Burnett

VP Finance
Allen Priest
220 West Main Street
Suite 2200
Louisville, KY 40202
tyron316@hotmail.com
Secretary
Mike Nietman
2 Boca Grande Way
Madison, WI 53719
mike.nietman@charter.net
TLA/Advertising, Joan DuBois
tla@uschess.org
US CHESS STAFF
Executive Director, Jean Hoffman
ext. 189 jean.hoffman@uschess.org
Director of Events, Francisco Guadalupe
713-530-7820 flguadalupe@aol.com
FIDE Titles and Ratings, Tracey Vibbert
tvibbert@uschess.org

FIDE Youth Events,

Member at Large
Michael Atkins
PO Box 4894
Baltimore, MD 21211
matkins2@comcast.net
National Education Consultant
& Special Projects, Jerry Nash
ext. 137 jnash@uschess.org
Scholastic Associate & Clubs, FIDE
Associate and OTB Ratings, Susan Kantor
ext. 136 skantor@uschess.org

Computer Consultant, Mike Nolan

Member at Large
mnolan@uschess.org
Anjelina Belakovskaia
6890 E. Sunrise Dr. Director of Administration, Judy Misner
Ste. 120-118 ext. 126 jmisner@uschess.org
Tucson, AZ 85750
anjelina@gmail.com
Affiliate Relations Associate, Joan DuBois
ext. 123 jdubois@uschess.org

Senior Accountant, Debra Robison

Member at Large ext. 130 debra.robison@uschess.org
Ruth Haring
Membership Services Supervisor, Cheryle Bruce
U.S. Chess Federation
ext. 147 cbruce@uschess.org
Attn: Ruth Haring
PO Box 3967 Mailing Lists/Membership Associate, Traci Lee
Crossville, TN 38557- ext. 143 tlee@uschess.org
3967
Membership Associate, Jay Sabine
riharing@gmail.com
ext. 127 jsabine@uschess.org

Correspondence Chess, Alex Dunne

cchess@uschess.org

2 November 2015 | Chess Life

 N G
BG D
IY
UU EEN
IN GO
GCL SE
U ID
EP NR
S RSI P GUBIG
Y
IN
U S C F S ASLS

PL AY
A Y IN THE U.S.
U .S. OPEN
O P EN IN
IN ORL
ORLANDO!
AND O ! SSee
ee TLA on pages 53/54.

MAY 2014

APRIL 2014
A USCF Publication $5.95

A USCF Publication $5.95

www.uschess.org 3
 PHOTOS BY LENNART OOTES, COURTESY OF CHESS CLUB AND SCHOLASTIC CENTER OF SAINT LOUIS.
Chess Life
NOVEMBER
COLUMNS

14 LOOKS AT BOOKS /
RISK AND BLUFF IN CHESS: THE ART OF
TAKING CALCULATED RISKS
Adding Some Spice
By John Hartmann

16 CHESS TO ENJOY / ENTERTAINMENT

Why We Like Chess
By GM Andy Soltis

18 BACK TO BASICS / READER ANNOTATIONS

Tactics are the Fabric of Chess
By GM Lev Alburt

46 THE PRACTICAL ENDGAME / INSTRUCTION

20 COVER STORY / 2015 SINQUEFIELD CUP
The Art of Liquidation
Sinquefield Scoreline: Armenia 3, America 0
By GM Daniel Naroditsky
By FM Mike Klein; annotations by GM Robert Hess
GM Levon Aronian follows a ‘beat the Americans’ path to the 2015
48 SOLITAIRE CHESS / INSTRUCTION
Sinquefield Cup Championship
A Straightforward Win
By Bruce Pandolfini
32 US CHESS NATIONAL EVENTS / 2015 U.S. OPEN
Promises Kept
DEPARTMENTS by Al Lawrence
GM Alexander Shabalov streaks to a win at the 116th U.S. Open
6 NOVEMBER PREVIEW /
THIS MONTH IN CHESS LIFE AND US
39 CHESS JOURNALISM / 2015 CJA AWARDS
CHESS NEWS
The 2015 Chess Journalists of America Awards
8
By Joshua Anderson
COUNTERPLAY / READERS RESPOND

10 FIRST MOVES / 40 ENDGAMES / RBgh VERSUS Rfgh

CHESS NEWS FROM AROUND THE U.S. Going Deep
By GM Jim Tarjan
11 FACES ACROSS THE BOARD / Surprising resources in endings featuring rook/bishop/g-h pawns
BY AL LAWRENCE versus rook and f-g-h pawns

12 US CHESS AFFAIRS /
NEWS FOR OUR MEMBERS
Above, the world champion shows the strain of the intense competition as Chief Arbiter Chris
52 TOURNAMENT LIFE / NOVEMBER
Bird does some housekeeping after the game. Below, checked cell phones—as much a sign of a
chess tournament now as clocks and scoresheets.
71 CLASSIFIEDS / NOVEMBER

71 SOLUTIONS / NOVEMBER

72 MY BEST MOVE / PERSONALITIES

THIS MONTH: GM SAM SHANKLAND

ON THE COVER
Mr. Nice Guy, GM Levon Aronian, wins the 2015 Sinquefield
Cup by being not-so-nice in the won/loss column to the
American contingent.
PHOTO BY AUSTIN FULLER, COURTESY OF CHESS
CLUB AND SCHOLASTIC CENTER OF SAINT LOUIS

4 November 2015 | Chess Life

November Preview / This month in Chess Life and US Chess News

US CHESS NEWS PREVIEW NOVEMBER

WORLD YOUTH AND CADETS

CHAMPIONSHIPS
HALKIDIKI, GREECE
Look for our coverage of the World Youth and Cadets Championships in
Halkidiki, Greece from OctOber 24-NOvember 6, 2015. Our 123-player
team is the largest in U.S. history and will be sporting snazzy uniforms thanks
to a generous contribution from Two Sigma Investments. Top players include
Maximillian Lu, who just broke Awonder Liang’s record for the youngest chess
master in US Chess history. “Good things are about to happen,” he told US Chess
after breaking the record. Look for games and updates on US Chess News, including
reports from coach Alejandro Ramirez.

US CHESS SOCIAL MEDIA CONTRIBUTORS

Look for more updates as we migrate news features to our
redesigned site at uschess.org, and follow us on FM MIKE KLEIN (Sinquefield
twitter.com/uschess, Instagram.com/US_chess and Cup) is the director of content for
facebook.com/uschess for the complete US Chess experience. Chess.com. He also teaches,
freelances, bikes and snowboards,
though never more than any two
at the same time. He is also a
former chess journalist of the year.

GM JIM TARJAN (Endings)

became a grandmaster in 1976,
worked as a librarian in California
public libraries for 28 years, and
currently lives in Portland,
Oregon.

AL LAWRENCE (U.S. Open) is

the former executive director of
both US Chess and the World
Chess Hall of Fame. He is
currently managing director for

NAKA VS. CARA

Watch our top two U.S. players, Hikaru Nakamura and Fabiano Caruana, battle it out in a fast-paced
match at the Saint Louis Chess Club.
the U.S. Chess Trust. His latest
book, with GM Lev Alburt, is
Chess for the Gifted and Busy.

THANKSGIVING OPENS
Are you playing some chess over the Thanksgiving
holiday weekend? Follow two of the biggest Opens,
the National Chess Congress in Philadelphia and the
American Open in Los Angeles.

6 November 2015 | Chess Life

 Your Skills,

UNCHECKED

Susan Polgar Institute

tutee for
f Chess
Ch
Che Excellence
W
Webster
ebster U University’s
niversity’s N
No.
o. 1 rranked
anked ccollegiate
ollegiate cchess
hess te
team
am w won
o its tthird
on hird str
straight
aight Co
Collegiate
llegiate Ch
Chess
ess cchampionship
hampionship
this year. Un Under
der Coa
Coach
ch Su
Susan
san PPolgar,
olgar, tthe
he wi
win capp
capped
ed a tthree-year
hree-year str
stretch
etch iin
nwwhich
hich tthe
he tteam
eam rremains
emains unde
undefeated
fea
ate
ed
iin
naallll college
college chess
chess matches. Combine your yo
our chess
chess skills
kills with
with widely
widely recognized
recognized academic
academic programs.
programs.

Make
Make your
your next
next move:
move: webster.edu/spice
webster.edu
du/spice
Counterplay / Readers Respond
Kids Today
KIDS AND ADULTS
I am a 64-year-old US Chess member who
recently played in a tournament that was heavily
attended by young people under the age of about
15. The playing hall was large, with rows of tables
and chairs as you would expect. Once again, to my
disappointment, the event was spoiled by rambunc-
tious and rude children who lacked basic table
manners and regard for the other players. To be
specific:
1. I always thought that chess is a game at which
two players sit in chairs at opposite ends of a
chessboard. Apparently I was wrong all these years.
The kids refused to sit down and play. They were
constantly getting up, running around, checking
on their friends' games, vanishing in and out of
bathrooms and hallways where they held conver-
sations with their buddies and scampering around
as though they were in an outside playground rather
than a chess tournament. The level of movement
around the room was incredible, noisy and dis-
tracting.
2. I tried to focus on my game and not allow any
distractions, but the kids kept bumping me and
kicking my chair as they tried to pass up and down
the row.
3. In one game the child at the next board kept
sneezing on me and my chess set.
4. When the pairings were posted you took
your life in your hands if you were too close to the
table. The kids rudely shoved their way to the front,
blocked the tables, and lingered at the table while
they checked with all their friends.
The tournament itself was well run, but I felt
sorry for the tournament director as he tried to
“herd cats.”
I place a good part of the blame on a generation
of parents who have obviously failed to instill basic
manners in their spawn. A chess tournament, in
my outdated and grouchy opinion, should not be
conducted in an atmosphere akin to a middle school
cafeteria at lunchtime.
This issue must be addressed.
Mark Menser
via e-mail
Mr. Menser also posted a version of this letter on
uschess.org in the US Chess Forum “Running Chess
Tournaments” under the title “Code of conduct.” There
have been a number of responses and much discussion
to Mr. Menser’s post.
Additionally, Georgia Chess Association Director of
8 November 2015 | Chess Life
Communications Laura Doman has addressed this issue
in an article that offers helpful advice and guidance,
available at http://georgiachessnews.com/2015/
10/05/tournament-etiquette-for-kids-and-their-
parents/. Here is a brief excerpt:
• Is your child mature enough to play in a tournament
alongside adults? Generally, kids under age ten do
best in scholastic tournaments. If they can’t show
proper respect to adults and other players, quietly
occupy themselves when they’re not playing a game,
or restrain themselves from running or talking
too loudly, then they should keep to scholastic
tournaments until they can.
• How long can the child sit and concentrate on
a game? If an hour is the limit, stick to scholastic
events.
• Is your child playing in the proper section,
based on his or her rating? If a kid is greatly
outmatched, then the game will be over that
much more quickly and the child will have
more time between rounds to possibly get into
trouble. Also, competing in too high a section
may even discourage him from wanting to play
in a future tournament.
• At what point for your child is a day of chess
too long? Every tournament offers at least one
bye, so take advantage of the opportunity and
let your child skip a round in favor of a break
in the day.
• Does your child have high reserves of physical
energy? Use the time between rounds for a
little physical exercise outside.
AUTHOR INQUIRY
SPARKLING UPSET GAMES WANTED
FOR “DAVID VERSUS GOLIATH” BOOK
FIDE Master and Chess Life contributor Jon
Jacobs is collecting scores of entertaining chess
upsets for a forthcoming book. If you either played
or know of a rated, over-the-board tournament
game or games that:
• was won or drawn by a 400+ points underdog
rated below 2000;
• featured sparkling combinations or astute
positional play;
• was not decided by a crude blunder.
Submit the game score(s) for possible publi-
cation to chessanthology@gmail.com. Previously
published or unpublished games are eligible; games
played in simultaneous exhibitions, one-on-one
matches or online (even if rated) are not. Games
featuring a grandmaster or international master
as the upset victim are preferred, but this is not a
requirement. Each game must state both players’
names and ratings and the date, location and name
of the event where it was played. Also include
your name and contact information. Submissions
that contain more than 10 games will be deleted
without being looked at.
FM Jon Jacobs
chessanthology@gmail.com
CARISSA YIP
“Carissa Yip—Our Youngest Female Master!”
Not only that, she’s a great kid as well. She was
gracious enough to mention my win against her
in the August 2015 Chess Life, but I want it to be
known that she was very gracious in defeat as
well. She took the time to review the game with
me and was pretty much her usual upbeat,
positive self while doing it. She and her parents
should be proud of her record-setting achieve-
ment, but they can also be very proud of the fact
that she’s just an all-around good kid. Rock on
Carissa! I hope to see you on the cover of Chess
Life as world champion in the future.
Dave Couture
via e-mail
Mr. Couture is the author of Progressive Tactics—
1002 Progressively Challenging Chess Tactics,
available on Amazon.
Send your letters to
letters@uschess.org or post on
the US Chess Facebook group
or the uschess.org Issues Forum.
Letters are subject to editing
for style, length, and content.
Join us on the US Chess
Facebook group for
#FischerFriday!
 Remembering
Hurricane
Katrina
Ten years after he stayed through the
disastrous flooding, Jude Acers
holds a simul in New Orleans
to help celebrate his
city's resilience.
Text by Michael Tisserand, photos by Cecilia Tisserand

NEW ORLEANS MAYOR MITCH

LANDRIEU declared Saturday, August 29—
the tenth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina
and the levee failures that flooded the city—
a "Citywide Day of Service," and French
Quarter chess player Jude Acers rose to the
occasion. Acers, 72, volunteered his time to
give a lesson and play 38 Louisiana and
Mississippi scholastic players at a simultaneous
exhibition (simul) event that was part of a
day of activities at the Rosa F. Keller Library
and Community Center, a rebuilt facility
located in Broadmoor, a neighborhood that
had been hit particularly hard by the flooding.
To commemorate the day, the event had
been billed for 29 players, but Acers found
seats for everyone who showed up, eventually
going undefeated. The day held particular
meaning for Acers, who remained in New
Orleans for 11 days after Katrina made
landfall, helping his elderly landlord and
hauling ice for a soup kitchen, until finally
leaving the city for a camp in Tennessee. For
many New Orleanians, the sight of Acers back
at his card table on Decatur Street, wearing
his trademark red beret, would serve as a
hopeful reminder that New Orleans was
returning to some degree of normalcy. Along
with competing in occasional tournaments
and offering simuls, Acers can still be found
at his table, where he continues to play tourists
for five dollars a game.

10 November 2015 | Chess Life

 First Moves / Chess news from around the U.S.

Here and There FACES at the

U.S.
Chess News From Around the U.S. ACROSS OPEN

THE BOARD
By AL LAWRENCE

CARLA AND
JONATHAN
NAYLOR
ASHBURN,
VIRGINIA
Mother-son winners
Carla Naylor and Jonathan, a junior at Stone Bridge
High School, tied for the top spot in the first-ever
U.S. Open mother-son team. “I was thrilled that
Jonathan agreed to be my partner. He scored well
and celebrated his 16th birthday during the event,”
Carla said. Back in July, Carla garnered a mixed-dou-
ble win at the World Open, pairing up with GM Alex
Lenderman and equaling his seven-point score.
“Mixed doubles are fun for women in chess!” Her
namesake father Carl taught her chess when she
was only four, and by 10 she was playing in the
Florida State Championship. “When my kids were
babies, I left chess, but got back into it when they
started to play.” Older son Nicholas, a sophomore
on a chess scholarship at Lindenwood University,
also competed at the Open. “I’m lucky both boys
like to play. And my husband Chris came to cheer
us on—it was a wonderful vacation!”
Maximillian Lu of Connecticut earned the national master title at a quad in Scarsdale, New
York, 28 days shy of his 10th birthday. Accordingly to preliminary calculations, this makes
Maximillian the youngest master in US Chess history, beating the record previously held by
Awonder Liang. Look for a feature story in a future Chess Life. JAY STALLNGS
SANTA CLARITA,
CALIFORNIA
Taught chess to 35,000
PHOTO CREDIT: BOTTOM: DWIGHT BARBER; TOP: DORA LETICIA

Jay was selling computer printers to Latin American

Taking a break from the activities at the U.S. Open in Phoenix, Arizona, US Chess executive
board member Mike Nietman (left) and Dewain Barber played a game at one of the Grand
Canyon’s overlook spots. The game led Barber to declare Neitman, “Undisputed Grand Canyon
Chess Champion”—an as-yet-unrecognized title by US Chess.
customers when he saw the film Searching for
Bobby Fischer. “My wife suggested I teach a chess
class because she knew I loved chess and loved to
teach, especially children.” Six months later, Jay
quit his day job and opened a chess studio. After
another year and a half, that grew into the non-
profit California Youth Chess League. In 2013,
Stallings published the well-received Fried Liver &
Burning Pants: Curious But True Chess Stories. This
year, he launched an app—Coach Jay’s Chess
Academy—and also put the material into puzzle
books. Coaches around the world, even international
masters and grandmasters, “are using my curriculum
in their programs. The kids learn new material each
week, the coaches can track their progress and see
who needs a little more help and who needs to
move up a group, and parents are happy to see
concrete evidence that their children are learning.”
Write to faces@uschess.org.

www.uschess.org 11
US Chess Affairs / News for our Members

USCF “Empowering people through

MISSION chess one move at a time.”

The nomination petitions must contain the

Call For
Nominations
The US Chess Federation (US Chess) will hold
an election in 2016 for two at-large positions
on the US Chess executive board for a term
of three years, expiring in 2019.
Any current US Chess member who is not a
current US Chess employee or designated
contractor (as defined in the US Chess bylaws)
may be nominated for election to the executive
board.
Nominations must be made by petition
containing the signatures of fifty (50) or more
members of US Chess who are either regis-
tered or eligible to register to vote, and by
payment of a filing fee of $100 to the US
Chess Federation.
The members signing the nomination petition
must include at least fifteen (15) US Chess
delegates representing at least five (5) states.
The petition to nominate a candidate and the
filing fee must be postmarked by Thursday,
December 31, 2015. (Send petitions and the
filing fee to: Cheryle Bruce, US Chess
Federation, P.O. Box 3967, Crossville, TN
38557-3967.)
NEW U.S.TITLE HOLDERS
The following U.S. players and officials were granted the listed titles by
the FIDE executive board in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on
September 7-8, 2015.
GRANDMASTER INTERNATIONAL
Xiong, Jeffery ARBITER
Immitt, Steve
INTERNATIONAL
MASTER: FIDE ARBITER
Bodek, Michael H Dommalapati, Anand
Gurevich, Daniel Kummer, Michael J
Li, Ruifeng Salinas, Luis
Rosen, Eric S
dated signature, printed name, and US Chess
ID number of each signer, and should contain
the following text:
“We, the undersigned members of the US
Chess Federation, nominate _(candidate name
goes here)_ as a candidate for election to
the US Chess executive board in the 2016
election. We also consent to having our names
and US Chess ID numbers published as having
signed this petition.”
A sample nomination form will be made
available on the US Chess website.
Candidates must consent to be on the ballot,
either by signing their own nomination petition
or by separate notice to US Chess.
A voting member for this election is any
current US Chess member (active as of May
4, 2016) whose membership expires on or
after June 30, 2016, who will be age 16 or
older by June 30, 2016, and who registers to
vote by May 1, 2016.
Ballots will be distributed to voting members
who are registered to vote as of May 1, 2016.
Ballot distribution will occur around June 10th,
and returned ballots will be counted in July.
The terms will begin at the conclusion of the
2016 delegates’ meeting.
WOMAN
INTERNATIONAL
MASTER
Gorti, Akshita
Congratulations
to all from the US
Chess community.
Two Sigma
Sponsors World
Youth US Chess
Delegation
Every year, US Chess sends the strongest
young chess players in the country to represent
the United States at the World Youth Chess
Championship. The 2015 team will be the
largest U.S. delegation in history, with 123
players currently registered. Thanks to a
generous sponsorship from Two Sigma
Investments, the 2015 team will be sporting
custom designed uniforms when they travel
to Greece in October to compete against
teams from around the world.
"A team uniform gives players and coaches
a feeling of unity, a sense of being a meaningful
part of the group representing the United
States at the world championships," said US
Chess Co-Head of Delegation Aviv Friedman.
"It is a source of pride for all who wear it."
"Chess is a huge part of Two Sigma's culture
and we are proud to support the up-and-
coming generation of accomplished chess
enthusiasts," said Kelly M. Howard, senior vice
president of marketing and communications.
"We believe strongly in the power of chess,
and the game's ability to help build critical
thinking and analytical skills. We wish the U.S.
team great success at the Championships."
The uniforms, custom designed by Two Sigma,
have already received numerous compliments
from parents, players and coaches.
"The designs look great and very professional,"
said parent Young-Kyu Yoo. "I think they'll
be worth at least 100 FIDE rating points per
player during the competition!"
Founded in 2001, Two Sigma is a systematic
investment manager that applies cutting-
edge technology to the data-rich world of
finance. With approximately $28 billion in
assets under management, the company has
offices in New York, Hong Kong, Houston and
London. Two Sigma was a joint sponsor of
the 2014 Final Four of College Chess
tournament.

“Our vision is to enrich the lives of all persons

USCF and communities through increasing the play,
VISION study, and appreciation of the game of chess.”

12 November 2015 | Chess Life

Looks at Books / Risk and Bluff in Chess: The Art of Taking Calculated Risks

Adding Some Spice

A book for sophisticated players with a taste for complications
By JOHN HARTMANN

hess, unlike poker, is a game of Risk & Bluff in Chess is less a how-to manual

C complete information. All of the

pieces are on the board, and none
are hidden from sight. Each player
has access to the same information when
deciding on their moves, but what is done with
than it is a series of inspirational vignettes.
We meet the hero of the tale in its first chapter.
While Tukmakov sees historical antecedents
in Emanuel Lasker and Alexander Alekhine,
and contemporaries in Bent Larsen, Boris
that knowledge will naturally vary from person Spassky and Leonid Stein, it is in the games of
to person. Mikhail Tal that he identifies a mutation in
In poker, players lack knowledge of one or how we assess risk in chess.
more cards belonging to other players or the Tal possessed the unique ability to steer
community. This lack of complete knowledge games towards unbalanced positions where
allows players to bluff, to act as if they have his “remaining pieces acquired a completely
hands that depart dramatically from what they different value, and operated with a harmony
actually possess. One of the reasons that that only he could achieve.” (45) This is not to
televised poker became such a fad in the ‘aughts’ say that he played incorrectly. The computer,
was the introduction of the hole cam, giving as Tukmakov notes, reveals that in many cases
viewers more information than the players Tal’s sacrifices were entirely sound. He brought
themselves and exposing the logic (or lack an “unrepeatable magic” (47) to the game, and
thereof) of betting actions. that magic brought him to the world champi-
On the face of it, it would seem impossible onship.
to bluff in a game of complete information In the remainder of the book, we see how
like chess. Once a move is played, it is what it risk and bluff function in various situations,
is, and a player cannot dissimulate its strength including the opening (chapter 2), defense
or weakness. And yet, as Vladimir Tukmakov (chapter 6), and must-win games (chapter 8).
shows us in Risk & Bluff in Chess: The Art of Of particular interest for the practical player
Taking Calculated Risks, carefully modulated is the fourth chapter, titled “The Logic of the
risk and the well-timed bluff can be powerful Irrational.”
tools when used judiciously. Granting, as Tukmakov does, that not
Tukmakov, who moonlights as the personal everyone can play like Tal, what might a reader
Tukmakov, Vladimir. Risk & Bluff in Chess: The Art of Taking
second of Anish Giri, is the author of two take from this chapter? In discussing positions
Calculated Risks. New In Chess: 2015. ISBN: 978-9056915957.
previous books. In the first, Profession: where the board seems to have been construct-
240 pages. Paperback. (Available from uscfsales.com, catalog
Chessplayer (Grandmaster at Work), Tukmakov ed almost at random, Tukmakov offers two
number B0161NIC, $26.95)
tells the story of his chess career, rising from pointers. One must rely on one’s intuition as
promising junior to member of the Soviet “one cannot calculate the incalculable.” (124)
Olympic team and top-50 player for nearly two decades. In the second, Modern There is also a rule that Tukmakov finds useful: “non-standard positions
Chess Preparation: Getting Ready for Your Opponent in the Information Age, he require non-standard decisions.” Examples are drawn from the games of Larsen,
sketches the history of chess preparation and treats in fascinating detail the Boris Gelfand, Viktor Korchnoi and Tukmakov himself (among others) to
role of the computer in contemporary preparation. illustrate these ideas, and the chapter wraps up with a ‘Conclusion’ that reads
This theme—the centrality of the ‘silicon friend’ (SF) in modern chess— like a coach’s pep talk.
recurs in Risk & Bluff in Chess. Risky moves are quickly debunked by even the Risk & Bluff in Chess is a fascinating study of two often misunderstood
casual fan armed with the latest engine. Brilliant bluffs are ridiculed. What is themes in chess. It is not an instructional work in the usual sense of the term,
forgotten is that chess remains a game played between two humans, each of but it might inspire readers to add a bit of spice to their play. Tukmakov’s
whom is fallible, subject to emotion and fatigue. Tukmakov’s book reminds analysis tends towards the comprehensive, so some sophistication is required
us that is that it is still possible, and in some cases necessary, to risk and bluff to take its full measure. All the same, I suspect that most players who have a
our way to victory in the age of the machines. taste for complication in chess would enjoy this book.

14 November 2015 | Chess Life

Chess to Enjoy / Entertainment
Why We Like Chess
The trouble with chess is …
By GM ANDY SOLTIS
STOP ME IF YOU’VE HEARD THIS ONE
before: Three guys walk into a chess club.
First guy, his name is Arthur. Dresses all in
black. Wears an earring. Everyone calls him Art.
“The trouble with chess,” Art says, “is the
computers.”
“Anyone can begin a tournament game with
20 moves he memorized from his Houdini,” he
says. “It’s killing creativity.”
Second guy is Cy. Real name Cyrus. Behind
his back they call him “Cy-ence.”
“You got that backwards,” Cy says, as he adjusts
his Google glasses and checks his smartwatch.
“Computers help us create. Look at any GM
game these days and you’ll see I’m right.”
SICILAN DEFENSE (B40)
GM Wei Yi (FIDE 2721, CHN)
GM Lazaro Bruzon Batista (FIDE 2677, CUB)
6th Hannan Danzhou Super Grandmaster
Chess Tournament, Danzhou, China, 2015
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. Nc3 a6 4. Be2 Nc6 5.
d4 cxd4 6. Nxd4 Qc7 7. O-O Nf6 8. Be3
Be7 9. f4 d6 10. Kh1 O-O 11. Qe1 Nxd4 12.
Bxd4 b5 13. Qg3 Bb7 14. a3 Rad8 15. Rae1
Rd7 16. Bd3 Qd8 17. Qh3 g6 18. f5 e5 19.
Be3 Re8 20. fxg6 hxg6 21. Nd5!
“Only engines could come up with the home
analysis that made this new move work,” Cy says.
21. ... Nxd5 22. Rxf7! Kxf7 23. Qh7+ Ke6
24. exd5+ Kxd5! 25. Be4+!! Kxe4 26. Qf7
Bf6 27. Bd2+ Kd4 28. Be3+ Ke4 29. Qb3!
16 November 2015 | Chess Life
Kf5 30. Rf1+ Kg4 31. Qd3! Bxg2+ 32. Kxg2
Qa8+ 33. Kg1 Bg5 34. Qe2+ Kh4 35. Bf2+
Kh3 36. Be1!, Black resigned.
Third guy has heard his friends argue about
this before. Too many times before.
He’s wearing a San Francisco Giants cap. And
a Tony Romo jersey. Underneath his Stephen
Curry hoodie.
His real name is … well, doesn’t matter.
Everyone calls him “Sport.”
“The real problem with chess,” he says, “is the
draws. We’re never gonna get millions of new
fans when 90 percent of grandmaster games end
ment,” he explains.
in a draw. People want winners and losers.” Lots of players would agree with that. Not
Art replies: “Wrong again. Fans will come to Sport.
see beautiful chess. Even beautiful draws like …”
“The trouble with chess is that time limits are
too slow,” he says. “In fact, they should make all
SEMI-SLAV DEFENSE (D45) tournaments blitz chess. Then you’d see more
GM Surya Shekhar Ganguly (FIDE 2613, IND) great games like, well, like …”
IM Marina Guseva (FIDE 2364, RUS)
M. Chigorin Memorial 2014, St.
SEMI-SLAV DEFENSE,
Petersburg, Russia
BOTVINNIK SYSTEM (D44)
1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 e6 5. GM Hikaru Nakamura (FIDE 2800, USA)
e3 Nbd7 6. Qc2 b6 7. Bd3 Bb7 8. 0-0 Be7 GM Anish Giri (FIDE 2674, NED)
9. b3 dxc4 10. bxc4 c5 11. Ne5 cxd4 12. London Chess Classic 2014 Super
exd4 Nxe5! 13. dxe5 Nd7 14. Bf4 g5! 15. Rapidplay Open, London, England
Bg3 h5 16. h3 h4 17. Bh2 g4! 18. hxg4 Bb4
19. Ne4! h3 20. Qa4 hxg2 21. Nf6+ 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 e6 5.
Bg5 dxc4 6. e4 b5 7. e5 h6 8. Bh4 g5 9.
Now 21. ... Qxf6! 22. exf6 Bd6! would have Nxg5 hxg5 10. Bxg5 Nbd7 11. g3 Bb7 12.
made a candidate for best game of the year. Bg2 Qb6 13. exf6 c5 14. d5 O-O-O 15. O-O
21. ... Ke7?! 22. Qxb4+ Nc5 23. Rfd1 Rxh2! b4 16. Rb1! Qa6 17. dxe6 Bxg2 18. e7 Bxf1!
24. Kxh2 Qd4 25. Kg1 Rh8 26. Be4 Bxe4 19. Qd5!
27. Nh5 Rxh5! 28. gxh5 Qxe5 29. Qd2 Now 19. ... Bh6! 20. Bxh6 Bd3! might have
Nd3 30. Qe2 held.
(see diagram top of next column) 19. ... Bxe7?! 20. fxe7 Rdg8 21. Ne4! Bd3
22. Nd6+ Kc7 23. Bf4 Kb6 24. Re1! Qxa2
30. ... Qf4! 31. f3! Ne5! 32. fxe4 Qg3 33. 25. Nxf7 Qa4
Qxg2 Nf3+ 34. Kf1 Nh2+ 35. Kg1 Nf3+ 36.
Kf1 Nh2+ 37. Kg1, Draw agreed. (see diagram top of next column)
“As usual, you’re both wrong,” says Cy.
26. b3! Qxb3 27. Qxd7 Qc3 28. Bc7+ Kb7
“Everyone knows the real trouble with chess is
29. Nd6+, Black resigned.
the time limits. They’re too fast.”
“You can’t expect someone to find the absolutely “Better yet, we should make all tournaments bullet
best move when all he has left is a 30-second incre- chess,” Sport says. “One-minute games only.”
 Chess to Enjoy / Entertainment

PROBLEM I PROBLEM II Problem III

Remembering SM SM Kim Commons
GM Samuel Reshevsky
IM Kim Commons
IM Dieter Mohriok
IM Kim Commons
IM John Nunn
Kim Commons
Kim Commons was best known for
his spectacular performance as a
reserve on the gold-medal winning
United States team at the 1976
Olympiade in Haifa. Commons’ 83.3
percent score was the best individ-
ual result of the 286 players repre-
senting 48 countries. This month’s WHITE TO PLAY WHITE TO PLAY WHITE TO PLAY
quiz is devoted to Kim, who died
at age 63 in June. In each of the Problem IV Problem V Problem VI
SM Kim Commons SM Kim Commons SM Kim Commons
six diagrams you are asked to find IM Zvonko Vranesic GM Hector Rossetto IM Peicho Peev
the fastest winning line of play. This
will usually mean the forced win of
a decisive amount of material, such
as a rook or minor piece. But look
for mates as well. Solutions on page
71.

WHITE TO PLAY WHITE TO PLAY WHITE TO PLAY

“Nonsense,” says Art. “What we should do is
make all tournament Fischerandom. It’s more
aesthetic.”
“If we’re going to change rules, the only thing
that makes sense is stalemate,” says Sport. “Make
it win, not a draw.”
“And I’ll tell you what the biggest problem with
chess is,” he adds. “It’s the cheating. They gotta
stop it, whatever it takes: Metal detectors and
polygraph tests.”
“Not enough,” says Cy. “All players should pass
through full body scanners.”
Art sees Cy’s scanners and raises: “No, everyone
should get truth serum injections. With a $10,000
fine for cheaters. Plus a lifetime ban from
tournaments.”
“And criminal prosecutions,” Sport says. “Felony
fraud charges.”
“Yeah,” Cy interjects, “But don’t you dare touch
my cellphone.”
Art changes the subject: “The real problem with
chess is that there’s another world championship
every year or so. It cheapens the product.”
“For once, you’re right—but for the wrong
reason,” says Cy. “We should hold a 50-game
championship match every three years, to get the
mathematically correct result. No bogus champs.”
“What are you taking about?” replies Sport.
“Magnus Carlsen is obviously the greatest player
ever.”
“No way,” says Cy. “Bobby Fischer is.”
“No, Philidor!” says Art.
This goes back and forth until:
“Actually guys, we have to admit it. The greatest
players of all time are today’s computers,” says
Cy. “No human living or dead could play like this.”
BATTLE OF THE MACHINES
Jonny
Komodo
World Computer Championship, 2015
WHITE TO MOVE
White began a series of Zugzwangs with 147.
Bh8!!. (Yes, move 147.) One of the many points
is that 147. ... Bb7 148. Ne6 traps the bishop at
f8.
Then came 147. ... e6 148. Na8!! Kxa8 (or
148. ... Bb7 149. Nb6 Be7 150. Bf6 Bf8 151. Nd7).
And then 149. Kb6 Bb7 150. Kc7 Ka7 151.
Bf6, threatening 152. Kd7 and Ke8.
So the game ended with 151. ... a5 152. bxa5
Ba8 153. Kd7 Bb7 154. Kxe6 Ba6 155. Kf7
Bc4 156. Kxg6! Ka6 157. Kf7
157. ... Bxc5 158. g6!!, Black resigned.
“Well, one thing we can all agree on is that
chess makes you healthier,” says Sport.
“No, smarter,” says Cy.
“No, more imaginative,” Answers Art. Well,
you get the idea. Come to the club any night and
you’ll hear these guys argue.
Maybe that’s the real problem with chess.
Or the reason we like it.

www.uschess.org 17
Back to Basics / Reader annotations

Tactics are the Fabric of

Chess
How to crown your attack with a decisive blow
By GM LEV ALBURT

The winner of this month’s award, Mike 8. ... Bg6

Giordano, provides us with a sharp, tactically rich
If 8. ... Bh7, then 9. h4, planning 10. g5.
game and thoughtful comments. Writes Mike
(my further comments are in italics): 9. Nge2
Richard Teichmann is credited with the phrase
Here I considered 9. h4 but since the black king
“Chess is 99 percent tactics,” or as I like to say,
was still in the center of the board, I wanted to
“Tactics are the fabric of chess.” Nothing can occur
open up the position and capitalize on my (small)
in a chess game without first checking out the
lead in development. To quote Tal, “As long as
tactical possibilities. One critical aspect of tactics
my opponent has not yet castled, on each move I
is calculating deeply enough.
seek a pretext for an offensive. Even when I realize
As the game below illustrates, accurate calcu-
that the king is not in danger.” I did however
lation is crucial for scoring the win. As the game
overlook Black’s next move, which slows White
unfolds, you will see that White missed three
down quite a bit.
different (potential) checkmates with three 3. ... Nf6 4. Nc3 e3 5. Bxe3 Bf5
different piece sacrifices. 9. ... Bb4 10. a3 Ba5 11. Nf4
As a side note, GM Sam Palatnik was kind
Developing with tempo. I don’t think Black
enough to go over this game with me at the World
can allow 12. Nxg6 fxg6 with an isolated pawn
Open. He was very disappointed when I showed
on the open e-file. Black’s kingside bears a
him 28. Kb1. He audibly groaned and commented
resemblance to the Caro-Kann.
that I was like a general who “stopped his army
Both observations are correct.
to take a smoke before going in for the kill.”
11. ... Bh7 12. Bc4
BLACKMAR-DIEMER GAMBIT (D00)
Mike Giordano (1446)
Kipp Alexander Bynum (1488)
43rd Annual World Open (7), Arlington,
Virginia, 2015

1. e4 d5 2. d4 My thought during the game was that the

bishop on f5 becomes a target due to White already
Being a full time professional does not leave
playing f2-f3.
me a lot of time for study or play. This means I
That’s correct.
try to keep my opening repertoire focused. 2. d4
forces my opponent out of the opening he wanted 6. Qd2 e6 7. 0-0-0 h6
to play (Scandinavian) and into the opening that
Stronger was an immediate 7. ... Bb4.
I wanted to play (Blackmar-Diemer gambit). Here
my opponent thought for five minutes. 8. g4 12. ... Nbd7
I like Mike’s skillful opening play—as early as move
I think Black’s last move helps White carry out
two!
his plans in the center.
2. ... dxe4 True; therefore, 12. ... c6 was called for.
13. d5 exd5
(see diagram top of next column)
Opening up a game clearly favors White; thus 13.
3. f3 ... e5!
And here he thought for another 15 minutes. 14. Nfxd5 0-0 15. Qg2
Kipp was right to think that long. Black has a number
(see diagram top of next page)
of choices, the strongest being 3. ... e5, with advantage (for
Black). Thus, White usually plays 3. Nc3, and only on 3. White lines up his queen against the black king
... Nf6 does he play 4. f3. and prepares a g4-g5 push.

18 November 2015 | Chess Life


15. ... Bxc3 16. Nxc3
Black creates a problem for himself by pinning
his d7-knight against the rook on d1. This pin
causes Black to spend tempi moving his queen.
16. ... Qe7 17. Rhe1 Qd8
Black’s last maneuvers aren’t impressive, are they?
18. g5
18. ... hxg5 19. Bxg5 Qc8
Black’s knight was hanging on f6.
White threatens 20. Bxf6, winning a piece.
20. Bh6 Nh5
21. Rd5
Here we pause and note that after 21. Bxg7
Nxg7 fails to 22. Rg1. (Note that 22. ... Bg6 doesn’t
work because the f7-pawn is pinned, allowing 23. Qxg6
—L.A.) However, … Nxg7 is not forced and after
seeing this I abandoned the line. What I missed
is that if I looked deeper, 21. ... Nf4 22. Qg5 Ng6
and now White can win the Exchange. 21. Rd5
allows Black to defend.
Yes, this would have been a relatively easy, clean
way to win the game: 21. Rg1 was equally effective.
21. ... Ndf6 22. Rxh5
Of course, there were no good reasons for giving
up the Exchange; rather White could have both extra
material and attack after 22. Rg5; also strong is 22.
Bxg7. And even after 22. Rxh5 Nxh5, 23. Rg1 or 23.
Bxg7 are great for White. Unfortunately, Mike relied
fully on 23. Re5, missing Black’s response.
22. ... Nxh5 23. Re5
Here I was not worried. After removing the
defender on h5, mate is coming on g7.
23. ... Kh8
This is the move I missed. I should have
visualized this move before playing 21. Rd5 and
perhaps chosen a different course. Now I must
regroup.
Even on the 22nd move, as I noted, White could
have played stronger.
24. Bd2 Nf6
25. Ne4
Removing an important kingside defender.
25. ... Nxe4
Perhaps 25. ... Bxe4 26. fxe4 Qg4 offered Black better
defensive chances.
26. fxe4 Qd8 27. Bc3 Qh4
28. Kb1
Here again we pause to note that 28. Rh5 wins
for White. This was the first move that I
considered but rejected due to 28. ... Qf4+.
However, if I had looked deeper in the position I
would have noted that 29. Kb1 Rg8 30. Qh3 forces
mate on the h-file.
Like on move 21, Mike saw a winning move, started
calculating, faced an obstacle, and gave up. Continuing
calculating for just 11/2 moves more would have made
a huge difference!
28. ... f6 29. Re7 Qh6 30. e5 Qg6
Back to Basics / Reader annotations
31. Qxb7
Here we pause one last time to note that after
31. exf6 the queen is immune due to 31. ... Qxg2
32. fxg7+ Qxg7 33. Bxg7 mate. At this point (after
31. ... gxf6) I believe White’s best course of action
is to swap queens, win the c7-pawn and try to
leverage the passive position of Black’s rook on
a8. After 31. Qxb7 Black mops up easily.
Of course 31. Qxb7 is a terrible, half-a-move-deep
blunder.
31. ... Qxc2+ 32. Ka2 Qb1+ 33. Kb3 Rab8
34. Qxb8 Rxb8+ 35. Ka4 Bc2+ 36. Ka5
Qg1 37. Re6 Qc5+, White resigned.
Black perseverance finally paid off when White—
after missing several not-so-complicated wins—finally
overlooked that the c2-pawn must be protected, and
blundered with 31. Qxb7.
See a selection of books by GM Lev Alburt, available
with a member’s discount, at uscfsales.com.
jen: if you need closing filler, use this:
Send in your games!
If you are unrated or rated 1799 or below,
then GM Lev Alburt invites you to send
your most instructive game with notes to:
Back to Basics, c/o Chess Life
PO Box 3967 Crossville, TN
38557-3967
Or e-mail your material to
backtobasics@uschess.org
GM Alburt will select the “most instruc-
tive” game and Chess Life will award an
autographed copy of Lev’s newest book,
Platonov’s Chess Academy (by Lev Alburt
and Sam Palatnik) to the person submitting
the most instructive game and annotations.
Make sure your game (or part of it) and
your notes will be of interest to other
readers. Writing skills are a plus, but
instructiveness is a must! Do not send
games with only a few notes, as they are
of little instructive value and can’t be used.
www.ChessWithLev.com
www.uschess.org 19
Fan favorite
GM Levon Aronian
took full advantage
of the “land of
opportunity” in
winning the 2015
Sinquefield Cup.

Sinquefield Scoreline:
Armenia 3, America 0
GM Levon Aronian follows a ‘beat the Americans’ path
to the 2015 Sinquefield Cup Championship
By FM Mike Klein | Annotations by GM Robert Hess
n the recent Hollywood movie Pawn Sacrifice, Bobby Fischer
I
complains that the Soviets draw with each other to play no-holds
barred matches with him, the American. The gripe causes him to
walk out of the Interzonal in Varna, Bulgaria (never mind that
the movie got the date, location, tournament and reason all
wrong!).
GM Levon Aronian, alive for only a brief period of the Soviet
empire, proved this strategy can still be successful at the 2015
Sinquefield Cup in St. Louis, even without all of the nefarious machinations.
Prior to the tournament, he suggested his poor form in the prior 12
months could all turn around in the U.S.—the “land of opportunity” was
his prescient reminder of America's innumerable immigrant success stories.
Aronian went three-for-three versus the American contingent and drew
the remaining six games against the internationals to win by a full point.
This time, no one was complaining. A perennial fan favorite, Aronian
is one of the few players with whom it would be hard to identify a rival or
even a grudge. His company was so well sought after that World Champion
Magnus Carlsen even trained and socialized with him at a house in the
Hamptons in the days leading up to the tournament.
QUEEN’S GAMBIT DECLINED (D37)
GM Levon Aronian (FIDE 2765, ARM)
GM Fabiano Caruana (FIDE 2808, USA)
3rd Sinquefield Cup (1), 08.23.2015
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Be7 5.
Bf4 0-0 6. e3 Nbd7 7. c5 Ne4
PHOTO CREDIT: AUSTIN FULLER
The line 7. ... Nh5 8. Bd3 Nxf4 9. exf4 b6 10.
b4 a5 11. a3 c6 12. 0-0 Qc7 13. g3 Ba6 is a
variation that has been played many times at the
elite level, including Anand-Nakamura (1-0) in
the Zurich Chess Challenge. White tends to
apply pressure, though Black often holds tight.
9. ... b6
8. Rc1 Nxc3 9. Rxc3 The continuation 9. ... f6 10. Be2 c6 11. 0-0
e5 12. Bg3 e4 13. Nd2 f5 is worth a look. White
(see diagram next column) is slightly better thanks to superior minor piece
Cover Story / 2015 Sinquefield Cup
Fans picked up on his affability right away. At the pre-tournament
autograph session, glad-handing with 300 eager fans didn't feel like a
chore to Aronian. In between Sharpie strokes, he was the most talkative
of the lot, finding time to tease GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave about his
signature, give GM Alexander Grischuk geography lessons, and inform
GM Wesley So about the first leg of the Grand Chess Tour.
Also reappearing in America? Aronian's indefatigable attacks. Two
inspired games, one against last year's repatriated American marauder
GM Fabiano Caruana and the other against a seemingly overmatched GM
Wesley So, preceded a more methodical win against GM Hikaru Nakamura
that essentially sealed the tournament.
After dropping about 70 rating points and falling out of the top 10 (his
invitation to the Grand Chess Tour came via an older rating list), Aronian
wasted no time in returning to form. In round one, he routed last year's
calculator-perfect Caruana.
Caruana won an astounding four games as black last year, but trying to
start this year with another run backfired. “With 7. ... Ne4 you're fighting
for three results,” Aronian said, “whereas in the other lines you are suffering
but then you're playing for a draw.”
play and queenside space, but Black's structure
is incredibly solid and there are means of
expansion on the kingside.
10. c6
Also, possible is 10. cxb6, though it allows Black
to counter with 10. ... c5, with a messy game. 10.
... c5 (10. ... cxb6 11. Qb3 is quite annoying, making
it difficult for Black to fully develop on the
queenside.) 11. Bc7 Qe8 12. Qa4 Bb7 13. bxa7 c4
This sample line shows that Black's activity makes
up for the temporary material deficit.
10. ... Nf6 11. a3 a5 12. Bd3 Ne4 13. Rc2 f6
During our commentary, GM Ben Finegold
yelled “never play ... f7-f6!” But here it looks
pretty reasonable, taking control of the e5-square
and allowing for Black’s 15th move.
www.uschess.org 21
Cover Story / 2015 Sinquefield Cup

The number on the photo corresponds to the crosstable on the facing page.

10 7

3 8 6

5 9 2

1 4

22 November 2015 | Chess Life


14. Qe2
14. ... Bd6
The try 14. ... g5 15. Bg3 h5 looks like a lot of
fun. Caruana undoubtedly was concerned about
his king safety, but to me it appears Black is
doing quite alright in these lines. 16. Nd2 (The
alternatives are a) 16. Bxe4 dxe4 17. Nd2 [17.
Nxg5 fxg5 18. Qxh5 Rf7] 17. ... h4 18. Bxh4 gxh4
19. Qg4+ Kf7 20. Qh5+ leads to a draw by
perpetual check; b) 16. h4 g4 17. Ng1 Nxg3 18.
fxg3;) 16. ... h4 17. Qh5 Kg7 18. Nxe4 dxe4 19.
Bxe4 Rh8 20. Bxc7 Qxc7 21. Qg6+ Kf8 Who is
better? I don’t know! Which probably means it’s
just equal.
15. 0-0 g5!?
Not 15. ... Bxf4 16. exf4 Nd6 (16. ... f5 leaves
Black with a gaping hole on e5 and a lost
position.) 17. Re1 and e6 is forever a target; 15.
... Kh8 might have been a reasonable waiting
move. Black’s structure is very solid, so the onus
would be on White to prove he can break
through.
16. Bxd6
The drawback of playing 15. ... g5 after 14. ...
Bd6. Now Levon trades bishops and doesn't have
to waste time retreating.
16. ... Nxd6 17. Re1 a4
17. ... g4 18. Nd2 e5 might have been an
improvement, though Caruana may have been
concerned about opening the board too quickly.
18. Nd2
It likely was tempting for Aronian to break
in the center, but not at the cost of his bishop.
For instance 18. e4 dxe4 19. Bxe4 Nxe4 20. Qxe4
Qd5 looks solid for Black.
18. ... e5 19. e4
19. ... f5
19. ... exd4 20. Rcc1 I believe Levon mentioned
this move in the post mortem, and it sure is
tricky. White maintains the tension in the
center—at the temporary cost of a pawn—and
will try to launch his attack. (20. e5 allows too
much liquidation after 20. ... fxe5 21. Qxe5 Qf6
22. Qxf6 [The position is equal after 22. Qxd5+
Kg7 23. Ne4 Nxe4 24. Qxe4 Bf5 25. Qxf5 Qxf5
26. Bxf5 Rxf5 27. Re7+ Rf7.] 22. ... Rxf6 23. Nf3
Bf5 24. Bxf5 Nxf5 25. Nxg5 d3 26. Rd2 Rxc6 27.
Rxd3 Rd8) 20. ... Re8 21. Qh5 (21. Qf3 Qe7 22.
h3 Kg7 23. exd5 Qxe1+ 24. Rxe1 Rxe1+ 25. Kh2
Re5 and both sides will have chances with the
material imbalance.) 21. ... Ba6 22. Bxa6 Rxa6
23. exd5 Rxe1+ 24. Rxe1 Ra5 25. Qf3 and White
has the slight advantage due to Black’s weakened
kingside.
20. f3!
A very smart move, forcing Caruana to figure
out whether or not to release the tension. After
20. dxe5 fxe4 21. exd6 exd3 22. Qxd3 (22. dxc7??
Cover Story / 2015 Sinquefield Cup
Qf6-+) 22. ... Qxd6 23. Qd4 Bf5 24. Rcc1 White
has a better position because of Black’s exposed
kingside, but Levon probably was looking for
more.
20. ... dxe4
Not wise to release the tension here. Better
was 20. ... Re8.
21. fxe4 Ra5?
Not very good, though tied to Black’s 20th
move, which released the tension too soon.
Fabiano must not have sensed the impending
danger. 21. ... exd4 22. e5 Re8 23. Qh5 Nf7 24.
Nf3 also looks difficult for Black. For example,
24. ... g4 25. Nh4 Qg5 26. Qxg5+ Nxg5 27. Nxf5
Bxf5 28. Bxf5 and White stands quite a bit better.
The bishop outduels the knight on the open
board.
22. exf5 Nxf5 23. Bc4+ Kg7 24. d5!
Shutting down the rook on a5, and allowing
Aronian to start his onslaught. Caruana can’t
defend everything.
24. ... Re8
Perhaps Caruana should have chosen the
safer—and least bad—option. White is up a pawn,
but at least Black isn’t getting mated in the line
24. ... Nd6 25. Qxe5+ Qf6 26. Qxf6+ Rxf6 27.
Ne4 Nxe4 28. Rxe4!
25. Ne4 Nd4 26. Qh5 Nxc2
No better is 26. ... Bf5 27. Rf2 when Black
would have no material to show for his ruined
kingside.
27. Nxg5 Bf5 28. Rf1 Qf6
(See diagram on page 26)
Even worse is 28. ... Bg6 29. Rf7+ Kg8 (29. ...
Bxf7 30. Qxh7+ Kf6 31. Ne4+ Ke7 32. d6+ is
deadly.) 30. Qh6 leading to mate.
29. Ne6+ .
Continued on page 26

3RD SINQUEFIELD CUP

August 21-September 3, 2015 / Hosted by the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis / cat. XXII (2795)
FIDE Rating 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Score
1. GM Levon Aronian ARM 2765 x ½ ½ ½ 1 ½ ½ ½ 1 1 6
2. GM Anish Giri NED 2793 ½ x ½ ½ ½ ½ 1 ½ ½ ½ 5
3. GM Magnus Carlsen NOR 2853 ½ ½ x 1 ½ 0 0 ½ 1 1 5
PHOTO CREDIT: LENNART OOTES

4. GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave FRA 2731 ½ ½ 0 x ½ 1 ½ ½ ½ 1 5

5. GM Hikaru Nakamura USA 2814 0 ½ ½ ½ x 0 1 1 ½ 1 5
6. GM Veselin Topalov BUL 2816 ½ ½ 1 0 1 x ½ ½ 0 ½ 4½
7. GM Alexander Grischuk RUS 2771 ½ 0 1 ½ 0 ½ x 1 1 0 4½
8. GM Viswanathan Anand IND 2816 ½ ½ ½ ½ 0 ½ 0 x ½ ½ 3½
9. GM Fabiano Caruana USA 2808 0 ½ 0 ½ ½ 1 0 ½ x ½ 3½
10. GM Wesley So USA 2779 0 ½ 0 0 0 ½ 1 ½ ½ x 3

For more games and information, see the official website:

http://grandchesstour.com/2015-sinquefield-cup/2015-sinquefield-cup.

www.uschess.org 23
Cover Story / 2015 Sinquefield Cup
Levon Aronian Speaks—“I am just a good player”
After his win of the 2015 Sinquefield Cup, GM Levon Aronian spoke to GM Ian Rogers about his career, from his youth as the
Soviet Union collapsed to recovering from failure at the 2014 Candidates tournament.
The champion with (l-r): St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay, Jeanne Sinquefield, Rex Sinquefield.
Early Years—Checkers and Chess
I was born in Yerevan and that’s where I live now. I learned chess
at eight and a half. I was a sick child—not too sick; flu, small
things. My older sister taught me because I was really bored.
My maternal grandpa had tried to teach me earlier but I never
liked chess because it was too complex. I liked checkers. There
are pictures of me at chessboards when I was four or five,
playing checkers. I would keep on asking guests to come and
play checkers with me and anybody who would visit—colleagues
of my dad or mum—they would have to play me.
So in 1991 I started to play; these were [still] Soviet times, ...
and I went to the House of Pioneers. It was normal in Soviet
times to be in a Pioneer Palace. Teachers would get paid by
the government, though the salary wasn’t exciting.
At the Pioneer Palace there was a teacher who taught me how
the pieces move properly. From this lady I got to know how to
castle properly and the en passant rule. I came up with these
puzzles—mates in one—and I really thought, “I am so brilliant!”
I didn’t know anybody else who could create such brilliancies.
Not that anybody was impressed, but the kids in the group
were very kind to me.
The end of the USSR
The daughter of my teacher was about to get married to a guy
who was a refugee from Baku—he was a very strong player. At
that time he didn’t have any titles but he was regularly playing
in the highest league of Armenia. His name was Melik Khachiyan,
he was 10 years older than me and he was my trainer at the
time. Then something happened and they never got married.
24 November 2015 | Chess Life
He graduated so he couldn’t stay in the university dorm. When
the collapse of the Soviet Union started my parents told him ‘if
you want you can stay in our house.' My parents had been
paying him as my trainer but now he stayed in the house and
they didn't pay him. Melik lived with us for five years and he
was like a brother to me.
When the Soviet Union collapsed, I stopped going to school.
My dad is from Belarus and didn’t speak good Armenian, so we
spoke Russian at home and I was going to Russian school. My
Armenian was pretty bad. Armenia needed to build a national
movement but unfortunately this national movement was anti-
Russian, as everywhere [in the ex-Soviet states]. All the Russian
schools were closed—there were only two Russian language
schools that were open and they were in the center. We lived in
a poor area quite far from the center of Yerevan; in the winter
public transport was very bad and the trip to school was killing.
So I never went to school after the break up of the Soviet Union.
I wasn’t home schooled; I was just playing chess. I am a bookworm
but I can’t really say this was home schooling.
So mostly Melik and I were just working together. In the USSR
every city had its chess school; it comes from generations of
teachers teaching students, students becoming teachers, etc.
You have the Moscow school [the Baku school]. What they call
the Soviet chess school doesn’t really exist. Because of the war
we had many Armenian chessplayers from Baku coming to
Yerevan, [Alexander] Shakarov’s students.
Playing Internationally
In 1992 I played in the first Armenian Championship for 10-year-

olds and by winning that I qualified to play in Duisburg at the
World Youth Championships. I played badly but it was insane,
like going to a different planet; having soft drinks and chocolate.
People from the Soviet Union were going nuts. I was drinking
so much Sprite and Fanta I think I exceeded my limits.
I improved a lot over the two years because I was training with
a very strong coach and in 1994 I won the World U-12 Champi-
onship in Szeged.
Two years later I was on a youth team at the Yerevan Olympiad.
There was Asrian, Mirumian and me; it was a pretty good team.
I never had doubts that I should make it as a chessplayer—I
didn’t really have any choice. I had no other profession so I had
to make it. My parents, especially my mother dedicated all of
her time to find help like getting me sponsors and coaches.
From a very early age I had very good calculation, pretty good
tactical vision, fantasy, but I was always ignoring material—I
was always sacrificing things and not caring.
Then I was lucky enough to have the chance to train with Arshak
Petrosian; just a month but it had a great impact on me. Arshak
taught me to appreciate the games of players who played
positionally, and added some subtlety to my play.
That change in attitude caused me to ask Gabriel Sargissian to
start training with me; he became
my coach and best friend. He is
younger than me and was much
lower rated but I started under-
“I was fighting from the first
standing that he is a very strong
player, his positional understanding
game to the last. I enjoyed my
is on a world class level. He is tournament because of that;
I love watching top games but
strategically very talented; he feels
where pieces should be placed,
I love to play much more.”
whether pieces should be ex -
changed or not. Most of the things
I have learned from the age of 16
until even now, I learned from him.
I kept my tactical skills and I took his positional knowledge from
him. He was my biggest influence.
In 1999 I joined a Bundesliga team, Wattenscheid; this was a
big deal for me. The pay wasn't great but I played on board
one so this was a chance to play against people whom I would
never dream of playing, very strong players. Arshak Petrosian’s
daughter Sophie spoke German and she got into negotiations
and found me a team. She rooted for me because I was Arshak's
student and Arshak’s family treated me like a son.
Moving to Germany
I moved to Germany in 2001 because I got upset with my
national federation for not including me in our national team. I
had an agreement with the head of the Federation; if I win the
Armenian Championship I will be on the team. Then Gabriel
and I shared first place and he said one of you cannot go. Gabriel
played in the 2002 Bled Olympiad. However even in Istanbul
2000 I should have been included, so this was a long-standing
complaint. I was on the outs with the Federation and I felt that
PHOTO CREDIT: AUSTIN FULLER
no matter how strongly I played I would never get on the
Armenian team.
... my whole family moved to Berlin. My father is Jewish; a big part
of Belarus was populated by Jewish people and most of my father’s
family were killed [in World War II] so Germany accepted them.
The 2014 Candidates tournament, from favorite to
also-ran
The fact is that I didn’t manage to play well in the most important
tournament. At the 2014 Candidates tournament in Khanty-
Cover Story / 2015 Sinquefield Cup
Mansiysk I believe I underestimated Anand. I said to myself,
“OK, I will slowly win this tournament.” Then at one moment
when we were equal he started winning and I think pressure
got me and I started playing my worst chess. It was really
unpleasant losing the last round even when I wasn't fighting
for anything. It felt really bad.
At that time I had a whole lot of people working for me and I
was trying to accomplish a lot but I have learned it doesn’t really
work this way. This was a mistake and I rely much less on seconds
nowadays. You have to control things yourself more. Now I have
only one person who is a permanent second—Ashot Nadanian.
The rest of the year I did feel like playing and I was trying to
give my best but something was dragging me back. It happens.
However the Tromsø Olympiad was dreadful [for Armenia].
Some of the guys are becoming less ambitious. They are getting
satisfied—though that doesn’t include me; I am never satisfied.
Fortunately there are some young players coming through.
Karen Grigoryan is a good player.
The Sinquefield Cup
St. Louis is great and it's fantastic to have chess at such a level
in the U.S. Generally the public is very excited. I can see that
chess is popular in the U.S. and
social media is much more active
here than in Europe. Every
tournament in the United States
gets much more coverage in my
opinion than anywhere else—
people watching on Twitter.
I also prefer a tournament with
crowds, like the Sinquefield Cup
not one just for Internet, though
when you play chess you don’t
really see the atmosphere much
because you are concentrating. In
Armenia we have huge crowds watching chess whenever there
is a super-tournament. My match against [Vladimir] Kramnik in
2007 was insane—I have never seen so many people watching
chess. We had about 4,000 people watching and there were
people outside the opera house waiting to get in.
The field here this year was very strong, of course, though a
year ago also it was a very strong event. However when you
have different players then I think there is more excitement
and we had lots of blood, which is good. Guys like Wesley
[So] play not so many super tournaments so this is a big
chance. I was fighting from the first game to the last. I enjoyed
my tournament because of that; I love watching top games
but I love to play much more.
Before the Sinquefield Cup I trained with Ashot and I also had
a good training session with Magnus [Carlsen]. My Wattenscheid
and now Baden Baden teammate Peter Nielsen invited me. We
share a long history as teammates. Magnus and I did physical
sports, played some blitz, things like this. You don’t really need
to go crazy before a tournament.
They were asking me questions before the tournament and I
told them honestly that I came here to win. So I didn’t have
huge excitement after winning my first game; I thought +4
would be needed to win the tournament.
I barely survived the game against [Alexander] Grischuk but
I feel I should have won against [Anish] Giri because the
position was heavenly. That game really made me sad. Some
players are brilliant defenders and maybe Giri is of that breed.
I am definitely not—I don’t like to defend, starting from move
number one!
www.uschess.org 25
Cover Story / 2015 Sinquefield Cup
Former world champion GM Garry Kasparov was a commentator in St. Louis. "The Grand Chess Tour is a huge new moment for chess. This is the first time since 1989 that all the
leading players, including the world champion, [are competing] in a circuit," he said.
Continued from page 23
A prettier option was 29. Rxf5, but Levon
cared only about winning smoothly. Here’s a
sample line of how nice this finish could have
been: 29. ... Qg6 (29. ... Qxf5 30. Ne6+ Kf6 31.
Qxe8 isn’t fun for Black.) 30. Rf7+ Kg8 31. d6!
(31. Qh3 also is easy, but not as aesthetically
pleasing!) 31. ... Qxh5 32. d7! Rb8 33. Rxh7+
Kf8 34. Ne6+ Kg8 35. Rxh5 It’s always nice to
sacrifice your queen and not recover the lost
material for a few moves.
29. ... Rxe6 30. Rxf5 Qg6 31. dxe6
Also possible was 31. Rg5. Levon just didn’t
want to win his opponent's queen, apparently.
31. ... Qxh5 32. Rxh5 Nd4 33. e7 Ra8 34.
26 November 2015 | Chess Life
Rxe5 Re8 35. Re4 Nf5
Also losing is 35. ... Nxc6 36. Bb5 Rxe7 37.
Bxc6.
36. Be6 Nd6 37. Bd7 Nxe4 38. Bxe8 Kf6
39. Bg6, Black resigned.
A beautiful finish and a fine victory.
Perhaps the most immodest action Aronian
allows himself? Admitting that he reveled in the
final moves.
“It's always enjoyable when you’re attacking,
even when it doesn’t work sometimes,” he said.
“I saw millions of wins!”
It would be wrong to assume Aronian became
the man to beat early. In fact, four other players
also won in round one. The perfect win percent-
age eventually cooled off; at tournament's end
40 percent of the games produced winners, down
slightly from 2013 (50 percent) and 2014 (47
percent).
Familiar narratives abounded at the outset.
Grischuk, a time-pressure addict, was reduced
to seconds, and dropped his game to GM Anish
Giri. GM Veselin Topalov beat Carlsen again in
the opening round and again as Black (just as in
Norway), although this time without the cham-
pion mistaking the rules (“Everyone's a slow
starter ... it always takes a while to get going,”
Carlsen would say later about his infrequent
tournament schedule). Nakamura continued his
lifetime dominance over GM Viswanathan
Anand, while Vachier-Lagrave won to keep up
his recent form after taking Biel two weeks prior.
The first day's five wins, which came complete
with upsets and sacrificial attacks, seemed to be
the pinnacle of what top-level chess could offer.
Not so. Round two offered more. If chess was a
puppet show, the only way a marionettist could
create more drama would be to attach his strings
to the hands of a ticking clock.
The strings pulled Caruana's minute hand
especially taut—he needed to make 12 moves in
a better position in less than two minutes against
Carlsen (the first time control lacked any incre-
ment but produced plenty of intrigue and
controversy). That ratio seemed leisurely when
a short time later he was reduced to only 15
seconds for seven moves.
The stakes were plain: if he makes time control
without squandering his advantage, the highest-
rated player of all time drops to 0-2. If Caruana
doesn’t, he falls to 0-2 himself. “It was a big
mess—just too many possibilities for each side,”
Carlsen said.
Steve Allen said comedy is tragedy plus time,
but this was tragedy due to a lack of time:
(see next game top of next column)

LACK OF TIME
GM Fabiano Caruana (FIDE 2808, USA)
GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2853, NOR)
3rd Sinquefield Cup (2), 08.24.2015
AFTER 32. ... fxg6
33. Qb3
The only move. Carlsen guessed that Caruana
overlooked that 33. Rb6? is answered by 33. ...
Qxf5. Even though Caruana found the right
continuation, it cost him about half of his
remaining 90 seconds.
33. ... Bc6 34. Ne3 Bxe4 35. Bd5
Even better is 35. Bb5!.
35. ... Bxd5 36. Nxd5 Qc6 37. Nc3 Qf3 38.
Qc2
Trading rooks with 38. Rb8 would have made
the remaining moves easier, and may well have
picked up the e-pawn too.
38. ... Red8 39. Rbe4
Right square, wrong piece. Again, trading is
better. 39. Qe4.
39. ... Rd2 40. Rxd2
Tragedy. This “reflex move” throws away a
certain half-point and maybe a whole point.
Almost any queen move would have been fine—
Qb3, Qb1 or Qa4.
40. ... Rxd2, White resigned.
Caruana now had another hour on his clock,
but only needed a few seconds before resigning.
Caruana said part of the problem was not
knowing for sure the exact move number. He
had about three seconds left when he played his
40th move, but “that should have been enough
time” he said afterward.
On the other side, Carlsen also almost ran out
of time. The game, broadcast live throughout
PHOTO CREDIT: AUSTIN FULLER
all of Norway, caused older sister Ellen Carlsen
to “shake at the metro while watching the time
scramble.”
Carlsen admitted that some of his moves down
the stretch were mostly meant to eat up time
through confusion. “It is really hard to keep
calm,” he said, calling the game “more sport than
science.”
IM Lawrence Trent, Caruana's new manager,
is usually one of the most jovial people in the
tournament hall. He admitted that his client was
“despondent” after the loss. To clear his player’s
head, Trent took Caruana to the hotel gym for
pushups.
Aronian didn't lead wire-to-wire this year,
thanks to the “accidental” leader Topalov. The
Bulgarian won again in round two. Known for
his famous Exchange sacrifices over the years,
this time he offered a pawn to acquire two strong
bishops to beat Nakamura. On any other day,
the inventive idea would have been the main
event.
“I'm trying to be practical, don't complicate
too much,” Topalov said. “The point is not to
always try to play the best move. I'm not really
training. I don't think I should play this well ...
For me it’s a mystery.”
While a complete poll was not taken, Topalov
was almost certainly the only one in the field to
avow that he was not trying to be world
champion (despite being number two in the
world after this game). The only other 40-
something in the field, Anand, fell to 0-2 and
wound up without a win in St. Louis.
Carlsen used the next round to get back into
contention with another win while Anand
steadied himself by drawing Topalov. Caruana
also got on the board with a draw, although
would never get to sniff the top half of the tables.
“It would be better to share those points from
last year,” Caruana said of his seven wins in 2014.
“Perhaps if I was +4 last year and +3 this year.
But that's not how these things work.”
The following day, the least experienced player
in the field got a lesson from Aronian. So's early
13. g4 opened up several dark-squared worm
holes that the Armenian’s pieces burrowed
through without much resistance. The game’s
pawn structure and energy reminded of John
Nunn's crushing win against Alexander Beliavsky
three decades prior in Wijk aan Zee—eight years
before So was born.
NIMZO-INDIAN DEFENSE (E20)
GM Wesley So (FIDE 2839, USA)
GM Levon Aronian (FIDE 2765, ARM)
3rd Sinquefield Cup (4), 08.26.2015
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. f3 c5
Another way to play is 4. ... d5 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6.
bxc3 c5 7. cxd5 Nxd5 8. dxc5 Qa5 9. e4 leading
to a principled line of the Nimzo-Indian Defense,
Samisch Variation. For a brilliancy by the white
side, see Anand-Wang Hao, Tata Steel (2011).
5. d5 0-0 6. e4 d6 7. Nge2 a6 8. a4 Ba5
Cover Story / 2015 Sinquefield Cup
This strange move turns out to be a novelty
discovered by Peter Leko. In his post-game
interview, Aronian told Maurice Ashley that he
credits the Hungarian super grandmaster with
this interesting idea.
9. Bd2
Not the most challenging way to meet the
novelty, as it allows Black to unleash a dangerous
initiative. Other tries are 9. Be3 exd5 10. cxd5
Nbd7 (10. ... b5 11. Ng3 leaves Black with structural
weaknesses.) 11. Ng3 is a normal fighting position
and 9. Ng3 b5 10. cxb5 (Not 10. axb5 axb5 11.
cxb5 Bxc3+ winning material) 10. ... exd5 11. exd5
Qb6 looks very pleasant for Black.
9. ... exd5 10. cxd5 Nh5 11. g3
The alternatives are 11. Qc2 f5 12. 0-0-0 b5
running into a vicious Black attack on the
queenside and 11. Qc1 f5 12. exf5 Rxf5 13. g4
Qh4+ 14. Kd1 Rxf3 15. gxh5 Qxh5 which does
not look particularly appealing for White.
11. ... Nd7 12. Bg2 b5 13. g4?
This move is too much. Black had already
achieved everything he could have dreamed of
from the opening, but now the attack rages on.
13. 0-0 is a much safer option, leaving the
position relatively neutral, though Black should
be happy with his activity.
13. ... b4
The position would transpose to the game
continuation after 13. ... Qh4+ 14. Kf1 b4 15.
Nb1 Ne5.
14. Nb1
The line 14. gxh5 bxc3 15. bxc3 Qh4+ is ugly
for White. Sure, he’s not lost, but his structure
is in shambles.
14. ... Qh4+ 15. Kf1 Ne5 16. Be1
After 16. gxh5 f5 17. Be1 Qf6 18. f4 Ng4 19.
Qd2 fxe4 20. h3 e3 21. Qc1 Nh6 leads to an
interesting position. Black only has one pawn
for the sacrificed knight, yet stands much better
because White has no piece past his own second
rank.
16. ... Qf6 17. gxh5
What a picturesque position. Black is tempo-
rarily down a full knight, but White is woefully
underdeveloped.
17. ... Nxf3 18. Bf2 Bg4
www.uschess.org 27
Cover Story / 2015 Sinquefield Cup
Despite the intense level of competition among the world’s best players, a spirit of camaraderie prevailed in St. Louis.
Another way was 18. ... Qxb2 19. Bxf3 Qxa1
leaving Black well ahead. The rook and two passed
pawns on the queenside completely outmatch the
two passive white knights.
19. Qc1
19. Nd2 Nd4 (19. ... Ne5) 20. e5! dxe5 21. Ne4
Qh6 22. N4g3 Rac8 is a clear improvement over
the game continuation, though it is hard to
imagine Aronian not standing better here as well.
Too many pawns to deal with!
19. ... Nd4!
Even Anand remarked on how precise Levon
was. Just a beautiful move, opening the c-file
for the rook. 19. ... Ne5 20. Nf4 g5! is a wonderful
continuation, though not one for us mere mortals
—even those in the top 10 in the world!
20. Nxd4 cxd4 21. e5 dxe5 22. Nd2 Rac8
23. Qb1 b3!
(see diagram next column)
Just a fabulous display of technique. The pawn
sacrifice prevents the knight from heading to e4,
as So can't allow the rook to penetrate via c2.
24. Nxb3 Bb6 25. a5 Ba7
The line 25. ... Rc2 26. Qxc2 d3 27. axb6 dxc2
28. h3 e4 is also winning for Black, though Levon
was smart to avoid any potential complications.
26. Kg1 Bf5 27. Be4
28 November 2015 | Chess Life
Also, lights out is 27. Qe1 e4 28. Rd1 e3 29.
Bh4 g5! 30. hxg6 e.p. Qxg6.
27. ... Qg5+
An unbelievably cool move was 27. ... d3, but
Levon was not feeling as flashy as the fans hoped.
28. Kf1 Qf4, White resigned, as the position
is completely hopeless.
The final round before the only rest day caught
up with the second-oldest player. Topalov
faltered against Caruana, admitting a depleted
supply of energy. Aronian missed a key move
and echoed the same: “This is the moment you
know you're tired.” He could only draw Grischuk
as white. This allowed Carlsen to notch his third
win in four games to supplant Topalov as a co-
leader with Aronian.
The world's former 1-2 thus sat there again in
the standings. Aronian’s return to form begged the
question: Why did the world champion train with
one of his competitors before the Sinquefield Cup?
“As a rule I don’t think it’s appropriate that
players who are in the top 10 work together,
but now Levon’s out of the top 10, so it’s OK,”
Carlsen quipped. Perhaps Carlsen is back to being
an autodidact—Aronian ended the fortnight up
five spots to world number seven.
In round six, Aronian decided to stay solid
against his newfound training partner, drawing
Carlsen in an uneventful English. Several players
used the day of renewal to get back into the mix.
Grischuk again put Caruana in severe time
pressure before the time control. The American
managed to make his 40th move on the board,
but not on the clock. As he reached over to press
his side, his last second ticked away. It was just
as well—he was completely lost.
Vachier-Lagrave's Berlin airlift came via this
inventive pawn sacrifice, after which all of his
planes unloaded their cargo:
AN INVENTIVE SACRIFICE
GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (FIDE 2731, FRA)
GM Veselin Topalov (FIDE 2816, BUL)
3rd Sinquefield Cup (6), 08.29.2015
(see diagram top of next page)

AFTER 17. Bf5
18. e6!
This brilliant move either cuts off the f5-bishop’s
protection of the seventh rank, or creates a second
target for the white knight coming to c5.
18. ... Bxe6
The continuation 18. ... fxe6 19. Nc5 Rb8 20.
Nxb7! Rxb7 21. Rd8+ Kf7 22. R1d7+ Kf6 23.
Bd4+ is not forced, but is the kind of thing
Topalov has to worry about now.
19. Nc5 Rh5 20. Nxb7 Rd5 21. b3 Rb8 22.
Rxd5 cxd5 23. Nc5 c6
Black’s pieces are directionless.
24. Rd4 Bc8 25. Ra4 Ra8 26. c4 dxc4 27.
Rxc4 Bf5 28. Nb7 Kd7 29. Rd4+ Kc7 30.
Nd6 Bb1 31. Nxf7 Re8 32. Kf2 Bxa2 33. f5
Nf8
No better is 33. ... Ne7 34. Ra4 Bxb3 35. Rxa7+
Kb8 36. Nd6 Rd8 37. Rxe7 Rxd6 38. Bf4.
34. Ra4 Bxb3 35. Rxa7+ Kb8 36. Nd6 Rd8
37. Rxg7, Black resigned.
With a win on time and a resignation in round
six, Nakamura won the old-fashioned way—with
a checkmate! You can likely guess the opening.
Nakamura’s King’s Indian is a defense in name
only—he’s now used it to beat Kramnik, Gelfand,
Svidler, Giri, and Anand and also register a rapid
win against Carlsen.
KING’S INDIAN DEFENSE,
CLASSICAL MAIN LINE (E99)
GM Wesley So (FIDE 2779, USA)
GM Hikaru Nakamura (FIDE 2814, USA)
3rd Sinquefield Cup (6), 08.29.2015
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5.
Nf3 0-0 6. Be2 e5 7. 0-0 Nc6 8. d5 Ne7 9.
PHOTO CREDIT: AUSTIN FULLER
Ne1 Nd7 10. f3 f5 11. Be3 f4 12. Bf2 g5
(see diagram top of next column)
Both players were blitzing out their opening
moves, clearly still in preparation. Hikaru likely is
the world’s most knowledgeable King’s Indian
Defense (KID) player, so Wesley knew what he was
getting himself into. Maxime Vachier-Lagrave
avoided Hikaru’s KID in round four, which proved
to be a wise choice.
13. Nd3 Ng6 14. c5 Nf6 15. Rc1 Rf7 16. Kh1
h5 17. cxd6
More accurate is 17. Nb5. An important distinction
is that after 17. ... a6 18. Na3 ...
Black does not have the option to play ... b7-b5,
as occurred in the game.
17. ... cxd6 18. Nb5
Around here, Hikaru took his first think. Black
can immediately push forward with the move
... g4, yet at the cost of the a7-pawn. Hikaru must
make a concession, and chooses to weaken his
queenside pawn structure in order to slow down
White’s queenside play.
18. ... a6
After 18. ... g4 19. Nxa7 Bd7 (19. ... g3 20.
Rxc8 Rxc8 21. Nxc8 gxf2 22. Na7 Qa5 23. Nb5
Qxb5 24. Nxe5 looks quite good for White.) 20.
Qb3 Ne8 21. Nb5 Qg5 White has an extra pawn
as compared to the game, with more chances to
successfully break through on the queenside.
19. Na3 b5
Black could not allow the knight to enter his
camp on b6.
20. Rc6
The move 20. Nb4 must have been tempting,
though it’s not very evident how much a knight
on c6 actually helps White.
20. ... g4 21. Qc2 Qf8
(see diagram top of next column)
A very smart move. Black needs to keep his
bishop on the c8-h3 diagonal, and the only way
to play ... Bc8-Bd7 is if d6 is protected. While the
queen no longer can reach the g5-square in the
near future, the f-file is stacked. As the game
demonstrates, the queen and rook battery can do
Cover Story / 2015 Sinquefield Cup
a whole lot of damage. In the line 21. ... Bb7 22.
Bb6 Qf8 23. Rc7 at the very least allows White
to trade off some of the black attackers.
22. Rc1 Bd7 23. Rc7?
It’s not that this move is atrocious. Rather,
So needed to keep applying pressure on the
queenside. The rook on c7 gives White no con-
crete threats, and it’s quite common for White
to sacrifice an Exchange for positional domi-
nance. For instance: 23. Nb4 Bxc6 24. dxc6 with
very real compensation. Black’s attack loses its
bite without the light-squared bishop while
White gains space. 24. ... Qc8 25. c7 Ne7 26. Bh4
with clear compensation for the sacrificed
Exchange; 23. Rb6 is also a decent attempt,
keeping pressure on the d6- and a6-pawns.
23. ... Bh6 24. Be1 h4 25. fxg4
White takes the bait, but this is really asking
for it. It was time for Wesley to get his knight
back into the game, because judging by the resulting
attack, it is evident that 25. fxg4 here isn’t good.
The best defense is 25. Nb1 Bg5 (25. ... h3 must
always be considered.) 26. Nd2 (26. fxg4 Not 26.
... f3? [26. ... Nxe4 27. Bf3 {27. Kg1 Nf6 28. Nd2
e4 29. Nf2 f3 30. Bxf3 exf3 31. Qxg6+ Rg7 32.
Qd3 fxg2} 27. ... Ng3+ 28. hxg3 hxg3 29. Nd2 e4
{29. ... Qh6+ 30. Kg1 Qh2+ 31. Kf1 Nh4 32. Bf2
gxf2 33. Nxf2 b4 34. Rc6 Re8 White’s fragile
position might eventually collapse. But there
currently is even material, and Black’s attack does
not look very potent. White can attempt to string
together a blockade on the light squares.} 30. Nxe4
Qh6+ 31. Kg1 Re8 32. Ndf2 gxf2+ 33. Nxf2 Ne5‚
and Black is pushing forward.] 27. gxf3 Nxe4 28.
Rxd7 Rxd7 [28. ... Rxf3 29. Nd2 The rerouted
knight now comes to the rescue!] 29. fxe4 Bxc1
30. Qxc1 The three minors will dominate the two
rooks in the near future.) 26. ... h3 27. gxh3 g3 28.
Bf1 Qh6 29. Rxd7 Rxd7 30. Qc6 Rdd8 31. Qb7
and White is at least still kicking.
www.uschess.org 29
Cover Story / 2015 Sinquefield Cup
25. ... f3 26. gxf3 Nxe4 27. Rd1
I can’t even give this move a question mark,
since the position is already rather hopeless.
White had other options, none of which would
have changed the result. 27. Rxd7 Rxf3 28. Bxf3
Qxf3+ 29. Qg2 Qxd3 30. Rd1 A nice attempt to
complicate matters, but Black coolly responds
with the amazing 30. ... Bd2!! 31. Bxd2 Nf4 32.
Be1 Nf2+! 33. Qxf2 Qe4+ 34. Kg1 Nh3+ 35. Kf1
Nxf2 36. Bxf2 Qxg4 picking up a rook. What a
line!
27. ... Rxf3 28. Rxd7 Rf1+ 29. Kg2 Be3
The followup 29. ... h3+ 30. Kxh3 Rf2!! ...
... is another unbelievable sequence. Black sac-
rifices the house for checkmate after (30. ... Rg1
31. Bh4 Qf2 was a variation that I proudly found
during commentary, though this isn’t quite as
strong as the other continuations) 31. Bxf2 Qxf2
32. Nxf2 Nf4+ 33. Kh4 Bg5 mate.
30. Bg3 hxg3 31. Rxf1
White is now up a full rook. Too bad he’s
getting checkmated before he can make use of
it.
31. ... Nh4+ 32. Kh3 Qh6 33. g5 Nxg5+ 34.
Kg4 Nhf3 35. Nf2 Qh4+ 36. Kf5 Rf8+ 37.
Kg6 Rf6+
The conclusion with 37. ... Nf7 38. Kf5 Nd4+
39. Kg6 Nh8 mate was the ending that I wanted
to see!
38. Kxf6 Ne4+ 39. Kg6 Qg5 mate.
Nakamura questioned So’s preparation after
the game. “Wesley, frankly, just needs to learn
how to prepare better.” (All three Americans
were asked at various times if they had discussed
being on the same national team and all three
said they had not.)
30 November 2015 | Chess Life
Both Nakamura and his old trainer, Kasparov,
agreed that the computer evaluation can’t always
be trusted when studying these formations.
Nakamura: “The computer's gonna say some-
thing ridiculous. I suspect that somewhere around
move 20 it’s probably like +2 maybe. It’s at least
+1 for sure.”
Kasparov via Twitter: “The King’s Indian
requires the courage of your convictions &
courage to ignore machine opinions!”
When asked if his time with Kasparov un-
earthed any King’s Indian secrets that he still
harbored, Nakamura smiled and said, “I think
Garry decided long ago that the King’s Indian
loses because of all his terrible losses with
Kramnik!”
Round seven unfolded as the most crucial of
the tournament. Nakamura had a chance with
the white pieces to play Aronian while Carlsen
was already tied for first and also had the first
move. Giri and Vachier-Lagrave, like Nakamura,
only trailed by a half game.
Then, the seemingly impossible happened.
The two highest-rated players in the world both
lost with White. Not only that, Giri and Vachier-
Lagrave both drew their games, suddenly giving
Aronian a full point on the field.
For Nakamura, his light-square bishop rum-
maged around like a directionless tadpole, making
seven moves of the first 19 total. Aronian’s game
bore striking similarities to his final-round loss
against Carlsen that cost him a chance at the
2013 Sinquefield Cup title. He said he learned
some lessons from that game. After only one
loss in all of a busy 2015, Nakamura had now
dropped two games in one week.
Even more dramatic and no less important to
the standings was Carlsen’s 61⁄2-hour grind with
Grischuk.
SICILIAN DEFENSE,
NAJDORF VARIATION (B92)
GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2853, NOR)
GM Alexander Grischuk (FIDE 2771, RUS)
3rd Sinquefield Cup (7), 08.30.2015
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6
5. Nc3 a6 6. Be2 e5 7. Nb3 Be7 8. Be3
Be6 9. Qd3
9. ... Nbd7
Two rounds earlier, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave
opted for 9. ... Nc6 10. a3 d5 11. exd5 Nxd5 12.
Nxd5 Qxd5 13. 0-0-0 Qxd3 14. Bxd3 0-0-0 15.
Nc5 as Black against Anand. That game ended
in a draw, but Grischuk likely wanted to avoid
repeating a line that Carlsen and his team surely
studied at length.
10. Nd5 0-0 11. 0-0 Bxd5 12. exd5 Rc8 13.
c4
White has achieved a pawn majority on the
queenside and two bishops, whereas Black has
good control over the dark squares and a solid
center. A typical transformation stemming from
a Najdorf.
13. ... Ne8 14. Qd2 b6
Here 14. ... f5 is always a move Black must
consider, but Grischuk probably did not want
to make any concessions yet. Sometimes it is
wisest to remain patient.
15. Rac1 a5 16. Na1 g6
The idea 16. ... f5 now is especially tempting,
since White’s pieces have retreated and Black
has full control over the dark squares and center.
But again, Grischuk did not wish to give Carlsen
any chances to get active.
17. b4 Ng7
Much worse is 17. ... axb4? 18. Nc2 Ng7 19.
Nxb4 when Carlsen’s knight has successfully
journeyed from a1 and is intending to land on c6.
18. bxa5
18. ... bxa5
Grischuk took a pause before recapturing on
a5, weighing the benefits of the pawn sacrifice
18. ... Nf5 19. Bxb6 Nxb6 20. axb6 Rb8 (20. ...
Bg5 21. Qb4 Bxc1 22. Rxc1 Nd4 23. Bd1 is
pleasant for White; 20. ... Qxb6 21. Bg4) 21. Rb1
Rxb6 where Black is a little worse but has chances
to hold the balance. Compared to the game
variation, this line would have been a huge
downgrade.
19. Bd3 Nc5 20. Bc2 a4 21. Rb1 e4
Now Grischuk entices Carlsen to give up his
dark-squared bishop. White wins a pawn, but
Grischuk’s minor pieces become very active.
Black again could have played 21. ... f5 but
Grischuk was understandably reluctant to commit
to this advance.
22. Bxc5 Rxc5 23. Bxa4
23. Qe2 would have posed more problems for
Grischuk, who would have had trouble gaining

quite enough compensation for his sacrificed
pawn. 23. ... Qc7 (23. ... f5?!) 24. Bxa4 Rxc4 25.
Bb5 Rc3 26. Qxe4 Bf6 27. Nb3?.
23. ... Rxc4 24. Bc6 Nf5 25. Qe2 Rc3 26.
Qxe4 Ra3 27. Qe2
27. Qc4 Bf6 28. Nc2 Rc3 29. Qa4 Be5 would
have allowed Carlsen to remain up a pawn, but
Black is so active that it’s unclear White is even
better.
27. ... Bf6 28. Nb3 Qe7 29. Qxe7 Nxe7 30.
Nd2 Rxa2 31. Nc4 Rd8
In the commentary room, GM Ian Rogers and
I expected the players to split the point here.
However, Carlsen got a bit too adventurous with
32. g4? Not quite a losing move, but unneces-
sarily weakening. After this push, Carlsen’s
kingside pawns are more prone to attack. I blame
this move more than any other for Carlsen’s
loss—without it, scoresheets could have been
signed. 32. Rfd1 Nf5 33. g3=.
32. ... Bd4 33. Rbd1 Bc5 34. Rd2 Rxd2 35.
Nxd2 Nxc6 36. dxc6 Rc8 37. Ne4 Rxc6
38. Rd1
Black has won a pawn, but the ending looks
extremely difficult to convert. While a computer
can hold such a position, Grischuk’s technique
was admirable. Grischuk himself said that he
evaluated this position as somewhere between
a win and a draw for him, with slightly more
chances for Magnus to hold. However, he pressed
until the World Champion collapsed.
38. ... h6 39. h4 Kf8 40. Kg2 Ke7 41. Rc1
Rc8 42. Kf3 Ke6 43. Rc2 Rc7 44. h5?
GM Rogers and I really did not like this move.
It creates a target for Black to attack in resulting
endings.
44. ... gxh5 45. gxh5 Bb6 46. Re2
46. Rxc7 Bxc7 would have only helped Black.
It’s easier for the king to run to the h5-pawn
without the disturbance of the rooks.
46. ... Bd4 47. Kg3 d5 48. Nd2+ Kf5 49.
Kg2 Be5 50. Nf3 Bf6 51. Ra2 Rd7 52. Ne1
Rc7 53. Kf3 Bg5 54. Ra5 Ke5 55. Ke2 Ke4
56. Ra4+ d4 57. f3+ Kd5 58. Ra5+ Kc4 59.
Nd3
(see diagram top of next column)
Passive defense with 59. Ra4+ Kc3 60. Ra3+ Kb4
61. Ra1 appears to allow White to hold, as Black’s
king has trouble sticking close to his passed pawn.
59. ... Re7+ 60. Re5 Re6
60. ... Kc3 is winning for Grischuk according
to the engines, but it’s not so simple to the human
eye. 61. Rxe7 Bxe7 62. Nf2.
61. f4 Bf6 62. Rxe6 fxe6 63. Nf2??
The losing move. It does not appear possible for
Black to break through after 63. Kd2 Kd5 64. Ke2
Ke4 (64. ... Be7 65. Kf3) 65. Nc5+, the essential
point being that Black has a dark-squared bishop,
which means that it can’t help the h-pawn queen.
If White is able to trade his knight and two
pawns for the d- and e-pawns, the game is drawn.
63. ... Be7 64. Ng4 Kc3 65. f5 exf5 66.
Nxh6 Kc2, White resigned.
Carlsen’s tribulations were nearly palpable.
He turned away from the crowd and grimaced
as he closed his eyes. The chance to fully avenge
his poor performance in Norway at the opening
leg of the Grand Chess Tour was gone.
“The way I lost is really shameful,” he said.
“It’s just incredibly frustrating ... to lose so many
games with the white pieces is ridiculous.” He
had now lost six games from 16 total on the tour,
three of them as White.
His issues only deepened in the next round.
Although all five games were drawn, Carlsen
failed to win versus Nakamura in a position
where the American “felt I could have almost
resigned.” While Nakamura still didn’t notch his
first win against the World Champion, he was
very pleased with holding the unpleasant task.
“It’s a confidence builder certainly ... To defend
a position like that against Magnus, it’s good
practice for the Candidates.” Nakamura already
qualified for next March’s double round-robin
by finishing second in the FIDE Grand Prix.
Commentator GM Ian Rogers thought that
Cover Story / 2015 Sinquefield Cup
the draw might be as important as any win for
Nakamura’s psyche. “Everyone has come to the
conclusion that Magnus is human except Hikaru,
but now maybe Hikaru will come to that conclu-
sion too.”
Kasparov may not be working with Nakamura
formally anymore, but he had some advice
anyway: stop playing the Queen’s Gambit. “For
Hikaru to play the Queen’s Gambit requires a
lot of patience,” he said. “In the King’s Indian,
even if you go down, you will be kicking and
screaming. Here, you’re just screaming!”
Aronian’s draw with Anand and Carlsen’s
failure to win were both fine with the leader of
course. They amounted to a fast-forward button
at the end of his movie.
All that remained was a final-round showdown
with the sputtering Topalov, a man with a sizable
career score against Aronian. The Armenian got
to play an opening he knew better. He conjured
“some old file I worked on” in the Ragozin.
Almost all of the time needed for the short game
came from Topalov’s clock.
Recent neurology studies have found that
long-term memories move from the hippocam-
pus to the prefrontal cortex. After nine days of
competition, Aronian’s brain was still functioning
just fine. His working memory was also boosted
by the fact that he renewed his study of the line
before the tournament!
Aronian had but one decision left to make—
play on in a better position or allow a forcing
sequence that led to a draw. The situation had
precedence. At the final round of the inaugural
Sinquefield Cup, Carlsen declined a draw offer
that would have sealed first, only to go on to
beat Aronian anyway. Today, Aronian allowed
a repetition in a better position. He said some
of his moves came from curiosity but in the end
he had to be pragmatic.
Once, at the 1999 FIDE World Cup in Las
Vegas, he declined a draw that would have
advanced him to the next round. “But that is
when I was 16,” he said. “I don't need much ex-
citement anymore. Life is already very exciting.”
Perhaps he was referring back to that training
session with Carlsen on Long Island. Their time
there had a summer camp feel, with Carlsen
posting a video on Facebook showing them
racing across a pool on an inflatable dolphin and
pink flamingo. Aronian: “He’s a better swimmer.”
Aronian grinned when discussing their shared
preparation, where chess almost seemed a side-
show.
“There was a lot of fight, a lot of competition,
especially on the basketball court,” he said. “That’s
the secret—play a lot of basketball.
“If we didn't compete against each other, we
would be good friends.”
See more of our Sinquefield Cup coverage on US
Chess News at uschess.org, August/September
archives. For more games and information, see the
official website: http://grandchesstour.com/
2015-sinquefield-cup/2015-sinquefield-cup.
www.uschess.org 31
PROMISES
KEPT
GM ALEXANDER SHABALOV
streaks to a win at the 116th U.S. Open
By AL LAWRENCE
 US Chess National Events / 2015 U.S. Open

hen Grandmaster Alexander Shabalov accepted his U.S. Hall of resulting playoffs, I miss my flight and I lose the spot in the invitational.”

W Fame plaque earlier this year, the crowd gathered in St. Louis But as black, Nyzhnyk played into an old line of the King’s Indian that
may have expected a retirement speech. After all, anyone would Alexander had 20 years of experience with, and their resulting draw meant
have been happy with his career achievements—winning the Shabalov clinched clear first, more than $7,500—as well as that coveted
U.S. Championship four times, the U.S. Open five times, along with a bundle spot in the invitational.
of other firsts. But instead of a fade- Eight grandmasters finished a point
away farewell, Shabalov promised to behind Shabalov, in tiebreak order:
play in the U.S. Championship one more Nyzhnyk, Alejandro Ramirez, Bartlomiej
time. Six months later in Phoenix, Macieja, Andrey Gorovets, last year’s
Arizona, he came through on that winner Conrad Holt, Mackenzie Molner,
pledge, winning a spot in the 2016 Rogelio Barenilla, and Andre Diamant.
invitational with a charge-ahead win at The U.S. Open offers a lot more than
yet another U.S. Open Championship. the main event—including a host of
The Open allows a choice of quads, a weekend Swiss, and even a
schedules, from a leisurely, nine-day bughouse championship. GM Aleksandr
stroll to a hectic four-day rumble. Lenderman won the Game-15 Champi-
Joining the chase as part of the in- onship. GM Holt won the Open Blitz
between pack, the six-day warriors, Championship. Hometowner Manu
“Shabba” notched up eight wins in a Reddy won the 64-player scholastic
row. “I’m streaky. If a tournament tournament. For a complete list of win-
goes well, it really goes well. If it ners see www.uschess.org/results/15/
doesn’t, it doesn’t,” he said. This one usopen/.
went very well. US Chess organizes the U.S. Open.
Widely known as a go-for-it-all Alan Losoff, who has directed “just about
The tournament hinged on Shabalov’s last-round match up with GM Illia Nyzhnyk,
crowd pleaser, he came by his every U.S. national event,” but is best
but an old line in the King’s Indian led to the draw that Shaba needed.
approach as a youngster of 11 in Riga, known for orchestrating the annual
Latvia, where he lived two blocks National Open and Las Vegas Chess
from former world champion Mikhail Tal, the greatest attacking wizard Festival, was this year’s Open chief tournament director. Shabalov summed
of modern times. “After school, I’d walk over to his apartment and watch up what his 494 fellow competitors appeared to think of this year’s Open:
PHOTO, LEFT, COURTESY OF THE WORLD CHESS HALL OF FAME; THIS PAGE BY AL LAWRENCE

him work on chess. I was blessed and it absolutely shaped my style.” “The venue was fantastic—and everywhere you went, there was a chess player!”
Shabalov went into the ninth and final round of the Open a full point
ahead of the field. But he still had to play top-rated, young GM Illia After his first three wins, Shaba ran into a tough Texas master, who as
Nyzhnyk, a Ukrainian and a recent Webster University recruit. “A single late as move 62 had a draw but fell victim to a time-pressure error that
loss could have negated everything,” Shabba said. “Lose the game and the Shabalov immediately exploited:

WINNING INCREMENTALLY were playing on increments, if Black

GM Alexander Shabalov (2600)
Christopher Toolin (2344)
116th Annual U.S. Open—2015 (4)
Notes by Shabalov.
AFTER 62. Re7
62. … Bd6??
The perfect run could have easily
ended in here, when both players
had played 62. … h2: 63. Kf5 Kh6!,
and White cannot avoid the perpetual
after 64. Rxc7 h1=Q 65. b8=Q Qd5+
66. Kf6 Qd6+ 67. Kf7 Qf4+, etc.
There's no escape for White’s king.
63. Rd7!
Now it is all over, as 63. ... h2
falls to 64. Kf5!.
63. ... Bb8 64. Rd8 h2 65. Kf5
Be5 66. b8=Q h1=Q 67. Rh8+,
Black resigned.
(see diagram next column)
When there are pawn races on
different sides of the board, a bishop
is not much worse than the rook.
The difference is that a rook can
sometimes create mating threats!
We warn beginners that if they
don’t castle, they’ll get into trouble.
But in round six, as White against
GM Bartlomiej Macieja, Shaba
never deigns to do the double-0.
After 23. Bg5, we have what has to
be considered a Shabba shibboleth—
a grandmaster slugfest:
VINTAGE SHABBA
GM Alexander Shabalov (2600)
GM Bartlomiej Macieja (2634)
116th Annual U.S. Open—2015 (6)
Notes by Shabalov.
AFTER 23. Bg5
23. … Bxd1
Stockfish 6, without a nerve in
its binary, “sees” 23. ... Qc7 24. Bf6
g6 25. Rd6, with a small edge for
Black available only after 25. …
Rab8! 26. Nxb8 Qxb8!. But all that
seems literally inhuman.
24. Bxd8 Rxd8 25. Qd6 Ba4
26. Kf2 Kh8 27. Ra1

www.uschess.org 33
US Chess National Events / 2015 U.S. Open

Surprisingly, the only way to stop Bd1 f6 20. Bg3 Ndb6 21. Nd6+
Black's setup is the ugly 5. Nbd2 Bxd6 22. Bxd6 Kd7 23. Ba3 a5
The Innovative U.S. Open Against any other answer, Black 24. Nd2 Ra8!
plays his next six moves.
The U.S. Open is our historical treasure and a worldwide rarity, It seems like Black steps in White’s
held annually without interruption, even by world wars, since 5. ... dxc4 6. Qxc4 b5 7. Qc2 cunning trap when he gets one of
1900. It’s 39 years older than its current parent organization, US Bb7 8. e3 the pawns back by force. Unfortu-
Chess. It’s three years older than our venerable U.S. Championship nately for White his king is too far
It is too late to be aggressive, as
has been held in tournament format. It’s four years older than and rook plus king are unable to stop
White quickly got into trouble in
what you might expect to be the titleholder of tradition, the British rook plus bishop plus pawn.
8. e4 Nbd7 9. Nbd2 a6 10. a4 Bb4
Championship. The U.S. Open Championship is a democracy of 11. Bd3 c5 12. axb5 axb5 13. 0-0 c4, 25. Ne4 b4 26. Bxa4 Nxa4 27.
competition, an undivided single section in which club players as in Ponomariov-Nakamura, St. Bxb4 axb4 28. Rxa4 Rxa4 29.
sit in the same big room as U.S. champions. It’s a reflection of Louis, 2011. Nc5+ Kc7 30. Nxa4
American egalitarianism. And as you might guess, its continued
success is a product of American innovation. 8. ... Nbd7 9. Nbd2 Rc8 10. This was White’s idea. Now he
First organized by the Western Chess Association in 1900, the Qb3 (otherwise Black plays ... c6- only needs his king on d2 to be
number of U.S. Open entries was so small that everyone played c5) 10. ... a6 11. a4 Qa5 12. Be2! perfectly fine. But ...
everyone else, round-robin style. As it outgrew such intimacy, it An excellent concept. White sac- 30. ... b3! (This pawn will cost
entered an awkward adolescence, requiring preliminary sections rifices the pawn for some very White a piece.) 31. Kf1 Ra8 32.
and a final. But when in 1947, George Koltanowski directed the dangerous initiative. Nc3 b2 33. Rd1 Ra1 34. Ke1 Ba6,
Open in Corpus Christi, Texas, he relied on the Swiss System for Black resigned.
the first time in a U.S. tournament, each round pairing players 12. ... Nb6 13. 0-0 Nxa4
with like scores. The Swiss format became the standard for large Black needs to pick up this pawn if
open events, including the Open, allowing the traditional 12- he doesn’t want to lose right away.
round, two-week championship to handle a large crowd. By 1963
in Chicago, entries had grown to 266.
More successful innovation continued before the turn of the
century. To the chagrin of some hardcore traditionalists dedicated
to the one-game-per-evening format, US Chess added a nine-
day, “busy-person” option that allowed players to reduce time
away from work to a week and two weekends. Those entering
later played multiple rounds in one day to catch up. That nine-
day schedule made so much sense that soon the main tournament
was reduced to nine rounds. Then still more options were added
to make the Open accessible to busy people. In the end, White is one tempo
This August in Phoenix, Arizona, the 116th U.S. Open offered short: 35. Kd2 loses to 35. ... Bd3.
a six-day and even a four-day version. Both groups merged with
the European-paced pack in round seven to form one egalitarian IM Andrey Gorovets, a University
section of nearly 500 players, from grandmasters to woodpushers of Texas Tech graduate student and
with ratings in three digits. All the participants witnessed and
14. Rfc1?! A-team member, finished in a tie for
became a part of American chess history as GM Alexander Shabalov The turning point of the game. second-ninth places with half a dozen
won the crown for the sixth time. Alejandro spent 50 minutes here other current or former collegiate
trying to find clear ways to develop chess stars. In round seven, he met
the initiative ... and comes up with another student—the reigning Nation-
literally waste of the tempo. The al Elementary champion, Andrew
one of the most talented American
critical position would come up after Hong. The young Californian had
players ever despite playing him
14. Nc4! Qb4 15. Qxb4 Bxb4 16. won six in a row and then drawn with
when he was a kid in 2003!”
Bd6 c5 17. Nfe5, and it is super- GM Alejandro Ramirez. In a lost
complicated. For example, the position, the dimunitive star sets a
SLAV DEFENSE (D11) natural 17. ... Ne4 runs into trouble: sophisticated trap.
GM Alejandro x (2670) 18. Rxa4 bxa4 19. Bd1.
GM Alexander Shabalov (2600) NEAR FATAL DISTRACTION
116th Annual U.S. Open—2015 (7) 14. ... Qb4 IM Andrey Gorovets (2601)
Notes by Shabalov. Now White’s activity gradually Andrew Hong (2251)
dissipates. 116th Annual U.S. Open—2015 (7)
1. Nf3 d5 2. d4 Nf6 3. c4 c6 4. Notes by Gorovets.
Qb3 15. Qc2?!
If 27. … Bb5, then 28. c4!. And
Black resigned at move 40, which There were times when this Much stronger was 15. Qd1!.
gave Shabalov his sixth point in a row. move or 4. Qc2 was considered to White would almost trap the black
be the way to avoid long lines of queen after 15. ... Nd5 16. Nc4 Nxf4
Slav theory. Well, this is not the 17. exf4 Be7? 18. Nfe5.
POSITIONS REVERSED
“This was a clutch game of the case anymore. 15. ... Nd5 16. Be5 Qxb2
tournament,” Shabalov said. “In 4. ... e6 Grabbing this pawn effectively
exactly the same situation five years ends the game. Two bishops and
prior in Irvine, California, Alejandro The Slav way to play this line.
Nothing wrong is with the Gruenfeld the dark squares are not enough
wiped me off the board and pro- compensation for two pawns.
ceeded to win the 111th U.S. Open. way: 4. ... dxc4 5. Qxc4 g6.
And it was my first time beating 5. Bf4 17. Qxb2 Nxb2 18. Ne4 Na4 19. AFTER 29. Bxa2

34 November 2015 | Chess Life


30. Rxd8+!
This wins, thanks to the advanced
pawn on f6. Instead, 30. Qe4? was a
tempting option where White falls
into the trickiest of traps: 30. … Nb3+
(30. ... Nb7? 31. Rxd8+ Rxd8 32.
Rxd8+ Nxd8 33. Qa8 mate) 31. Kc2
Rxd2+ 32. Rxd2.
32. … Bb1+!! 33. Kxb1 Nxd2+, and
Black wins!
30. … Rxd8 31. Rxd8+ Qxd8
32. Qe5+ Kc8 33. Bg4+ Kb7
34. Qe7+ Qc7 35. Bh5!
Simplest.
35. … Nc6 36. Qxc7+ Kxc7
37. f7
37. … Bxf7 38. Bxf7, Black
resigned.
In the final round, GM Macieja
fought his way back to join the
group tied for second-ninth with
his victory over FM Joel Banawa of
Arizona in an instructive rook-and-
pawn endgame. Macieja, a former
Polish champ, is another grand -
master from the college ranks. He
came to the U.S. to be head coach
of the University of Texas at
Brownsville (UT-B), one of the
strongest collegiate chess programs
in the nation. Brownsville itself was
US Chess’ “Chess City of the Year”
in 2014. This year, UT-B has
merged with the University of
Texas school to form the University
of Texas Rio Grande Valley. “The
level of support for chess seems to
be even higher,” Macieja said. “That
promises a bright future.”
WINNING IN THE END
GM Bartlomiej Macieja (2634)
FM Joel Banawa (2508)
116th Annual U.S. Open—2015 (9)
Notes by Macieja.
AFTER 28. ... Re5
White has a better structure, but
Black’s position is solid. The only
real plan for White seems to be going
with the king to f4 and then trying
to break with h2-h4 and g4-g5.
US Chess National Events / 2015 U.S. Open
29. Kg3
I am not happy with this move,
though it brought me a victory. It
is useful to have something like Rg2
played before advancing the king.
Also a5 might be worthy to be
included.
29. … f5??
Black uses an opportunity to get
rid out of one of the f-pawns but
immediately lands in trouble. Instead, Black needs his rook on both c-
29. … d5! was correct, opening the file and sixth rank.
queenside for counterplay.
38. … Rc8
30. gxf5 Rxf5 31. f4!
If 38. … Rf6 then the simplest is
39. Rf2.
39. f6!
Black’s position is indefensible.
39. … d3 40. cxd3, Black
resigned.
White can’t capture the rook
immediately, but it doesn’t mean
White can’t trap the rook!
31. … Rf6 32. f5! Rg8
If 32. … Rxf5??, then 33. exf5
Rxe2 34. Kf3+ picks off the rook.
33. Kf4+ Kf8 34. Rxg8+ Kxg8
35. Rg2+ Kh7 Read about the
If 35 ... Kf8, then, after 36. h4, Denker, Barber,
Black runs out of good moves
quickly. and National
36. e5! Girls’ Invitational
(see diagram next column)
Events over the
Now White breaks in the center.
next three pages.
36. … dxe5+ 37. Kxe5 Rc6 38.
Kd5!

At A GlAnce 116th AnnUAl U.S. Open—2015

Date: August 1-9, 2015 Location: Arizona Biltmore, Phoenix, Arizona 494 players | Top Finishers: 1st, 812⁄ : Alexander Shabalov; 2nd-
8th, 712⁄ : Illia I. Nyzhnyk, Alejandro Ramirez, Bartlomiej Macieja, Andrey Gorovets, Conrad Holt, Mackenzie S. Molner, Rogelio P. Barcenilla,
Jr., Andre Diamant; 1st-4th Master, 7: Pedram Atoufi, Roland Feng, Jeffrey Haskel, Joshua Colas, Christopher J. Toolin; 1st-2nd Expert,
7: Nicholas Rosenthal, Truman Hoang; 3rd-4th Expert, 612⁄ : Mark W.Dejmek, Xiexin Wang, Andrew Evan Lebovitz, Chris Peterson, Srisa
Changolkar, Dylan Quercia; 1st-4th Class A, 6: Kendrick D. Nguyen, Ian Aird, Justin Fink, Saumik Narayanan, Bryson Gregory, Domino
Paragas, Jr.; 1st Class B, 6: Christopher Tyau; 2nd Class B, 512⁄ : Kevin Clark; 3rd-4th Class B, 5: Gavin Zhang, Maclain Bonfield, David
Kantey, Isaac Matthew Ewing, Salvador Martinez, Jr., Charles J. Green, Jay R. Garrison, Kiana Hajiarbabi, Jake Hum; 1st-4th Class C, 412⁄ :
Keshav Singh, William J. Daly, Evan Mehran Akhavan, Michael D. Weber, Lee Whipple, Langston Tillman, Ryan Duong, Neha Alisha Dias;
1st Class D, 5: Frederick H. Jarmuz; 2nd-3rd Class D, 412⁄ : Karthikeya Reddy Dubba, Peter W. Meyers; 4th Class D, 4: Nicholas Stokes,
Adrian H. Black, Roydon T. Livermore III, Shree Ayinala, Debs Pedigo; 1st Class E & Below, 4: Dhruv Patel; 2nd-4th Class E & Below, 312⁄ :
Yuchieh Su, Eric Golf Vigil, Della Nicole Carter, Audrey Whitmer, Ahnaf Rahman; 1st Unrated, 6: Asifur Rehman Qureshi; 2nd Unrated,
312⁄ : Ashcon Hossein Akhavan, 3rd Unrated, 3: Todd Thurman. Chief Tournament Director: Alan R. Losoff.
For more information and complete standings see: http://www.uschess.org/results/15/usopen/.

www.uschess.org 35
US Chess National Events / 2015 U.S. Open

Premier Scholastics
Denker, Barber and National Girls’ Invitational
Each year as part of the U.S. Open, three separate junior events organized by Dewain Barber feature state representatives from all over the U.S. FM
Alexander Velikanov of Wisconsin took clear first in a field that included 15 masters out of 46 participants at the GM Arnold Denker Tournament of
High School Champions. The Ursula Foster Award went to IM Andrew Tang for the best score of those under 16. Advait Patel of Oklahoma became the
first back-to-back winner of the Barber Tournament of K-8 Champions, scoring a record 51⁄2 out 6 to lead the 50 representatives. Four tied with 5 out of
6 to top the 46 contestants at the National Girls’ Invitational Tournament. WFM Jennifer Yu of Virginia garnered the best tiebreaks to place ahead of
Anupama Rajendra of Wisconsin, Evan Xiang of Texas, and Veronika Zilajeva of Oklahoma.

Alexander Velikanov
(left), the 2015 Denker
Tournament of High
School Champions
winner, with Dylan
Denker, grandson of
GM Arnold Denker.

DENKER TOURNAMENT Of high schOOl chAMpiONs

Date: August 1-4, 2015 Location: Arizona Biltmore, Phoenix, Arizona 46 players | Top Finishers: 1st, 5: Alexander Velikanov (WI);
2nd-6th, 412⁄ : Andrew Tang (MN), Sean Vibbert (IN), Tianqi Wang (NC), Vignesh Panchanatham (N-CA), Noah Dennis Fields (WA);
7th-13th, 4: Mika Andrew Brattain (MA), Christopher Wu (NJ), Joshua Colas (NY), Zhaozhi Li (IL), Michael Chen (MI), Xiexin Wang
(AZ), Nicky Korba (CA-S). Chief Tournament Director: Alan R. Losoff.

36 November 2015 | Chess Life

 US Chess National Events / 2015 U.S. Open

Advait Patel, Barber

Tournament of K-8
Champions winner,
with Harold Winston (left)
of the U.S. Chess Trust
and Dewain Barber. The
Trust is the major sponsor
of the Denker, Barber, and
National Girls’ Invitational
Tournament events.

BARBER TOURNAMENT
PHOTOS BY JEFF SMITH

Date: August 1-4, 2015 Location: Arizona Biltmore, Phoenix, Arizona 50 players | Top Finishers: 1st, 512⁄ : Advait Patel (OK); 2nd-
3rd, 5: Ryan Sowa (RI), Evan Meyer (MA); 4th-5th, 412⁄ : Jacob Furfine (IL), Andrew Zheng (MD); 6th-14th, 4: Dennis Fan Li, Dex
Webster (LA), John Michael Burke (NJ), Gabriel Sam (CA), Joseph Cheng-Yue Wan (IA), Runya Xu (PA), Joey Michael Kelly (KS),
Aristo S. Liu (OH), Neo Edward Olin (WA). Chief Tournament Director: Alan R. Losoff.

www.uschess.org 37
US Chess National Events / 2015 U.S. Open

Left-right: Veronika Zilajeva, Anupama Rajendra, Jennifer Shahade (US

Chess Senior Digital Editor, not a competitor), Evan Xiang, Jennifer Yu all
tied for first in the National Girls’ Invitational Championship.

NATIONAL GIRLS’ INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT (NGIT)

Date: August 1-4, 2015 Location: Arizona Biltmore, Phoenix, Arizona 46 players | Top Finishers: 1st-4th, 5: Jennifer R. Yu (VA),
Anupama Rajendra (WI), Veronika Zilajeva (OK), Evan Xiang (TX); 5th-6th, 412⁄ : Saithanusri Avirneni (GA), Rachael Eng (AZ); 7th-
12th, 4: Thalia Cervantes (MO), Sangeeta Dhingra (WA), Andrea Cecilia Crist Botez (OR), Ella Sharpe Papanek (NY), Lauren Treiman
(UT), Natalia Stepanova (MD). Chief Tournament Director: Alan R. Losoff.

SPECIAL PRIZES
Other special prizes were awarded at the closing ceremony. Wisconsin and Oklahoma
1
both combined for 13 2⁄ /18 scores together with the three events, with the Badgers
(Wisconsin) edging the Sooners (Oklahoma) out on tiebreaks (the Wisconsin team is in
PHOTO CREDIT: JEFF SMITH

the photo, right, with Tournament Director Jon Haskel, far left). Washington took
third. Tennessee won best state with an average rating below 1700. Maryland won best
state under 1900 and Massachusetts for under 2100. The National Girls’ Invitational
Tournament awarded a $500 Ursula Foster award to the best girl under the age of 13 to
Thalia Cervantes of Missouri. Andrew Tang won a $500 award in the Denker for the
best player under the age of 17. Steve Shutt gave a $500 award to help pay for any chess
camp to Advait Patel, the best player under the age of 13 in the Barber.

38 November 2015 | Chess Life

Chess Journalism / 2015 CJA Awards

The 2015 Chess Journalists

of America Awards
By JOSHUA ANDERSON

From a historical match that didn’t happen to a tournament result that will go down in history; from a photo of a single child examining a game, to a
drawing celebrating an entire culture; the Chess Journalists of America (CJA) once again celebrated the best in chess writing and visual arts. As always, a
note of thanks must go out to the many judges who judged the multitude of entries in 19 categories. The award winners are listed below. Those interested
in entering next year’s event or judging for the CJA should contact Joshua Anderson, at joshuamiltonanderson@gmail.com.

VISUAL ARTS NEWS OR FEATURES

Best Chess Magazine/
Newsletter Layout
Chess Life, August 2014, edited by
Daniel Lucas, Senior Art Director
Frankie Butler, submitted by US Chess.
NOV
VEMBER 2014
Honorable Mention: Chess Life,
November 2014, edited by Daniel
Lucas, Senior Art Director Frankie
Butler, submitted by US Chess.
Best Chess PhotojourNaLisM
November 2014 cover of Chess Life,
photos by Austin Fuller, submitted
by US Chess.
Honorable Mention: December 2014
Best tournament report article
“Fire and Ice” by Mike Klein, Chess Life.
Honorable Mention: “Stop Me if You've
Heard This Before” by Mike Klein,
Chess Life.
Best Features article
“Reconnecting with Caissa” by GM
James Tarjan, Chess Life.
Honorable Mention: “How to Catch a
Chess Cheater” by Howard Goldowsky,
Chess Life.
Best instructive Lesson
“The Browne Endgame” by IM Danny
Kopec and Daniel Kostovetsky, Chess
Life.

Icy Challenge Leads to Hot Chhess cover of Northwest Chess, Eric Holcomb.
Best Chess art
“Square One,” December 2014 cover of
A USCF Publication $5.95
Best review
“Unwrapping the Enigma” by John
Hartmann, Chess Life.

Chess Life, Keith Halonen. Best humorous Contribution



  
Honorable Mention: "Chess and the “He is Virtually Unbeatable as Black” by
Blackfeet Nation," March 2015 cover of Colin Patterson, March 2015 Chess Life.
TOP FIVE Chess Life, Sue Todd. Best historical article
Chess journalist of the Year “Our Diamond Anniversary” by Al
Mike Klein, nominated by US Chess. Lawrence, September 2014 Chess Life.
NEWSPAPER MEDIA Honorable Mention: “The Match That
Best story of the Year
“Reconnecting with Caissa” by GM James Tarjan, Best regular Newspaper Column Wasn't” by Neil Brennen, July 2014
submitted by Chess Life. “A Knight's Tour” by Bill Cornwall. Chess Life.

Best Chess Column Best regular Newspaper article of Best analysis

“The Practical Endgame” by GM Daniel Naroditsky, Local interest “July Madness” by GM Ilya Smirin,
submitted by Chess Life. “Gareyev Repeats at American” by Bill Chess Life.
Cornwall.
Honorable Mention: “Novice Nook” by Daniel Heisman, 2015 JUDGES
submitted by ChessCafe.com.
Keith Ammann, Matt Bengtson, Neil
Best state Magazine/Newsletter ELECTRONIC MEDIA* Brennen, J. Franklin Campbell, IM John
Northwest Chess, editor: Jeffrey Roland, submitted by Eric Best us Chess state Chapter Donaldson, Robert Ferguson, Rob Fusco,
Holcomb. Website Howard Goldowsky, Dov Gorman, John
Best Book (paper-printed only) www.chessmaine.net, submitted by Hartmann, Dan Heisman, Peter Henner,
Liquidation on the Chess Board by GM Joel Benjamin; New Daniel DeLuca. Eric Johnson, Harvey Lerman, Dan Lucas,
In Chess. Peter Minear, Jim Quinn, Boyd Reed,
Best Chess Blog
Rodion Rubenchik, IM Anthony Saidy, GM
Honorable Mention: The Classical Era of Modern Chess by “Chess Book Reviews” by John
Andy Soltis, Peter Tamburro, Mark Taylor.
Peter J. Monté; McFarland & Company, Inc. Hartmann.

39 November 2015 | Chess Life

Endgames / RBgh versus Rfgh

going
TWO RECENT GAMES CAUGHT MY EYE,
as they both came down to the same interesting
endgame.
Here is the position after 33 moves in the game
Mackenzie’s chess blog where Dana analyzed the
endgame in some depth (www.danamackenzie.com/
blog/).
I think it might be of some interest to review

Surprising GM Shakhriyar Mamedyarov versus GM Hikaru

Nakamura, 2014 Olympiad in Tromsø. Last round,
first board, crucial to the final standings.
these two examples, along with several others, as
indeed this endgame has occurred before in master
games, and will again. We will also profit from

resources in
the discussion and examples of this same formation
in Dvoretsky’s Endgame Manual (now once again
in print in its 4th English language edition.) The
parameters of the endgame are: one side has rook

endings (R), bishop (B), g- and h-pawns; the other

(defending) side has rook, f, g, and h-pawns. Of
course there are symmetrical possibilities with

featuring queenside pawns, but most cases occur on the

kingside. Not surprising considering the
prevalence of short castling and how often the

rook/bishop/
kingside pawns, guarding the respective castled
kings, manage to survive into the endgame.
Let’s start by jumping right into the game
Mamedyarov-Nakamura. Not at the endgame point,

g-h pawns
And here is the position after 34 moves from GM
but several moves earlier.
Xiangzhi Bu versus GM Daniel Naroditsky,
Millionaire Open, Las Vegas, 2014. Played in the

versus rook
sixth round between two of the leaders in contention
for the very large cash prizes.

and
f-g-h pawns
By GM JIM TARJAN Mamedyarov has been better from the opening,
and now must choose among very favorable
possibilities, such as 29. Rb7 and simply 29. exd4.
He opts to go into our featured endgame.
Shortly after returning from Tromsø where
he served as U.S. team captain, IM John Donaldson 29. Rxa7 dxe3
showed me a remarkable drawing resource for
The unappealing alternative is 29. … Nc5 30.
black in Mamedyarov-Nakamura, missed by both
Bd5! d3 31. Bxf7+ Kf8 32. Bh5.
players. Shortly after I learned of the similar
endgame in Bu-Naroditsky, reported in Dana 30. Rxd7! Rxd7 31. a7 exf2+ 32. Kxf2

40 November 2015 | Chess Life


deep
Rxa7 33. Rxa7
And here we are. White won in a few moves,
seemingly without difficulty. As we will see,
however, there is still chess to be played in this
position.
Black must avoid back rank mate, while
weakening himself as little as possible. White will
attack the f7-pawn with bishop and rook, and
Black will just have time to get his rook to f6,
protecting the one immediate target on f7. So,
let’s see a couple more moves:
33. … g6 34. Ke3 Rb6 35. Bd5 Rf6
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
And now, how does White win? Before pro-
ceeding with the game, I will outline the crucial
concerns as I see them.
Without rooks, Black’s position is generally
hopeless, unless he has already exchanged off
White’s g-pawn, leaving White with only the h-
pawn and the wrong bishop. (Later we will see
an exception to this rule.) Therefore, White can
push Black’s rook around by offering the exchange
of rooks.
Black should generally avoid pawn moves,
especially the f- or g-pawns. (We will see more
about h-pawn moves later.) As things stand, he
has a fortress in the corner of the board. Once
Black’s pawns are moved, White should find it
easier to infiltrate and force a trade of rooks and
a simple win. (This harkens back to the fundamen-
tals of not weakening one’s castled king position.)
If White attacks f7 with his rook on the seventh,
Black must defend with his rook on the f-file, as
he has here at the start. If White switches his
rook over to attack f7 on the f-file, Black must
manage to get his rook back to the seventh, or
else accede to moving the f-pawn. White’s bishop
wants to be centrally located on d5, guarding his
own g2, attacking f7, and eyeing other transfer
squares such as b7 and a2. White’s king (K) works
with his bishop and rook. Zugzwang is in the air.
If White skillfully dances with R, B, and K, Black’s
rook cannot be everywhere at once, and is
eventually dominated, and at a minimum Black
must accede to moving his f-pawn.
This is the outline of the slow but methodical
way of winning this position for White. Leave
White’s pawn on g2 where it can be guarded by
the bishop on d5. Moving the h-pawn to h3 is fine.
White’s pawns are defended by the minimum force
necessary. (Keeping White’s pawns back also makes
it hard for Black to even think about trading pawns.
Trading off both of White’s pawns, and then holding
R versus B and R, is Black’s main hope. Black’s other
hope being trading down to White’s B and wrong
color h-pawn.) Pile up on f7 with the bishop and
rook, but also possibly with the king to e7 or e8.
Play to dominate Black’s rook by threatening rook
exchanges, so eventually Black must push the f-
pawn. Then the game enters a new phase, but
hopefully an easier one for White, invading on the
squares weakened by the f-pawn’s advance.
Endgames / RBgh versus Rfgh
There is another winning plan for White,
however, which, if successful, takes less time and
effort. Namely, take advantage of the fact that the
following pawn endgame is winning for White:
White to move plays:
1. Kd5!
Not 1. Ke5? Ke7 and with the opposition, Black
holds White’s king away and draws.
After 1. Kd5! however, Black is inevitably pushed
away from his pawn, back to g8. The interesting
thing is that, unlike in most other single pawn
positions where the defender has control of the
queening square, Black cannot draw here. Right?
Move the pawns back a rank to g4 and g5, and
Black holds the draw even after losing his pawn.
Move them up a rank to g6 and g7 and it’s also a
draw, with Black’s king stalemated in the corner.
(With g- or h-pawns, not with center pawns.) It
is a unique (and surprising, in my opinion) feature
of this exact pawn position (White’s pawn on the
fifth, Black’s on the sixth) that makes a loss rather
than a draw. (Only with the pawns on a rook file,
a or h, will Black draw.) Students, this is something
you simply, absolutely, must know, as it comes up
all the time, as a possibility in all sorts of more
complicated endings. As here.
White can combine these two plans. At the
proper moment, if Black does not accede to mov-
ing his f-pawn, threaten to transpose into the
winning king and pawn endgame. But, as we will
www.uschess.org 41
Endgames / RBgh versus Rfgh
see, it must all be timed correctly. If the g-pawn
pushes forward and engages too soon, Black may
be able to escape by exchanging all the pawns off
to reach the theoretically drawn rook plus bishop
versus rook.
Mamedyarov proceeds straightforwardly. Push
his pawn to g5, sacrifice Rxf7 and transpose into
the winning king and pawn endgame. There is a
little complication, however. The h-pawns are
not yet traded.
36. g4 h6
36. ... Kg7 is possible, allowing, even encour-
aging 37. g5.
37. Ke4 Kg7 38. h4 Rf1 39. Rb7
Uncertain, White waits one move before the
crucial g4-g5. (Or, is he timing things for the
crucial 40th move, the last move of the time
control?) Now the game ends quickly:
39. … Rf2 40. g5 hxg5 41. hxg5 Re2+
A desperate check before resigning.
42. Kd4, Black resigned.
And Black resigns because after 42. … Rd2+
43. Kc5 Rc2+ 44. Kd6 Rf2 45. Rxf7+ we have our
winning king and pawn endgame.
But do you see what slipped by in the last few
moves, probably in time pressure? This plan by
White should not work so easily with the h-pawns
set up as they are. Going back to Black’s 40th move:
40. … Rf5!
As pointed out to me by John Donaldson, Naka
missed an extraordinary opportunity here. 41.
Rxf7+ does not win:
41. Rxf7+ Rxf7 42. Bxf7 Kxf7 43. Kd5 (Or
43. Ke5 hxg5 44. hxg5 Ke7, Draw.) 43. … Ke7!
44. Ke5
If 44. gxh6 White has nothing left but h-pawns
and Black draws by running his king back to h8.
He doesn’t even need to worry about losing the
g6-pawn.
44. … h5!
Simple but lovely, don’t you think? The extra
h-pawns give Black the tempo he needs to gain
the opposition, regardless of how White comes
with his king. Draw.
So, after 40. … Rf5, when White realizes his
plan of 41. Rxf7+ will not win, he must try to find
some other way. However, it is rather late, as he
has pushed his pawns up where they can all be
42 November 2015 | Chess Life
traded off, leading to rook plus bishop versus rook.
Donaldson gives the variation 41. Be6 Rf1 42. Kd5
Rd1+ 43. Kc5 hxg5 44. hxg5 Rg1 45. Rxf7+ Kh8.
Black eliminates White’s last pawn, and even with
Black’s king so badly placed, he should hold the
resulting rook plus bishop versus rook.
Earlier I mentioned Mark Dvoretsky’s classic
endgame treatise entitled Dvoretsky’s Endgame
Manual. Russell Enterprises has recently issued a
4th English language edition. About this book,
one can unequivocally state: every serious student
of chess must not only have a copy of this, but
must also actually read it. Yes, many of you will
find it rather dry and even daunting, and would
rather play another hundred games of bullet chess.
Be that as it may, there is much about all sorts of
endgames that can be learned from books, and
Dvoretsky is as good a way to learn it as you will
find. Assuming you are up to the challenge, because
Dvoretsky’s book is in no way watered down nor
directed at anyone but the most talented.
Let’s put it another way. Open the book to a
random page, and start reading. Go ahead, use a
real chess set; playing through it blindfold is not
required, especially at first.
A normal response will be “Ugh”. If you instead
respond, “Wow, look at that! That’s incredible!
But I wonder why he can’t go here instead; he
doesn’t really explain it ... I’ll work it out ... OK
now I see why, I think, it’s like the other line on
the previous page ...” If that is your response, I
predict you have a future in chess.
But I digress.
Dvoretsky discusses our endgame on pages 299-
300 of the new 4th edition. In the older 3rd edition,
it is on pages 266-7.
Dvoretsky cites two different Gufeld games
from this same position. In the earlier game,
Honfi-Gufeld, Kislovodsk, 1968, Gufeld patiently
maneuvered until White was forced to move his
f-pawn, and eventually Black won. In the later
game, however, Gufeld-Rahman, Calcutta, 1994,
White prematurely advanced his g-pawn:
1. g4? hxg4 2. hxg4 Rf4 3. g5
The idea 3. Rxf7+ fails, as White’s king is one
tempo away from where it needs to be.
3. … Rg4!
And now Black wins White’s last pawn, forcing
rook plus bishop versus rook. Dvoretsky points
out that 3. … Rf5 4. Rxf7+ Kh8! also draws.
(see next game, next column)
A CRUCIAL PAWN STRUCTURE
DIFFERENCE
Mark Tseitlin
Alexander Finkel
Beersheba, 1996
Dvoretsky’s final example of this endgame is
an important one. He argues that this position is
a draw, and I am not going to disagree with
Dvoretsky. The crucial point is that Black’s h-
pawn is up on h5. In all his other examples, and
indeed in Mamedyarov-Nakamura, the aggressor’s
(the one with the extra bishop) h-pawn is back
on his second or at most his third rank. With the
pawn back, Black could support (the ... h7-h6
followed by ... g7-g5-g4 plan) aiming at the simpli-
fication to a winning king and pawn endgame,
as we have seen.
But even more to the point: with the pawn
structure as in Tseitlin-Finkel (Black pawn on
h5) Black cannot afford a trade of rooks because
White will then be able to exchange down to
wrong bishop plus rook pawn. Without the
possibility of a favorable trade of rooks, Black has
no way to push White around and break down
the fortress White has built around his pawn base
on f2.
As an example, Dvoretsky gives the following
line which he attributes to Christopher Lutz.
69. Kg1 Bd4 70. Kg2 Rf6 71. Kg1 Rb6 72.
Kg2 Rb2
The method by which Black could make
progress, if only he still had his kingside pawns
back on or close to their original squares.
73. Rxb2 Bxb2 74. g4 hxg4 75. Kg3 Bc1
76. Kxg4 Bh6 77. f4 followed by 78. h5 with
a draw.
This is what should have happened from the
above diagram. However, that is not what in fact
happened in Tseitlin-Finkel. Tseitlin played:
69. Kf1? Bxf2!
Simplifying into a different sort of winning
king and pawn endgame! After 70. Rxf2 Ke3 71.
Rxf5 gxf5 72. Kg2 Ke2 White loses both his pawns
through the magic of Zugzwang. Tseitlin instead
played 70. Kg2 and resigned in a few moves.
I showed a draft of this article to my colleague
IM John Watson along with a query: how often
has this endgame occurred before? And, now that

virtually all master games are in sortable databases,
can we sort to produce a list of those games? Later
that day, using ChessBase, John had sent me a set
of hundreds of games in which this endgame
occurred. I’m going to share just a few.
PROVING DVORETSKY
Yusupov
Boensch
Bundesliga 2001
BLACK TO MOVE.
34. … h5
Having seen Mamedyarov-Nakamura, I believe
Black has more chances to defend with his h-
pawn back on h7 or h6. We will see an example
of that formation next.
35. Bf3 Rd7 36. Rb2 Kg7 37. Kf2 Rd6 38.
Rb7 Rd2+ 39. Be2 Rd6 40. Bc4 Rf6+ 41.
Ke3 Kf8 42. h3 Kg7 43. g4
Very similar positions are given by Dvoretsky.
43. … hxg4 44. hxg4 Kf8 45. Rc7 Kg7 46.
Ke4 Rf2
46. … g5 lasts longer. With the pawns g4 and
g5 the pawn endgame after Rxf7+ is a draw.
White maneuvers to win the g5-pawn or else to
force Black to play … f6, after which finally White’s
pieces invade easily.
47. g5
All has been prepared.
47. … Rf5 48. Rxf7+ Rxf7 49. Bxf7 Kxf7
50. Kd5, Black resigned.
Right out of Dvoretsky. After all, Yusupov
wrote the introduction to his trainer’s book.
Let’s talk about the h-pawns. We have seen from
Tseitlin-Finkel that the aggressor, with the extra
bishop, must not push his h-pawn up two squares.
Once the pawn structure is set as in that game the
blockade cannot be broken, at least against careful
defense, because an exchange of rooks leads to a
draw. The analysis of Mamedyarov-Nakamura
strongly suggests that the defending side (Black)
should also keep his h-pawn back. Then White’s
plan of g4-g5 and Rxf7+ does not quite work. Black
has the additional defensive resource of drawing
the king and pawn ending with the tempo … h5!
Does that mean the position is a draw if Black
holds his h-pawn back? I think not. White reverts
to the other, patient plan of eventually dominating
Black’s rook and forcing Black to weaken his
kingside structure. Here is an example.
TOO MUCH TO JUGGLE
Zubov
Danin
Voronezh, 2012
The pawns stay home. Five pieces dance around
Black’s f-pawn: White’s rook, bishop and king,
Black’s rook and king. Eventually the three triumph
over the two, attacking f7 and forcing the pawn
forward, breaching the walls of the fortress. The
key weapon for the offense is the threat of
exchanging rooks. To avoid this, Black’s rook must
dash back and forth between the f-file and the
seventh rank, while also checking White’s king
away from e7 or e8. No matter how skilled a
juggler, the black rook cannot keep all the balls in
the air. (Yes, obviously I’ve played too much chess.)
48. Rb4 Kg7 49. Rb7 Rd6 50. Be2 Re6+
51. Kf2 Rf6+ 52. Bf3 Rd6 53. Ke3 Rf6 54.
Bd5 Rf5 55. Be4 Rf6 56. Rd7 Kf8 57. Bd5
Rf5 58. Kd4 Rf4+ 59. Kc5 Kg7 60. Ra7
Rf2 61. h3 Rf1 62. Ra3 Re1 63. Kd6 Kf8
64. Ra2
Quicker is to insist on bringing the king to e8:
64. Ra8+ Kg7 65. Ra7 Rf1 66. Ke7 (intending 67.
Ke8 Re1+ 68. Re7) 66. … Rf5 (the rook keeps
juggling, harassing White’s bishop) 67. Rd7 Re5+
68. Kd8 Rf5 69. g4! and 70. Ke8 winning the f-
pawn. All very tricky.
64. … Rf1 65. Rd2 Rf6+ 66. Kd7 Rf1 67.
Rd3 Rf5 68. Bb3 Ra5 69. Bd5 Ra7+ 70.
Kd8 Ra6 71. Kc7 Ra7+ 72. Kd6 Ra6+ 73.
Ke5 Kg7 74. Rf3 Ra7 75. Rf1 Rd7
White’s plan is Kd6, and, even not considering
the aid of Zugzwang, White has the threat Rf2 to
a2 trading rooks. If Black’s rook checks on a6
Endgames / RBgh versus Rfgh
White’s king marches to e8. Note how White’s
bishop and rook must be used with great effec-
tiveness, looking backwards as well as forwards.
If 75. … Kf8 76. Rb1! threatening 77. Rb7 and
Black has no way to get his rook back to the f-file
in time: 76. … Re7+ 77. Kf6.
76. Rb1 Re7+ 77. Kd6 Re2
77. … Ra7 78. Rb7 Ra6+ 79. Ke7 forces the f-
pawn to move because if 79. … Rf6, 80. Ke8.
78. Rf1
This phase of the dance has come to a close.
The final dance goes by quickly as Black gets
caught in a mating net.
78. … f5 79. Ra1 Kf6 80. Ra7 h6 81. h4 g5
82. Rf7+
If you are a computer you will calculate out 82.
h5 g4 83. g3 to mate. But if you are a human, at
the end of a long hard game, Zubov’s method is
more practical.
82. … Kg6 83. h5+ Kxh5 84. Bf3+, Black
resigned.
If 84. … Kg6 85. Bxe2 Kxf7 86. Ke5 Kg6 87.
Bd3 g4 88. Kf4.
PART II
Now let’s move on to Bu-Naroditsky. Before
diving into the endgame, let’s start a few moves
earlier.
ENOUGH TO WIN?
Xiangzhi Bu (2784)
Daniel Naroditsky (2696)
2014 Millionaire Chess Open (6), Las
Vegas, Nevada
WHITE TO PLAY
Black has the upper hand. But is it a winning
advantage? I don’t know. The two bishops are
certainly attractive. The presence of queenside
pawns clearly favors Black, who can target the a-
pawn. White can trade a pair of rooks by Rbd1.
In our last example it was the one pressing for
a win, Mamedyarov, who aimed for our ending.
Here it is the defender, Bu, who decides he has
better drawing chances in rook, bishop plus two
versus rook plus three than as things stand.
31. Rxd4!? Rxd4 32. Rxb6 Ra4 33. Rb7+
Kf6 34. Rb6 Rxa2
(see diagram top of next page)
www.uschess.org 43
Endgames / RBgh versus Rfgh
Here we are. There is an important difference
from Mamedyarov-Nakamura. The bishop is on
the other color. It is on the long diagonal that
runs through White’s pawn fortress. All the
examples in Dvoretsky are with the bishop as in
Mamedyarov-Nakamura, none with the bishop
as here. Why? Is this an easier win, or harder? Is
this the rarer situation?
In any case, let’s work OUT some guidelines,
and especially look for differences between the
two cases.
Here Black’s bishop is the “right one” for his
h-pawn. Trading rooks is even more hopeless for
the defender here, unless both black pawns are
eliminated as a result.
If Black can get his king, rook and bishop among
White’s pawns—in other words, if he can break
the blockade—White is in great danger of being
mated, even in the absence of black pawns. The
bishop on the long diagonal creates mating
patterns against White’s king at or near the corner.
Related to this is the importance for the defender
(here White) to have his g-pawn on its original
square. If White’s g-pawn is advanced, allowing
Black’s bishop to sweep the long diagonal, White
will not last for long. At a minimum, a trade of
rooks will be easy to accomplish.
To answer one of my own questions above, I
think the structure from Bu-Naroditsky is indeed
much rarer than that from Mamedyarov-Nakamura,
if we do not consider the cases where the defender’s
g-pawn has already advanced. A typical scenario
would be that the bishop was fianchettoed and later
traded off, leaving the pawn on g3 and an empty
hole behind on g2. To make this a fight, that cannot
be the case. The g-pawn has to be on g2.
With the Bu-Naroditsky structure, Black’s
bishop does not attack the square f2. This has two
consequences. The idea of sacrificing on f7 into a
winning king and pawn endgame is off the table;
and the f2-square is not easy to pile up on. Black
has to come up with some other approach to
infiltrating White’s blockade, and forcing White
to push his pawns forward.
In order to free up his bishop, rook, and king
for the offense, Black will probably need to put
his pawns on g6 and eventually h5. His bishop
will be on the f5 to b1 diagonal, defending the
pawn base. This diagonal is somewhat awkward,
because the central e4-square is not comfortable
for the bishop.
Even after an eventual f2-f3 by White, there
will still be problems breaking down White’s
position, as his pawn base at g2 is hard to get at.
As in the case with the bishop on the other
44 November 2015 | Chess Life
color, White’s (the defender’s) rook is going to 41. … Rc4 42. Ra6 Kd4 43. Rd6+
have to do a lot of work, checking away Black’s
Another moment for White to lash out with
king, pinning the bishop, attacking g6. Black’s
43. g4. But after 43. … Be4 44. f3 Bxf3 45. Rxg6
hope will be to eventually dominate the rook and
h4 is winning because White will be mated if he
break down the defense, quite possibly with the
goes after the h4-pawn. For example 46. Kf2 Bd5
aid of Zugzwang.
47. Rh6 Rc2+ 48. Ke1 (even running away from
Add it all up, and it is clear: there is only one
the corner doesn’t help at this point) 48. … Ke3
way to win this position. Invade with the king
49. Kd1 Rc3.
first to e2 or e1. This will force White’s pawn to
f3, if it is not there already. But then, White can 43. … Kc3 44. Rd8 Rd4 45. Ra8 Kd2 46.
still attempt a fortress. Black will need to get his Re8 Kd1 47. Re7 Re4 48. Ra7 Re1+ 49.
king further, to f1 or f2. The most difficult part Kh2 Ke2
is the final stage.
Remember that Black can use the threat of
trading rooks to open a path for his king. He must
also use his bishop effectively, always looking in
all four directions, guarding his pawn on g6 and
shielding his king from rook checks. d3 is a good
square for the bishop. White tries to use his rook
to prevent all this.
Black’s king has to take a journey away from
his own pawns, away from the kingside, down
the middle of the board, at least over to the d-
file, and then back into e2 or e1. While Black’s
king is on this journey, away from the kingside
but not yet among White’s pawns, White can try Here we are, phase one achieved. Perhaps
to make a “run for it” on the kingside. He can White is being overly cooperative, perhaps he
push his king and pawns up hoping to use the should play f2-f3 sooner or bring the king out to
absence of Black’s king to trade off all the pawns. g3. We shall see that defensive formation in the
However, he has very little chance of achieving next example.
this. Black’s king is never that far away, and the
minute White comes out of his fortress, Black’s 50. f3 Kf2 51. Ra2+ Re2 52. Ra1
superior forces spring into action. Trading one The final rope-a-dope defense. White’s rook
pair of pawns will never be enough to draw: tries valiantly and alone to stop Black from the
White must force the trade of both black pawns. final assault on g2. This final stage is the most
Very often, the mating pattern decides, even when difficult.
Black or side ahead loses, or is about to lose, his
last pawn: Black’s rook on the second rank, Black’s 52. … Rd2 53. Ra8 Bc2 54. Ra2
bishop on the long diagonal. If White tries to anticipate Black’s later 56. …
Likely the best defense is to accede to f3, and h4 by playing 54. h4 himself, he creates a new
hide. White’s king is in the fortress guarding g2, target: the pawn on h4. 54. h4? Rd4 55. Kh3 Bf5+.
the rook is out running back and forth trying to
prevent Black’s pileup on g2. 54. … Kf1 55. Ra1+ Bd1 56. Kh1
Up to this point in the game, Naroditsky has
smoothly outplayed his noteworthy opponent Bu,
one of the strongest Chinese players. Hereabouts
he lost the thread. He did not take his king on the
journey to e2. He kept his king on the kingside,
and pushed his pawns forward. All the pawns were
traded off and after 50 moves of rook and bishop
against rook a draw was agreed on move 145. This
was the second game of the day. Naroditsky had
already beaten a grandmaster in the morning.
Instead of following the rest of the actual game,
I will show a sample winning line, worked out by
Houdini and me. We work together; when one
of us is stuck the other pushes the ball along. On
the web I saw an apt phrase for this: a chess centaur. 56. … h4!
35. Rc6 g6 36. Rb6 Ke5 37. Rb7 h5 Finally Black has a clear winning plan: ... Kf2,
... Be2 and then rook to g1. White tries to go after
Or 37. … h6 38. Rh7 h5. Black’s pawns but it is too late. White’s fortress
38. Rb6 Bf5 39. Rb4 Kd5
in the corner has turned into a tomb.
57. Rb1 Kf2 58. Rb4 Be2 59. Rxh4 Rd1+
Or 39. … Rd2. Black’s rook comes over to the
60. Kh2 Rg1 61. Rg4 Bf1
c-, d- or e-file and makes a bridge for the king.
40. Rf4 Rc2 41. Ra4 (see diagram top of next page)
If 41. g4 Ke5 and … Be4. White is not in time. 62. Rxg6 Bxg2 and mate.
:

Or 62. Ra4 Rxg2+ and wins, even without
immediate mate as Black still has a pawn. (But
not 62. … Bxg2?? 63. Ra2+).
OK, I managed to win against myself. But is
the endgame really a forced win? Or can the
defense, by putting his pieces on just the right
squares and dancing skillfully about, prevent the
final breakthrough against g2? I haven’t been able
to convince myself one way or the other, especially
after keeping myself awake analyzing the final
stages of the following, actual game:
THE CRUCIAL MOMENT
Loek Van Wely (2674)
Igor Ivanov (2598)
22nd Annual World Open (7),
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1994
AFTER 34. ... Rxa2
Played in round seven of this strong, nine-round
event. In round 6 (played earlier that same day,
assuming the usual schedule of the U.S. Swiss System)
Igor had beaten GM Zurab Azmaiparashvili. Van
Wely went on from here to tie for first. So this is
yet another example of this endgame appearing at a
crucial moment, between two top players.
35. h4
In my hypothetical analysis (of the position with
the superior side having his “kingside” starting
bishop) I assumed both sides should refrain from
pawn moves unless required. White will need his
pawns on h4 and g3, making a chain and with the
base at g3 guarded by the bishop, once White’s
king begins his journey to e7. So it seems that no
harm is done by 35. h4. However, there is a very
real practical problem which will manifest after
Black’s 39th move.
35. … Ra4 36. g3 Ra2 37. Rb6 f6
Igor voluntarily accedes to this move and, as
we shall see, also to … h5, and then tries to hold
the resulting formation.
38. Rb5 Kg6 39. Bf4 h5
So what is White’s practical problem here? It
is that there are no more neutral pawn moves to
be made, and White has a very long road ahead
of him. He must bring his king down to e7 or
thereabouts, and then to f7 or f8 working against
the g7-pawn. Not a simple task in its final phases,
assuming it can be done at all. And as of now,
with Black’s 39. … h5, the 50 move rule clock
starts. When I first played over this game, I
wondered why Igor voluntarily pushed his pawns
to … f6 and … h5. But now I see: if he waits, he
will have to defend that much longer.
On the other hand, White really should have
waited before making his pawn moves. Gotten
his king up to f3 at least.
40. Be3 Re2 41. Bf4 Rc2 42. Rb7 Ra2 43.
Bd6 Ra6 44. Bc5
If 44. Bf8 Ra8! and 45. Bxg7 Rg8; or 45. Rxg7+
Kh6 with a draw as the discovered checks do not
help. Nice.
44. … Rc6 45. Rb5 Kf5 46. Kg2 Kg4 47.
Rb4+ Kf5 48. Be3 Re6 49. Kf3 Re8 50.
Rb7 Kg6 51. Rd7 Re6 52. Ke2 Re4 53. Kd3
Ra4 54. Bf4 Rb4 55. Ra7 Kh7 56. Bd6
Rb6 57. Rd7 Rb5 58. Kc4 Ra5 59. Bf8 Ra8
Same monkey business, even with Black’s king
on h7: 60. Bxg7? Kg6 and … Rg8. White is slowly
making progress towards his goal of Kf8. Too
slowly?
60. Bc5 Kg6 61. Kd5 Ra2 62. Bf8 Ra8 63.
Bd6 Ra1 64. Kc6 Ra8 65. Rb7 Ra6+ 66.
Kd5 Ra2 67. Re7 Ra8 68. Ke6 Rg8 69. Bc7
Rc8 70. Kd7 Ra8 71. Re4 Kf7
Black puts up the final rope-a-dope defense.
72. Rc4 Ra3 73. Bd6 Re3 74. Rc5 Kg6 75.
Kd8 Re6 76. Rd5 Re3
Endgames / RBgh versus Rfgh
Igor is still resisting here, cutting off White’s
king and attacking the weakness on g3. White
has come up with the idea of Rd5 attacking h5
and thus forcing Black’s king to stay up on g6.
White only needs to jump his king over to f8,
without losing g3 or letting Black’s king back to
f7 or g8. Not clear how he can achieve that, though
one feels there must be a way. White’s pieces get
in each other’s way in this final stage.
And the 50 move rule draw is coming at move
89 … .
77. Bc7
Simply waiting, to force Black by Zugzwang to
give ground. Probably this position is one of
mutual Zugzwang, no?
77. … Ra3?
Ivanov weakens at the final stage. How many
hours had he played that day? If Black keeps the
rook on the e-file, 77. … Re4, Houdini and I cannot
figure out a way to break the blockade, certainly
not in time to prevent the draw at move 89. For
example 78. Rd7 Kh7! (the point: Black gets his
king back to g8, holding White’s king at bay) 79.
Re7 Rd4+ 80. Ke8 Kg8. Or in this line 79. Bb6
Re2 80. Bc5 Re4 and if 81. Bf8 Rg4. White would
need to regroup to attempt further progress.
78. Ke8
Now, however, White gets his king to f8 and
the fortress crumbles.
78. … Ra8+ 79. Rd8
White’s pieces are no longer stepping on each
other’s toes. They have won the contest, just
before closing time.
79. … Ra4
Also, White preserves one pawn after 79. ...
Rxd8 80. Bxd8! Kf5 81. Kf7 Kg4 (or 81. ... g5 82.
Bxf6) 82. Kxg7 Kxg3 83. Bxf6.
80. Kf8 Kh7 81. Rd7 Rg4 82. Bf4, Black
resigned.
Black is out of moves and Rd5 will be the end.
Let’s review. In our first case, as in Mamedyarov-
Nakamura with the bishop not on the crucial long
diagonal, White should be able to win. The
exception being the pawn structure from Tseitlin-
Finkel. With the locked pawn structure as in that
game—the only difference is having the attacker’s
h-pawn forward (h4 for White, h5 for Black)—
the game should be a draw.
What about the second structure, as in Bu-
Naroditsky? I started out believing this should
always be a win, but now I am not sure. The
attacker’s (let’s call him White) king needs to get
to the f-file, not just to the e-file, and Black can
make this difficult. My instinct is that White
should win, but every defensive setup requires
analysis and precise placement of White’s pieces,
in order to dominate Black’s rook. There is more
work needed, but I am done. A more powerful
centaur will have to finish the job.
Dvoretsky’s Endgame Manual is available from
uscfsales.com, catalog number B0007RE, $34.95
www.uschess.org 45
The Practical Endgame / Instruction
The Art of Liquidation
Picking up the theme of Joel Benjamin’s recent book, we look at
more examples of liquidating to a pawn endgame
By GM DANIEL NARODITSKY
IT WAS WITH GREAT EAGERNESS THAT I
perused GM Joel Benjamin’s recent work
Liquidation on the Chess Board: Mastering the
Transition into the Pawn Endgame. Despite the
somewhat esoteric title, Benjamin tackles one of
the most important (and underappreciated) aspects
of endgame practice. Regardless of the concrete
circumstances, entering a pawn endgame is a
committal, hazardous decision that should not be
undertaken without profound reflection. In this
month’s column, I analyze two games in which
strong players liquidated without accurately
evaluating the consequences. Boy, did they pay
the price!
At the 2015 Riga Technical University Open,
I faced Armenian GM Robert Hovhannisyan in a
crucial round five encounter. After 49 moves of
intense positional maneuvering, we reached the
following intriguing knight ending:
KNIGHTMARE
GM Daniel Naroditsky (FIDE 2631, USA)
GM Robert Hovhannisyan (FIDE 2612, ARM)
5th International Chess Festival RIGA
TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OPEN, Riga,
Latvia, 08.13.2015
WHITE TO MOVE
Material is equal, but that far-advanced little
beast on a4 was sending chills down my spine.
As nimble and versatile as they are, knights are
not particularly adept at restraining passed pawns
(the toughest ones for them to stop are “rook”
pawns like this one), especially when their services
are required elsewhere. To this end, my first
46 November 2015 | Chess Life
inclination was 50. Kd3, intending Kc3-b4 and
leaving the knight in the center. However, with
the monarch busy on the queenside, I was worried
that its vis-à-vis would somehow infiltrate through
the center. After a few moments of thought, I
saw just the way to resolve this issue:
50. Nd5+??
On the surface, this move appears perfectly
logical. By flicking in this check, I centralize my
knight and, most importantly, drive Black’s king
away from the center. Yet for all of its apparent
virtues, this dreadful move is the cause of my
downfall. Had I replaced verbal reasoning with
calculation, I would have undoubtedly perceived
its flaw and played 50. Kd3 instead. Black has
several challenging options, but no way to avert
a draw:
1) 50. ... Nf4+ 51. Ke4 Nxg2!? is a worthy
attempt, but after 52. Nxg2 a3 53. Ne3 a2 54. Nc2
White stops one passer with his knight, and the
other with his king: 54. ... Kg5 (54. ... h4?? actually
loses after 55. Kf4 h3 56. Kg3 Ke5 57. Kxh3 Ke4
58. Kg4 and it turns out that 58. ... Kd3 is
impossible due to 59. Nb4+) 55. Kf3 h4 56. Na1
Kf5 57. Nc2 and neither side can make progress.
2) 50. ... Ke5 is the move I was concerned about,
but it is nothing to worry about. White responds
with 51. Kc3 Ke4 (51. ... a3 52. Kb3 draws) 52.
Nd5, and Black does not have enough firepower
to breach the fortress. For instance, 52. ... h4 53.
Nf6+ Ke5 54. Nd5 a3 55. Kb3 Kd4 56. Ne7 (there
is no need to rush with Kxa3; White’s most
important task is to eliminate the h4-pawn) 56.
... Nc5+ 57. Kxa3 Kxc4 58. Nf5 Kxb5 59. Nxh4
and the two sets of connected passers cancel each
other out.
3) 50. ... h4 sets a vicious trap: the tempting
51. Kc3?? falls prey to 51. ... Nf4, creating the
devastating (and unstoppable) threat of … Nxg2.
But 51. Nd5+ (now is the time!) 51. ... Ke5 52.
Kc3 secures the draw.
50. ... Kg5 51. Kd3
For what it’s worth, there was no turning back:
both 51. f4+ Nxf4! 52. Nxf4 a3 and 51. Ke5 a3
52. Nc3 Nf4 would have expedited White’s
downfall.
51. ... Nf4+
Make no mistake: I had anticipated this move
when playing 50. Nd5+, and spent quite a bit of
time assessing its consequences. It is easy to
determine that 52. Nxf4 Kxf4 is utterly hopeless.
Using the a-pawn as a decoy, Black’s king gradually
“outshoulders” his nemesis, eventually capturing
both of White’s queenside pawns. For example,
53. Kc3 Ke4 54. Kb4 Kd4 55. g3 (55. f4 h4! wins)
55. ... a3 56. Kxa3 Kxc4 57. Ka4 Kc5 and White
is toast. He can prolong the agony by advancing
his f-pawn, but he will eventually have to remove
his king from a4. This position reminds me of a
typical scene from action movies, where a
character is hanging on a cliff and his fingers are
slowly losing purchase. After 58. f3 Kc4 59. f4
Kc5 White can choose between 60. Ka3 Kxb5
and the equally unappealing 60. f5 Kd5.
But I had calculated all of this, and found a cute
way to avert liquidation. Or so I thought …
52. Kc3
I had banked all of my hopes on this move, and
sat back to watch my opponent admire my
endgame skill …
52. ... Nxd5+!
Believe it or not, this move simply escaped my
field of vision. For some unfathomable reason, I
considered 52. ... Nxg2 to be forced, when 53.
Nxc7 h4 54. c5! leads to simultaneous promotion
and a quick draw: 54. ... bxc5 (54. ... h3? 55. cxb6
h2 56. b7 h1=Q 57. b8=Q and although Black
promotes first, he is incapable of mounting any

Liquidate, or
Liqui-don’t?
Each month GM Naroditsky will present
two problems taken from actual games
that illustrate the theme of this month’s
column. Your task is to find the best line
of play. Problem I should be solveable by
a player at roughly a 1500 rating and
Problem II by a player roughly at a 2000
rating.
See the solutions on page 71.
serious offensive against White’s king) 55. b6 h3
56. b7 h2 57. b8=Q h1=Q and White delivers
perpetual check with 58. Qg8+.
The pawn ending, on the other hand, is com-
pletely winning for Black. The slight difference
in pawn structure makes zero difference: White’s
pawn is just as indefensible on d5 as on c4. The
rest, as they say, is pure agony.
53. cxd5 Kf4 54. d6!?
A worthy last-ditch attempt, but Hovhannisyan
responds with filigree accuracy.
54. ... cxd6 55. Kb4 h4
The last finesse. White’s pawns are now
completely immobilized, and Black’s king, free of
all distractions, leads the pawn to heaven and
beyond.
56. Kxa4 Ke4 57. Kb3 Kd3 58. Kb4 d5 59.
Kb3 d4, White resigned.
Painful though it was, this game is tremendously
instructive all the same. Frequently, we are so
engrossed in calculating a certain variation that
we fail to appreciate the devastation that a simple
trade can cause. As Hovhannisyan so ably demon-
strated, this kind of negligence seldom goes
unpunished!
It is not enough to foresee the possibility of
liquidation; you must also evaluate it correctly.
As we have discussed several times before, pawn
endgames are enormously deceptive. Assuming
that a certain position is winning or drawn on
the basis of its appearance is, quite simply, a recipe
for disaster. To this end, consider the following
obscure 19th-century encounter:
TO TAKE, OR NOT TO TAKE?
H. Wernich
George Mackenzie
New York, 1869
(see diagram top of next column)
Major H. Wernich had an interesting life. An
1879 obituary, uncovered by chess historian Edward
Winter, points out that he was “in early life ... a
gallant and meritorious officer of artillery in the
PROBLEM I: 1500 LEVEL
George Gossip
William Tullidge
Adelaide, 08.26.1887
WHITE TO MOVE
WHITE TO MOVE
Prussian service,” and became one of thestrongest
players in New York upon his immigration to the
United States. In this game, he is on the verge of
holding prominent Scottish-American master
George Henry Mackenzie to a draw.
40. Kf4
There is nothing objectively wrong with this
move, but it is the precursor to a disastrous miscal-
culation that will cost Wernich the game. 40. Ra4
was simpler, intending 41. Ra7(+). For instance,
40. ... Ke6 41. Ra7 c4 42. Kf2! g5 43. hxg5 hxg5
44. Ke3 and a draw is inevitable.
40. ... Rb4!
My guess is that Wernich simply overlooked
this move, which forces the trade of rooks.
Generally speaking, a pawn ending is in Black’s
favor due to his outside passer, but everything
depends on the specific circumstances. White has
an obvious choice between the immediate 41.
Rxb4 and 41. Re4, intending to liquidate on his
own terms. There is no alternative to cold-hard
calculation: one move draws, and the other loses!
41. Rxb4??
Oh dear! The chief problem with this move is
that Black’s passer shifts to the b-file, forcing
White’s king to abandon the kingside pawns.
Instead, the crafty 41. Re4!! (Diagram) would have
saved the day.
(see diagram top of next column)
After 41. ... Rxe4+ 42. Kxe4, the crucial difference
The Practical Endgame / Instruction
PROBLEM II: 2000 LEVEL
IM Max Cornejo (2524)
FM Andy Lee (2392)
U.S. Chess League, 09.09.2015
WHITE TO MOVE
ANALYSIS DIAGRAM
is that White’s king is able to restrain the passer
and simultaneously guard the kingside. For
instance, 42. ... Ke6 43. f4 g6 44. f5+ gxf5+ 45.
gxf5+ (three checks in a row!) 45. ... Kf6 46. h5!
(but not 46. Kd5?? Kxf5 47. Kxc5 Kg4 48. Kd4
Kxh4 49. Ke3 Kg3) 46. ... c4 47. Kd4 Kxf5 48.
Kxc4 Kg5 49. Kd3 Kxh5 50. Ke2 and White is in
time.
Perhaps Wernich saw this line, and simply
assumed that 41. Rxb4 would not change the
nature of the position. How wrong he was!
41. ... cxb4 42. Ke3 g5!
A sobering blow, paralyzing White’s pawns
and paving the way for a king march to f4.
43. hxg5 hxg5 44. Kd3 Ke6
With his 41st move, Wernich tasked his
monarch with an impossible assignment (being
in two places at once). The king is a powerful
force, but it can only move one square at time!
45. Kd4 b3 46. Kc3 Ke5 47. Kxb3 Kf4 48.
Kc3 Kxf3 49. Kd3 Kxg4 50. Ke4 Kg3,
White resigned.
Fittingly, White resigned on move 50, the exact
point at which I blundered against Hovhannisyan.
In the prologue to Liquidation on the Chess Board,
GM Benjamin astutely points out that “Pawn
endings do not arise out of nowhere; we know of
course that every pawn ending started out as an
endgame with more pieces on the board” (10). It
is the mark of a true endgame master to seamlessly
transition from the latter to the former.
www.uschess.org 47
Solitaire Chess / Instruction
A Straightforward Win
A consultation game against Emanuel Lasker, who held the world
championship title longer than anyone
By BRUCE PANDOLFINI
NOBODY RETAINED THE WORLD CHESS
championship longer than Emanuel Lasker (1868-
1941). Winning it from Wilhelm Steinitz in 1894,
and losing it to José Capablanca in 1921, Lasker
held the title for 27 years, a reign no one has quite
matched. He was a pragmatic player, tactically
resourceful, with an iron will and a sure hand in
the endgame. It’s often said that he played psycho-
logically, but the truth is, many of his games were
straightforward enough. The following encounter
played in Berne in 1919 is such an example. Lasker
had white in a Ruy Lopez against consulting
opponents, W. Henneberger and W. Rivier.
FOUR KNIGHTS DEFENSE (C48)
Emanuel Lasker
Walter Henneberger and Walter Rivier (in
consultation)
Berne, 1919
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6
Now make sure you have the above position
set up on your chessboard. As you play through
the remaining moves in this game, use a piece of
paper to cover the article, exposing White’s next
move only after trying to guess it. If you guess
correctly, give yourself the par score. Sometimes
points are also awarded for second-best moves,
and there may be bonus ponus points—or
deductions—for other moves and variations. Note
that ** means that White’s move is on the next
line.**
4. 0-0 Par Score 5
Full credit for 4. d3, 4. d4, or 4. Bxc6. After
castling, White is now ready for business.
48 November 2015 | Chess Life
4. … Bc5
Black enters the Classical Defense Deferred.
The consultation team is now ready to castle,
though great care must be exercised in the
center.**
5. Nc3 Par Score 5
With this development, White enters into a
variation of the Four Knights Opening, one of
the most common ways for introductory players
to begin a chess game. Lasker is comfortable in
innocuous looking situations.
5. … d6
Black secures the e-pawn and clears the way
for the queen-bishop to enter the fray. To be sure,
Black’s queen-knight is now in a pin and the black
position is a little passive.**
6. d4 Par Score 6
White strikes first. Lasker opens the center
and instills a sharpness to the game, with White
having a definite edge in space.
6. … exd4
Not much choice. Black had to exchange pawns
to avoid losing one.**
7. Nxd4 Par Score 5
The c6-knight is now doubly threatened. Black
could reduce the immediate pressure by 7. ... Bxd4,
but that would surrender the two bishops, with
White retaining the initiative.
7. … Bd7
Black develops the queen-bishop and thereby
protects c6. In fact, there’s even a threat to win a
knight.**
8. Nb3 Par Score 5
Lasker suddenly menaces to get the two bishops,
and that transaction would also give Black doubled
c-pawns. Accept full credit for the alternative, 8.
Nf5, assailing the g7-pawn.
8. … Bb6
This avoids the exchange of knight for bishop
and the resulting doubled pawns.**
9. Bg5 Par Score 5
With straightforward development, Lasker
improves his position. He now eyes the annoying
invasion 10. Nd5, and that would threaten to
cause disrepair in the black pawn structure.
9. … Ne5
With this move, Black looks to trade off some
of the pressure on his position.**
10. a4 Par Score 6
Instead of a pedestrian exchange of bishops
(10. Bb5xd7+), Lasker keeps the tension and fuels
his attack. Add 1 bonus point if you saw that this
idea also menaced the possibility of a subsequent
a4-a5.
10. … Bxb5**
11. axb5 Par Score 5
White willingly accepts doubled b-pawns, but
in the bargain, gains a half-open a-file.
11. … h6
Black acts to end the pin on the f6-knight. On
12. Bh4, the intention is 12. ... Ng6.**
12. Bxf6 Par Score 5
This gains time and keeps the attack going,
since taking back with ... g7xf6 ruins Black’s pawn’s
structure. White’s knights are set to invade.
12. … Qxf6**
13. Nd5 Par Score 5
This forces Black’s hand. The black queen must
retreat to d8, since going anywhere else allows
White to impair the black pawn structure by 14.
Nxb6, when Black would have to recapture away
from the center (... c7xb6), because of the pin on
the a-pawn.
13. … Qd8**
14. Nd4 Par Score 5
Lasker nicely centralizes this knight. In light
of what follows, Black should have considered
exchanging bishop for knight (14. ... Bb6xd4),
though White’s centered queen (15. Qd1xd4)
would then put the a-pawn under attack.
 Solitaire Chess / Instruction

PROBLEM I PROBLEM II Problem III

ABCs of Chess Pin Trapping Pin

These problems are all related to key

positions in this month’s game. In each
case, Black is to move. The answers
can be found in Solutions on page 71.

November Exercise: Here’s an exercise

to improve your feel for various
endgames. Against software or a training
partner, set up positions, beginning with
a king and eight pawns per side, all on
their original starting squares. Then play PROBLEM IV PROBLEM V PROBLEM VI
games from there. Play enough times Double Threat Mating Net Fork
and you should deepen your grasp of
many aspects of endgame play. To vary
the competition, and the investigation,
you can add the same minor piece for
each side, or, for that matter, a different
minor piece, as long as it starts on its
original square along the home rank. It’s
a great way to play and learn at the same
time.

14. … 0-0 18. Nf4 Par Score 5

Black finally castles. The question is, has Black A precise pirouette, the knight is now poised
castled into a strong attack?** for a number of tactical possibilities, including a
plausible intrusion into e6.
15. Nf5 Par Score 5
18. … Qd7
This is a great post for the knight. The squares
g7 and h6 are now under the knight’s observation. The queen bolsters e6 and g7. But is this defense
Perhaps Black should have taken this knight while good enough?**
it was still possible.
19. Qh5 Par Score 5
15. … Kh7
With the queen at h5, clearly, Black is unable
Black gets off the g-file, defends the h-pawn, to play ... g7-g6, since h6 would then hang with
and makes g7-g6, attempting to dislodge the f5- check.
knight, potentially possible.**
19. … Rh8 ToTal your score To
16. Ra3 Par Score 7
Black overprotects h6. Maybe this will hold, deTermine your
Lasker plays very logically. He makes use of maybe not.** approximaTe raTing below:
the open a-file with this neat rook lift. White
now has a fresh and unexpected attack weapon, 20. Ne6 Par Score 8
Total Score Approx. Rating
ready to be transferred into the kingside melee. This invasion essentially decides the game. 95+ 2400+
16. … f6 Award yourself 2 bonus points for seeing 20. ... 81-94 2200-2399
Qxe6? 21. Rxg7+! Rxg7 22. Qxh6+ Kg8 23. Qxg7
This opens Black’s second rank, so that defense mate.
66-80 2000-2199
of g7 becomes possible along it. Unfortunately, 51-65 1800-1999
it’s very weakening to the light squares on the 20. … Rg8
36-50 1600-1799
kingside.** The teammates try to shore up the weakness 21-35 1400-1599
17. Rg3 Par Score 5 at g7. But it doesn’t work.** 06-20 1200-1399
The threat is obvious: Black must defend g7. 21. Nfxg7 Par Score 7 0-05 under 1200
Two simple rook moves (Ra1-a3 and Ra3-g3) Crush! With the idea of 22. Rh3 followed by
and Black is in real trouble. 23. Qxh6 mate, it’s hard to see how Black can Read archival copies of “Solitaire Chess” (and all
17. … Rf7 continue with any hope. Add 2 bonus points for columns and features) by going to uschess.org and
seeing that 21. ... Rgxg7 (or 21. ... Rfxg7) 22. clicking on the “Archives” link below the “CHESS
This defends g7, but the placement at f7 is Rxg7+ Rxg7 23. Nf8+, forking king and queen. LIFE MAGAZINE” header and you will see be taken
purely for defense, and possibly quite risky, since So Black throws in the towel. to an archives page that dates to 2006. You can also
White’s queen has the possibility of pressuring it download full-issue pdfs by clicking on the
from h5.** 21. … Black resigned “Downloadable Files” link below the “Archives” link.

www.uschess.org 49
 2015 Trophies Plus Grand Prix Summary
Trophies Plus to award $12,500 in cash prizes in the 2015 Grand Prix!
2015 TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX STANDINGS
The following point totals reflect all rated event information as of October 6 for the 2015 Grand Prix. All Grand
Prix updates are unofficial and subject to change during the year or until year-end tabulation is complete.

OVERALL STANDINGS
PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE CHESS CLUB AND SCHOLASTIC CENTER OF SAINT LOUIS

NAME STATE PTS.

1 GM Gata Kamsky NY 305.73

2 GM Alexander Ivanov MA 219.56

3 GM Aleksandr Lenderman NY 190.09

4 GM Illia I. Nyzhnyk MO 170.77

5 IM Andrey Gorovets TX 128.39

6 GM Sergey Kudrin CT 125.03

7 GM Jeffery Xiong TX 121.75

8 GM Ioan Cristian Chirila CA 115.86

9 IM Julio J. Becerra FL 111.75

10 GM Sergey Erenburg VA 111.10

11 GM Ehsan Ghaem Maghami CA 110.98

12 IM John Daniel Bryant CA 110.91

13 GM Mark Paragua NY 105.00

14 GM Ruifeng Li TX 103.59
GM ALEXANDER IVANOV notched a first place finish at the 6th
annual Hartford Open to maintain his second place position in 15 IM Priyadharshan Kannappan MO 96.76
the Trophies Plus Grand Prix race.

CATEGORIES AND PRIZES

Trophies Plus:
IT’S NOT JUST A TROPHY.
$ 12 ,500 IT’S THE BEGINNING OF A LIFETIME OF ACHIEVEMENT.

Proud sponsor of US Chess National Scholastic

IN CASH PRIZES! tournament awards since 1999.
Proud sponsor of the US Chess 2007-2015 All-America Teams.
FIRST PRIZE: $5,000!
2nd: $2,500 | 3rd: $1,000
4th: $900 | 5th: $800
6th: $700 | 7th: $600
8th: $500 | 9th: $300
10th: $200
315 W. 1st St., Templeton, Iowa 51463 | 800.397.9993 | www.trophiesplus.com

50 November 2015 | Chess Life

2015 US CHESS JUNIOR GRAND PRIX TOP OVERALL STANDINGS
Official standings for events received
and processed by October 6, 2015 Name State Pts. Name State Pts.
are unofficial and subject to change GUO, ARTHUR GA 9128 YE, LUKE SICONG NE 5347
during the year or until year-end
SINGHAL, SANAT, JR CA-S 7288 DOMMALAPATI, AASA VA 5343
tabulation is complete.
SILVER, JACK NJ 7108 VALLABHANENI, SUNITH CA-N 5289
The top prize for 2015 will be a Chess.com
NAIR, SIDDHANT VA 6914 PENG, ANDREW CA-N 5277
one-year Diamond membership valued at
$100, a Chess.com gear/merchandise CHANG, ELIAM HUAI-YANG CA-N 6619 XU, ARTHUR ZIHAN IL 5219
package valued at $100, a US Chess plaque, ORTEGA, VALENTINA LARA FL 6556 HU, WILLIAM NY 5203
free entry into the 2016 U.S. Open, and CHINNAMBETI, ABHINAV SAI NJ 6268 ZHANG, YUANCHEN 5193
$1,000 of expense money from US Chess KUMAR, ARAVIND NJ 6112 EIDELMAN, GABRIEL CA-S 5190
to offset the trip. For the top five players
KRUNZ, EYAD AZ 6106 WANG, JASON YUYANG OH 5185
on the overall list and to each state winner,
GORTI, AKSHITA VA 5790 CHATTERJEE, NISHANT CA-N 5183
Chess.com will also award a choice of a
one-year ChessKid.com gold membership GHATTI, SANJAY GA 5695 WU, LILLIAN TN 5161
(valued at $50/annually) or a one-year BOJJA, DINESH OH 5635 RAO, VARUN NJ 5150
Chess.com Gold membership (valued at TRIFALE, SHARVIL PA 5625 BATTULA, RAHUL TX 5118
$40/annually). US Chess gratefully acknowl- TAKAHASHI, MICHAEL JOHN IA 5601 ULRICH, RACHEL J WI 5106
edges the participation of Chess.com!
JACOBSON, BRANDON NJ 5592 CAO, CLAIRE PA 5095
TANG, PATRICK Y NY 5512 YAN, KEVIN NY 5036
PINNINTI, SAHAS R NJ 5500 LI, RUIFENG TX 5020
KANAPARTI, SREYAS GA 5468 SHANBHAG, NIKHIL CA-N 5020
KONDAKOV, ADRIAN CA-N 5426 MERCHANT, ALI-ARMAAN MD 4984
PATEL, ANUJ CA-N 5401 PISINI, DAKSHIN OH 4940

CHECK OUT US CHESS CORRESPONDENCE CHESS RATED EVENTS!

Correspondence Chess Matches (two players)
2015 Open Correspondence Chess Golden Knights Championship TWO OR SIX-GAME OPTIONS. ENTRY FEE: $5.

US CHESS $800 FIRST PRIZE q WIN A CORRESPONDENCE CHESS TROPHY

68th ANNUAL (PLUS TITLE OF US CHESS GOLDEN KNIGHTS CHAMPION AND PLAQUE)
Four-player, double round-robin with class-level pairings.
1st-place winner receives a trophy.
ENTRY FEE: $10.
2ND PLACE $500 • 3RD $300 • 4TH THRU 10TH PLACE $100 EACH • ENTRY FEE: $25
These US Chess Correspondence Chess events are rated and open to all US Chess members who reside on the North American continent, q VICTOR PALCIAUSKAS PRIZE TOURNAMENTS
Seven-player class-level pairings, one game with each
islands, or Hawaii, as well as those US Chess members with an APO or FPO address. US Chess members who reside outside of the North Am- of six opponents. 1st-place winner receives $130 cash prize
erican continent are welcome to participate in e-mail events. Your US Chess membership must remain current for the duration of the event, and and a certificate signed by Victor Palciauskas.
entry fees must be paid in U.S. dollars. Those new to US Chess Correspondence Chess, please estimate your strength: Class A: 1800-1999 (very ENTRY FEE: $25.
strong); Class B: 1600-1799 (strong); Class C: 1400-1599 (intermediate); Class D: 1399 and below (beginner level). Note: Prize fund based on
200 entries and may be decreased proportionately per number of entries assigned. q JOHN W. COLLINS MEMORIAL CLASS TOURNAMENTS
Four-player, double round-robin with class-level
pairings (unrateds welcome). 1st-place winner receives
a John W. Collins certificate.
2015 E-mail Correspondence Chess Electronic Knights Championship ENTRY FEE: $7.
(SEVEN-PLAYER SECTIONS, ONE GAME WITH EACH OF SIX OPPONENTS.)
US CHESS
12th ANNUAL
$800 FIRST PRIZE Email Rated Events (need email access)
(PLUS TITLE OF US CHESS ELECTRONIC KNIGHTS CHAMPION AND PLAQUE) q LIGHTNING MATCH
Two players with two or six-game option.
2ND PLACE $500 • 3RD $300 • 4TH THRU 10TH PLACE $100 EACH • ENTRY FEE: $25 ENTRY FEE: $5.

q SWIFT QUADS
These US Chess Correspondence Chess events are rated and open to all US Chess members with e-mail access. Your US Chess membership must
remain current for the duration of the event, and entry fees must be paid in U.S. dollars. Maximum number of tournament entries allowed for the
Four-player, double round-robin format.
year for each player is ten. Note: Prize fund based on 200 entries and may be decreased proportionately per number of entries assigned.
1st-place prize US Chess CC entry credit of $30.
ENTRY FEE: $10.

q WALTER MUIR E-QUADS (WEBSERVER CHESS)

TO ENTER: 800-903-USCF(8723) OR FAX 931-787-1200 OR ONLINE AT WWW.USCHESS.ORG
Name_________________________________________ US CHESS ID#____________________________________ Four-player, double round-robin webserver format tournament
Address _______________________________________ City___________________ State ___ ZIP _____________ with class-level pairings. 1st-place receives a certificate.
ENTRY FEE: $7.
Phone __________________________ E-mail____________________________________ Est. Rating __________
Credit card # (VISA, MC, Disc., AMEX) _________________________________________ Exp. date ________________ Please check event(s) selected.
V-code ________________ q Check here if you do not wish to have an opponent who is incarcerated. NOTE: Except for Lightning Matches, Swift Quads, Walter Muir
*Note: This may slow down your assignment. E-Quads & Electronic Knights, players will use post office mail,
unless opponents agree to use e-mail.
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO US CHESS AND MAIL TO: JOAN DUBOIS, US CHESS, PO BOX 3967, CROSSVILLE, TN 38557

www.uschess.org 51
Tournament Life / November
National Events
Note: Tournament memberships not valid for National events
See TLA in this issue for details
2015 U.S. Class Championships November 13-15 or 14-15 • Houston, Texas
2015 K-12 Grade Championships December 4-6 • Lake Buena Vista, Florida
2015 Pan American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championship
December 27-30 • Cleveland, Ohio
2016 U.S. Junior Chess Congress January 23-24 • Livermore, California
2016 U.S. Amateur Team Championship - South February 12-14 or 13-14 • Tampa,
Florida
2016 U.S. Amateur Team Championship - West February 13-15 or 14-15 • Santa Clara,
California
2016 U.S. Amateur Team Championship - East February 13-15 • Parsippany, New Jersey
2016 U.S. Women’s Open June 22-23 • Las Vegas, Nevada
2016 National Open June 24-26 • Las Vegas, Nevada
FUTURE EVENTS (Watch for details)
2016 U.S. Amateur Team Championship - North February 19-21 • Schaumburg, Illinois
2016 National High School (K-12) Championship April 1-3 • Atlanta, Georgia
2016 National Junior High (K-9) Championships April 15-17 • Indianapolis, Indiana
2016 All-Girls National Championships April 22-24 • Chicago, Illinois
2016 National Elementary (K-6) Championships May 6-8 • Nashville, Tennessee
2016 U.S. Senior Open Championship June 16-19 • Kenner, Louisiana
2016 U.S. Junior Open Championship June 17-19 • Kenner, Louisiana
2016 U.S. Girls Junior Championship (Closed) June 23-27 • Manchester,
New Hampshire - contact: Alex Relyea relyea@operamail.com
2016 U.S. Game/10 Championship June 27 • Las Vegas, Nevada
117th annual (2016) U.S. Open July 30-August 7 • Indianapolis, Indiana
2016 K-12 Grade Championships December 16-18 • Nashville, Tennessee
2017 SuperNationals VI May 12-14 • Nashville, Tennessee
118th annual (2017) U.S. Open July 29-August 7 • Norfolk, Virginia
2017 K-12 Grade Championships December 8-10 • Lake Buena Vista, Florida
2018 National Elementary (K-6) Championships May 11-13 • Nashville, Tennessee
119th annual (2018) U.S. Open July 28-August 5 • Madison (Middleton), Wisconsin
2018 K-12 Grade Championships December 14-16 • Orlando, Florida
2019 National Elementary (K-6) Championships May 10-12 • Nashville, Tennessee
2019 K-12 Grade Championships December 13-15 • Lake Buena Vista, Florida
2020 National Elementary (K-6) Championships May 8-10 • Nashville, Tennessee
2020 K-12 Grade Championships December 11-13 • Orlando, Florida
2021 SuperNationals VII May 7-9 • Nashville, Tennessee
52 November 2015 | Chess Life
Bids
Note: Organizers previously awarded options
for US Chess National Events must still submit
proposals (including sample budgets) for their
events.
OVERDUE BIDS
Please contact the National Office if you are
interested in bidding for a National Event. US
Chess recommends that bids be submitted
according to the following schedule. However,
bids may be considered prior to these dates.
US Chess reserves the right to decline all bids
and organize the event itself.
For our expanded list of national events
available for bid, see: www.uschess.org/con
tent/view/12116/705/.
RATING SUPPLEMENTS
Rating supplements will be updated EACH
MONTH on the US Chess website, and each
monthly rating supplement will be used for all
tournaments beginning in that month, unless
otherwise announced in Chess Life. The US Chess
website at www.uschess.org also frequently lists
unofficial ratings. The purpose of unofficial rat-
ings is to inform you of your progress; however,
most tournaments do not use them for pairing
or prize purposes. If you would otherwise be
unrated, organizers may use your unofficial rating
at their discretion, even without advance publicity
of such a policy.
NOTE
The TLA pages “Information for Organizers,
TDs, and Affiliates” and “Information for Play-
ers” can now be found online at main.uschess.org/
go/tlainfo.
PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS HEALTH AND
BENEFITS FUND
Many Grand Prix tournament organizers will
contribute $1 per player to the Professional
Health & Benefits Fund. All Grand Prix tour-
naments which participate in this program are
entitled to be promoted to the next higher
Grand Prix category—for example, a six-point
tournament would become a 10-point (Enhanced)
tournament. Points in the top category are pro-
moted 50%.
ATTENTION AFFILIATES
US Chess has partnered with R.V. Nuccio &
Associates Insurance Brokers, Inc. to provide
USCF affiliates with affordable annual liability
and short term event insurance. The liability
coverage is available for approximately $265
per year for a $1,000,000 limit of insurance.
Also available is contents property and bonding
insurance. For more information, please go to
www.rvnuccio.com/chess-federation.html. For event
insurance, please go to www.rvnuccio.com.

Nationals
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
NOV. 13-15 OR 14-15, TEXAS
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 40
2015 U.S. CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS
5SS, G/90 i30. $16,000 Prize Fund b/250 full-paid entries, 50% guaran-
teed. 2-day or 3-day Schedules avail. Free entry for GMs and WGMs.
No entry fee for IMs and WIMs but EF will be deducted from winnings.
DoubleTree Houston North, 15747 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Houston
77032, Ph: 281-848-4000, $85 chess rate! Free Parking! Free airport
shuttle service! Free wireless internet in all guestrooms! Discounted
Hotel Breakfast Coupons! 8 Sects (Rated players may play up one class
only – Master & Expert Sects. are FIDE rated and Re-Entry is not allowed
in those two sects only): Master (2200/up): $1500-900-700-500; U2400:
$600-400; Expert (2000-2199): $1000-700-500-350; Class A (1800-
1999): $1000-700-500-350; Class B (1600-1799): $800-600-400-200;
Class C (1400-1599): $800-600-400-200; Class D (1200-1399): $400-
300-200-100; Class E (Under 1200): $400-300-200-100; Unr: $200-100.
National Class Champion title to each class winner(s) and plaque to
class winner on tiebreaks (MSCO), if necessary. All players must have
a USCF membership to play; provisional ratings will be used based on
at least a minimum of 4 games. Ratings used will be from Nov. 2015
supplement. NOTE: To protect the integrity of our Tournament and our
Players’ Games, Tournament Halls will be closed to spectators. EF: $99
for Classes M,X,A,B,C by 11/6; $109 at site. $59 for Classes D,E,Unr. by
11/6; $69 at site. Re-Entry Fee: $35 (avail. up to Rd. 4; 3 re-entries or
2 reduced entries count as one additional entry for prize fund). Free
chess gift to oldest player and to player who travels farthest in main
event. 3-day Sched: Reg. Fri. 5:30-7pm, Rds. Fri. 8pm; Sat. 2-7, Sun.
10-3. 2-day Sched: Reg. Sat. 7:45 -8:30am, Rds. Sat. 9-2-7, Sun. 10-3.
Both schedules merge at Rd. 2. Byes: Two 1/2pt. byes allowed – avail.
for any round (must commit to Byes before Rd. 3). CAJUN BOUNTY:
Defeat the top ranked player in the main event and win free entry to
our next tournament. SIDE EVENTS: 7SS, G/5 d0, USCF-Blitz rated
“BAYOU BLITZ” (Open to All - Sat. night after Rd. 3 – uses USCF-Blitz
Ratings for pairings & prizes - $10 EF - Cash Prizes – sign up on site).
Schol. Team & Ind., 4SS, G/30 d5, 1-day only, Sat. Nov. 14; Separate
room for schol. players - A trophy or medal will be awarded to each schol.
player. Schol. Sects. (Team & Individual): K-2, K-5, K-8, K-12. Minimum
of 3 players from the same school or home school district to make a
team; the top 4 scores will count toward final team score. Prizes:
Trophies to top 10 individuals in each section and to top 3 teams in
each section. Every non-trophy winner receives a souvenir chess medal.
Scholastic players may play in both adult and scholastic tournaments
by registering for the 3-day schedule in the main event, taking a 1/2-pt.
bye for Rd. 2, and registering for the scholastic tournament. USCF-rec-
ommended computer tiebreaks will decide trophy and medal placements
for winners of all schol. sections. Schol. EF: $20 by 11/6; $30 at site.
Schol. Sched: (All 4 rds G/30 d5 - one day only, Sat., Nov. 14). Reg.
Sat. 8:30am-9:30am, Rds. at 10am-12noon-1:15pm-2:30pm. Byes: One
1/2-pt. bye allowed for any round (must notify TD prior to Rd. 1). HR:
$85 + tax for single or double (281-848-4000), reserve by Oct. 25 and
mention Cajun Chess tournament to assure group rate. ENT: On-line
registration, printable entry form, and more detailed info at www.cajun
chess.com, or mail entry form to Cajun Chess, 12405 Hillary Step Dr.,
Olive Branch, MS 38654. Info or Phone Ent: 504-208-9596 or 504-905-
2971. Major credit cards accepted (no checks at site). FIDE.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
DEC. 4-6, FLORIDA
2015 National K-12 Grade Championships
7SS, G/90 d5. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, 1000 West Buena
Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830. Guest rooms can be booked, NLT
11/6/2015, by calling (407) 939-4686, mention “US Chess” or online at
www.mydisneymeetings.com/chess15/. HR: $129 Single/Quad. Com-
plimentary self-parking! Complimentary Orlando Airport (MCO) to
Coronado Springs Resort (and return) transportation! Complimentary
Wi-Fi in guest rooms and meeting rooms! 13 Sections. Play only in
your grade section – No “playing up” allowed. November Rating Sup-
plement will be used. Only 1/2-point bye available, any round except
Round 7, if requested prior to the start of Rd. 1. Team score = total of
top three (minimum two) finishers from each school per grade. First
place individual and team, including ties, will be the National Champion
for their grade. Schedule: Opening ceremony Fri. 12:30 PM. Rds.: Fri.
1 PM - 6 PM, Sat. 10 AM - 2 PM - 6 PM, Sun. 9 AM - 1 PM. Awards Cer-
emony Sun., approx. 5 PM. Special round times for K-1 sections: Fri.
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM, Sat. 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM, Sun. 9:30 AM -
1:30 PM. K-1 Awards Ceremony Sun. approx. 4:30 PM. EF: $50/participant
postmarked or online by 11/2, $70 postmarked or online by 11/23, $85
by 12/3, $90 on site; $5.00 extra for all phone registrations; $20 fee
for roster or section changes after 11/29 or any onsite changes. Onsite
registration Thurs. 9 AM to 9 PM & Fri. 8 AM to 11 AM. Players who
register or change sections after 11AM on Friday will receive a 1/2-
point bye for Rd. 1. Awards: Trophies to top individuals & top teams in
each grade. Every player receives a commemorative item! Full list of
trophies on tournament info page. Side Events: Bughouse: Thurs. 11
AM, Reg. onsite only Thurs. 9 -10 AM, $25/team. Blitz: K-6 and K-12,
G/5 d0, Thurs. 5 PM, Reg. onsite until 4 PM. Blitz EF: $15 by 11/23, $20
after or at site. Blitz Awards: Trophies in K-6 and K-12 sections. Full list
of trophies on tournament info page. Bughouse Awards: Top 5 Teams.
Team Rooms are limited. Contact Susan Kantor at 931.787.1234 ext.
136 or by email: skantor@uschess.org. Questions: Susan Kantor at
931.787.1234 ext. 136. Entries: U.S. Chess Federation, Attn.: 2015 K-
12 Championship, P.O. Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557 or online at https://
secure2.uschess.org/webstore/tournament.php. See website for addi-
tional information about the event, advance entries, awards, meetings,
updates, corrections, and registration forms, www.uschess.org/tour
naments/2015/k12/.
See previous issue for TLAs appearing November 1-14
The Tournament Announcements on the following pages are provided for the convenience of US Chess members and for
informational purposes only. Unless expressly indicated otherwise, neither US Chess nor Chess Life warrants the accuracy
of anything contained in these tournament announcements. Those interested in additional information about or having
questions concerning any of these tournaments are directed to contact the organizer listed. Chess Life will exercise all due
diligence in providing accurate typesetting of non-camera-ready copy but assumes no responsibility for errors made in
such work.
Effective with TLAs submitted after November 10, 2010, the following additional rules apply to Grand Prix
tournaments: 1) The guaranteed first prize must be at least $150. 2) No more than one prize under $100 may
count towards the Grand Prix point total. 3) Prizes below the maximum entry fee do not count towards the
Grand Prix point total. Also include full time control noting increment or time delay even if delay is zero (d0).
US Chess Junior Grand Prix: A Junior Grand Prix event must have four or more rounds with a time control
greater than 65 min. Please see: www.uschess.org/data page/JGP-Rules.php for complete Rules.
SUBMISSIONS: E-mail your tla to: tla@uschess.org (Joan DuBois). For tla deadline schedule, formatting help and Grand
Prix information see pg. 69 and 70 of the March 2014 issue or check www.uschess.org/go/tlainfo. Payment can be done
online through the TD/Affiliate area or sent to: US Chess, TLA Dept., PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix! online. EF: per player: $49 by 2/5, $58 later. SPECIAL EF: Team (one
DEC. 27-30, OHIO entry must be made for all players) $180 by 2/5, $210 later (any team
2015 PAN AMERICAN INTERCOLLEGIATE TEAM CHESS CHAM- changes $10). Teams from outside Florida will receive $25 off team
PIONSHIP entry fee. Scholastic teams receive $10 off team entry fee. PRIZES:
Oberlin College. 6SS, G/90 + 30 sec. increment. Sheraton Cleveland Top 1-3rd place teams & Top Boards 1-4 in each section; Top teams:
Airport Hotel, 5300 Riverside Dr., Cleveland, OH 44135. FIDE rated (tour- Open section: U2000 & U1800; U1500 section: Top U1300 & U1100.
nament will use FIDE rules). Intercollegiate Tournament Format: 4-Player Also in Open section: Top Senior team (all 50 & above as of 2/12), Top
Teams, up to 2 alternates. Open to university, college, community college, College team (same school), Top High School team (same school). Also
and technical college teams from North and South America and the in U1500 section: Top Female team, Top Middle School team (same
school, grades 6-8), Top Elementary School team (same school). Sched-
Caribbean. Teams must supply letter from their universities stating that
ule: 3-day: 1st Rd. Fri. 7:30, 2-Day 1st Rd. Sat. 10; Rds. 2-5 Sat. 1:30,
the players meet eligibility requirements—for more details go online
6:45, Sun. 9:30, 2:45. Blitz Tourn.: G/5 d0, Sunday at 8:00 p.m.; EF $15
to www.collegechess.org. EF: $200/team by 12/4/15, $240 thereafter
for those in main event, $25 for all others. HR: $99 until cut-off date,
and at site. Prizes: trophies or plaques to top 6 teams, 1st-place in
813-282-3636, ext. 0. Free parking, Internet, refrigerator & Free Airport
Divisions II (2000-2199), Division III (1800-1999), Division IV (1600-1799),
shuttle. Ent: Boca Raton Chess Club, 2385 Executive Ctr. Dr., Ste. 100,
and Division V (U1600) Team, Top international team, Top Women’s team,
Boca Raton, FL 33431. Online entry & add’l info: www.bocachess.com,
Top alternate, Top boards 1-4, Top community college, Top four-year small
561-479-0351.
college (under-5,000 enrollment), biggest team-upset, biggest individual
upset. Reg.: Deadline 4 p.m. 12/27 Rds: Rd. 1: 12/27 6 pm, Rd. 2: US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
12/28 10 am, Rd. 3: 5 pm, Rd. 4: 12/29 10 am, Rd. 5: 5 pm, and Rd. 6: FEB. 13-15 OR 14-15, CALIFORNIA, NORTHERN
12/30 9 am. Opening reception: 12/27 at 5:45 p.m. Closing ceremony: 32ND ANNUAL U.S. AMATEUR TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP WEST
12/30 at 3 pm. ENT: Progress With Chess, 12200 Fairhill Road E 293, Scholastic on Feb. 13 only, Blitz on Feb. 15 only. Santa Clara Con-
Cleveland, OH 44120. INFO: cananiad@oberlin.edu. Phone (440) 775- vention Center, 5001 Great America Pkwy. Free Parking! Teams:
6752. HR: $99 + tax for single occupancy (includes hot breakfast for 1 Four-player teams plus optional alternate, average rating of four highest
person; $106 + tax for two people, $120 + tax for three, $134 + tax must be under 2200, difference between ratings of board 3 & 4 must
for four). FREE: Parking & WiFi. Reserve by 12/15 for chess rate. (216) be less than 1000. January 2016 Supplement, CCA min, & TD discretion
265-3125 to reserve your team’s block. Contact Becca at (216) 265- used to place players accurately. Main Event Prizes:Special 4 com-
3155 or Becca.Cowling@sheratonclevelandairport.com to book your memorative clocks (trophy for the reserve) and team trophy to the team
rooms. Boards and pieces provided. Bring clocks, digital only. W. for Top 3 overall teams, top team u2000, u1800, u1600, u1400, and
US Chess Junior Grand Prix! u1200. Trophies to all players of the top “industry” team (currently at
JAN. 23 AND/OR 24, CALIFORNIA, NORTHERN the same company), top “female” team, top “college” team (students/
2016 U.S. JUNIOR CHESS CONGRESS alumni of a college), top “high school” team (students/alumni of a 7-12
Livermore Community Center, 4444 East Ave., Livermore, CA 94550. school), top “elementary school” team (students/alumni of a K-6 school),
Experience Early Spring in California! 8 sections based on age: 6 & top “club” team, and top “family” team (related by blood or marriage
under, 8 & under, 10 & under, 12 & under, 14 & under, 16 & under, 18 within 3 generations). Clocks to top scorer on each board (1-4), trophy
& under, 20 & under.Individual Trophies: All (6 & under), Top 20 (8 & to top reserve as well as second and third scorers on each board (1-4).
Gift certificates for best 3 team names. Main Event EF: $243/team or
under, 10 & under, 12 & under, 14 & under), Top 5 (16 & under, 18 &
$63/player by 2/8. 2/9-11: $10 extra per player or team. Onsite or
under, 20 & under). “Super Performance” trophies to players tied for
last place with a trophy award and the top player(s) in each rating class after 2/11: $20 extra per player ($80 extra per team). 3-day Sched:
who did not get a place trophy. Winning record required for all place Onsite Registration at Sat 9:30-10:30a, Round Times at Sat & Sun 11:30a
trophies. Commemorative participation medals to all entrants. Team 5:30p, Mon 10a 3:30p. Time Control: 40/120 SD/30 d5. 2-day Sched:
Trophies: Top 10 (6 & under, 8 & under, 10 & under, 12 & under, 14 & Onsite Registration at Sun 8:30-9a, Round Times at Sun 10a 12:30p
under) or Top 5 (16 & under, 18 & under, 20 & under) based on section. 2:50p 5:30p, Mon 10a 3:30p. Time Control: G/61 d5 in Rounds 1-3,
Time control: G/90 d5 (except G/30 d5 for Ages 6 & under and Ages 8 40/120 SD/30 d5 in Rounds 4-6 (merge in Round 4 with 3-day schedule).
& under) Schedule: Onsite Registration: Saturday & Sunday 7:30- Info/flyer: www.BayAreaChess.com/usatw. Scholastic Event Prizes:
8:15am. Rounds: Saturday 9am, 1pm, 5pm, and Sun 9am, 12:30pm. Trophies to each player in Top 3 teams overall, Top u800 team, u600
(Ages 6 & under and Ages 8 & under: Sunday 9:00am, 10:45am, 12:30pm, team, u400 team, and u200 team. Trophies to top “female” team, top
2pm, 3:30pm). Byes: Rd. 4&5 byes must be requested before Rd. 1. “academic” team, and top “club” team. Trophies to top two scorers on
Entry Fees by 1/9: 1-day sections (Ages 6/8 & under): $48, 2-day each board (1-4). Commemorative medals to all participants. Scholastic
sections (Ages 10/12/14/16/18/20 & under): $63, Add $5 (1/10-16), Event EF: $149/team or $39/player by 2/8. 2/9-11: $10 extra per
Add $10 (1/17-19), Add $25 (1/20-22), Add $40 (1/23 & onsite). A player or team. Onsite or after 2/11: $20 extra per player ($80 extra
change fee equal to the late fee will apply for any changes, other than per team). Discount: $10/player ($40/team) if registering for 2-day
bye requests with less than one week before the tournament. Out of schedule and scholastic event. Sched: Onsite Registration: Sat 8:30-
state entries 20% off (mail entry or email ask@bayareachess.com with 9a | Games at Sat 10a 11:30a 1p 2:30p 4:15p. Info/flyer: www.BayArea
USCF ID for online entry coupon code). Blitz: Onsite Registration: Sunday Chess.com/usatws. Blitz Event: Registration Mon 7-8pm, Rounds 8:30-
5-5:15pm, Games 5:45-7:45pm. 2 sections (10 & under, 20 & under). 10:30pm. EF: $14, $16 onsite. 75% of entry fees returned as prizes.
Side Event Fees: Blitz $14. Onsite +$2. Side Event Prizes: Trophies Contact: Organized by Judit Sztaray. Directed by Tom Langland, John
to Top 5 individual players including ties and Top 3 teams including ties McCumiskey, Jordan Langland, and others. Sponsored by Bay Area
in each section. Jan 2016 Supplement & TD discretion to place players Chess. Online entry at www.BayAreaChess.com/my/usatw or mail to
accurately. Commemorative T-shirts: $16 pre-order, $20 onsite. Chief Bay Area Chess, 1639A South Main St., Milpitas, CA 95035. For questions
Organizer: J. Sztaray. Organizers/TDs: , T. Langland , R. Koepcke, J. or help in forming teams email ask@BayAreaChess.com. W.
McCumiskey, S. Mason. Sponsored by CalChess and Bay Area Chess.
A Heritage Event!
More info & flyer: BayAreaChess.com/usjr. Register online at BayArea US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
Chess.com/my/usjr. Mail entries to Bay Area Chess, 1639A S. Main St.,
FEB. 13-15, NEW JERSEY
Milpitas, CA 95035. Register early to save. Questions: ask@BayArea
WORLD AMATEUR TEAM & U.S. TEAM EAST
Chess.com, 408-409-6596. W.
CELEBRATE JAZZ AND CHESS. 6SS, 40/2, SD/1 d5. Parsippany Hilton,
US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 1 Hilton Ct., Parsippany, NJ 07054. Chess Rate valid until 1/16.
FEB. 12-14 OR 13-14, FLORIDA Reserve early 973-267-7373 or 1- 800-HILTONS. Morris/Essex train
2016 U.S. AMATEUR TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP SOUTH to Morris Plains 1.5 miles. Open to 4- player teams with one optional
5SS, G/120 d5 (2-day Option Rd. 1 G/60 d5). Ramada Westshore Tampa alternate. Team average (4 highest ratings—2016 January Rating list)
Airport, 1200 North Westshore Blvd., Tampa, FL 33607. 4-player teams must be under 2200. EF: $160 postmarked by 2/5/16. ALL-$200 after
(with one optional alternate). Two sections (each paired separately & or at door.—all teams, any changes at site $25 charge. FREE ENTRY
with their own prizes). Team average (4 highest ratings - January Sup- TEAMS from West Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina. Check
plement) must be under 2200 for Open section & under 1500 for U1500 out official website www.njscf.org. Prizes: 1-5th Place teams, plaque
section. Winning team in Open section qualifies for National playoff and 4 digital clocks; Top Team (Denis Barry Award) U2100, 2000,
www.uschess.org 53
Tournament Life / November
1900, 1800, 1700, 1600, 1500, 1400, 1300, 1200, 1000 each plaque and
4 Digital Clocks; Top college team (same school) 4 Digital Clocks &
plaque; Top HS team (grades 9-12 same school), Top Middle School
(grades 5-9 same school), Top Elementary School (grades K-6 same
school), Top 2 Scholastic Teams (mixed schools okay) (Collins Award),
Mixed Doubles (2 males, 2 females-no alternates), Seniors (all players
over age 50), Military, each plaque & 4 Digital Clocks to top team;
Company Team (same employer), Family (4 family members), State
teams—CT, DE, MD, MA, NJ, NY (Benjamin Award), PA, VA, NC, RI
each plaque top team; Special Plaque: Top Future team, (all players
under age 10), Top Military College, Top Parent/Child (2 pairs, one
parent, one child), Best Player 1-4 and top alternate, All 6-0 scores
each Digital clock. Biggest Individual upset each round Engraved Cross
pen; Entry fee refunded to team with Best “Chess related” name, Sunday
night— Best “Chess Related costumes or gimmick”—1st-gourmet
dinner for four. 2nd—Gourmet dinner for 4. Reg.: 9-12. Sat 2/14:
Rds. 1-7:30, 11-6, 9-3:30. Special Events!! Surprises and special
give-aways each round. Sunday night—Bughouse $20 per team. Cash
prizes. HR: Parsippany Hilton NEWLY RENOVATED! NEW LIGHTS! HEAT-
ING AND AIR CONDITIONING! Chess rates expire 1/16/2016. Rates
$119 (single double) $121 (Triple , Quad) 2nd hotel attached to Hilton
$126 per night (single-double) $128 (triple, Quad)-Hampton Inn—-
includes breakfast each day. For help forming teams and more information
contact: noreen@deanofchess.com. Chks payable to NJSCF, mail by
2/05 to: E.Steven Doyle, 17 Stonehenge Rd., Morristown, NJ 07960.
(Include Team name, Captain, players full names, USCF Expiration, ID
numbers and ratings in board order). No team can include more than
two GM’s. Include SASE for confirmation if wanted, No registered or
certified mail accepted. W.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
JUNE 22-23, NEVADA
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 (ENHANCED)
2016 U.S. WOMEN’S OPEN
5SS, G/90 +30. Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, 3000 Paradise
Rd., 89109. $$2,000 Guaranteed Prize Fund. $500-300-200, U2000 $200,
U1800 $200, U1600 $200, U1400 $200, U1200 $200. EF: $50 by 6/3,
$70 later. REG.: 9-9:30 a.m. RDS.: 10-2:30-7, 10-2:30. 1/2 point bye
available in any round (limit 1). HR $65 ($89 Friday and Saturday nights).
(800) 732-7117 – be sure to ask for the CHESS rates. This event kicks
off the LAS VEGAS INTERNATIONAL CHESS FESTIVAL on Wednesday
before the National Open. ENT Vegas Chess Festivals, PO Box 90925,
Henderson, NV 89009-0925 or www.VegasChessFestival.com.
An American Classic!
A Heritage Event!
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
JUNE 24-26 OR 25-26, NEVADA
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 300 (ENHANCED)
2016 NATIONAL OPEN
46th annual NATIONAL CHESS CONGRESS
6 rounds, Nov 27-29 or 28-29, 2015 at Loews Philadelphia Hotel
$35,000 prize fund guaranteed, 35 trophies/plaques!
6 rounds, 40/110, SD/30, d10 (2-day
option, rds 1-3 G/45, d10). Trophy sections
play separate 2-day schedule only, 11/28-29
(G/45, d10).
Loews Philadelphia Hotel, 1200 Market
St, Philadelphia PA 19107. 150 GPP
(enhanced). In 10 sections:
Premier Section: Open to 2000/over &
juniors under 18 who are 1800/over. $3000-
1500-800-400-200, clear/tiebreak win $100,
U2400/Unr $1600-800. FIDE rated.
U2200 Unr: $2000-1000-500-300-200.
U2000/Unr: $2000-1000-500-300-200.
U1800/Unr: $2000-1000-500-300-200.
U1600/Unr: $2000-1000-500-300-200.
U1400/Unr: $1600-800-400-300-200.
U1200/Unr: $1600-800-400-300-200.
U1000/Unr: Trophies to top 10.
U800/Unr: Trophies to top 10.
Scholastic U600/Unr: trophies to top 10.
Unrated prize limits: U1200 $300,
U1400 $600, U1600 $900, U1800 $1200,
U2000 $1500. Balance to next player in line.
54 November 2015 | Chess Life
6-SS, 40/90, SD/30 +30 (2-day rounds 1-3 and unrated G/40 +5).
Westgate Resort & Casino, 3000 Paradise Rd., Las Vegas 89109.
$100,000 Guaranteed Prize Fund will not be reduced! In 8 sections,
top 2 FIDE rated. Open: $8,000-4,000-2,000-1,000-600-500-400-300-
300-300, top under 2500 $2,500, top under 2400 $2,400, EXTRA $2,500
for perfect score. The winner of the Open section also receives a replica
of the Edmondson Cup. Under 2300: $6,000-3,000-1,500-750-400-350-
300-250-250-250. Under 2100: $6,000-3,000-1,500-750-400-350-300-
250-250-250. Under 1900: $5,000-2500-1250-600-350-300-250-250-
250-250. Under 1700: $4,000-2,000-1,000-500-300-250-250-250-250-250.
Under 1500: 3000-1500-700-350-300-250-250-250-250-250. Under
1300: $2000-1,000-500-300-250-250-250, top under 1000 (no provisional)
$900. Unrated or Provisional Under 1000: 3 schedules with 6 rounds
per day $200-125-75 each day plus $300 overall (best 2 results). Plus
Score Bonus ($12,000 guaranteed) in addition to any other prizes,
every player with 3-1/2 points or more wins a $50 gift certificate. Plus
score certificates will be awarded on site only. Players age 14 and
under are eligible for best game prizes including the Freddie Award
and $400 in cash prizes (donated by Fred Gruenberg). Mixed Doubles:
best male/female combined 2-player team score: $1,500-750-350-250-
150. Teammates may play in different sections but must have average
rating below 2200. The Freddie: Players age 14 and under are eligible
for best game prizes including the Freddie Award and $400 in cash
prizes (donated by Fred Gruenberg). Unrated players may play only in
Unrated or Open Section. Provisionally rated players may not win more
than 40% of top prize in any under section; balance goes to next player(s)
in line. CCA minimum ratings or other ratings may be used if higher
than US Chess June Supplement. EF: $199 by 1/31, $225 by 6/3, $250
by 6/22, $280 later. $40 less for seniors 65 and over. $125 less for
players in only 1 unrated schedule, $60 less for 2 schedules. Add $125
for adults rated under 2200 or juniors under 2100 playing in the Open
Section. Reg 2 p.m.-10 p.m. Thursday, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Friday. Rds.: 11-
5:30, 10-4:30, 10-4:30. 2-day schedule: Reg.: 8:30-9 a.m. Saturday.
Rds.: 10-12-2 then merge with 3-day in round 4 at 4:30. Half point byes
available in any round; round 5 or 6 byes must be requested before the
start of round 2 and may not be cancelled. Chess sets and boards
provided for tournament play only, not for skittles. Please bring digital
chess clocks! The LAS VEGAS INTERNATIONAL CHESS FESTIVAL fea-
tures the National Open, the U.S Game/10 Championship, the U.S. Women’s
Open, the International Youth Championship, and other events. Many
free extras and surprises! Free parking. Free raffles with great prizes.
Free GM Lectures. Free GM analysis of your games. Free Daily Bulletins
and free commemorative DVD mailed to all participants. Grandmaster
Simuls and Chess Camp for all ages on Thursday. U.S. Women’s
Open Wednesday and Thursday. Walter Browne Memorial Blitz Thurs-
day 7:30 p.m. U.S. Game/10 Championship Monday morning. Youth
Tournaments Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Blitz Tournaments Saturday
& Sunday. Poker Tournament Thursday afternoon. Don’t be shut out
— make your reservations early and be sure to ask for the CHESS
M ixed doubles bonus prizes: Best
male-female 2-player combined score
among all sections: $2000-1000-600-400.
Student/Alumni plaques to top 5
teams of 4 (any sections) representing any
US college, HS, or pre-HS players attend
or have graduated from.
Top 7 sections entry fee: $120
online at chessaction.com by 11/25, $130
phoned to 406-896-2038 by 11/23, 3-day
$128, 2-day $127 mailed by 11/17, $140
at site, or online until 2 hrs before game.
Trophy sections entry fee: $41 at
chessaction.com by 11/25, $45 phoned to
406-896-2038 by 11/23 or mailed by
11/17, $50 at site or online to 8 am 11/28.
All: No checks at site, credit cards
OK. Re-entry (except Premier) $60.
Special US Chess membership with
magazine if paid online with entry fee:
Adult $30, Young Adult $20, Scholastic
$15. By mail, phone or at site, Adult 440,
Young Adult $30, Scholastic $20.
rates — $69 single or double ($89 Friday and Saturday nights) guarantees
a premium room with new furniture, refrigerator, flat screen TV and
more. The optional resort package including access to the Fitness Center,
free WI-FI, and more is substantially discounted for our group. Cutoff
for special hotel rate is June 3rd. (800) 732-7117 or www.VegasChess-
Festival.com/hotel. ENT Vegas Chess Festivals, PO Box 90925,
Henderson, NV 89009-0925, on line at www.VegasChessFestival.com.
Info: (702) 930-9550 and leave a message. FIDE.
Grand Prix
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
NOV. 7, OHIO
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10
“EARLY THANKSGIVING (19 DAYS)” PAWN STORM XXXII
4SS, G/60 d10, at Dayton Chess Club, 18 W. Fifth St., Dayton, OH 45402.
EF: $33 to 30 Oct then $43. EF $25 to 2200 or higher. GTD Prizes: Open
$300-200, U1900 $160-$50, U1600 $160-50. Reg.: 9:30-10:15. Rds.:
10:30-1:30-4:30-7:00. OGPx Event-OCA mbrs $3 disc. DCC mbrs $3 disc.
Mail EF to: Dayton Chess Club, 18 W. 5th St., Dayton, OH 45402 or register
online at www.daytonchessclub.com/ or call 937.461.6283 for info.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
NOV. 7-8, VIRGINIA
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20
20TH ANNUAL NORTHERN VIRGINIA OPEN!
5SS. A VCF Cup Event! US Chess and FIDE-rated. Site: Executive Con-
ference Center, 22685 Holiday Park Dr., Sterling, VA 20166. Hotel: Holiday
Inn Dulles, 703-471-7411, more info at www.vachess.org, chess rate
$69, reserve by Oct 16. PRIZE $$2800-GUARANTEED, $630, $350,
$270, $130, Top X/A-Unr/B/C/D/U1200 $220 each, Top Upset Sat &
Sun $50 each. Reg.: Online at www.vachess.org, Onsite Sat 11/7 8:00-
9:15. Rds.: Sat. 10-2:30-7, Sun. 10-4:30; TC: Sat G/115 d5, Sun. 40/120,
SD/30 d5. VCF mem required for VA residents, OSA. EF: $65 thru 11/3,
$75 after 11/3 and at site. Entries: www.vachess.org, or mail to Mike
Hoffpauir, ATTN: NoVA Open, 405 Hounds Chase, Yorktown, VA 23693-
3356. Contact: mhoffpauir@aol.com, info only.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
NOV. 13-15 OR 14-15, CALIFORNIA, NORTHERN
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 40 (ENHANCED)
BAY AREA CHESS NTD THOMAS LANGLAND CHAMPIONSHIP
1639A S. Main St., Milpitas, CA 95035. 5SS, G/90+30 2-day rds. 1-2 G/50
d5. Park free. Prize: 5,000 b/94 (70% guar). 3 sects: 2000+ (FIDE)
$1,000-500-200, u2300: 250-125-100. 1600-1999: $700-300-100, u1800:
200-100, u1600: $700-300-100 u1400: 125-100, u1200: 100. Unr max
$100 exc Open. Nov 15 Supp & TD disc. Reg:. F 6-6:45p & Sa 8:30-
8:45a. Rds.: F 7p, Sa 9 1:20, Su 10 2:30. (2-day Sa 9 11:10 & merge).
EF: 89, Econ EF: 69 w 60% prz, after 11/9 +20. Playup +20. Rated
2250+ $0 by 11/3 (prize - EF). Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/champs.
3-day schedule: Reg. Fri to 11 am, rds
Fri 12 & 6, Sat 12 & 6, Sun 10 & 3:30.
2-day U1200/up: Reg. Sat to 9 am, rds
Sat 10, 12:45, 3:30, 6; Sun 10 & 3:30.
2-day trophy sections: Reg Sat to 9
am, rds 10, 12:45 & 3:30 each day.
Half point byes OK all rds, limit 3,
Premier must commit before rd 2, others
before rd 4.
Bring set, board, clock if possible-
none supplied. Nov. ratings used (unofficial
usually used if otherwise unrated).
US Chess membership required.
Hotel rates: $102-102-127, 215-627-
1200, reserve by 11/12 Parking about
$30/day (Loews valet), $19/day (Park
America, 25 S 12th St), $5/day Sat & Sun
(1540 Spring St, near Sheraton Hotel).
Entry: chessaction.com or Continental
Chess, Box 8482, Pelham NY 10803. $15
charge for refunds. Entries posted at
chessaction.com (online entries posted
instantly). Blitz tournament Sat 10 pm.

US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
NOV. 13-15 OR 14-15, FLORIDA
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20
14TH ANNUAL TURKEY BOWL
5SS, Open section G/90+30 sec. incr., All other sections but U1100
G/120 d5, U1100 section G/90 d5 (2-day Option all sections Rd. 1
G/60 d5). La Quinta Inn and Suites, 3701 N. University Dr., Coral Springs.
$$7,300 b/200 paid entries, 60% min. Gtd. Open: $800/Trophy-500-
400, U2300 $300, U2200/Unr. $200. FIDE. U2050:$700/Trophy-400-300,
U1950 $200-100. U1750: $700/Trophy-400-300, U1650 $200-100. U1450:
$600/Trophy-350-250, U1350 $200-100. U1100: Trophies for 1st to 3rd,
1st U900, 1st U700, Medals to all others. Top Senior Prize (among all
cash prize sections, must be at least 55 on November 13): $200. Unr.
may enter Open, U1450 or U1100 only. EF: $79 by November 10, $10
more later and on-site, GMs & IMs free ($79 deducted from prize). U1100
section $39 by November 10, $10 more later and on-site. Re-entry cash
prize sections $40. Reg.: Ends 1/2 hr before 1st rd. Rds.: 3-Day 1st
Rd. Fri. 7:30; 2-Day 1st Rd. Sat 10; 2nd Rd. Sat. 1:15; 3rd Rd. all
sections but U1100 6:30, 3rd Rd. U1100 5:45; 4th Rd. Sun. 9:30; 5th
Rd. all sections but U1100 2:30, 5th Rd. U1100 1:45. 2 1/2 pt. byes, if
req’d before rd. 2. HR: $85 by Cut-off Date, Includes free breakfast &
Internet, 954-753-9000, Ext. 6. Ent: Boca Raton Chess Club, 2385 Executive
Ctr. Dr., Ste. 100, Boca Raton, FL 33431. $10 service charge for refunds.
Online entry & add’l info: www.bocachess.com, 561-479-0351.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
NOV. 13-15 OR 14-15, OHIO
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 150 (ENHANCED)
24TH ANNUAL KINGS ISLAND OPEN
5SS, 40/110, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Embassy
Suites Cincinnati Northeast, 4554 Lake Forest Dr., Blue Ash, OH 45242
(I-71 to Exit 15 or I-275N to Exit 47). Free parking. $$ 30,000 based on
350 paid entries (re-entries & U1000 Section count as half entries);
minimum $24,000 (80% of each prize) guaranteed. In 7 sections: Open:
$3000-1500-700-500-300, 1st on tiebreak $100 bonus, top U2300/Unr
$1600-800. FIDE. Under 2100: $2000-1000-500-400-300. Under 1900:
$2000-1000-500-400-300. Under 1700: $1800-900-500-300-200. Under
1500: $1500-800-400-300-200. Under 1250: $1200-600-400-300-200.
Under 1000: $800-400-250-150-100. Mixed doubles bonus prizes:
best male/female 2-player “team” combined score among all sections:
$1000-500-300. Team average rating must be under 2200; teammates
may play in different sections; teams must register (no extra fee) by 2
pm 11/14; prize limits do not apply to mixed doubles. Unrated prize
limits: U1000 $200, U1250 $400, U1500 $600, U1700 $800, U1900 $1000.
Balance goes to next player(s) in line. Top 6 sections EF: $115 online
at chessaction.com by 11/11, $125 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 11/9
(entry only, no questions), 3-day $118, 2-day $117 mailed by 11/4, $130
at site or online until 2 hours before game. GMs $100 from prize. Online
entry fee $5 less to OCA members. Under 1000 Section EF: all $50
25th annual NORTH AMERICAN OPEN
Dec 26-30, 26-29 or 27-29, Bally’s Las Vegas - GM/IM norms possible
$120,000 projected prizes, $90,000 minimum guaranteed!
Open Section: 9 rds, Dec 26-30,
40/2, SD/30, d10. Other sections: 7
rds, Dec 26-29, 40/2, SD/30, d10 (3-day
option, rds 1-2 G/60, d10), Bally's
Casino Resort, 3645 Las Vegas Blvd So,
Las Vegas NV 89103. Free parking.
7 sections. Prizes $120,000 based
on 600 entries (senior, re-entry, GM, IM,
WGM, U1250 count half), else in
proportion; minimum 75% each prize.
Open Section uses FIDE ratings, other
sections December USCF ratings.
Open: $10000-5000-2500-1200-
1000-800-600-500-400-400, clear or tie-
break win $200, top FIDE U2400/Unr
$2400-1200. FIDE rated, 200 GPP.
Under 2300: $7000-4000-2000-
1200-800-600-500-500-400-400.
Under 2100: $7000-4000-2000-
1200-800-600-500-500-400-400.
Under 1900: $7000-4000-2000-
1200-800-600-500-500-400-400.
Under 1700: $6000-3000-1500-
1000-800-600-500-500-400-400.
Under 1500: $5000-2500-1300-
1000-700-600-500-400-300-300.
Under 1250: $3000-1500-1000-
800-600-500-400-400-300-300, top
Under 1000 (no unr) $1000-500.
See previous issue for TLAs appearing November 1-14
less than above. All: No checks at site, credit cards OK. Re-entry $60;
not available in Open Section. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually
used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 year USCF dues with magazine if
paid with entry- online at chessaction.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20,
Scholastic $15. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult
$30, Scholastic $20. 3-day schedule: Reg. ends Fri 6 pm, rds Fri 7 pm,
Sat 11 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. 2-day schedule: Reg. ends Sat 10 am, rds.
Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. Byes: OK all; Open must commit by rd. 2,
others by rd. 3. HR: Suite with king bed & queen couch/bed $101, suite
with 2 beds & queen couch/bed $111, more than 2 in room $10 more
each additional person. Rates include free hot breakfast for all room occu-
pants and free wifi. Up to 4 people allowed in king suite, up to 6 in larger
suite. 513-733-8900, reserve by 10/30 or rate may increase. Car rental:
Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633, or reserve car online through
chesstour.com. Car rental is easiest & cheapest transportation from
Cincinnati Airport. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803
(chesstour.com, DirectorAtChess.US, 347-201-2269). $15 service charge
for refunds. Advance entries posted at chessaction.com (online entries
posted instantly). Blitz tournament Sat 9:30 pm, enter by 9:15 pm.
NOV. 13-15 OR 14-15, TEXAS
2015 U.S. CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 40
See Nationals.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
NOV. 14, NEW YORK
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15 (ENHANCED)
INAUGURAL SENECA LAKE OPEN
Geneva Events Center, 35 Lakefront Dr., Geneva, NY 14456. 4 Round
Swiss, G/60 d5 first 2 rds and G/90 d5 last 2 rds. 3 Sections: Open,
U1800, U1200. EF: $40 all sections, $25 youth under 18, Add $5 at door.
$1000 Guaranteed. $$ Open: 250, 150, 100; U1800: 150, 100, 50;
U1200: 100, 60, 40. Rds.: 10, 12, 2:15, 5:30. Entries to Jonathan
Porschet, 191 White Springs Rd., Geneva, NY 14456. Checks to Geneva
Chess. Questions: jporschet@gmail.com/.
NOV. 14, MARYLAND
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10
MARYLAND NOVEMBER ACTION
5SS, G/45;+5: incr. Rockville Hilton, 1750 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD
20852. All Prizes Guaranteed. 2 Sections: Open $300-$200-$100, U2000
$125. Under 1800 $250-$150-$75, U1600 $50. Sets, boards and clocks
provided. EF: $35 by 11/9, $40 later. Schedule: Reg. ends 10am, rds.
11:00-1:00-3:00-5:00-7:00. More information online http://mdchess.com.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
NOV. 14-15, CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15
2015 EUWE MEMORIAL
(A sponsored event) 6SS, G/61 d5. 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA 90025,
Prize limits: If under 26 games as of
12/15 official, U1250 $1500, U1500 or
U1700 $3000. Unr in U1250 $500, U1500
$900, U1700 $1300, U1900 $1800, U2100
$2500. If post-event rating posted 12/20/
14-12/20/15 was more than 30 pts over
section maximum, limit $2000.
Mixed doubles prizes: $2000-1000-
500-300-200. Male/female, any sections,
must average under 2200. Open, only rds 1-
7 count. Reg. by 3 pm 12/27 (no extra fee).
Top 6 sections entry fee: $275 at
chessaction.com by 12/23, $300 until 2
hours before game. $100 more in Open to
US players not FIDE or USCF 2200/over.
Mailed or phoned entries: see
Tournament Life or chesstour.com.
Entry fee at site: $300.
Special entry fee: all in U1250 Section
or Senior 65/over in U1500/up, $120 less.
Open Section GM, IM/WGM fees &
GM, foreign IM/WGM minimum prizes: see
Tournament Life or chesstour.com.
Re-entry (except Open): $120.
No checks at site; credit cards OK.
Special US Chess dues if paid online
with entry: Adult $30, Young Adult $20,
Scholastic $15. By mail, phone or at site:
Adult $40, Young Adult $30, Scholastic $20.
2nd fl. 1 Open section. EF: $70; $50 LACC members; No prizes 1/2,
spouses/siblings 1/2, new members 1/2, Free new LACC Life members.
Reg.: Sat 10-11:30 am. Register online for a free gift. Rds.: 12, 2, 4 pm
each day. Byes: Up to three 1/2-point byes available. 1-Day option I:
Play 1 day- no 1/2 pt byes- 1/2 EF. 1-Day option II: Play 1 day & receive
three 1/2 pt byes- Full EF. Prizes: $$1,500 (b/45) $750 Gtd. 1st-3rd
$400-200-100 U2000: $100. U1800: $200-100-$50; U1600: $100–50;
U1400: $100-50; U1200/unrated: $50. Info: Mick Bighamian: (310) 795-
5710; Mick@LAChessClub.com or www.LAChessClub.com. Parking:
Free on streets, BoA, or basement.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
NOV. 15, NEW JERSEY
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15 (ENHANCED)
DR. DAVID OSTFELD MEMORIAL ICA OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
Site: Bergen Academy, 200 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, NJ 07601. Open
to All Ages With Rating above 1400. 4SS, G/61 d5. Prize Fund 1st - 3rd
$300, $250, $200, U2200, U2000, U1800, U1600 each $100 Best Under
13 Years Old $75, Best Over 55 Years Old $75. Reg Ends at 9 AM Only one
1/2-point bye allowed, if requested before the start of round two. EF:
Adv (pmk. By Nov 11th) $40, AT Site $45. GMs Free Entry. INFO 201 287
0250 or chessdirector@icanj.net. $$b/40: Prize Fund Will Not Be Reduced
Below 70%. Rds.: 9:30 AM, 11:45 AM, 2:15 PM, 4:30 PM. ENT: Make EF
payable to: International Chess Academy. Mail To: Diana Tulman, 28
Canterbury Ln., New Milford, NJ 07646. INFO: www.icanj.net. W.
NOV. 17, NEW YORK
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10
MARSHALL MASTERS - NEW PRIZES, FIDE RAPID RATED!
4-SS, G/25 d5. Open to 2000+ players. FIDE Rapid rated. $750 GTD:
250-150-100. Top U2400 125, Top U2300 100, Biggest upset $25. EF:
$40, Mbr $30. GMs Free. Reg.: 6:15-6:45pm. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm.
Max one bye, for round 1 or 4 only. Request at entry. 23 W. 10th St.,
NYC. 212-477-3716, www.marshallchessclub.org.
NOV. 21, PENNSYLVANIA
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6
8TH ANNUAL DAVID ELLIOTT MEMORIAL CUP
5-SS, G/30 d5. One section. EF: $30, U1600/unrated $25, players 2450
and over free. Prizes ($$580 Gtd): 1st $250 + cup; 2nd $90 $; 2099-
1800 $80; 1799-1600 $80; U1600/unrated $80. Site: St. Luke’s Church,
417 N. 7th St., Allentown, PA. Park in lot - enter thru gate. Reg.: 10:15
to 11. Rds.: 11, 1:15, 2:30, 3:45; 5:00. Playoff for cup (if needed) 6:30
PM. Meet and greet w/ Elliott family between rds. 1 and 2. See kick-
starter.com to support event and reserve commemorative games booklet.
Questions: Eric C. Johnson 610-433-6518. No advance entries. Cash
on site only. See www.freewebs.com/allentowncentercitychessclub for
more details — rated events every week.
A Heritage Event!
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
NOV. 21-22, TENNESSEE
5-day late reg. ends 12/26 10 am,
rds 12/26-28 11 & 6, 12/29 10 & 4:30,
12/30 10 am.
4-day late reg. ends 12/26 5 pm,
Rds. 12/26 6 pm, 12/27-28 11 & 6,
12/29 10 am & 4:30 pm.
3-day late reg. ends 12/27 10 am,
Rds.12/27 11, 2:30 & 6, 12/28 11 & 6,
12/29 10 & 4:30.
Half-point byes: OK all, limit 4
(limit 2 in last 4 rds). Open must commit
before rd 2, others before rd 4.
Bring set, board, clock if possible-
none supplied. US Chess mem. required.
Unofficial uschess.org ratings
usually used if otherwise unrated.
Special room rate at Bally’s $92
single or twin. Reserve now at 800-833-
3308 or 702-739-4111. Rooms may sell
out about Nov 15.
Blitz tournament 12/29 10 pm.
$3000 GUARANTEED! Enter by 7 pm
12/29 for lowest fee.
Entr y : c h e s s action.com or
Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury
Mills NY 12577. $15 service charge for
refunds. Advance entries posted at
chessaction.com (online entries posted
instantly).
www.uschess.org 55
Tournament Life / November
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10
56TH MID-SOUTH OPEN
5SS, G/120 d5. $Guaranteed $2000 Prize fund. Site: Hyatt Place Memphis
- Wolfchase Galleria - 7905 Giacosa Pl., Memphis, TN USA, 38133, The
rate is $109.00 per night King or Double, Both room types have a sofa
that lets out to a sleeper. Reservations will be submitted via individual
call in. Group is listed as: Memphis Chess Club. Group may call the
hotel direct at 901-371-0010 or 1-888-492-8847, listen for New reservation
and touch # 2, Group Code G-CHES (can be used to book on line). Hotel
website: http://memphiswolfchasegalleria.place.hyatt.com/. Three
Sections: Open $325-225-125, 1st 2000-2199 $125, Top U2000 $100,
U1800 $225-125-75, 1500-1599 $100, Top U1500 $75 U1400 $150-100-
75, 1000-1199 $75, Top U1000 $50, Top UNR $50. EF: $50 by 11/17($60
at site, MCC members $50 anytime), On site registration begins Saturday,
8:00-9:15 CST. Rounds: Sat. 10:00, 2:30, 7:00, Sun. 9:00, 2:00. Email
contact: gpylant@gmail.com. Join online: http://memphischessclub.
homestead.com/midsouth56.html, Mail entries to: Memphis Chess Club
Inc., P.O. Box 17864, Memphis, TN 38187-0864.
NOV. 22, CALIFORNIA, NORTHERN
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 (ENHANCED)
CUPERTINO GRAND PRIX DUPERSWISS75 (3SS, G/75 D5)
Courtyard Marriott, Cupertino, CA 95014. Prizes: $1,500 b/55. 60%
guar. 1900+: $300-100-100, u2000 50-50. 1500-1899: $200-100-50,
u1600 50-50. u1500: $200-100-50, u1200 50-50. Nov 15 Supp & TD
disc. Reg.: 8-8:45. Rds.: 9-11:45-2:40. EF: 47, Econ 32 w 1/2 prz. after
11/19 +15, playup +15, Rtd 2200+ $0 by 11/12. Info: BayAreaChess.
com/grandprix. W.
A State Championship Event!
NOV. 22, PENNSYLVANIA
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6
2015 PA STATE GAME/15 CHAMPIONSHIP (QC)
7SS, G/15 d3. Wm. Pitt Union, Univ. of Pitt., 5th & Bigelow, Pittsburgh
PA 15213. 2 Sections: Champ: EF: $25 by 11/14, $35 later. $$ (690G):
$200-100, U2000 $90, U1800 $80, U1600 $70, U1400 $60, U1200 $50,
U1000 $40. Trophies: Top 3 U1400, Top 3 U1200, Top 3 U1000. Scholas-
tic: Grades K-12 unrated or U900. EF: $15 by 11/14, $25 later. Trophies
to Top 7, Top 3 U600. ALL: Trophies: Top 2 Schools, Top 2 Clubs. PSCF
$5, OSA. Reg.: 11-11:30am. Rds.: 12-12:45-1:30-2:15-3-3:45-4:30.
Ent/Info: PSCF, c/o Tom Martinak, 25 Freeport St., Pittsburgh, PA
15223-2245, 412-908-0286, W.
An American Classic!
A Heritage Event!
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
NOV. 26-29 OR 27-29, CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 150 (ENHANCED)
51ST ANNUAL AMERICAN OPEN
City of Orange. 8 rounds, 40/120, SD/55 d5. (3-day option, rounds 1-4,
G/60 d5). Site: Doubletree Hotel, 100 City Dr., Orange, CA 92868. Prizes:
$$50,000 based on 500 entries, $25,000 guaranteed. In 6 sections: Open
section: $5000-2500-1200-800-600-300, U2450/Unr. $1500-700-500,
top U2300/Unr. $800-400. Under 2200 section: $3000-1500-1000-500-
400-300. Under 2000 section: $3000-1500-1000-500-400-300. Under 1800
section: $3000-1500-1000-500-400-300. Under 1600 section: $3000-1500-
700-500-400-300. Under 1400/Unr: $2000-1000-500-300-200-100, U1200
$1000-500-300 (not a separate section; U1200s also eligible for U1400
prizes), Unrated: $300-200-100 (Unrateds in this section eligible for these
prizes only). Plus score bonus every player who finishes with 4-1/2
points or better who didn’t place in the money prize wins a $20 gift cer-
tificate towards chess store - redeemable only onsite. EF: $200 by Nov.
26th, register register by 11/25 save $15, $50 more for players rated
34th annual EMPIRE CITY OPEN
Dec 26-28 or 27-28, Hotel Pennsylvania
6 rounds, $13,000 GUARANTEED PRIZE FUND!
7th Ave & 32nd-33rd St, across from Penn Station, NYC. Choice
of 3-day or 2-day schedule. Plays Sat-Mon or Sun-Mon. In 6 sections:
Open Section: Prizes $1200-600-300-200, clear/tiebreak win $50 bonus,
top U2300/Unr $500-250. 80 GPP (enhanced).
Under 2200 Section: $1000-500-250-125, top U2000/Unr $500-250.
Under 1900 Section: $1000-500-250-125, top U1700 $400-200.
Under 1600 Section: $800-400-200-100, top U1400 $300-150.
Under 1300 Section: $500-250-125-75, top U1100 $200-100.
Under 1000 Section: $200-100-60-40 and 9 trophies.
Unrated limits: U1000 $100, U1300 $200, U1600 $350, U1900 $500.
M IXED DOUBLES BONUS PRIZES: $600-400-200.
FULL DETAILS: see “Grand Prix” in this issue or chesstour.com.
56 November 2015 | Chess Life
under 2000 playing in Open. All: SCCF membership required for So Cal
residents ($18 adults, $13 youth with print mag, $3 youth without mag).
Re-entry $100. No checks at door - cash only, credit card accepted for
a $10 fee. Schedule: 4-day schedule Reg. closes 11am on 11/26,
(Rounds 12:30-7:30, 12:30-7:30, 10-4:30, 10-4:30). 3-day schedule:
Reg. closes 9:30am on 11/27, Rounds. 11-2:30-5-8pm (G/60 min), sched-
ules merge in Rd. 5 and compete for common prizes. Bye: Two half
point byes OK for all round may be requested in advance. Lectures and
videos. LOW room rates! Five minutes away from Disneyland Theme
Park. HR: Mention SCC for $105 single or double, rates may go up after.
Call Doubletree (714) 634-4500. Request chess rates by mentioning
“CHESS” Cutoff is Oct 31st. Parking: $7 per day. Ratings: November US
Chess Rating Supplement used. CCA minimum ratings and TD discretion
are used to protect you from improperly rated players. Info: organizing
club - Chess Palace 714-899-3421, play@americanopen.org. Entry:
American Open, 5246 Lampson Ave., Garden Grove, CA 92845 or www.
AmericanOpen.org. W. FIDE
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
NOV. 26-29 OR 27-29, TEXAS
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 (ENHANCED)
2015 DCC FIDE OPEN XIII
7SS, G/90 with 30 sec inc. Dallas Chess Club, 200 S Cottonwood Dr. #C,
Richardson, TX 75080. Two sections: Open and Reserve. Two Schedules,
4 day or 3 day. Open Section $$875G. FIDE and US Chess rated but uses
FIDE rules. Use US Chess ratings and rules for awarding prizes. Default
late forfeiture time is one hour. TD may extend this time at TD’s discretion.
Note that Foreign players must disclose their FIDE ID number before
1st round in order to play. Note that USA Players with no FIDE ID must
disclose their email address. Open: $500-$250-$125. EF: $80, Senior/
Hcap/Additional Family Member $55. Small appearance fee to the First
three GM/IM’s who apply. GM/IM must play all rounds to get appearance
fee. Reserve: Open to US Chess U2000. This section is not Fide Rated
but is US Chess rated and uses US Chess rules. EF: $40. The Reserve
give back 10% in prizes and if at least 8 paid entries and if there is a
clear winner, then that winner receives free entry to next DCC Fide
Open. In the reserve section, Tournament reserves the right to use
Fide rules on electronic devices and on starting White’s clock at start
of a round and to use FIDE pairing rules. Both: Registration: 4 day
4:45 - 5:30 on Thurs 11/26. Rds.: Thurs 6 pm, Friday 2:30 pm, 7:00 pm,
Sat 11am -4:30pm, Sun 9:00am-2pm. Reg 3 day on Friday 9 am - 9:30
am, Rd 1 at 10 am then merge with 4 day. Two half point Bye allowed if
requested before end of round rd. 2 and before getting full point bye,
but half point byes for both rounds 6 AND 7 is not allowed. Withdrawals
and zero point last round byes are not eligible for prizes. ENT: Make/mail
Checks payable to Dallas Chess Club, C/O Barbara Swafford, 2709 Long-
horn Trail, Crowley, TX, 76036-4719. Info: 214-632-9000, info@dallas
chess.com. FIDE.
NOV. 27, NEW YORK
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6
MARSHALL $500 FIDE BLITZ (BLZ)
9-SS, G/3 d2. FIDE Blitz rated. $500: $200-100, top U2400/unr, U2200,
U2000, U1800: $50. Highest rating (regular, quick or blitz) used for
pairings & prizes. EF: $30, MCC Mbrs $20, GMs $20. Reg.: 6:15-6:45.
Rds.: 7-7:30-7:50-8:10-8:40-9-9:20-9:40-10pm. Max three byes. Request
at entry. www.marshallchessclub.org. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
NOV. 27-29, MISSOURI
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 100
THANKSGIVING OPEN (FIDE RATED)
10K Prize Fund. 6SS, G/90 + 30 second increment. Chess Club &
Scholastic Center of Saint Louis, 4657 Maryland Ave., Saint Louis, MO
63108. Free entries for GMs and IMs. EF: $110, $90 if registered by
11/23. Two Sections: Open (FIDE Rated) & U2000. Prize Fund: $10,000
UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED!! Open: $1500-$1000-$800-$650-
$300. Under 2300-$600-$400-$250. Under 2100-$350-$200. Under 2000
Section: $1000-$600-$350-$200. U1800: $500-$250. U1600: $400-$200.
U1400: $300-$150. Reg.: 11 am - 12:30m Friday 11/27. Rds.: Fri:1 pm,
6 pm Sat: 1 pm, 6 pm Sunday: 10:30 am, 4 pm Two 1/2 point byes if
declared before round 2. Ent: 4657 Maryland Ave., Saint Louis, MO
63108, or online at saintlouischessclub.org Info: info@saintlouischess
club.org, 314-361-CHESS.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
NOV. 27-29, NORTH CAROLINA
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10
TOBACCO ROAD FIDE OPEN
Triangle Chess Center, 5920 S. Miami Blvd. Ste 203. Durham, NC 27560.
HR: Comfort Suites, 5219 Page Rd. Durham, NC 27703. $69-79 (919)314-
1200. 5-SS, G/105 i/30. Reg.: Rds.: Fri 7pm or Sat. 9:30am (G/75 d5)
/ Sat. 1pm - 7pm / Sun. 9am - 3pm. Open only to players with a USCF
rating of 1800+ or with a FIDE rating. EF: $70 by Nov. 20 / $80 on site.
Prizes: $1600 b/32. $$500GTD - $$250 GTD - $$150 GTD - $$100 GTD
, X , u2000 USCF $200-$100 ea. Up to two half point byes available any
round, must request upon entry. http://chesspig.com/Tobacco_Road_
FIDE_Open.html. Make checks to RTCC, send to the Chess Center. Info:
Jeff Jones (919)270-9948 , coachpigjones@aol.com
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
NOV. 27-29, OHIO
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 60
CLEVELAND CLASSIC
5 Rounds, 30/90, SD/60 d5. At Sheraton Cleveland Airport Hotel, 5300
Riverside Drive (inside Cleveland Airport), Cleveland, OH 44135. Free
parking. All Prizes ($6000) Guaranteed in 5 Sections. Open: $2000-
700, top U2300/Unrated $500. U-2100, U1800, U1500: $500-$200.
U-1200: $400-200 (top U1000 $100). EF: $90 by 11/23, $100 at site.
Free to GMs, IMs & WGMs, no prize deduction. Re-entry: $40. Register
online at www.progresswithchess.org Schedule: Reg. Ends Fri 10:45
am. Rds. Fri 11- 5, Sat 10- 4, Sun 9 am. All: Half point byes OK, excluding
round 5, limit 1, must commit before Rd. 2. HR: $74, 216-267-1500, request
chess rate. Contact: Michael Joelson, 216-321-7000, mdjoelson@pro
gresswithchess.org
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
NOV. 27-29, WISCONSIN
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6
WM. MARTZ MEMORIAL/NORTH CENTRAL OPEN
6-SS. TC: Rds. 1-4, 6 45/2, SD/1 d5; Rd. 5 G/120 d5. America’s Best
Value Inn, 809 Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54701 715-834-6611.
HR: $54.95 one bed, $64.95 two beds. Reg.: 10:30-11:30. Rds.: 12-6,
10-5, 10-3. EF: $40 if received by 11/25, $45 at site. $$ b/50 1st $400,
2nd $250, 3rd $160, A $140, B $130, C $120, D $110, E $100, U1000
$90. Ent: Guy Hoffman, 1305 D Tompkins Dr., Madison, WI 53716-3279.
Checks payable to WCA. 920-279-0701. schachfuhrer@hotmail.com A
Wisconsin Tour event.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
NOV. 27-29 OR 28-29, MICHIGAN
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 60 (ENHANCED)
2015 MOTOR CITY OPEN
with Co-Sponsorship from Michigan Chess Festival, LLC. 6-SS,
4-SS in NOVICE (U1000) Section. 4 Sections: OPEN, U1800, U1400,
NOVICE (U1000). OK to play up. Top Section FIDE-Rated. IM or FM
LECTURE on Fri, 11/27, 5-6pm ($10) and Sat, 11/28, 5-6pm ($10).
Prize Fund: $10,000. 80% Guar. (b/50 per section). SITE: Regency-
Dearborn Hotel and Convention Center, 600 Town Center Dr.,
Dearborn, MI 48126 (Dir/Lodg below). All Sections except U1000
have 2-Day & 3-Day Schedules. No Re-Entries in OPEN or NOVICE Sec-
tions. Up to three 1/2-pt. byes available (2 in NOVICE Sect.); must be
requested before start of RD. 4 (RD. 3 in NOVICE Sect.). Sections merge
after RD. 3. Unrated eligible for Overall prizes ONLY in all sections; can
play in any section. USCF and a STATE memberships required; can be
purchased on site. EF by Mon., 11/16 (add $10 after; add $20 after
Mon, 11/23): OPEN SECTION: IM’s and GM’s Free ($100 EF deducted
from prize): 3-DAY: $113. 2-DAY: $112. No Re-Entries Allowed.
U1800 SECTION: 3-DAY: $83. 2-DAY: $82. Re-Entries: $50. U1400
SECTION: 3-DAY: $63. 2-DAY: $62. Re-Entries: $40. NOVICE (U1000)
SECTION (1-Day 0nly): $30. No Re-Entries Allowed. TL: OPEN,
U1800, U1400 SECTIONS: 3-Day Schedule: RDS. 1-6, 40/120 d5,
SD/30. 2-Day Schedule: RDS. 1-3, G-40 d5.RD. 4-6, 40/120 d5, SD/30.
NOVICE (U1000) SECTION: 1-Day Schedule (Sat. only): G/45 d5.
REG: 3-Day Schedule: Fri, 11/27, 8-10am. 2-Day Schedule: Sat,
11/28, 8-9:30am. 1-Day Schedule: Sat, 11/28, 8-9am. RDS: 3-Day
Schedules: Fri, 11am, 6pm. Sat, 11am, 6pm. Sun, 10am, 3:30pm. 2-
Day Schedules: Sat, 10:30, 12:30, 2:30, 6. Sun, 10am, 3:30pm. 1-Day
Schedule (4-SS): Sat, 10, 12, 2, 4. $$10,000 OVERALL (80% guar.
b/50 each section): OPEN: $4,400 1st-2nd-3rd, $1,500-$800-$500; TOP
U2400, U2200, U2000, U1800/UNR: $400 each. U1800: $3,300: 1st-
2nd-3rd, $1,200-$700-$400; 1st-2nd, TOP U1600, U1400/UNR: $300-$200.
U1400: $2,300: 1st-2nd-3rd, $700-$450-$350; 1st-2nd TOP U1200, U1000/
UNR, $250-$150. NOVICE: Large Trophies for TOP 5 Overall and Trophies
for 1st, 2nd: TOP U800, U600, U500, and UNR. Medals to all non-Trophy
winners in U1000 section scoring 2.5 pts or more! Biggest Upset in
OPEN, U1800 and U1400 sections win choice of Mechanical or Quartz
Clock! Chief Sr. TD: Dr. Ed Mandell. Bring boards, pieces, clocks!
None supplied except for Novice section; sets/supplies will be available
for sale by Book Vendor on site. Cell phones must be turned off or in
silent mode while in tournament rooms. INFRACTION: deduct 1/2 the
remaining time or game forfeiture if less than 10 minutes remaining on
clock; automatic forfeiture for 2nd infraction. Spectators will be subjected
to expulsion for the remainder of the event for any offense. Headphones
cannot be used if opponent objects for any reason and cannot be used
in the last round by players with a plus score. Player must be willing to

present same to TDs for examination at any time. Failure to do so will
result in removal from tournament without refund. Rules Posted at
Site. LODG, DIR: Regency-Dearborn Hotel and Convention Center,
600 Town Center Dr., Dearborn, MI 48126. Located N of Michigan
Ave., S of Hubbard St., E of Evergreen Rd., W of Southfield Rd. For
maps, go online to: www.mapquest.com or www.yahoo.com and click
on Maps. Reservations: Go online to www.adobadearborn.com or
call (313) 592-3622. Ask for the MOTOR CITY OPEN Chess rate ($92)
by Nov. 13, 2015. Entries & Info: Dr. Ed Mandell, All The King’s Men.
(586) 558-4790. Email: allthekingsmench@aol.com.
An American Classic!
A Heritage Event!
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
NOV. 27-29 OR 28-29, PENNSYLVANIA
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 150 (ENHANCED)
46TH ANNUAL NATIONAL CHESS CONGRESS
6SS, 40/110, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-3 G/45 d10). Trophy
sections play separate 2-day schedule only, 11/28-29, G/45 d10. Loews
Philadelphia Hotel, 1200 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19107. $35,000
GUARANTEED PRIZE FUND. In 10 sections. Premier, open to all rated
2000/above and juniors under 18 rated 1800/above. $3000-1500-800-
400-200, clear win or 1st on tiebreak $100, U2400/Unr $1600-800.
FIDE. Under 2200: $2000-1000-500-300-200. Under 2000: $2000-1000-
500-300-200. Under 1800: $2000-1000-500-300-200. Under 1600:
$2000-1000-500-300-200. Under 1400: $1600-800-400-300-200. Under
1200: $1600-800-400-300-200. Under 1000: Trophies to top 10. Under
800: Trophies to top 10. Scholastic Under 600: K-12 only, trophies to
top 10. Unrated may not win over $300 in U1200, $600 in U1400, $900
in U1600, $1200 in U1800, or $1500 in U2000. Mixed doubles prizes:
best male-female 2-player “team” combined score among all sections:
$2000-1000-600-400. Team average must be under 2200; teamates
may play in different sections; teams must register (no extra fee) before
both players begin round 2. Student/Alumni plaques to top 5 teams
of 4 (regardless of section) representing any U.S. college, HS or pre-HS
players attend or have graduated from. Top 7 sections entry fee:
$120 online at chessaction.com by 11/25, $130 phoned to 406-896-
2038 by 11/23 (entry only, no questions), 3-day $128, 2-day $127 mailed
by 11/17, $140 at site, or online until 2 hours before game. GMs free,
$100 deducted from prize. Re-entry $60, not available in Premier. Under
1000, Under 800, Under 600 entry fee: $41 online at chessaction.com
by 11/25, $45 phoned by 11/23 (406-896-2038, no questions) or mailed
by 11/17, $50 at site. All: No checks at site, credit cards OK. No mailed
credit card entries. Special 1 year USCF dues with paper magazine if
paid with entry. Online at chessaction.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20,
Scholastic $15. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult
$30, Scholastic $20. 3-day schedule: Reg. ends Fri 11 am, rds. Fri 12
& 6, Sat 12 & 6, Sun 10 & 3:30. 2-day top 7 sections schedule: Reg.
ends Sat. 9 am, rds. Sat 10, 12:45, 3:30 & 6, Sun 10 & 3:30. 2-day
Under 1000, Under 800, Under 600 schedule: Reg. ends Sat 9 am,
rds. Sat 10, 12:45 & 3:30 each day. Half point byes OK all rounds; limit
3, Premier must commit before rd. 2, others before rd. 4. HR: $102-
102-127, 215-627-1200, reserve by 11/12 or rate may increase. Parking:
Hotel has valet parking only, with a special chess rate of $30/day. Park
America, 25 S. 12th St (12th & Clover), 1 block from Loews, about
$19/day each day, or $10/12 hrs Sat & Sun. Gateway Garage, 1540
Spring St. (3/5 mile from Loews, 1 block from Sheraton Hotel), about
$5/day Sat & Sun, $18/day other days. Car rental: 800-331-1600, use
AWD D657633 or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Ent: ches-
saction.com or Continental Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. $15
service charge for refunds. Questions: chesstour.com, chesstour.info,
347-201-2269. Advance entries posted at chessaction.com. (online
entries posted instantly). Blitz tournament Sat 10 pm; enter by 9:45
pm. US Chess Junior Grand Prix for top 7 sections only.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
NOV. 27-29 OR 28-29, WASHINGTON
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10
WASHINGTON CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS
6SS, 40/120, SD/30 d10, 2-Day Option, Rds. 1-3, G/60 d10. North Seattle
Community College, 9600 College Way North, Seattle, WA 98103.
$6,000/b150. Medal only entry fee count as half entries. 7 Sections,
MASTER (2200/up), $500-350-175 (U2300: $100-75), EXPERT (2000-
2199), $400-275-150 (U2100: $100-75), CLASS A (1800-1999),
$300-200-125 (U1900: $100-75), CLASS B (1600-1799), $300-200-125
(U1700: $100-75), CLASS C (1400-1599), $300-200-125 (U1500: $100-
75), CLASS D (1200-1399), $300-200-125 (U1300: $100-75), CLASS E
(1000-1199), $200-125-100, (U1000: $100, U800/Unr: $75). Unrated
players may only win 1st-3rd in MASTER or Unrated prize in CLASS E.
Foreign ratings used for players with no USCF rating. EF: MASTER $135,
EXPERT $125, CLASS A to D $115, Class E $105. Deduct $15 if postmarked
or online by 11/22. Deduct $25 if postmarked or online by 10/31. Rated
players may play up one class only, add $30 to EF. Special Medal Only
EF (Juniors U21): $55 by 10/31, $60 by 11/22, $65 at site. Free entry
for GMs, IMs, WGMs. 3-Day Schedule: Registration Fri (11/27) 8:30-
9:30 am. Rds.: Fri 10:30 am & 5 pm, Sat 10:30 am & 5:30 pm, Sun 9 am
& 3:30 pm. 2-Day Schedule: Registration Sat (11/28) 8-8:30 am. Rds.:
Sat 9:00 am, 11:45 am, 2:30 pm then merges with 3-Day Schedule. Bye:
limit 2, request before end of Rd. 2. ENT: Checks payable to Washington
Chess Federation. Mail to: Dan Mathews, 749 Somerset Lane, Edmonds,
WA 98020-2646. Info: danomathews01@gmail.com, 425-218-7529.
Enter online: www.nwchess.com/onlineregistration. W.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
NOV. 27-29 OR 28-29, CALIFORNIA, NORTHERN
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 60 (ENHANCED)
CLASS WARFARE CHAMPIONSHIP
6SS 40/120 SD/30 d5 (2-day rd.1-3 G/61 d5 merge in rd.4). Santa Clara
Convention Center, 5001 Great America Pkwy., Santa Clara, CA 95054.
Park free Prize: $14,000 b/187 (70% guar). 6 sects: Open (2100+FIDE
rated): $2,000 1,000 500 200, u2300 300 150. 1900-2099: $1000-500-
200-150-120. 1700-1899:$1000-500-200-150-120. 1500-1699: $1000-
500-200-150-120. 1300-1499: $1000-500-200-150-120.u1300: $1000-
See previous issue for TLAs appearing November 1-14
500-200-150-120. Unr max $200 exc in Open. EF by 11/26: 109. Econ: 1639A S. Main St., Milpitas, CA 95035. Prizes: $1,500 b/55. 60% guar.
89 & 70% calc prize (not avail in Open). Onsite +20, Playup +20. r/e 1900+: $300-100-100, u2100 50-50. 1500-1899: $200-100-50, u1700
40. Rfnd fee 20. GMs/IMs free by 11/19: prize-EF. Nov 15 Supp, CCA 50-50. u1500: $200-100-50, u1250 50-50. Dec 15 Supp & TD disc. Reg.
min, & TD disc to place players. Sched: 3-day Reg. F 10-11, Rds. F/Sa 9-9:15. Rds. 9:30 11:50 2:30 5 EF: 43, Ecn 29 w 1/2 prz. after 12/3
11:30 5:30, Su 10 3:30; 2-day Reg. Sa 9-9:30, Rds. Sa 10 12:30 2:50 +15, playup +15, Rtd 2200+ $0 by 11/26. Info: BayAreaChess.com/
5:30, Su 10 3:30. Any # 1/2-pt byes, Rd. 5, 6 byes must comn bef rd. 1. grandprix.
Ent: Online or mail. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/tg. E: ask@BayArea
Chess.com. T: 408.409.6596. W.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
DEC. 11-13, MISSOURI
US Chess Junior Grand Prix! TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30
NOV. 28-29, NEW YORK 2015 CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP (FIDE RATED)
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 5/SS, G/90 + 30 second increment. Chess Club & Scholastic Center of
MARSHALL NO-DRAWS THANKSGIVING - NEW! Saint Louis, 4657 Maryland Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63108. Free entries
6-SS, G/75 d10. No Draws! If a game ends in a draw by any means, for GMs, IMs and those that successfully qualified in 2015. EF: $50,
the players will switch colors and play another game with the remaining $40 for annual members of the club if registered by 12/10. PF: $3,075
time on the clock. This continues until there is a winner. *Only the first Unconditionally Guaranteed!! $750-$500-$350. Top U2200: $300. Top
game will be counted for US Chess rating* $1,500 Gtd: $700-350, U2000: $275. Top U1800 $240. Top U1600 $225. Top U1400 $200. Top
U2300: $150, U2000: $150, U1700: $150. EF: $90, MCC Mbrs $60. GMs U1200 $160 Biggest Upset: $75. Reg.: Fri 3pm - 6pm. Round Times:
Free, Mbr EF reduced from prizes. Reg.: Ends 15 min before round Friday: 7 Saturday: 11, 5. Sunday: 10, 3:30. Two 1/2 point byes if
start. Rds.: Sat. & Sun. 12:30-3:45-7:00pm. Two byes available, request declared before round 2. Winner of event will have name engraved on
at entry. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716, www.marshallchessclub.org. Club Championship Trophy that is displayed in Club year round. Ent:
4657 Maryland Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63108, or online at saintlouis-
US Chess Junior Grand Prix! chessclub.org. Information: 314-361-CHESS, info@saintlouischess
NOV. 28-29, TEXAS club.org.
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6
SAN ANTONIO TURKEY SHOOT DEC. 12, CONNECTICUT
Hornbeak Bldg, 4450 Medical Dr., San Antonio, TX 78229. 5SS, Rd. 1 TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6
and 2. G/90 d5, Rds. 3-5 40/2 S/D1 d5. $$(1500 b/40): Open Section: 2015 GREATER NEW HAVEN OPEN!
$300-150-125-100, Under 1800 $200-125-100-75, Under 1400/UNR at Foote School, $$1000 Prize Fund b/30. Open, U1700: 4/SS, G/60 d5.
$100-75-50-25. UNR $50. EF: $45 if rec’d by 11/26, $50 at site ($40 Rds.: 9-11-1:30-3:30, Rds. 1 & 2 accl’rtd pairings if necessary. U1200,
SACC members if received by 11/26: Option play for 1/2 prizes: $23. U1000, U800/UNR: 5SS, G/30 d5, Rds.: 10am then ASAP. Prizes: Open:
by 11/26, $28 at the door.) EF: Jr U19 entry $23 if rec’d by 11/26 or $300 + trophy, $200, $100, $100, 2 x $50. U1700 $100 + trophy, $50,
$28 at site. Option play and Jr U19 entry count 2/3 toward “based $50 b/30. Trophies to top 5 U1200, U1000, U800/Unrated, top 3 school
on”. Reg.: 9:00-9:45. Rds.: 10-1:30-5; 9-3; Half-pt bye any 1 rd before teams. EF: $40 Online, $50 by 12/4, $80 on site. Reg.: 8:30-9:30 or EF
Rd. 2 is paired, Swap and shop used books, equip, 8:30-9:30 Ent: SACC, to: Educational Technologies, 343 Beach St. #404, West Haven, CT.
PO BOX 690576, San Antonio, TX 78269-0576. Info: sanantoniochess.com, 06516. Online EF www.edutechchess.com or www.CTChess.com
Ph: 210-384-4797, E-mail: lhrlouis@yahoo.com. W. DEC. 12, MARYLAND
A Heritage Event! TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10
DEC. 6, MASSACHUSETTS MARYLAND DECEMBER ACTION
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 (ENHANCED) 5SS, G/45;+5: incr. Rockville Hilton, 1750 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD
HARRY NELSON PILLSBURY MEMORIAL 20852. All Prizes Guaranteed. 2 Sections: Open $300-$200-$100, U2000
4SS, G/60 d5. Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel, 181 Boston Post Road $125. Under 1800 $250-$150-$75, U1600 $50. Sets, boards and clocks
West, Marlboro MA (I-495, exit 24B, Rt. 20W, one mile from exit). 508- provided. EF: $35 by 11/9, $40 later. Schedule: Reg. ends 10am, rds.
460-0700 or 888-543-9500. $$ 1,400 b/55 paid entries ($20 off entries 11:00-1:00-3:00-5:00-7:00. More information online http://mdchess.com.
count half), 60% G. 3 sects. Open: $350-150, top U2110 $150. Under US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
1910: $200-100, top U1710 $100. Under 1510: $150-100, top U1310
DEC. 12-13, TEXAS
$100. Trophies to top U1100, U900, Unrated. All: Unrated can play in
any sect. but can’t win more than $50 in U1510 or $100 in U1910. TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 (ENHANCED)
Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. EF: 2015 DCC FIDE OPEN XIV
5SS, G/90 inc/30. Dallas Chess Club, 200 S Cottonwood Dr. #C, Richard-
$39 if mailed by 12/1 or online by 12/4, $45 at site. $20 discount to
players in U1510 sect. rated under 1100 or unrated. GMs and IMs free. son, TX 75080. Two sections: Open and Reserve. Open: $$875G. FIDE
and US Chess rated but uses FIDE rules. Use US Chess ratings and
Reg.: 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Rds.: 10-1-3:30-6. Bye: O.K. all, limit 1, must
commit before rd. 2, no half point byes for players receiving full point rules for pairings and for awarding prizes. Default late forfeiture time
is one hour. TD may extend this time at TD’s discretion. Note that
byes. Ent.: payable to MACA and mail to Robert Messenger, 4 Hamlett
Dr., Apt. 12, Nashua, NH 03062 or enter online at www.MassChess.org. Foreign players must disclose their FIDE ID number before 1st round
in order to play. Note that USA Players with no FIDE ID must disclose
Info: email to info@masschess.org or phone 603-891-2484. Day of the
tournament phone 603-557-1732. W. their email address.$$ $500-$250-$125. EF: $80, Senior/Hcap/Birthday
during tournament/Additional Family Member $55. Small appearance
US Chess Junior Grand Prix! fee to the First three GM/IM’s who apply. GM/IM must play all rounds
DEC. 6, CALIFORNIA, NORTHERN to get appearance fee (appearance fee might be deducted from prize).
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 (ENHANCED) Reserve: Open to players rated below 2000 US Chess. This section is
BAY AREA CHESS GRAND PRIX SUPER SWISS (4SS, G/61 D5) not Fide Rated but is US Chess rated and uses US Chess rules. EF: $40.
42nd Annual Eastern Open
Over $14,000 in prizes! Over 50 prizes awarded! Special Prizes!
December 26-29, 27-29, 26 or 27, 2015
7 Rd. Swiss in 5 Sections: Open section prizes guaranteed.
Other section prizes based on 40 paid entries in each section.
Open: $2,000-1,000-500 U2350: $500 FIDE rated GPP 100
Under 2200: $1,000-500-250 U2050: $400
Under 1900: $1,000-500-250 U1750: $400
Under 1600: $1,000-500-250 U1450: $400
Under 1300: $750-400-200 U1150: $300
Under 1000 New: 12/26 - 5 rds. $400-200-100, Upsets U800: $100
Scholastic New (Open, U1000, U700): 12/27 4 rds. Trophies, book prizes, memb.
Blitz Championship: Sat 12/26 -- 1-4:30 pm. 75% payout from paid entries.
CONVENIENT LOCATION: Doubletree Hotel, Bethesda MD 8120 Wisconsin Ave
Only $79/night!! (2 mi. S from I-495; 4 blks N of Bethesda Metro) 1-888-370-0998
Parking: Hotel valet is $10 if overnight or $5 if day! Free pkg nearby on wkend!
Restaurants: Pizza, deli, burgers, brew pub, kabob, Mexican, Chinese, Indian, etc.
Full Details: See TLA Grand Prix section this issue or easternopenchess.com.
www.uschess.org 57
Tournament Life / November
The Reserve give back 10% in prizes and if at least 8 paid entries and if
there is a clear winner, then that winner receives free entry to next
DCC Fide Open. In the reserve section, Tournament reserves the right
to use Fide rules on electronic devices and on starting White’s clock at
start of a round and to use FIDE pairing rules. Both: Reg.: 12/12 from
9:45–10:15am. Rds.: Sat 10:45 am-3:10pm-7:16pm, Sun 9:45 am-2:10pm.
One half point Bye allowed if requested before end of round rd. 2 and
before getting full point bye. Withdrawals and zero point last round
byes are not eligible for prizes. Note that house players (if required)
must pay $2 per round and be US Chess members. ENT: Make/mail
Checks payable to Dallas Chess Club, C/O Barbara Swafford, 2709 Long-
horn Trail, Crowley, TX 76036-4719. Info: 214-632-9000, info@dallas
chess.com. FIDE.
DEC. 15, NEW YORK
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10
MARSHALL MASTERS
4-SS, G/25 d5. Open to 2000+ players. $725 GTD: 250-150-100. Top
U2400 100, Top U2300 75, Biggest upset $50. EF: $40, Mbr $30. GMs
Free. Reg.: 6:15-6:45pm. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. Max one bye, for
round 1 or 4 only. Request at entry. www.marshallchessclub.org. 23 W.
10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
DEC. 18-20 OR 19-20, CALIFORNIA, NORTHERN
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 40 (ENHANCED)
BAY AREA CHESS GM SAM SEVIAN CHAMPIONSHIP
1639A S. Main St., Milpitas, CA 95035. 5SS, G/90+30, 2-day rds. 1-2
G/50 d5. Park free. Prize: 5,000 b/94 (70% guar). 3 sects: 2000+
(FIDE) $1,000-500-200, u2300: 250-125-100. 1600-1999: $700-300-
100, u1800: 200-100, u1600: $700-300-100 u1400: 125-100, u1200:
100. Unr max $100 exc Open. Dec 15 Supp & TD disc. Reg.: F 6-6:45p &
Sa 8:30-8:45a. Rds.: F 7p, Sa 9 1:20, Su 10 2:30. (2-day Sa 9 11:10 &
merge). EF: 89, Econ EF: 69 w 60% prz, after 12/15 +20. Playup +20.
Rated 2250+ $0 by 12/4 (prize - EF). Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/
champs.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
DEC. 19-21, TEXAS
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 50 (ENHANCED)
2015 DALLAS ABSOLUTE
5SS, G/90 with 30 sec increment. Dallas Chess Club, 200 S. Cottonwood
Dr. #C, Richardson, TX 75080. FIDE and US Chess rated but uses FIDE
rules. Use US Chess ratings and rules for awarding prizes. Note that
Foreign players must disclose their FIDE ID number before 1st round
in order to play. Note that USA Players with no FIDE ID must disclose
their email address. Default late forfeiture time is one hour. TD may
extend this time at TD’s discretion. EF: US Chess +2400 $90, US Chess
2200-2400(or if you ever been rated 2200 US Chess) $105, Fide rated
2000 and above is $120, U2200 US Chess/U2000Fide $150. US Chess
Membership Required. Dallas Chess Club membership required, but
58 November 2015 | Chess Life
players can pay a $10 tournament membership. Note that highest
finishing Dallas Chess Club member is Club Champion. $$b/25: 70%
Guaranteed. $1600-800-400-200. U2400 $500. Reg.: 12/19: 11:00am-
12:01 pm. Rds.: 12/19 12:30pm, 5:30 pm. 12/20: 11am, 4:30 pm. 12/21
9:30 am. 1 bye if requested before end of round 2. Players who withdraw
or take a last round zero point bye are ineligible for prizes. ENT:
Make/mail Checks payable to Dallas Chess Club, C/O Barbara Swafford,
2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX, 76036-4719. INFO: Barb Swafford,
214-632-9000 info@dallaschess.com, www.dallaschess.com. FIDE.
A Heritage Event!
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
DEC. 26-28 OR 27-28, NEW YORK
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 80 (ENHANCED)
34TH ANNUAL EMPIRE CITY OPEN
6SS, 40/110, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-3 G/40 d10). Hotel Penn-
sylvania, 401 Seventh Ave. (32nd-33rd St., across from Penn Station),
New York 10001. $13,000 guaranteed prize fund. In 6 sections. Open:
$1200-600-300-200, clear or tiebreak win $50 bonus, top Under 2300/Unr
$500-250. Under 2200: $1000-500-250-125, top U2000/Unr $500-250.
Under 1900: $1000-500-250-125, top U1700 (no unr) $400-200. Under
1600: $800-400-200-100, top U1400 (no unr) $300-150. Under 1300:
$500-250-125-75, top U1100 (no unr) $200-100. Under 1000: $200-100-
60-40, trophies to first 5, top Under 800, Under 600, Under 400, Unrated.
Unrated may not win over $100 in U1000, $200 in U1300, $350 U1600,
or $500 U1900. Mixed doubles bonus prizes: best male/female 2-
player “team” combined score among all sections: $600-400-200. Team
average must be under 2200; teammates may play in different sections;
teams must register at site (no extra fee) before both players begin
round 2; teammate pairings avoided but possible. Top 4 sections EF:
$105 online at www.chessaction.com by 12/24, $115 phoned by 12/22
(406-896-2038, no questions), 3-day $113, 2-day $112 if check mailed
by 12/17, all $120 at site, or online until 2 hours before rd. 1. GMs free;
$90 from prize. Under 1300 Section EF: All $30 less than top 4 sections
EF. Under 1000 Section EF: All $60 less than top 4 sections EF. All:
Re-entry $50, not available in Open. Online EF $5 less to NYSCA members;
$12 NYSCA dues may be paid with entry fee. No checks at site, credit
cards OK. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise
unrated. Special 1 year USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry.
Online at chessaction.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20, Scholastic $15.
Mailed, phoned or at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30, Scholastic $20.
3-Day Schedule: Reg. ends Sat 10 am. Rds. Sat 11 & 5, Sun 11 & 5,
Mon 10 & 3:30. 2-Day Schedule: Reg. ends Sun 9 am. Rds. Sun 10,
12:15, 2:30 & 5, Mon 10 & 3:30. Half point byes available all rounds,
limit 2 byes, Open must commit before rd. 2, others before rd. 4. HR:
$159-169-179 plus required $15/night facility fee, 1-800-223-8585, 212-
736-5000, reserve by 12/7 (earlier is better) or rate will increase, ask
for Continental Chess Association rate. Facility fee includes high speed
wireless in room, unlimited local & long distance calling, and unlimited
use of Ballys Total Fitness located next door to the hotel. 3/10 mile
walk from site is Wyndam New Yorker Hotel, HR $278-296 as of Sep-
tember (may increase), www.newyorkerhotel.com. 3/10 mile walk from
site is Wyndham New Yorker Hotel, HR $278-296 as of September (may
increase), www.newyorkerhotel.com.Ent: chess action.com or Continental
Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: chesstour.com,
DirectorAtChess.US, 347-201-2269. $15 service charge for refunds.
Advance entries posted at www.chessaction.com (online entries posted
instantly). Blitz tournament Sunday 9:30 pm, enter by 9:15 pm.
A Heritage Event!
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
DEC. 26-28, GEORGIA
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20
45TH ANNUAL ATLANTA OPEN
6-SS. Interactive College of Technology, 5227 New Peachtree Rd., Cham-
blee, GA 30341. $10,000 b/160, 55% Guaranteed. In 7 sections:
Championship: FIDE and US Chess rated. Must be 2000 and above to
enter. $1000-600-500, u2200- $700-300-150-100. Under 2000: FIDE
and US Chess rated. Must be 1750 to enter. $700-300-150-100, u1900-
$150. Under 1800: $700-300-150-100, u1700- $150. Under 1600: $600-
300-150-100, u1500- $150. Under 1400: $600-300-150-100, u1300-
$150. Under 1200: $600-300-150-100, u1100- $100. Unrated: (not part
of base). Trophies to top 7. Time Controls: Championship and Under
2000: G/100 w/30 sec. inc. Other sections: G/120 d5. Entry Fees: $81
if received by 12/23; $87 at site, GMs an IMS free. Juniors under 19 $6
less. Unrateds: $30. Reentry except Championship section $40. Bye all
rounds (limit 2), must commit before 1st round. May play up one section
except Championship or Under 2000. Registration: ends11 am. Rounds:
12 - 4, 10 - 3, 10 -3. Blitz Championship: 5-rd. Double Swiss. Registration:
Up to 8:15 pm - starts Sunday 12/27 - 1st round 8:30 pm, then as soon
as possible. $850 b/39 paid entries TC: G/7 d0. Advance Entry; $30;
$35 at door. 1st- $200, 2nd- $150; u2000, u1800, u1600, u1400 each
$125. Other events will happen. Info: americanchesspromotions.com
or (478)-973-9389. Enter: American Chess Promotions, 3055 General
Lee Rd., Macon, GA 31204 or preferred Register Online.
A Heritage Event!
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
DEC. 26-29, 27-29, 26 OR 27, MARYLAND
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 100 (ENHANCED)
42ND ANNUAL EASTERN OPEN
7-Rd SS in 5 Sections + New U1000 and Scholastic Sections! Over
$14,000 prize fund! Over 50 prizes! Class prizes at 150-point
interval within each section! Convenient Location: Doubletree
Hotel, 8120 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda MD (just 2 mi. S from I-495
and 4 blks N of Metro). Open: $2,000-1,000-500; U2350: $500. FIDE
Rated. Open section prizes guaranteed. Other section prizes based on
40 paid entries for each section. Under 2200: $1,000-500-250; U2050:
$400. Under 1900: $1,000-500-250; U1750: $400. Under 1600: $1,000-
500-250; U1450: $400. Under 1300: $750-400-200 & Upsets; U1150:

$300; UR max: $150. Under 1000: $400-200-100 & Upsets, U800: $100.
Unr max: $100. Scholastic: Trophies, book prizes, and memberships.
Special Prizes: Best Fighting Spirit/Best Played Game: $200-100. Bril-
liancy: $100-50. Opening Innovation: $100-50. Selected winning games,
positions, and openings must be annotated and will be submitted for
publication in Chess Life. Upset: For U1300, Rds. 1-6, $25 book credit
prize. For U1000, Rds. 1-4, $25 book credit prize. Max 2 prizes per
player. 4-day Schedule for Open, U2200, U1900, U1600, U1300:
12/26-12/29 Rd. 1: Sat 12/26 at 6 pm; Rds. 2-3, 4-5, 6-7: Sun 12/27 -
Tue 12/29 at 11 am & 5:30 pm. On-Site Reg: Sat 12/26 at 4-5:30. TC:
40/120, SD/30 d10. 3-day Schedule for U2200, U1900, U1600, U1300:
12/27-12/29 Rds. 1-3: Sun 12/27 at 12, 4, 8 pm. On-Site Reg: Sun
12/27: 10-11:30 am. TC: G/90 d10. Players join 4-day schedule in Rd.
4. Byes for Open-U1300 Sections: 1/2-pt byes available for any round,
but Rds. 5-7 must commit before Rd. 4. Limit 2 byes for class prizes.
*New* U1000 Section (Sat 12/26 in 5 rds): Rds. 1-5 at 12, 2, 4, 6, 8
pm. On-Site Reg: Sat 12/26: 11-11:45 pm. TC: G/45 d10. *New*
Scholastic Tourney (Sun 12/27 in 4 rds) in 3 sections: K-12 Open,
K-8 U1000, K-5 U700. Rds. 1-4 at 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm. On-Site
Reg: Sun 12/26: 10-10:45 pm. TC: G/45 d10. Blitz Championship
(new time): 5-Rd Dbl Swiss. Sat 12/26 at 1-4:30 pm. 75% of paid entries
returned in prizes. TC: G/7 d0. Advance EF: $30; on-site EF: $40. See
Web site for details. Free Lecture: 12/26 at 4-5:30 pm. HR: Amazing,
only $79!! To reserve online, go to easternopenchess.com or call 301-
652-2000 or 888-370-0998 by 12/20 request chess rate. Pkg: Hotel
valet is $10 if overnight or $5 if for day! Free pkg on wkend 1 blk away
in garage or lot! Entries: If postmarked by Dec. 19: Open: $125; U2200:
$120; U1900 & U1600: $110; U1300: $100; U1000: $60; Scholastic: $30.
Entries after 12/19: $25 more for Open-U1300; $15 more for U1000;
$10 more for Scholastic! Reentry $100 and limited to rounds 1-4. GMs:
free entry, but $125 deducted from prize; IMs: $65 advance entry, but
$60 deducted. FMs: $90 advance entry, but $35 deducted; $10 service
charge for refunds. Please make checks or money orders payable
to: Eastern Open. Mail entries to Tom Beckman, 3731 Kanawha St. NW,
Washington, DC 20015-1809. For entry forms and info, easternopen
chess.com or tombeckman@rcn.com.
An American Classic!
A Heritage Event!
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
DEC. 26-30, 26-29 OR 27-29, NEVADA
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 200 (ENHANCED)
25TH ANNUAL NORTH AMERICAN OPEN
Open Section, Dec 26-30: 9SS, 40/2, SD/30 d10. GM & IM norms
possible. Other sections, Dec 26-29 or 27-29: 7SS, 40/2, SD/30 d10
(3-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Bally’s Casino Resort, 3645 Las
Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, NV 89103. Prizes $120,000 based on 600
paid entries (seniors, re-entries, GMs, IMs, WGMs & U1250 Section
count as half entries), else in proportion; $90,000 minimum (75% each
prize) guaranteed. In 7 sections. Open: $10000-5000-2500-1200-1000-
800-600-500-400-400, clear winner or 1st on tiebreak bonus $200, top
FIDE Under 2400/Unr $2400-1200. FIDE rated, GM & IM norms possible.
Under 2300: $7000-4000-2000-1200-800-600-500-500-400-400. Under
2100: $7000-4000-2000-1200-800-600-500-500-400-400, no unrated
may win over $2500. Under 1900: $7000-4000-2000-1200-800-600-
500-500-400-400, no unrated may win over $1800. Under 1700:
$6000-3000-1500-1000-800-600-500-500-400-400, no unrated may win
over $1300. Under 1500: $5000-2500-1300-1000-700-600-500-400-300-
300, no unrated may win over $900. Under 1250: $3000-1500-1000-800-
600-500-400-400-300-300, top Under 1000 (no unr) $1000-500, no
unrated may win over $500. No separate U1000 section; players under
1000 in U1250 play for both U1250 and U1000 prizes; receive larger if
winning both. Prize limits: 1) Players with under 26 games played as
of 12/15 list may not win over $1500 U1250, $3000 U1500 or U1700.
Games rated too late for 12/15 list not counted. 2) If post-event rating
posted 12/20/14-12/20/15 was more than 30 points over section max-
imum, prize limit $2000. 3) Balance of any limited prize goes to next
player(s) in line. Mixed doubles bonus prizes: best male/female com-
bined 2-player “team” score: $2000-1000-500-300-200. Only rounds
1-7 of Open Section counted. Team average must be under 2200; team-
mates may play in different sections; teams must register (no exta fee)
by 3 pm 12/27; prize limits do not apply to mixed doubles. Top 6
sections EF: Online at chessaction.com: $245 by 9/15, $275 by 12/23.
Phoned to 406-896-2038 (no questions, entry only): $285 by 12/21. No
phone entry after 12/21. Mailed by 12/15: 5-day $280, 4-day $279, 3-
day $278. Do not mail entry after 12/15. Online 12/24 to 2 hours before
your first game, or at site 12/26 to 1 hour before your first game: $300.
Open Section EF $100 more to US players if not USCF or FIDE rated
2200/over. Under 1250 Section EF: All $120 less than above. Seniors
65/over in U1500/over: All $120 less than above. Re-entry $120; not
available in Open Section. Open Section GMs, IMs, WGMs: entry fee
$150 online at chessaction.com by 9/15, $175 by 12/23, $200 after
12/23 or at site; $100 additional EF deducted from prize (deduction
cannot reduce prize to below minimum). Open Section minimum
prizes for players who play all 9 games (no byes): Foreign GMs $300,
US GMs, foreign IMs, foreign WGMs $200. All: No checks at site, credit
cards OK. Special 1 year USCF dues with paper magazine if paid with
entry. Online at chessaction.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20, Scholastic
$15. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30, Scholastic
$20. 5-day reg. ends 12/26 10 am, rds. 12/26-28 11 & 6, 12/29 10 &
4:30, 12/30 10 am. 4-day reg. ends 12/26 5 pm, rds. 12/26 6 pm,
12/27-28 11 & 6, 12/29 10 & 4:30. 3-day reg. ends 12/27 10 am, rds.
12/27 11, 2:30 & 6, 12/28 11 & 6, 12/29 10 & 4:30. Bye: all, limit 4,
limit 2 in last 4 rounds; Open must commit before rd. 2, others before
rd. 4. HR: $92-92, 800-833-3308, 702-739-4111, rate may increase or
chess block sell out about 11/15. Free parking (garage at adjacent Paris
Las Vegas Hotel is most convenient). Car rental: for special Avis rate
reserve car through chesstour.com or call 800-331-1600, use AWD
#657633. Ratings: FIDE used in Open, Dec 2015 official USCF in others.
For foreign in U2300 & below, see www.chesstour.com/ foreignratings.
htm; highest of multiple ratings usually used. Players who fail to disclose
foreign or FIDE ratings may be expelled. Special rules: CCA electronic
See previous issue for TLAs appearing November 1-14
devices rules used; see www.chesstour.com/devices.htm. Blitz 12/29
10 pm. Ent: chessaction.com or Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury
Mills, NY 12577 (DirectorAtChess.us, www.chesstour.com, 347-201-
2269). $15 service charge for refunds. Advance entries posted at
chessaction.com (online entries posted instantly).
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
DEC. 27-29, LOUISIANA
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 (ENHANCED)
NEW ORLEANS OPEN
5SS, (Open Sect: G/90 i30; Other Sects.: G/120 d5). Open Sect is FIDE
rated using FIDE rules. No Entry Fee for GMs, WGMs, IMs and WIMs.
SIDE EVENTS: Sun., 12/27: Scholastic Tourn. (K-12), Bughouse Tourn.
& Blitz Tourn. (Bug & Blitz open to all). Hilton New Orleans Airport, 901
Airline Dr., Kenner, LA 70062 (504-469-5000). Main Event Mon. & Tues.,
Dec. 28-29: 3 Sects. with Class PRIZES: $6,000 b/140 full-pd. ent. OPEN:
$1000+plaque-800-500; top U2000: $400-200; U1800: $600+plaque-
400-250; top U1600: $200-100; U1400/Unr*: $600+plaque-400-250;
top U1200: $200-100;. *Unrated players may only win 50% of the prize
fund unless playing in the Open Sect. where they must pay full EF and
are eligible for full prize fund. Plaque winners determined by USCF-rec-
ommended computer tiebreaks. Byes: Avail. all Rds., must commit
before Rd. 3. Reg. Sun. 12 noon-10pm and Mon. 8-8:30am. Rds: Mon.
9-2-7; Tues. 10-3. EF: $69 by 12/20; Unr. (in U1400) and Jrs. (in U1400):
$45 by 12/20. All EFs for main event $10 more after 12/20. Re-Entry
Fee: $20, avail. up to Rd. 3 in all sects. 3 Re-entries or 2 Jr. entries
count as one additional entry for prize fund. CAJUN BOUNTY: Defeat
the top ranked player in the Open Sect. and win free entry to our next
tournament! FREE GIFT to oldest player and to player who travels
farthest to Main Event! NEW ORLEANS OPEN SCHOLASTIC INDIVIDUAL
CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS, Sun., 12/27: Open to all K-12 individual
players; 4SS, G/30 d5. Sects: OPEN, U900, U500. Reg: 9:30-10:30am;
Rd. 1 at 11am – other rds. will immed. follow. Prizes: Trophies to top 5
individuals in each section (no team awards). All non-trophy winners
receive a souvenir chess medal. US Chess-recommended computer
tiebreaks will decide trophy and medal placements for winners of all
schol. sections. EF for Schol. Tourn: $20 by 12/20; $25 thereafter and
at site. BUGHOUSE TOURN: 5pm, Open to All. 5SS, G/5 d0. Reg. Sun.
until 4:30pm. Prizes: Trophies to top 3 teams. Bughouse EF: $20 per
team. BLITZ TOURN (USCF-rated using Blitz ratings): 8pm, Open to
All. 9SS, G/5 d0; sections determined by number of players. Reg. Sun.
until 7:30pm. Prizes: 70% of EFs returned as cash prizes. Blitz EF: $20.
Hotel Rate: $95 (sing-dbl-trip-quad), Hilton New Orleans Airport, 504-
469-5000, mention Cajun Chess tourn. and reserve by Dec. 10th to
assure group rate. Free Airport Shuttle & Free Hotel Parking! ENT: On-
line registration and printable entry form at www.cajunchess.com click
on “Tournaments,” or mail entry form to Cajun Chess, 12405 Hillary
Step Dr., Olive Branch, MS 38654. Info or Phone Ent: 504-208-9596 or
504-905-2971. Email: cajunchess@yahoo.com. Major credit cards
accepted (no checks at site). FIDE.
DEC. 29, NEVADA
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 (ENHANCED)
NORTH AMERICAN OPEN BLITZ (BLZ)
5SS, G/5 d0, double round, 10 games. Ballys Casino Resort (see North
American Open). $3000 guaranteed prizes. In 2 sections. Open: $500-
300-200, U2300/Unr $230-120, U2100/Unr $220-110. Under 1900:
$400-200-100, U1700 $220-110, U1500 $140-70, U1300 $80. EF (at site
only, no checks): $40 by 7 pm 12/29, $50 after 7 pm 12/29. GMs free;
$40 deducted from prize. Reg. ends 9:30 pm, rds. 10 pm, 10:45, 11:15,
11:45, 12:15. Bye: 1. Blitz rated, but higher of regular or blitz used for
pairings & prizes.
4th annual BOSTON CHESS CONGRESS
Jan 8-10 or 9-10 at luxurious Hyatt Boston Harbor
$12,000 projected prize fund, $8000 minimum
Special $99 room rates, free parking, free airport shuttle!
Beautiful view of Boston harbor and downtown! In 6 sections:
Premier: Open to 1900/over. Prizes $1200-600-400, clear/tiebreak 1st $100
bonus, top Under 2300 $500-250.
Under 2100/Unr: $1000-500-300.
Under 1900/Unr: $1000-500-300.
Under 1700/Unr: $900-500-300. Unrated limit $600.
Under 1500/Unr: $800-400-300. Unrated limit $400.
Under 1300/Unr: $400-200-150. Unrated limit $200.
M IXED DOUBLES BONUS PRIZES: best male/female 2-player “team”
combined score among all sections: $800-400-200. Team average must be
under 2200; teammates may play in different sections.
BLITZ TOURNAMENT Saturday 9:30 pm, enter by 9:15 pm.
FULL DETAI LS: see “Grand Prix” in this issue or chesstour.com.
DEC. 30-31, TEXAS
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 (ENHANCED)
DCC NEW YEAR’S EVE INSANITY
10 Rd. 2-SS (Play white and black against each opponent) G/30 d5.
Dallas Chess Club, 200 S. Cottonwood Dr, #C, Richardson, TX 75080.
EF: $40. $25 Junior/Senior/Hcap. Limited number of House players
welcome for $1 per game. Dallas Chess Club membership required or
pay $10 non member fee. $$GTD: $200-100. Class prizes (if any) depend
on entries. Reg.: 12/30 at 5pm – 5:45 pm. Rds.: Round 1 at 6:05 pm
rest ASAP with hour breaks at around 12:30 am, 7:30 am and 12:30
pm. 4 points of 1/2 point Byes allowed. Byes for round 9 and 10 must
be requested before round 6. ENT: Dallas Chess Club, C/O Barbara
Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX 76036. INFO: Barbara Swaf-
ford, 214-632-9000, info@dallaschess.com. www.dallaschess.com.
JAN. 1, NEW YORK
MARSHALL NEW YEAR’S RIDICULOUSNESS INSANE PERSON
CHAMPIONSHIP!
10-SS, G/25 d5. $1,317 Gtd: $546-219-17-2-1, U2237: $173, U1926:
$154, U1624: $121. “Brilliancy Prize?!”: $84 to the player scoring best
overall in games where they open 1.g4 or 1…g5. (Bonus Prize: “Shoot
the Moon”: $179 to the player who draws all 10 games; only 1 prize!)
EF: $79, MCC Mbrs $48. GMs Free, $23 reduced from prizes. (Re-entry:
$31.) Reg.: 10:15-10:45am. Rds.: 11am-12:15-1:30-3:00-4:15-5:30-
7:00-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. 4 byes available, request at entry. Proper
attire appreciated. www.marshallchessclub.org. 23 W. 10th St., NYC.
212-477-3716.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
JAN. 1-3 OR 2-3, CALIFORNIA, NORTHERN
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 60 (ENHANCED)
2016 NEW YEAR OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
6SS, 40/120 sd30 d5 (2-day rd.1-3 G/61 d5 merge rd.4). Oakland City
Center Marriott, 1001 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607. Rooms $119. Prize
$14,000 b/187 60% guar. 2000+: $2,500-1000-600-300 u2300: 300-
150. 1800-1999: 1,200-700-300-150. 1600-1799: 1,200-600-300-150.
1400-1599: 1,200-700-300-150. u15000: 1,000-500-200-150. u1200:
300-100. Unr max $200 exc Open. Jan ’16 Supp, CCA min & TD disc. EF:
$119 by 12/29, Onsite +25 Playup +20. Econ: $89 w 60% prize.
GMs/IMs $0 by 12/21: prize-EF. Sched: 3-day Reg. F 10 11, Rds. F/Sa
11:30 5:30, Su 10 3:30; 2day Reg. Sa 9-9:30, Rds. Sa 10-12:30-2:50-
5:30, Su 10-3:30. Bye for Rd. 5&6 must com bef rd. 1. Ent: Online or
mail to Bay Area Chess, 1639A S. Main St., Milpitas, CA 95035. Rfnd fee
$20. Info: BayAreaChess.com/ny. E: ask@BayAreaChess.com. T:
408.409.6596. W.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
JAN. 2-3, MAINE
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 (ENHANCED)
BANGOR OPEN
Hilton Garden Inn Bangor, 250 Haskell Rd., Bangor, ME 04401. In 2
Sections, Open: 4SS, 40/90, SD/30 + 30 Sec. Increment. Analog clocks
not allowed in this section. FIDE rated. $$GTD: $500-250. U2250 $150,
U2000 $150. U1750: 4SS, 40/90, SD/30 + 30 Sec. Increment, Analog
clocks play 40/90, SD/60, Open to 1749 & under. $$GTD: $400-200.
U1500 $100, U1250 $100. ALL: EF: $50 in advance, $55 at site. Reg.:
Registration 9:00-9:45. Advance entries must be postmarked by 12/26/
2015. Rds.: 10-4, 10-4. Accelerated pairings may be used. ENT: Alex
Relyea, 49 Technology Dr. #89, Bedford, NH 03110. INFO: Alex Relyea
relyea@operamail.com. www.relyeachess.com. HR: $129 until 11
December, (207) 262-0099, mention Relyea Chess. W.
www.uschess.org 59
Tournament Life / November
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
JAN. 8-10 OR 9-10, MASSACHUSETTS
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 50 (ENHANCED)
4TH ANNUAL BOSTON CHESS CONGRESS
5SS, 40/110, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Hyatt Boston
Harbor, 101 Harborside Dr., Boston, MA 02128. Free parking, free
airport shuttle. Prizes $12,000 based on 220 paid entries (U1300 &
re-entries count 60%), minimum $8000 (2/3 each prize) guaranteed. In
6 sections. Premier: Open to 1900/over. $1200-600-400, clear or
tiebreak 1st $100 bonus, top U2300 $500-250. Under 2100: $1000-
500-300. Under 1900: $1000-500-300. Under 1700: $900-500-300.
Under 1500: $800-400-300. Under 1300: $400-200-150. Unrated may
not win over $200 in U1300, $400 U1500 or $600 U1700. Top 5 sections
EF: $87 online at chessaction.com by 1/6, $95 phoned to 406-896-2038
by 1/4, 3-day $93, 2-day $92 if check mailed by 12/29, $100 at site, or
online until 2 hours before round 1. GMs free; $80 from prize. Under
1300 Section EF: All $40 less than above. Mixed doubles bonus
prizes: best male/female 2-player “team” combined score among all
sections: $800-400-200. Team average must be under 2200; teammates
may play in different sections; teams must register at site (no extra
fee) by 2 pm 1/9. All: Online EF $5 less to MACA members; may
join/renew at masschess.org. Re-entry $50, not available in Premier.
No checks at site, credit cards OK. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually
used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 year USCF dues with magazine if
paid with entry. Online at chessaction.com by 12/31, Adult $30, Young
Adult $20, Scholastic $15. Online after 12/31, Adult $35, Young Adult
$22, Scholastic $15. Mailed, phoned or at site, Adult $40, Young Adult
$25, Scholastic $17. 3-Day Schedule: Reg. ends Fri 6 pm. Rds. Fri 7,
Sat 11 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. 2-Day Schedule: Reg. ends Sat 10 am. Rds.
Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. Half point byes available all rounds, limit
2 byes, Premier must commit before rd. 2, others before rd. 3. HR: $99-
99, 617-568-1234, request chess rate, reserve by 12/25 or rate may
increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #657633. Ent: ches-
saction.com or Continental Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577.
$15 service charge for refunds. Questions: chesstour.com, Direc-
torAtChess.US, 347-201-2269. Advance entries posted at www.chesstour.
com (online entries posted instantly). Blitz tournament Sat. 9:30 pm,
enter by 9:15 pm.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
JAN. 8-10 OR 9-10, FLORIDA
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 60 (ENHANCED)
2ND GULF COAST NEW YEAR’S OPEN
(In honor of Eric Rosenthal, a charismatic, beloved young expert
from South Florida, whose delight in the game was infectious
and who left us much too soon.) 5SS, Open section G/90+30 sec
incr., All sections but U1100 G/120 d5, U1100 section G/90 d5 (2-
day Option all sections Rd. 1 G/60 d5). Holiday Inn Fort Myers Airport
at Town Center, 9931 Interstate Commerce Dr., Fort Myers. $$15,000
b/200 paid entries, 50% min. Gtd. Open: $2000/Trophy-1200-1000,
7th annual GOLDEN STATE OPEN
Jan 15-18, 16-18 or 17-18, Martin Luther King weekend, Concord, CA
7 ROUNDS, $25,000 GUARANTEED PRIZES!
7 rounds, 40/110, SD/30, d10 (3-
day option, rds 1-2 G/60, d10; 2-day
option except Open Section, rds 1-4
G/30, d10). Blitz tmt. 1/17 10 pm.
Crowne Plaza, 45 John Glenn
Dr, Concord CA 94520 (I-680 to
Exit 52). Free parking. Free BART
shuttle often available.
In 7 sections.
O pen: $3000-1500-800-500-
300, clear/tiebreak win $100, top
U2300/Unr $1000-500. FIDE rated,
150 GPP (enhanced).
Under 2200: $1500-800-400-
300-200.
Under 2000: $1500-800-400-
300-200. Unrated limit $900.
Under 1800: $1500-800-400-
300-200. Unrated limit $700.
Under 1600: $1300-700-400-
300-200. Unrated limit $500.
Under 1400: $900-450-300-200-
100. Unrated limit $350.
60 November 2015 | Chess Life
U2400 $600, U2300 $500, U2200/Unr. $400. FIDE. U2050:$1100/Tro-
phy-700-600, U1950 $500-300. U1750:$1100/Trophy-700-600, U1650
$500-300. U1450: $1000/Trophy-600-500, U1350/Unr. $400-200. U1100:
Trophies for 1st to 3rd & 1st U900, 1st U700, Medals to all others. Top
Senior Prize (among all cash prize sections, must be at least 55 on
Jan. 8) $200. Unr. may enter Open, U1450 or U1100 only. Unr. only
eligible for Unr. Prizes in Open & U1450. EF: $99 by Jan. 5, $10 more
later and on-site, GMs & IMs free ($99 deducted from prize). U1100
section $39 by Jan. 5, $10 more later and onsite. Re-entry cash prize
sections $49. Reg.: Ends 1/2 hr before 1st rd. Rds.: 3-Day 1st Rd. Fri.
7:30; 2-Day 1st Rd. Sat 10; 2nd Rd. Sat. 1:15; 3rd Rd. all sections but
U1100 6:30, 3rd Rd. U1100 5:45; 4th Rd. Sun. 9:30; 5th Rd. all sections
but U1100 2:30, 5th Rd. U1100 1:45. With incr. Open section start
times could be delayed. 2 1/2 pt. byes, if req’d before rd. 2. Blitz Tourn:
G/5 d0, Sunday at 8:00 p.m.; EF $15 for those in main tourn., $25 for all
others. HR: $99, $109 with breakfast, reserve by 12/20 or rate may
increase, includes free Internet, refrigerator & microwave, free airport
shuttle, free parking for all, 239-561-1550. Ent: Boca Raton Chess Club,
2385 Executive Ctr. Dr., Ste. 100, Boca Raton, FL 33431. $10 service
charge for refunds. Online entry & add’l info: www.bocachess.com,
561-479-0351.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
JAN. 8-10 OR 9-10, TEXAS
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20
6TH ANNUAL AUSTIN CHESS CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
100% GUARANTEED Prize Fund! Bridge Center of Austin, 6700 Middle
Fiskville Rd., Austin, TX 78752. Entries are limited to the first 150 par-
ticipants rated U2200. No limit on players rated 2200+. Championship:
Open to players 1800 and above. EF: $55 received or online by 12/01,
$65 thereafter/site. $$: $600-400-200. U2200 - $275 $125, U2000 -
$250 $100. Must be ACC member or have played in at least one ACC
2015 slow event to be crowned club champion. Reserve: Open to Ratings
1400-1799. EF: $50 received or online by 12/01, $60 thereafter/site.
$$: $400-200. U1600 - $200 $100. Novice: Open to Ratings under 1400.
EF: $45 received or online by 12/01, $55 thereafter/site. $$: $250-100.
U1200 - $100 $50, U1000 - $50. ALL: 5SS, G/90 +60. No”playing up”.
Unrateds may only win place prizes. Unrateds placed at TD’s discretion.
Online Registration preferred. One 1/2 pt. bye if requested before end
of Rd. 2. 3-day schedule: Onsite reg: Fri, 01/08: 6-7pm Rds: 01/08:
7:30pm, 01/09: 1pm, 7pm, 01/04: 9:30am, 3:30pm, Schedules merge
in round 2. 2-day schedule: Onsite reg: Sat, 01/09: 8-8:40am. rds: 2-
day Rd 1 - Saturday, 01/09 9am, Schedules merge in round 2. Rd. 1 of
2/day schedule is G/90 with 5 second delay. ENT: AustinChessTourna-
ments.com, P.O. Box 1386, Round Rock, TX 78680, 512-417-9008,
www.AustinChessTournaments.com. INFO: Lori Balkum - Lori.Balkum@
AustinChessTournaments.com, www.AustinChessClub.com. W.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
JAN. 9-10, TEXAS
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 (ENHANCED)
Under 1200: $500-250-150-100-
50. Unrated limit $200.
M ixed doubles: $1000-500-300.
See TLA or chesstour.com.
Top 5 sections entry fee: $133
online at chessaction.com by 1/13,
$140 phoned to 406-896-2038 by
1/11 (entry only, no questions), all
$150 at site, or online until 2 hrs
before rd 1.
Under 1400 Section entry fee:
$40 less than top 5 sections entry fee.
Under 1200 Section entry fee:
$80 less than top 5 sections entry fee.
All: Online entry $5 less to
CalChess members. No checks at site;
credit cards OK. Re-entry $60 (no
Open). Special USCF dues: see TLA
or chesstour.com. US Chess memb.
required. M ailed entries: see TLA.
Choice of schedules: All merge &
compete for same prizes.
2016 DCC FIDE OPEN I
5SS, G/90 inc/30. Dallas Chess Club, 200 S Cottonwood Dr. #C, Richard-
son, TX 75080. Two sections: Open and Reserve. Open: $$875G. FIDE
and US Chess rated but uses FIDE rules. Use US Chess ratings and
rules for pairings and for awarding prizes. Default late forfeiture time
is one hour. TD may extend this time at TD’s discretion. Note that
Foreign players must disclose their FIDE ID number before 1st round
in order to play. Note that USA Players with no FIDE ID must disclose
their email address.$$ $500-$250-$125. EF: $80, Senior/Hcap/Birthday
during tournament/Additional Family Member $55. Small appearance
fee to the First three GM/IM’s who apply. GM/IM must play all rounds
to get appearance fee (appearance fee might be deducted from prize).
Reserve: Open to players rated below 2000 USCF. This section is not
Fide Rated but is US Chess rated and uses US Chess rules. EF: $40. The
Reserve give back 10% in prizes and if at least 8 paid entries and if
there is a clear winner, then that winner receives free entry to next
DCC Fide Open. In the reserve section, Tournament reserves the right
to use Fide rules on electronic devices and on starting White’s clock at
start of a round and to use FIDE pairing rules. Both: Reg.: 1/9 from
9:45–10:15am. Rds.: Sat 10:45 am-3:10pm-7:16pm, Sun 9:45 am-2:10pm.
One half point Bye allowed if requested before end of round rd. 2 and
before getting full point bye. Withdrawals and zero point last round
byes are not eligible for prizes. Note that house players (if required)
must pay $2 per round and be US Chess members. ENT: Make/mail
Checks payable to Dallas Chess Club, C/O Barbara Swafford, 2709 Long-
horn Trail, Crowley, TX 76036-4719. Info: 214-632-9000, info@dallas
chess.com. FIDE.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
JAN. 15-18, 16-18 OR 17-18, CALIFORNIA, NORTHERN
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 150 (ENHANCED)
7TH ANNUAL GOLDEN STATE OPEN
7SS, 40/110, SD/30 d10 (3-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10, 2-day option
except in Open Section, rds. 1-4 G/30 d10). Crowne Plaza Hotel, 45
John Glenn Dr., Concord, CA 94520 (free BART shuttle often available).
Free parking. $25,000 prize fund unconditionally guaranteed. In 7
sections. Open, open to all. $3000-1500-800-500-300, clear or tiebreak
winner $100, top U2300/Unr $1000-500. FIDE. Under 2200: $1500-
800-400-300-200. Under 2000: $1500-800-400-300-200. Under 1800:
$1500-800-400-300-200. Under 1600: $1300-700-400-300-200. Under
1400: $900-450-300-200-100. Under 1200: $500-250-150-100-50.
Unrated (0-3 lifetime games rated) may enter any section, with maximum
prize U1200 $200, U1400 $350, U1600 $500, U1800 $700, U2000 $900.
Mixed doubles bonus prizes: best male/female 2-player “team” com-
bined score among all sections: $1000-500-300. Team average must
be under 2200; teammates may play in different sections; teams must
register at site (no extra fee) before both players begin round 2;
teammate pairings avoided but possible. Top 5 sections EF: $133
online at chessaction.com by 1/13, $140 phoned to 406-896-2038 by
1/11 (entry only, no questions), 4-day $139, 3-day $138, 2-day $137
4-day reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri
7 pm, Sat 12 noon & 6 pm, Sun 12
noon & 6 pm, Mon 10 am & 3:30 pm.
3-day reg ends Sat 11 am, rds Sat
12 noon, 3 pm & 6 pm, Sun 12 noon
& 6 pm, Mon 10 am & 3:30 pm.
2-day reg ends Sun 9 am, rds Sun
10, 12, 2, 3:45 & 6, Mon 10 & 3:30.
Byes: OK all, limit 2, Open must
commit before rd 2, other before rd 4.
January official USCF ratings
used; unofficial uschess.org ratings
usually used if otherwise unrated.
Bring set, board, clock if
possible- none supplied.
Hotel rates: $109-109-119, 877-
286-8389, 925-825-7700, reserve by
Jan 1 or rate may increase.
E n tr y : c h e s sa c tio n .c o m o r
C o ntine nta l C he ss, B ox 2 49 ,
Salisbury Mills NY 12577. Entry list:
chessaction.com (online entries post
instantly). $15 charge for refunds.

mailed by 1/6, all $150 at site, or online until 2 hours before game.
GMs free; $120 deducted from prize. U1400 Section EF: $40 less than
top 5 sections entry fee. U1200 Section EF: $80 less than top 5 sections
entry fee. All: Special 1 yr USCF dues with paper magazine if paid with
entry. Online at chessaction.com by 12/31, Adult $30, Young Adult $20,
Scholastic $15. Online after 12/31, Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic
$15. Mailed, phoned or at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $25, Scholastic
$17. Re-entry (except Open) $60. Online EF $5 less to CalChess members.
4-day schedule: Late reg. ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 12 & 6, Sun
12 & 6, Mon 10 & 3:30. 3-day schedule: Late reg. ends Sat 11 am, rds.
Sat 12, 3 & 6, Sun 12 & 6, Mon 10 & 3:30. 2-day schedule: Late reg.
ends Sun 9 am, rds. Sun 10, 12, 2, 3:45 & 6, Mon 10 & 3:30. Byes: OK
all, limit 2; Open must commit before rd. 2, others before rd. 4. Unofficial
uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Foreign player
ratings: See chesstour.com/foreignratings.htm. HR: $109-109-119,
877-286-8389, 925-825-7700, reserve by 1/1 or rate may increase. Car
rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633. Ent: Continental Chess,
Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: chesstour.com, Direc-
torAtChess.US, 347-201-2269. $15 service charge for refunds. Bring
set, board, clock if possible; none supplied. Advance entries posted at
chessaction.com (online entries posted instantly). Blitz tournament
Sun 10 pm, enter by 9:45 pm.
A Heritage Event!
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
JAN. 15-18, 16-18 OR 17-18, PENNSYLVANIA
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 100 (ENHANCED)
48TH ANNUAL LIBERTY BELL OPEN
7SS, 40/110, SD/30 d10 (3 day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10, 2-day option
in U2100 to U1250, rds. 1-4 G/30 d10). Sonesta Hotel, 1800 Market
St., Philadelphia 19103. $$20,000 b/320 paid entries (re-entries, GMs
& U1250 section count 70%), else in proportion, except minimum 75%
of each prize guaranteed. In 2006 to 2015, the tournament had over
320 paid entries each year and the $20,000 projected prize fund was
increased in proportion. In 6 sections. Open: $2000-1000-600-400-300,
1st clear or on tiebreak $100 bonus, top Under 2300/Unr $800-400.
Under 2100: $1200-600-400-300-200. Under 1900: $1200-600-400-
300-200. Under 1700: $1200-600-400-300-200. Under 1500:
$1000-600-400-300-200. Under 1250: $700-500-300-200-100. Unrated
may enter any section, but may not win over $300 in U1250, $600 U1500,
or $900 U1700. Mixed doubles bonus prizes: best male/female 2-
player “team” combined score among all sections: $1000-600-400.
Team average must be under 2200; teammates may play in different
sections; teams must register at site (no extra fee) before both players
begin round 2. Top 5 sections EF: $108 online at chessaction.com by
1/13, $120 phoned by 1/11 (406-896-2038, entry only, no questions),
4-day $114, 3-day $113, 2-day $112 if check mailed by 1/6, $130 (no
checks, credit cards OK) at site, or online until 2 hours before rd 1.
GMs free, $100 deducted from prize. U1250 Section EF: All $30 less
than top 5 sections EF. All: Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used
if otherwise unrated. Special 1 yr USCF dues with magazine if paid
with entry: Online at chessaction.com by 12/31, Adult $30, Young Adult
$20, Scholastic $15. Online after 12/31, Adult $35, Young Adult $22,
Scholastic $15. Mailed, phoned or at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $25,
Scholastic $17. Re-entry (no Open to Open) $70. 4-day schedule: Reg
ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 12 & 6, Sun 12 & 6, Mon 10 & 3:30. 3-
day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 12 & 6,
Mon 10 & 3:30. 2-day schedule (no Open Section): Reg. ends Sun. 9
am, rds. Sun 10-12-2-3:45-6, Mon 10-3:30. Bye: all, limit 3, Open must
commit before rd. 2, others before rd. 4. HR: $101-101-101-101, 1-800-
SONESTA, 215-561-7500, request Continental Chess rate, reserve by
Jan 1 or rate may increase. Parking: Chess rate at Sonesta approx.
$20/day (half of normal rate). Much lower rates Fri night & all day Sat
& Sun at 1818 Market, 1815 JFK Blvd. & 1540 Spring. Car rental: Avis,
800-331-1600, use AWD#D657633 or reserve through chesstour.com.
Ent: chessaction.com or Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills,
NY 12577. Questions: DirectorAtChess.US, www.chesstour.com, 347-
201-2269. $15 service charge for refunds. Advance entries will be posted
at chessaction.com (online entries posted instantly). Blitz tournament
Sun. 10 pm, enter by 9:45 pm.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
A State Championship Event!
JAN. 16-17, MICHIGAN
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10
2016 MICHIGAN MASTER/EXPERT & CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS
5-SS. Radisson Hotel Lansing, 111 N. Grand Ave., (517) 482-0188. HR:
$108.95+tax by 1/4/16, after if space available. www.radisson.com/lans
ingmi - Code: CHES16. 8 Sections: M/X, A, B, C, D, E (U1200), Novice
(Sat)/Fun Swiss (Sun): Both U1000/Unr. M/X Section will be FIDE rated.
Most recent USCF rating supplement used for ratings. Players must
play in class of their rating. Unrated players must play in Novice sect.
Players may request to play up in class (or unrated players may request
being seeded into a class) if their recent tournament history shows
achievement into that class. TD must approve all requests and will
assign a rating to the player within the rating window of that class. EF:
M/X $45 (U18 $5 off), Free entry to GM, IM, FM, & 2200+, advanced
entry fee deducted from prize. A, B, C, D, E: $42 (U18 $5 off); Novice:
$25. Advance entries must be received by 1/14/16, after $10 more.
Fun Swiss: $15. Make checks payable to MCA. MCA memb req’d for
Michigan residents, other states OK. TL: M/X & Class: G/115 d5,
Novice/Fun Swiss: G/30 d5. Reg.: Online: https://onlineregistration.cc/.
Sat, 8-9am; Fun Swiss: Sun, 8:30-9:30am. Rds.: Sat 10am-2:30pm-7pm;
Sun 10am-2:30pm. $$Gtd: $2850; M/X: $300-$200, X: $230 U2100:
$120; Class A, B, C, D, E: $180-$120; U1900/U1700/U1500: $100;
Novice/Fun Swiss: Trophies to Top 5 Overall, Top U800, Top U700, Top
600, Top Unr. State Champions (Top Michigan Resident): Master/Expert,
Expert, and Each Class plus Novice. Trophies for all place-winners listed
above. Ent & Info: Jeff Aldrich, P.O. Box 40, Flint, MI 48501; jef-
fchess64@gmail.com; (810) 955-7271.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
JAN. 16-18, TEXAS
See previous issue for TLAs appearing November 1-14
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 50 (ENHANCED)
TEXAS MASTERS
5SS, G/90 inc/30. Dallas Chess Club, 200 S. Cottonwood Dr. #C, Richard-
son, TX 75080. FIDE and US Chess rated but uses FIDE rules. Will use
US Chess ratings and rules for awarding prizes. Default late forfeiture
time is one hour. TD may extend this time at TD’s discretion. EF: US
Chess +2400 $90, US Chess 2200-2400(or if you ever been rated 2200
US Chess) $105, Fide rated 2000 and above is $140, U2200US
Chess/U2000Fide $175. US Chess Membership Required. $$b/25: 70%
Guaranteed. $1600-800-400-200. U2400 $500. Reg.: 1/16: 10:00-10:55
am. Rds.: Sat 11:30am, 5 pm ; Sun 11:30am, 5 pm; Mon 10 am. One
bye if requested before end of round 2 and before given a full point bye
or forfeit win. Players who withdraw or take a last round zero point bye
are ineligible for prizes. ENT: Make/mail Checks payable to Dallas Chess
Club, C/O Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX 76036-
4719. INFO: Barb Swafford, 214-632-9000, info@dallaschess.com,
www.dallaschess.com. FIDE.
A Heritage Event!
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
JAN. 29-31, NORTH CAROLINA
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 100 (ENHANCED)
LAND OF THE SKY XXIX
5SS, 40/120, SD/30 d5 (U12 is G/90 d5). Crowne Plaza Resort Asheville,
One Resort Dr., Asheville, NC 28806. Weekend before Super Bowl.
$14,000 b/225 fully paid, $9,000 gtd. Open (FIDE-rated, 100% gtd):
$1600-750-400-300-250. U2300 $450-250. Asheville (FIDE-rated, Under
2200): $1000-500-250. 1999-1900,1899-1800, U1800 $ 450-250 each;
Unrated: $100. Buncombe (Under 1700): $1000-500-250. 1599-1500,
1499-1400, 1399-1300, Under 1300 $450-250 each; Unrated: $100. U12
(Under 1200): $500-250-125. U900: $225-125 Unrated: $100. Biggest
Upset in Tmnt: $50-25. EF (Open, Asheville, Buncombe): $84 by 1/22.
GMs/IMs free ($94 deducted from prize). EF: (U12): $42 by 1/22. “No-
prize” EF for under age 18 in Asheville, Buncombe, U12: $21 (no
discounts). Unrated EF in Asheville, Buncombe, U12: $21 (no discounts,
eligible for unrated prize only). ALL: On-site entries $10 more. Discounts
(pre-reg or on-site, one per player): $10 off for players new to Land of
the Sky, 2nd family member, or Under 18. Add $42 to play in a section
more than 200 points above your rating, 1 section max. Rds.: 1st rd.
either Fri 7pm or Sat 9am (G/90 d5), then Sat 1pm - 7pm, Sun 9am -
3pm. One 1/2 pt bye avail rds. 1-4, declare by rd. 2. BLITZ: Sat 10 am
EF: $20. 100% of entry fees paid in prizes. ENT: WW, PO Box 1123,
Weaverville, NC 28787, 828-645-4215, fax: 828-645-4216. HR: $92 dbl.
Reserve early at 828-254-3211 or 800-733-3211 and mention tournament.
INFO: Wilder Wadford, wwadford48@gmail.com www.ncchess.org
A Heritage Event!
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
JAN. 29-31 OR 30-31, OHIO
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 80 (ENHANCED)
39TH CARDINAL OPEN, COLUMBUS
5-SS, 40/110 SD/30 d10 (2-day rds. 1&2 G/75 d10). Sets provided,
bring clocks. 1 bye any round. Open section FIDE rated & Laws of Chess,
others US Chess only. Re-entry any section. $10,000 in 5 sections, top
4 prizes guaranteed, rest b/200 paid entries, prizes added if more!
OCA Grand Prix. Open $1200-800-500-350, $100 bonus clear 1st or on
tiebreak, all gtd; U2300 $450-300; U2100 $900-450-200-100; U1800
$900-450-200-100; U1500 $700-350-170-100; U1200 $700-350-170-
100; top female any section $110; upset $50/section. Unrateds limited
to 3rd prize except in Open. EF $90 if recd by 1/21, then $100 in advance
or $105 on site; no checks onsite. Free to IM/GM, $90 deducted from
winnings. OH residents OCA membership reqd. 3-day: Reg Fri 5-6:30pm,
Rds. 7:15; Sat 10-5; Sun 9-3:15. 2-day: Reg Sat 8:15-9:15, Rds. 10-
1:30 then merge w/3-day. Blitz Sat eve, G/5 d0, FIDE rated! Enter
online or FOTK Chess Club, 2720 Airport Dr., Columbus, OH 43219.
Embassy Suites Hotel, 2886 Airport Dr., Columbus, OH 43219, 614-
536-0500, $114/night chess rate thru Jan 22. Full details, entry form
and online entry at website: http://neilley.com/chess/. Info:
grant@neilley.com, 614-314-1102. W.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
FEB. 11-15, 12-15, 13-15 OR 14-15, TEXAS
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 150 (ENHANCED)
7TH ANNUAL SOUTHWEST CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS
9SS (Master Section), 7SS (other sections), DFW Airport Marriott South,
4151 Centreport Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76165. Free parking, free airport
shuttle. 5-day schedule, Feb 11-15: Master Section only, GM & IM
norms possible, 40/2, SD/30 d10. 4-day schedule, Feb 12-15: Expert
through Class E, 40/2, SD/30 d10. 3-day schedule: Expert through
Class E, Feb 13-15, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10, then merges with 4-day. 2-day
schedule: Class B through E, Feb 14-15, rds. 1-4 G/30 d10, then merges
with others. $30,000 prize fund unconditionally guaranteed. FIDE
ratings used in Master Section, USCF February official in others. In 7
sections; rated players may play up one section; foreign FIDE rated
1800/up may enter Master. Master (2200/up): $3000-1500-1000-600-
400, clear or tiebreak winner $200, top FIDE U2300 $1400-700. FIDE.
Expert (2000-2199): $2000-1000-500-300-200. Class A (1800-1999/Unr):
$2000-1000-500-300-200. Class B (1600-1799/Unr): $2000-1000-500-
300-200. Class C (1400-1599/Unr): $1200-600-400-300-200. Class D
(1200-1399/Unr): $1200-600-400-300-200. Class E (Under 1200/Unr):
$800-400-300-200-100. Unrated (0-3 lifetime games rated) may enter
A through E, with maximum prize E $200, D $300, C $400, B $600, A
$800. Mixed doubles bonus prizes: best male/female 2-player “team”
combined score among all sections after 7 rounds: $1000-600-400.
Team average must be under 2200; teammates may play in different
sections; teams must register (no extra fee) before both players begin
round 2; prize limits do not apply to mixed doubles. Top 4 sections EF:
$158 online at chessaction.com by 2/10, $180 at site, or online until 2
hours before game. $170 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 2/8 (entry only,
no questions); no phone entry after 2/8. 5-day $165, 4-day $164, 3-day
$163, 2-day $162 mailed by 2/3. GMs, foreign IMs, foreign WGMs in
Master Section free; $150 deducted from prize. US IMs, foreign FIDE
rated players in Master Section, EF $50 less. Class C or D Section
EF: All $60 less than top 4 sections EF. Class E Section EF: All $100
less than top 4 sections EF. Re-entry (no Master to Master) $50. All:
Special 1 yr USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry. Online at ches-
saction.com, Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed, phoned
or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $25, Scholastic $17. 5-day sched-
ule: Late reg. ends Thu 6 pm, rds. Thu 7, Fri 12 & 7, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 11
& 6, Mon 10 & 4. 4-day schedule: Late reg. ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7
pm, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4. 3-day schedule: Late reg.
ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4. 2-day
schedule: Late reg. ends Sun 9 am, rds. Sun 10, 12, 2, 3:45 & 6, Mon
10 & 4. Byes: OK all, limit 2; Master must commit before rd. 2, others
before rd. 4. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise
unrated. Foreign player ratings (Expert & below): See chesstour.com/
foreignratings.htm. HR: $100-100, 817-358-1700, reserve by 1/29 or
rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633.
Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions:
chesstour.com, DirectorAtChess.US, 347-201-2269. $15 service charge
for refunds. Bring set, board, clock if possible; none supplied. Advance
entries posted at chessaction.com (online entries posted instantly).
Blitz tournament Sun 10 pm, enter by 9:45 pm.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
FEB. 26-28 OR 27-28, VIRGINIA
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 100 (ENHANCED)
GEORGE WASHINGTON OPEN
5SS, 40/110, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Hyatt Dulles,
2300 Dulles Corner Blvd., Herndon, VA 20171. Free parking, free airport
shuttle, indoor pool, free wireless in guest room. From north or east,
VA-267 to VA-657 to Sunrise Valley Drive; from south or west, VA-28 to
Frying Pan Rd to Sunrise Valley Drive. 35 minutes drive from Washington,
1 hour from Baltimore, 2 hours from Harrisburg. $13,000 guaranteed
prizes. In 5 sections. Open: $1500-800-500-300, clear/tiebreak win $100
bonus, top Under 2300/Unr $600-300. Under 2100: $1200-600-300-
200, top U1900/Unr $500-250. Under 1800: $1000-500-300-200, top
U1600 (no unr) $400-200. Under 1500: $600-300-200-100, top U1300
(no unr) $240-120. Under 1200: $300-150-100-50, top U1000 (no unr)
$120-70, plaques to top 3, 1st U800, U600, Unr. Mixed doubles bonus
prizes: best male/female 2-player “team” combined score among all
sections: $600-300. Team average rating must be under 2200; teammates
may play in different sections; teams must register (no extra fee) by 2
pm 2/27. Unrated may enter any section, with prize limit U1800 $500,
U1500 $300, U1200 $150; balance goes to next player(s) in line. Top 3
sections EF: $98 at chessaction.com by 2/24, $110 phoned to 406-
896-2038 (no questions) by 2/22, 3-day $108, 2-day $107 if check mailed
by 2/17, all $120 (no checks, credit cards OK) at site, or online until 2
hours before game. GMs free; $90 from prize. Under 1500 Section
EF: all $30 less than top 3 sections EF. Under 1200 Section EF: all $60
less than top 3 sections EF. Re-entry $50, not available in Open. No
checks at site, credit cards OK. Unofficial uschess.org ratings
CONTINENTAL CHESS SCHEDULE
Visit www.chesstour.com for late news, hotel
availability, results, games, minimum ratings, etc.
Enter tournaments at chessaction.com.
To receive our free email newsletter, see
chess calendar.com or chesstour.com.
Most tournaments have alternate schedules
with less or more days than below.
Asterisk means full details in this issue-
otherwise, see future issues or our website.
Events in red offer FIDE norm chances.
11/13-15: Kings Island O pen, Blue Ash O H*
11/27-29: N ational C hess C ongress, Philadelphia PA*
12/26-28: Empire C ity O pen, N ew Y ork N Y *
12/26-29: N orth A m erican O pen, L as V egas N V *
1/8-10: Boston C hess C ongress, Boston M A*
1/15-18: Liberty Bell O pen, Philadelphia PA*
1/15-18: G olden State O pen, C oncord C A*
2/12-15: Southwest C lass, F ort W orth T X *
2/26-28: G eorge W ashington O pen, Herndon V A*
3/4-6: W estern C lass C hampionships, O ntario C A*
3/11-13: Pittsburgh O pen, Pittsburgh PA*
3/12-13: N Y State Scholastics, Saratoga Springs N Y *
3/18-20: M id-America O pen, Saint Louis M O *
3/25-27: P hiladelphia O pen, P hiladelphia PA *
4/22-24: Eastern C lass C hampionships, Sturbridge M A
5/26-30: C hicago O pen, W heeling IL
6/17-19: C ontinental C lass, Herndon V A
6/30-7/4: W orld O pen, P hiladelphia P A
7/5-10: P hiladelphia International, Philadelphia P A
7/15-17: C hicago C lass, W heeling IL
7/22-24: Southern O pen, O rlando FL
7/22-24: Bradley O pen, W indsor Locks C T
8/12-14: C ontinental O pen, Sturbridge M A
8/12-14: C leveland O pen, C leveland O H
8/12-14: Pacific C oast O pen, O ntario C A
8/26-28: Atlantic O pen, Arlington V A
10/7-9: M idw est C lass, W heeling IL
10/28-30: N orth Jersey O pen, Basking R idge N J
F or later events, see chesstour.com .
www.uschess.org 61
Tournament Life / November
usually used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 year USCF dues with
magazine if paid with entry. Online at chessaction.com, Adult $35, Young
Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed, phoned or at site, Adult $40, Young
Adult $25, Scholastic $17. 3-Day Schedule: Reg. ends Fri 6 pm. Rds.
Fri 7, Sat 11 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. 2-Day Schedule: Reg. ends Sat 10
am. Rds. Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. Half point byes available all
rounds, limit 2 byes, Open must commit before rd. 2, others before rd.
3. HR: $95-95, 1-800-223-8585, reserve by 2/12 or rate may increase,
chess block may sell out before 2/12. Ent: chessaction.com or Continental
Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. $15 service charge for refunds.
Questions: chesstour.com, chesstour.info, DirectorAtChess.US, 347-
201-2269. Advance entries posted at chessaction.com (Online entries
posted instantly). Blitz tournament Sat 9:30 pm, enter by 9:15 pm.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
MAR. 4-6 OR 5-6, CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 100 (ENHANCED)
23RD ANNUAL WESTERN CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS
5SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10),.Ontario
Airport Hotel & Conference Center, 700 N. Haven Ave., Ontario, CA
91764 (I-10 to N. Haven Ave). Free parking, free shuttle to Ontario
Airport or Ontario Mills Mall, free wireless, heated pool, restaurants
within walking distance. $16,000 guaranteed prizes. 7 sections. Master
(over 2199): $1500-800-500-300, clear or tiebreak winner $100 bonus,
top U2300 $600-300. Expert (2000-2199): $1200-600-400-200. Class
A (1800-1999/Unr): $1200-600-400-200. Class B (1600-1799/Unr):
$1200-600-400-200. Class C (1400-1599/Unr): $800-400-200-100. Class
D (1200-1399/Unr): $800-400-200-100. Class E (Under 1200/Unr):
$400-200-120-80, plaques to first 3, top U1000, U800, U600, Unr. Rated
players may play up one section. Unofficial uschess.org ratings
usually used if otherwise unrated. Prize limits: Unrated may not win
over $100 in E, $200 D, $300 C, $500 B, or $700 A. Mixed doubles
bonus prizes: best male/female 2-player “team” combined score
among all sections: $600-300. Team average must be under 2200; team-
mates may play in different sections; teams must register at site (no
extra fee) by 2 pm 3/5, prize limits do not apply to mixed doubles. Top
4 sections EF: $115 online at chessaction.com by 3/2, $120 phoned to
406-896-2038 by 2/29, 3-day $118, 2-day $117 mailed by 2/24, $130
online until 2 hours before game or at site. Class C or D EF: all $30
less than top 4 sections EF. Class E EF: all $60 less than top 4 sections
EF. GMs free; $100 deducted from prize. No checks at site; credit
cards OK. SCCF memb. ($18, under 18 $13 with magazine, $3 without)
required for rated Southern CA residents; join/renew at scchess.com.
All: Special 1 yr USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry: Online at
chessaction.com. Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed,
phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $25, Scholastic $17. Re-
entry (except Master) $60. 3-day schedule: Reg. Fri to 6 pm, rds. Fri
7, Sat 11 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:15. 2-day schedule: Reg. Sat to 10 am, rds.
Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:15. Byes: OK all rds., limit 2; Master must
commit before rd. 2, others before rd. 3. HR: $95-95, 909-980-0400,
reserve by 2/19 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600,
use AWD #D657633. Questions: chesstour.com, 347-201-2269, Direc-
torAtChess.US. Ent: chessaction.com or Continental Chess, PO Box
8482, Pelham, NY 10803. $15 service charge for withdrawals. Advance
entries posted at chessaction.com (online entries posted instantly).
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
MAR. 11-13 OR 12-13, PENNSYLVANIA
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 80 (ENHANCED)
17TH ANNUAL PITTSBURGH OPEN
5SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Wyndham
Garden Pittsburgh Airport Hotel, One Industry Ln., Pittsburgh 15275.
Free parking, free airport shuttle, free internet in guest rooms and skittles
room. $10,000 guaranteed prizes. In 5 sections. Open: $1400-700-400,
clear or tiebreak winner $100 bonus, top Under 2300/Unr $500. Under
2100: $1000-500-300, top Under 1900/Unr $400. Under 1800: $1000-
500-300, top Under 1600 (no unr) $300. Under 1500: $600-400-200,
top Under 1300 (no unr) $200. Under 1200: $300-200-100. Mixed dou-
bles bonus prizes: best male/female 2-player “team” combined score
among all sections: $400-200. Team average must be under 2200; team-
mates may play in different sections; teams must register (no extra fee)
by 2 pm 3/12; teammate pairings avoided but possible. Unrated may
not win over $200 in U1200, $400 U1500 or $600 U1800. Top 3 sections
EF: $95 online at chessaction.com by 3/9, $100 phoned to 406-896-
2038 by 3/7, 3-day $103, 2-day $102 mailed by 3/2, all $110 (no checks,
credit cards OK) at site, or online until 2 hours before game. GMs, IMs
& WGMs free; $90 deducted from prize. U1500 Section EF: all $30
less than top 3 sections EF. U1200 Section EF: all $60 less than top 3
sections EF. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise
unrated. Special 1 year USCF dues with paper magazine if paid with
entry. Online at chessaction.com, Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic
WARNING!
The use of a cell phone in the tour-
nament room is prohibited! at
most tournaments! If your cell
phone rings in a room with games
in progress, you could be severely
penalized, maybe even forfeited!
TURN IT OFF!
62 November 2015 | Chess Life
$15. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $25, Scholastic
$17. Re-entry $60; not available in Open Section. 3-day schedule:
Reg. ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:15. 2-day
schedule: Reg. ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:15. All:
Half point byes OK all, limit 2, Open must commit before rd. 2, others
before rd. 3. HR: $99-99, 1-800-996-3426, 724-695-0002; reserve by 2/26
or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, AWD D657633,
or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Ent: chessaction. com or
Continental Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. $15 service charge for
refunds. Questions: www.chesstour.com, DirectorAtChess.US, 347-201-
2269. Advance entries posted at chessaction.com (online entries posted
instantly). Blitz tournament Saturday 9:30 pm, enter by 9:15 pm.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
MAR. 18-20 OR 19-20, MISSOURI
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 120 (ENHANCED)
20TH ANNUAL MID-AMERICA OPEN
5SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Crowne
Plaza Hotel St. Louis-Clayton, 7750 Carondelet Ave., St. Louis, MO 63105
(I-64 W/US 40-W Exit 32B, 1.2 miles north on Hanley Rd). $$ 20,000
GUARANTEED PRIZE FUND. In 7 sections: Open: $2000-1000-500-300,
clear winner or 1st on tiebreak $100 bonus, top U2300/Unr $800-400.
FIDE. Under 2100: $1400-700-400-200. Under 1900: $1400-700-400-
200. Under 1700: $1400-700-400-200. Under 1500: $1200-600-300-200.
Under 1300: $1000-500-300-200. Under 1000: $500-300-200-100,
plaques to first 3, top U800, U600, Unrated Prize limits: Unrated may
not win over $200 in U1000, $300 U1300, $500 U1500, or $700 U1700.
Mixed doubles bonus prizes: best male/female 2-player “team” com-
bined score among all sections: $800-400-200. Team average must be
under 2200; teammates may play in different sections; teams must reg-
ister at site (no extra fee) before 2 pm 3/19; teammate pairings avoided
but possible. Top 6 sections EF: $109 online at chessaction.com by
3/16, $115 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 3/14 (entry only, no questions),
3-day $113, 2-day $112 mailed by 3/9, $130 online until 2 hours before
game or at site. GMs free; $100 deducted from prize. U1000 Section
EF: all $50 less than above. Online EF $3 less to MCA members. No
checks at site, credit cards OK. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually
used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 yr USCF dues with magazine if
paid with entry: Online at chessaction.com, Adult $35, Young Adult $22,
Scholastic $15. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult
$25, Scholastic $17. Re-entry $60; not available in Open Section. 3-
day schedule: Reg. ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 5, Sun 10 &
3:15. 2-day schedule: Reg. ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun 10
& 3:15. Byes: OK all, limit 2; Open must commit before rd. 2, others
before rd. 3. HR: $97-100-105-110, includes free full hot buffet breakfast
and free parking, 888-303-1746, 314-726-5400, request chess rate,
reserve by 3/4 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600,
use AWD #D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Ent:
chessaction.com or Continental Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803.
Questions: DirectorAtChess.US, chesstour.com, chesstour.info, 347-
201-2269. $15 service charge for refunds. Advance entries posted at
chessaction.com (online entries posted instantly). Blitz tournament
Saturday 9:30 pm, enter by 9:15 pm.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
MAR. 23-27, 24-27, 25-27 OR 26-27, PENNSYLVANIA
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 200 (ENHANCED)
10TH ANNUAL PHILADELPHIA OPEN
OPEN SECTION, MAR 23-27: 9SS, 40/2, SD/30 d10. GM & IM norms
possible, FIDE rated. OTHER SECTIONS, MAR 24-27, 25-27 OR 26-
27: 7SS, 40/2, SD/30 d10 (3-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10; 2-day option,
rds. 1-4 G/30 d10). At the luxurious Philadelphia Marriott Downtown,
1201 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19107, directly across the street from
the world famous Reading Terminal Market with over 100 food vendors.
Prizes $80,000 based on 500 paid entries (seniors, re-entries, GMs,
IMs, WGMs count as half entries, U1100 Section as 40% entries), else
proportional, minimum $60,000 (75% of each prize) guaranteed. In 7
sections: Open: $7000-4000-2000-1000-800-600-500-500-400-400, clear
or tiebreak first $200 bonus, FIDE Under 2400/Unr $2000-1000. Under
2200/Unr, Under 2000/Unr, Under 1800: each $5000-2500-1200-800-
600-500-400-300-300-300. Unrated may not win over $2000 in U2000
Section. Under 1600: $4000-2000-1000-700-500-400-300-300-300-300.
Under 1400: $3000-1500-1000-700-500-400-300-300-300-300. Under
1100/Unr: $1000-700-500-400-300-300-200-200-100-100. Unrated may
not win over $300 in U1100 Section. Unrated not allowed in U1800,
U1600 or U1400 sections. Mixed Doubles Bonus Prizes: best
male/female combined 2-player team score: $1000-500-300-200. In
Open Section, only the first 7 rounds are counted. Team average must
be under 2200; teammates may play in different sections; teams must
register (no extra fee) before both players begin round 2; prize limits
do not apply to mixed doubles. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually
used if otherwise unrated. Prize limits: 1) If post-event rating posted
3/22/15-3/22/16 is more than 30 points over section maximum, prize
limit $1500. 2) Players with under 26 lifetime games as of 3/16 official
cannot win over $500 in U1100, $1000 in U1400, $1500 U1600, or $2000
U1800. 3) Balance of any limited prize goes to next player(s) in line.
Open EF, for GMs, IMs & WGMs: $125 online by 3/21, $150 at site.
Minimum prize guarantees in Open Section, to players who play all 9
games with no byes: US GM $300, foreign GM $600 (limited to first 5 to
enter, others $300), foreign IM/WGM $300, foreign FM/WIM $200,
foreign FIDE rated $100. Open EF, for US players who are not USCF
or FIDE rated 2200/over: $355 online at chessaction.com by 1/14,
$375 online by 3/21, $400 at site. Open EF, for others: $205 online at
chessaction.com by 1/14, $225 online by 3/21, $250 at site. Open
mailed or phoned entries: all $10 more than online entry, mail by
3/14, phone to 406-896-2038 by 3/18. U2200 through U1400 Sections
EF: $205 online at chessacton.com by 1/14, $225 online by 3/21, $250
at site. Mailed EF: 4-day $214, 3-day $213, 2-day $212 mailed by 1/14,
all $20 more mailed by 3/14. U1100/Unr Section EF: $75 online at
chessaction.com by 3/21, 4-day $84, 3-day $83, 2-day $82 mailed by
3/14, $100 at site. Phoned EF: All $10 more than online EF, 406-896-
2038 (entry only, no questions), available only through 3/18. Online
late entry after 3/21: available until 2 hours before your first game,
same price as entry at site. EF $100 less to seniors 65/over in Open
through U1400. Special 1 year USCF membership with magazine if
paid with entry: Online at chessaction.com, Adult $35, Young Adult $22,
Scholastic $15. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult
$25, Scholastic $17. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Re-entry:
$100, no re-entry from Open Section to Open Section. 5-day schedule
(Open only): Reg. ends Wed 6 pm, rds. Wed. 7 pm, Thu 11 & 6, Fri 11 &
6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4. 4-day schedule (except Open): Reg. ends
Thu 6 pm, rds. Thu 7 pm, Fri 11 & 6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4. 3-day
schedule (except Open): Reg. ends Fri 10 am, rds. Fri 11, 2:30 & 6, Sat
11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4. 2-day schedule (except Open): Reg. ends Sat. 9
am, rds. Sat. 10, 12, 2, 3:45 & 6, Sun 10 & 4. 4-day, 3-day, & 2-day
merge & compete for same prizes. Byes: Half point byes OK all rounds,
limit 3 byes, limit 2 in last 4 rounds. Open Section must commit before
rd. 2, other sections before rd. 4. Bring sets, boards, clocks if possi-
ble- none supplied. HR: $104-104-124, 215-625-2900, reserve by 3/11
or rate may increase. Parking: Marriott valet parking, about $20/day
(60% off regular rate) for first 100 valet parking spaces sold. Park
America, 25 S. 12th St (12th & Clover), 1 block from Marriott, about
$19/day each day, or $10 for 12 hrs Sat & Sun. Gateway Garage, 1540
Spring St. (3/5 mile from Marriott, 1 block from Sheraton Hotel), about
$5/day Sat & Sun, $18/day other days. Car rentals: Avis, 800-331-
1600, use AWD #D657633 or reserve car online at chesstour.com.
Ratings: FIDE March used for Open, USCF March official for U2200 &
below; note that USCF ratings after the March list (see above) may
result in a $1500 prize limit. Foreign player ratings: see www.chesstour.
com/foreignratings.htm. Cellphone & anti-cheating rules: see
www.chesstour.com/devices.htm. Players must submit to a search for
electronic devices if requested by Director. Ent: chessaction.com or
Continental Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. $15 service charge
for refunds. Questions: DirectorAtChess.us, 347-201-2269, chesstour.com.
Advance entries posted at chessaction.com (online entries posted
instantly). Blitz tournament Sat 10 pm, enter by 9:45 pm.
JUNE 22-23, NEVADA
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 (ENHANCED)
2016 U.S. WOMEN’S OPEN
See Nationals.
JUNE 24-26 OR 25-26, NEVADA
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 300 (ENHANCED)
2016 NATIONAL OPEN
See Nationals.
Regional
ALABAMA
NOV. 13-15 OR 14-15, 2015 U.S. Class Championships (TX)
See Nationals.
DEC. 27-29, New Orleans Open (LA)
See Grand Prix.
ARIZONA
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
Tuesday Night Open
4 or 5 round, USCF rated tournament; ROUND TIMES: 7:00pm One game
every Tuesday of the month: Time Control: 40/120,SD/60 d5 PRIZES:
1st Place and Class Prizes based on number of entries; ENTRY FEE:
$45; TO REGISTER: chessemporium.com, call 602-482-4867. SITE: 10801
N. 32nd St., Suite 6, Phoenix, AZ 85028.
NOV. 26-29 OR 27-29, 51st Annual American Open (CA-S)
See Grand Prix.
DEC. 26-30, 26-29 OR 27-29, 25th annual North American
Open (NV)
See Grand Prix.
DEC. 29, North American Open Blitz (BLZ) (NV)
See Grand Prix.
JAN. 1-3 OR 2-3, 2016 New Year Open Championship (CA-N)
See Grand Prix.
JAN. 15-18, 16-18 OR 17-18, 7th annual Golden State Open
(CA-N)
See Grand Prix.
JAN. 23 AND/OR 24, 2016 U.S. Junior Chess Congress (CA-N)
See Nationals.
FEB. 11-15, 12-15, 13-15 OR 14-15, 7th annual Southwest
Class Championships (TX)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 4-6 OR 5-6, 23rd annual Western Class Championships
(CA-S)
See Grand Prix.
JUNE 22-23, 2016 U.S. Women’s Open (NV)
See Nationals.
JUNE 24-26 OR 25-26, 2016 National Open (NV)
See Nationals.
ARKANSAS
NOV. 13-15 OR 14-15, 2015 U.S. Class Championships (TX)
See Nationals.
DEC. 27-29, New Orleans Open (LA)
See Grand Prix.
 See previous issue for TLAs appearing November 1-14

MAR. 18-20 OR 19-20, 20th annual Mid-America Open (MO)
See Grand Prix.
CALIFORNIA, NORTHERN
NOV. 13-15 OR 14-15, Bay Area Chess NTD Thomas Langland
Championship
See Grand Prix.
NOV. 15, Bay Area Cupertino Quads (PK-12; 3xG/30 d5)
Courtyard Marriott, Cupertino, CA 95014. Trophies: Players w/plus
score. Sched: Reqrd. Check-in 1:30-2p. Games: 2:30-5p. EF: 27, 42
after 11/13. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W.
NOV. 15, Bay Area Cupertino Swiss (PK-12; 4SS, G/30 d5)
Courtyard Marriott, Cupertino, CA 95014. Trophies to players w +
score & all teams. Sched: Reg. 9:30-9:45a. Games: 10a - 1:30p. EF:
34, 49 after 11/13. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W.
NOV. 21, Chess4Less Kids Quads (PK-12; 4SS, G/30 d5)
New Location: 2050 Concord Drive #42, San Jose, CA 95131. Trophies:
Players w/plus score. Sched: New Time: Required Check-in 12:30-1p.
Games: 1-4p. EF: 22, 37 after 11/18 Info: BayAreaChess.com/signature.
NOV. 22, Chess4Less Kids Swiss (PK-12; 4SS, G/30 d5)
1639A South Main St., Milpitas, CA 95035. Trophies to players w +
score & all teams. Sched NEW Time: Reg. 9-9:15a. Games: 9:30a -
1:30p. EF: 22, 37 after 11/19. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature.
NOV. 22, Cupertino Grand Prix DuperSwiss75 (3SS, G/75 d5)
See Grand Prix.
NOV. 26-29 OR 27-29, 51st Annual American Open (CA-S)
See Grand Prix.
NOV. 27, California Kids Class Championship (PK-12)
5SS, G/30 d5. Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America
Pkwy., Santa Clara, CA 95054. Park free. Prizes: Top 10 players in each
section & Top 5 teams & Top 5 clubs all sections combined. 5 Sections
b/rating: 800-999, 600-799, 400-599, 200-399, <200. Sched: Reg. 9-
9:30. Games 10 11:30 1 2:20 3:45. EF: 37 by 11/23, Onsite +20, Playup
+10. Nov 15 Supp & TD disc to place players. Ent: Online or mail. Rfnd
fee 20. T:408.409.6596. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/tgs. E: ask@
BayAreaChess.com, W.
NOV. 27-29 OR 28-29, Class Warfare Championship
See Grand Prix.
NOV. 29, Bay Area Cupertino Quads (PK-12; 3xG/30 d5)
Courtyard Marriott, Cupertino, CA 95014. Trophies: Players w/plus
score. Sched: Reqrd. Check-in 1:30-2p. Games: 2:30-5p. EF: 27, 42
after 11/27. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W.
NOV. 29, Bay Area Cupertino Swiss (PK-12; 4SS, G/30 d5)
Courtyard Marriott, Cupertino, CA 95014. Trophies to players w +
score & all teams. Sched: Reg 9:30-9:45a. Games: 10a - 1:30p. EF: 34,
49 after 11/27. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W.
A State Championship Event!
DEC. 5-6, 2015-16 CalChess State Grade Level Championship
Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Pkwy., Santa Clara,
CA 95054. Park free .Trophies: Top 15 players w + score (all in K, 3 in
Gr9-12) & Top 5 teams and Top 5 clubs in ea section K-8 (Top 3 in Gr 9-
12). Medals to others. 13 sect based on grade (K-12). Reg.: Sa 8-8:30a.
K-3: 5SS, G/30 d5, Sa 9 10:30a 12 1:30 3p. 4-12: 6SS, G/60 d5 Sa/Su
9 11:45 2:30. Blitz: 8xG/5 d0 Sa 5:30-7p, 3 sects (K-3, 4-6, 7-12). EF:
by 11/28, K-3 $39, 4-12 $53, 11/28-12/3 +$20, 12/4&onsite +$40.
Blitz $14. US Chess & CalChess Mem reqd. Dec 15 Supp. Info: www.bay
areachess.com/grades. W.
DEC. 6, Bay Area Chess Grand Prix Super Swiss (4SS, G/61 d5)
See Grand Prix.
DEC. 12, Foster City Luper$wiss (3SS, G/90 d5)
Courtyard Marriott, Foster City, CA 94404. Prizes: $1,250 b40. 60% guar.
1900+: $200-100-50, u2100 50-50. 1500-1899: $200-100, u1700 50-
50. u1500: $200-100, u1200 50-50. Dec15 Supp & TD disc. Reg. 9-9:15.
Rds. 9:30 12:50 4:15. EF: 43, Ecn 29 w 1/2 prz. after 12/9 +15, playup
+15, Rtd 2200+ $0 by 12/2. Info: BayAreaChess.com/grandprix. W.
DEC. 12, Sacramento Chess4Less Quads (PK-12; 3xG/30 d5)
Courtyard Marriott, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670. Prize: $900 b36. 1700+:
$200-100, u1900 100-50. u1700: $200-100, u1600 100, u1400 50. Dec
15 Supp & TD disc. Reg. 9-9:15. Rds. 9:30 11:50 2:40 5. EF: 43, Econ 29
1/2 prz., after 12/9 +15, playup +15, Rated 2200+ $0 by 12/2. Info:
http://BayAreaChess.com/grandprix. W
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
DEC. 12, Sacramento Junior Grand Prix Super Swiss (4SS, G/61
d5)
Courtyard Marriott, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670. Prize: $900 b/36.
1700+: $200-100, u1900 100-50. u1700: $200-100, u1600 100, u1400
50. Dec 15 Supp & TD disc. Reg. 9-9:15. Rds. 9:30 11:50 2:40 5. EF: 43,
Econ 29 1/2 prz., after 12/9 +15, playup +15, Rated 2200+ $0 by
12/2. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/grandprix. W.
DEC. 12, Weibel Fall Scholastic Chess Quads #3
Weibel Elementary School, 45135 S. Grimmer Blvd., Fremont, CA. Two
Sections: U900 G/30 d0; Over 900 G/45 d5. Info & Entry Form at:
www.CalNorthYouthChess.org/Applications/FallQuads15-GP Open to
all scholastic players who are USCF members. Trophies to winners of
each Quad. Chess medals to all who do not win a trophy. Info: Alan M.
Kirshner, Ph.D., Alan@CalNorthYouthChess.org, (510) 659-0358.
DEC. 13, Bay Area Fremont Quads (PK-12; 4SS, G/30 d5)
Courtyard Marriott, Fremont, CA 94538. Trophies: Players w/plus score.
Sched: Required Check-in 1:30-2p. Games: 2:30-5p. EF: 27, 42 after
12/10. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W.
DEC. 13, Bay Area Fremont Swiss (PK-12; 3SS, G/30 d5)
Courtyard Marriott, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670. Trophies: Players
w/plus score. Sched: Reqrd. Check-in 1:30-2p. Games: 2:30-5p. EF:
22, 37 after 12/9. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W
DEC. 13, Fremont DuperSwiss75 (3SS, G/75 d5)
Courtyard Marriott, Fremont, CA 94538. Prizes: $1,250 b/40. 60% guar.
1900+: $200-100-50, u2100 50-50. 1500-1899: $200-100, u1700 50-
50. u1500: $200-100, u1200 50-50. Dec 15 Supp & TD disc. Reg. 8:30-8:45.
Rds. 9-11:45-2:40. EF: 47, Econ 32 w 1/2 prz. after 12/10 +15, playup
+15, Rtd 2200+ $0 by 12/3. Info: BayAreaChess.com/grandprix. W.
DEC. 18-20 OR 19-20, Bay Area Chess GM Sam Sevian Cham-
pionship
See Grand Prix.
DEC. 20, Bay Area Cupertino Quads (PK-12; 3xG/30 d5)
Courtyard Marriott, Cupertino, CA 95014. Trophies: Players w/plus
score. Sched: Reqrd. Check-in 1:30-2p. Games: 2:30-5p. EF: 27, 42
after 12/17. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W.
DEC. 20, Bay Area Cupertino Swiss (PK-12; 4SS, G/30 d5)
Courtyard Marriott, Cupertino, CA 95014. Trophies to players w +
score & all teams. Sched: Reg. 9:30-9:45a. Games: 10a - 1:30p. EF:
34, 49 after 12/17. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W.
DEC. 26-30, 26-29 OR 27-29, 25th annual North American
Open (NV)
See Grand Prix.
DEC. 27, Bay Area Cupertino Quads (PK-12; 3xG/30 d5)
Courtyard Marriott, Cupertino, CA 95014. Trophies: Players w/plus
score. Sched: Reqrd. Check-in 1:30-2p. Games: 2:30-5p. EF: 27, 42
after 12/24. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W.
DEC. 27, Bay Area Cupertino Swiss (PK-12; 4SS, G/30 d5)
Courtyard Marriott, Cupertino, CA 95014. Trophies to players w +
score & all teams. Sched: Reg. 9:30-9:45a. Games: 10a - 1:30p. EF:
34, 49 after 12/24. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W.
DEC. 29, North American Open Blitz (BLZ) (NV)
See Grand Prix.
JAN. 1, New Year Youth Championship
5SS, G/30 d5. Oakland City Center Marriott, 1001 Broadway, Oakland,
CA 94607. Room $119. Prizes: Top 10 w/plus score in ea sec, Top 5
schools & clubs (combined). 5 Secs: 800-999, 600-799, 400-599, 200-
399, u200. Sched: Reg. 9-9:15. Games 10 11:30 1 2:20 3:40. EF: 39,

Gold & Silver Affiliates

Any affiliate that has submitted at least 50 US Chess memberships during the current or previous calendar year, or is the recognized State Affiliate,
GOLD is eligible to become a Gold Affiliate. Gold Affiliates are honored in a special list in larger type in Tournament Life each month, giving the affiliate
name, address, phone number, e-mail address, and website. Gold Affiliation costs $350 per year, and existing affiliates may subtract $3 for each month remaining on their
regular affiliation, or $20 for each month remaining on their Silver Affiliation. As of August 6, 2007, by paying an annual payment of $500 (instead of $350),
Gold Affiliate status may be obtained with no minimum requirement for memberships submitted.

Cajun Chess Dallas Chess Club ChessIQ Shore HS Chess League

12405 Hillary Step Drive, Olive Branch,
MS 38654 504-208-9596
cajunchess@yahoo.com www.cajunchess.com
Chess Club and Scholastic Center of St. Louis
4657 Maryland Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108.
314-361-CHESS info@stlouischessclub.org
www.stlouischessclub.org
Continental Chess Association
PO Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. 201-347-2269
director@chess.us www.chesstour.com
200 S. Cottonwood Dr. Suite C, Richardson,
TX 75080 972-231-2065
info@dallaschess.com www.dallaschess.com
Marshall Chess Club
23 W. 10th St., New York, NY 10011
212-477-3716 admin@marshallchessclub.org
www.marshallchessclub.org
ChessNYC.com
c/o Russell Makofsky & Michael Propper
PO Box 189, 1710 1st Ave, New York,
NY 10012, 212-475-8130 info@chessnyc.com
www.chessnyc.com
4957 Oakton Street, Suite 113, Skokie, IL 60077,
847.423.8626 sevan@chessiq.com
www.chessiq.com
PaperClip Pairings
c/o J. Houghtaling Jr & Remy Ferrari,
6005 Forest Blvd., Brownsville, TX 78526
956-459-2421 jejrhoughtaling@bisd.us
San Diego Chess Club
2225 6th Ave., San Diego, CA 92101
619-239-7166 sandiegochessclub@gmail.com
www.sandiegochessclub.org
PO Box 773, Lincroft, NJ 07738
shorehschessleague@yahoo.com
Shining Knights, Ltd.
P.O. Box 545, Glenmoore, PA 19343
484-228-8457 cindy@shiningknights.com
www.shiningknights.com
Silver Knights Chess
701 W. Broad Street, Suite 308
Falls Church, VA 22406, 703-574-2070
chess@silverknightschess.com
www.silverknightschess.com

Any affiliate that has submitted at least 25 US Chess memberships during the current or previous calendar year, or is the recognized State
SILVER Affiliate, is eligible to become a Silver Affiliate. These affiliates will be recognized in a special list in Tournament Life each month, giving the
affiliate name, state, and choice of either phone number, e-mail address, or website. Silver Affiliation costs $150 per year, and existing affiliates may subtract $3 for
each month remaining on their regular affiliation. As of August 6, 2007, by paying an annual payment of $250.00 (instead of $150), Silver Affiliate status
may be obtained with no minimum requirement for memberships submitted.

Bay Area Chess (CA) En Passant Chess Club (TX) Los Angeles Chess Club (CA) Oklahoma Chess Foundation Success Chess School (CA)
www.BayAreaChess.com edguetzow@sbcglobal.net www.LAChessClub.com OCFChess.org www.successchess.com
The Berkeley Chess School (CA) Long Island Chess Nuts (NY) Michigan Chess Association Sparta Chess Club (NJ)
www.berkeleychessschool.org 516-739-3907 www.michess.org www.spartachessclub.org

www.uschess.org 63
Tournament Life / November
after 12/28 +15, Playup +10. Jan 16 Supp. Rfnd fee 15. Info/Flyer/Reg:
http://BayAreaChess.com/nykids. E: ask@BayAreaChess.com. T:
408.409.6596. W.
JAN. 1-3 OR 2-3, 2016 New Year Open Championship
See Grand Prix.
JAN. 15-18, 16-18 OR 17-18, 7th annual Golden State Open
See Grand Prix.
JAN. 23 AND/OR 24, 2016 U.S. Junior Chess Congress
See Nationals.
FEB. 13-15 OR 14-15, 32nd Annual U.S. Amateur Team Cham-
pionship West
See Nationals.
FEB. 27 OR 27-28, 11th SPF Nationwide Open for Girls and
Boys
6SS, G/60 d5. Official Qualifier for the SPF Girls’ Invitational & FIDE
World Youth 2016. MAIN EVENT: San Mateo Event Center, 1346 Saratoga
Dr., San Mateo. Free Parking. $100,000+ in prizes (lots of trophies,
chess prizes & scholarships). $1,000 Triple Crown Bonus! – All details
on www.SPFNO.com. CHAMPIONSHIP SECTIONS: U8, U10, U12, U14,
U16/18 in separate sections for Girls and Boys. TIME CONTROLS: All
games will be G/60 d5. ROUND TIMES: Sat & Sun 9am, 11:30am,
2:30pm. EF: $39 UNTIL 12/1, $59 until 1/20, $69 until 2/20, $89 after.
Unrated Reserve Sections: K-2 < 500 or UNR / 3-6 < 800 or UNR
Rds. 2/27: 9, 10:30, 1, 3:30 & 5. Reserve Sections Time Control:
G/25 d5 EF: $29 UNTIL 2/20, $49 after. ADDITIONAL EVENTS: Q & A
and 25 board Simul against GM Susan Polgar 2/26 6:30pm (venue
TBA) EF $29 UNTIL 12/1, $49 after. 2/27- Puzzle Solving Championship
(one section) 5-5:30pm. EF $19 UNTIL 12/1, $29 until 2/20, $39 after.
Blitz Championship. G/5+0 starts at 5:45pm. EF $19 UNTIL 12/1, $29
until 2/20, $39 after. USCF Membership required for all championship
sections & blitz. January 2016 Supplement used. TD discretion to place
players accurately. HOTEL: Special Room Rate. Sofitel San Francisco
Bay, 223 Twin Dolphin Dr., Redwood City. Call (650) 598-9000 for reser-
vations. ORGANIZER: Chris Torres chesslessons@aol.com Or mail to:
TCAMA 16691 Colonial Trail, Lathrop, CA 95330. More Info & Flyer
or Register Online: www.SPFNO.com
NOTE: Players who qualify for the World Youth Championship
but represent a FIDE Academy are not included in the official US
Chess Federation Delegation.
MAR. 4-6 OR 5-6, 23rd annual Western Class Championships
(CA-S)
See Grand Prix.
JUNE 22-23, 2016 U.S. Women’s Open (NV)
See Nationals.
JUNE 24-26 OR 25-26, 2016 National Open (NV)
See Nationals.
CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN
THE LOS ANGELES CHESS CLUB
The Most Active Club on the West Coast! (310) 795-5710. *
www.LAChessClub.com; Contact: Mick@LAChess Club.com;
Saturdays: 10am-10 pm (Beg & Interm. classes + 2 Tourna-
ments). Sundays: 11-7 & 1-5 pm (Junior class + 2 Tournaments)
– Details on our web site. Tuesdays: 7:30-9:30 pm (Advance
Lecture). 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025.
(4 blocks W of 405, SW corner of Santa Monica & Butler *
2nd Floor – above Javan Restaurant) Group Classes * Tourna-
ments * Private (1:1) Lessons.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
NOV. 7 & 8, 21 & 22, 28 & 29, LACC - Saturday & Sunday G/61
6SS, G/61 d5. 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA 90025, 2nd fl. EF: $55 ($35
LACC memb; No prizes 1/2; second child 1/2). Reg.: 11-12 pm. Rds.:
12, 2, 4 pm each day. 1-day option: $30/20. Prizes: 1/2 collections.
Parking: Free at BoA & basement. Info: 310/795-5710 or www.LAChess-
Club.com.
NOV. 7, 14, 21, 28, LACC - Sat Nite Blitzathon (BLZ)
4 separate events- 7DSS, G/5 d0 (14 Games). 11514 Santa Monica
Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd fl. 4 blks W of 405. EF: $20 ($15 LACC memb).
Blitz-rated. No prizes $10. Reg.: 6-6:30 pm. Rds.: 6:30, 6:55, 7:20, 7:45,
8:10, 8:35, 9 pm. Prizes: 1/2 collections. Parking: Free on streets &
BoA. Info: 310/795-5710 or www.LAChessClub.com.
NOV. 7, 14, 28, LACC - Every Saturday Chess 4 JRS
3 separate events- 5SS, G/30 d0. 11514 Santa Monica Blvd. & Butler
DROPPING OUT?
Have to miss a round?
It is very important that you NOTIFY
THE DIRECTOR before pairings are
made, so no one is deprived of a game!
If you forfeit without notice, you may
be FINED up to the amount of the
entry fee!
64 November 2015 | Chess Life
LA, 90025, 2nd fl. 4 blocks West of 405. EF: $30 ($20 LACC memb, No
prize 1/2, siblings 1/2, Free new LACC members). Reg.: 12-1 pm. Rds.:
1pm & asap; done by 4:30. Prizes: Trophies & medals; All players
receive prizes! Parking: Free on streets & BoA. Free pizzas & juices.
Info: (310) 795-5710 or www.LAChessClub.com or Mick@LAChess
Club.com.
NOV. 8, 15, 29, LACC - Every Sunday Chess 4 JRS
3 separate events- 5SS, G/30 d0. 11514 Santa Monica Blvd. & Butler
LA, 90025, 2nd fl. 4 blocks West of 405. EF: $30 ($20 LACC memb, No
prize 1/2, siblings 1/2, Free new LACC members). Reg.: 12-1 pm. Rds.:
1pm & asap; done by 4:30. Prizes: Trophies & medals; All players
receive prizes! Parking: Free on streets & BoA. Free pizzas & juices.
Info: (310) 795-5710 or www.LAChessClub.com or Mick@LAChess
Club.com.
NOV. 14-15, 2015 Euwe Memorial
See Grand Prix.
NOV. 21-22, 1st Winter Chess Camp & Tournament
3 Sections: >1000, <1000, <500. EF: 2 days $199 ($145 LACC memb);
1 day $100 ($75 LACC memb) ; second child 1/2, 25% off new LACC
members; $10 off if preregistered for 2 days by 11/20; $5 for 1 day.
Reg.: Sat 10-11 am; Register online for a free gift. Schedule: Day 1
(Beginner/ Intermediate): 12-1: Tactics I; 1-2: Tourney (Rd. 1, G/30
d0); 2-2:30: Pizza & juice break (free); 2:30-3:30: Tourney (Rd. 2, G/30
d0); 3:30-4:30: Tourney Rd. 3, G/30 d0); 4:30-5:30: Analyzing games.
Schedule: Day 2 (Intermediate/ Advanced): 12-1: Tactics II; 1-2:
Tourney (Rd. 4, G/30 d0); 2-2:30: Pizza & juice break (free); 2:30-3:30:
Tourney (Rd. 5, G/30 d0); 3:30-4:30: Tourney Rd. 6, G/30 d0. 4:30-5:30:
Analyzing games. Ent: LACC- Box 251774, LA, CA 90025. Prizes: Certificate
of Completion and an advance chess book! Info: Mick Bighamian: (310)
795-5710; Mick@LAChessClub.com or www.LAChessClub.com. Parking:
Free in basement.
NOV. 26-29 OR 27-29, 51st Annual American Open
See Grand Prix.
NOV. 30, DEC. 7, 14, Santa Monica Bay Chess Club
MONDAY QUADS; (3-RR, G/1:55 d5). Cash prizes. St. Andrew’s Church,
11555 National Blvd., WLA, 90064. EF: $10 - Club members, $20 - non-
members. Reg.: 7-7:10 p.m. Rds.: 7:10-11:00 p.m., USCF rated. Free
parking. Free coffee. INFO: 310/827-2789.
DEC. 26-30, 26-29 OR 27-29, 25th annual North American
Open (NV)
See Grand Prix.
DEC. 29, North American Open Blitz (BLZ) (NV)
See Grand Prix.
JAN. 1-3 OR 2-3, 2016 New Year Open Championship (CA-N)
See Grand Prix.
JAN. 15-18, 16-18 OR 17-18, 7th annual Golden State Open
(CA-N)
See Grand Prix.
JAN. 23 AND/OR 24, 2016 U.S. Junior Chess Congress (CA-N)
See Nationals.
MAR. 4-6 OR 5-6, 23rd annual Western Class Championships
See Grand Prix.
JUNE 22-23, 2016 U.S. Women’s Open (NV)
See Nationals.
JUNE 24-26 OR 25-26, 2016 National Open (NV)
See Nationals.
COLORADO
NOV. 13-15 OR 14-15, 2015 U.S. Class Championships (TX)
See Nationals.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
DEC. 5-6, Winter Springs Open
4-SS. Time Control: G/90 with 30 seconds increment. Manitou Art
Center, 513 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, CO. Sections: June (open),
July (U 1800), August (U1400). EF: $35 if rec’d by 12/2, $40 at site. $5
discount for juniors, seniors, unrateds. Additional $5 discount for Sup-
porting Members of Colorado Springs Chess Club. Cash prizes per
entries. Register: 8:30–9:30 AM. Rounds: 10 AM, 4 PM Saturday; 9
AM, 3 PM Sunday. Entries to: Richard Buchanan, 1 Sutherland Rd.,
Manitou Springs, CO 80829. Information: (719) 685 1984 or buck-
peace@pcisys.net. CSCA membership required: $15, juniors & seniors
$10. OSA Colorado Tour Event.
DEC. 26-30, 26-29 OR 27-29, 25th annual North American
Open (NV)
See Grand Prix.
JAN. 15-18, 16-18 OR 17-18, 7th annual Golden State Open
(CA-N)
See Grand Prix.
FEB. 11-15, 12-15, 13-15 OR 14-15, 7th annual Southwest
Class Championships (TX)
See Grand Prix.
JUNE 22-23, 2016 U.S. Women’s Open (NV)
See Nationals.
JUNE 24-26 OR 25-26, 2016 National Open (NV)
See Nationals.
CONNECTICUT
NOV. 27-29 OR 28-29, 46th annual National Chess Congress
(PA)
See Grand Prix.
DEC. 12, 2015 Greater New Haven Open!
See Grand Prix.
DEC. 26-28 OR 27-28, 34th annual Empire City Open (NY)
See Grand Prix.
JAN. 8-10 OR 9-10, 4th annual Boston Chess Congress (MA)
See Grand Prix.
JAN. 9 OR 10 OR 9-10, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents
the 50th Annual Greater NY Scholastic Championships - Since
1966, US Chess Longest-Running Scholastic! (NY)
See New York.
MAR. 12-13, 49th annual New York State Scholastic Champi-
onships (out of state welcome) (NY)
See New York.
MAR. 23-27, 24-27, 25-27 OR 26-27, 10th annual Philadel-
phia Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
DELAWARE
JAN. 9 OR 10 OR 9-10, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents
the 50th Annual Greater NY Scholastic Championships - Since
1966, US Chess Longest-Running Scholastic! (NY)
See New York.
JAN. 15-18, 16-18 OR 17-18, 48th annual Liberty Bell Open
(PA)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 23-27, 24-27, 25-27 OR 26-27, 10th annual Philadel-
phia Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
FEB. 26-28 OR 27-28, George Washington Open (VA)
See Grand Prix.
FLORIDA
South Florida Grand Prix Series
This is the former Epicure Grand Prix that took place at Miami Country
Day. Scholastic and Non-Scholastic sections. More information at website:
www.bocachess.com or call 561-479-0351.
The Stormont Kings Chess Center in Miami, FL
Conducts Private and Group Lessons, Homeschool Activities, Tournaments,
Camps, Family Game Nights, Parents Night Out, Casual Chess Play and
more! Complimentary Refreshments, Ample Parking, Comfortable Waiting
Room, and more! Located at 8353 SW 124 St., Suite 201-A, Miami, FL
33156. Contact Chris Stormont, Phone: 786-303-2437, Email: chris@stor-
montkingschess.com, Web: www.StormontKingsChess.com.
NOV. 13-15 OR 14-15, 14th Annual Turkey Bowl
See Grand Prix.
NOV. 13-15 OR 14-15, 2015 U.S. Class Championships (TX)
See Nationals.
DEC. 4-6, 2015 National K-12 Grade Championships
See Nationals.
DEC. 26-28, 45th Annual Atlanta Open (GA)
See Grand Prix.
DEC. 27-29, New Orleans Open (LA)
See Grand Prix.
JAN. 8-10 OR 9-10, 2nd Gulf Coast New Year’s Open
See Grand Prix.
FEB. 12-14 OR 13-14, 2016 U.S. Amateur Team Championship
South
See Nationals.
GEORGIA
NOV. 13-15 OR 14-15, 14th Annual Turkey Bowl (FL)
See Grand Prix.
NOV. 13-15 OR 14-15, 2015 U.S. Class Championships (TX)
See Nationals.
DEC. 26-28, 45th Annual Atlanta Open
See Grand Prix.
DEC. 27-29, New Orleans Open (LA)
See Grand Prix.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
DEC. 29, 13th Annual Time Control Open
4-SS. Rd. 1 G/30 d5, Rd. 2 G/45 d5, Rd. 3 G/60 d5, Rd. 4 G/75 d5. Inter-
active College of Technology, 5227 New Peachtree Rd., Chamblee, GA
30341. In 2 sections: $30 if received by 12/27; $35 at site. $1,000
b/45, 60% Guaranteed. Championship: $250-150, u2000, u1800, u1600,
u1400 each $150. Under 1200: (not part of base). Entry Fee: $25 if
received by 12/27; $28 at site. Trophies to top 7, top 2 under 1000,
under 800. Registration: ends 10:30 a.m. Rounds: 11-12:30-2:30-5.
Info: americanchesspromotions.com or (478)-973-9389. Enter: American
Chess Promotions, 3055 General Lee Rd., Macon, GA 31204 or preferred
Register Online.
DEC. 30, Georgia Chess Festival Scholastic
4-SS, G/30 d5. Interactive College of Technology, 5227 New Peachtree
Rd., Chamblee, GA 30341. In 3 sections: Middle School: K-8, Elementary:
K-6, and Primary: K-3. Entry Fee: $23 if received by 12/28; $28 at site.

Trophies to top 5, top girl, top unrated, top team of 3 same school.
Medals to every participant who doesn’t get a trophy. Registration:
9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Rounds: 1st at 11 a.m., then as soon as possible.
Awards right after last round is completed. Should be over by 6:00 p.m.
Special: A master or expert will be on hand for FREE analysis. Info:
americanchesspromotions.com or (478)-973-9389. Enter: American
Chess Promotions, 3055 General Lee Rd., Macon, GA 31204 or preferred
Register Online.
JAN. 8-10 OR 9-10, 2nd Gulf Coast New Year’s Open (FL)
See Grand Prix.
FEB. 12-14 OR 13-14, 2016 U.S. Amateur Team Championship
South (FL)
See Nationals.
IDAHO
NOV. 14, Southern Idaho Open
4SS, Time Control: G/60 d5. Northwest Chess Grand Prix. 2 Sections:
Open and Reserve (U1400) (Sections may be combined based on entries).
Site: Best Western Twin Falls, 1377 Blue Lakes Blvd. No., Twin Falls,
ID. Contact Amy Perkins for room rates 208-736-8000 DO NOT RESERVE
ROOMS ONLINE OR NO ROOM RATE DISCOUNT. US Chess mem req. EF
by 11/8 $30 (U18 & 60+ $25), Special family rate $60. $5 more for all
if after 11/8. Email entries OK to lock in lower rate. Register & check
in: 8-8:30am 11/14. Rd. times: 9am, 11am, 3pm, 5pm. 1/2 pt bye avail:
Max 1, Rds. 1-3 only. 1st Rd. byes must notify TD before rd. is paired;
all others, before Rd. 2 is paired. $$ (based on 30) Open: $150-125-
100-75. Reserve (U1400): $100-75-50. ENT/INFO: ICA, Contact: Barry
Eacker, 963 Delmar Dr., Twin Falls, ID 83301. 208-733-6186 or E-mail:
mol64@q.com, www.idahochessassociation.org. W.
ILLINOIS
NOV. 13-15 OR 14-15, 24th annual Kings Island Open (OH)
See Grand Prix.
A State Championship Event!
NOV. 22, 2015 Illinois Class State Chess Championships
An Illinois Chess Tour Event! 4SS: G/60 d5. Location: Hilton Lisle/
Naperville, 3003 Corporate West Dr., Lisle, IL 60532, (630) 505-0900,
$89 + tax room rate if reserved by 11/13/15, mention Illinois Chess
Assn when registering. Six Sections: M/X, A, B, C, D, U1200. For $20
play-up fee, players may play up one class. Only Class E players may
play up to Section D. November rating supplement determines section
eligibility. Prizes: M/X: $500-$200-$50 A through D $150-$75-$40 each
section U1200 Trophy-Medal-Medal for top finishers in each Classes E,
F, and U800 (no cash prizes, tiebreaks apply). Cash prizes based on 90
ACTIVITY MEANS MEMBERS
Free 8-Line Tournament Life Announcements (TLAs)!
Adult Dues Options! >>
F R E E T L A C A T E G O R I E S
RUN AN ADDITIONAL TOURNAMENT THIS
WINTER! Each affiliate is entitled to one TLA per month
of up to 8 lines and up to 2 issues of Chess Life, for any
tournament between January and March 2015, if no TLA
for such an event appeared in 2014, and the TLA is e-mailed
by the appropriate deadline. The 8 free lines cannot be
applied to longer TLAs.
SPECIAL CATEGORIES QUALIFY FOR FREE
TLAS! Each affiliate is entitled to one TLA per month of up
to 8 lines for events in the following categories, if submitted
by e-mail. The free lines cannot be applied to longer TLAs:
SENIOR. For age 50 or above, or a higher minimum
age.
UNRATEDS FREE. Any tournament that offers free
entry to unrated players. If your prizes are based on
entries, say “paid entries.”
US CHESS BOOSTER TOURNAMENT. A tourna-
ment that offers at least two US Chess membership renewal
prizes, or a quad that offers at least one per section.
CHESS CLUB SPECIAL. A tournament playing only
on one or more weekday evenings.
See previous issue for TLAs appearing November 1-14
paid entries in sections M/X through D. EF: M/X through D $45, U1200
$25, plus $10 after Nov. 15th, $5 discount for ICA members (ICA mem-
bership $15 Regular, $10 Scholastic at http://il-chess.org/index.php/
membership-x-42.) Play-up fee of $20 payable on site. Free entry to
GMs, WGMs, IMs, WIMs, FMs, WFMs listing Illinois as their state of
residence with the USCF. Contact Carl Dolson (president@il-chess.org)
to register. Registration: On-site 8:30 – 9:30 am; Online registration
at http://shop.il-chess.org (ends 9:00 pm, Nov 21st); Or mail check,
name, USCF #, e-mail address, and phone # to: Class Championship,
Illinois Chess Association, P.O. Box 180177, Chicago, IL 60618 (must
arrive by Nov 15th). Round Times: 10:00 am, 12:30 pm, 3:00 pm, 5:30
pm. One half-point bye ok any round, must commit by end of round 2.
Other: Boards, sets and clocks provided by ChessIQ. All special
rules, details, and tournament conditions are subject to change without
notice and will be posted ASAP at the site or on-line.
NOV. 27-29 OR 28-29, 2015 Motor City Open (MI)
See Grand Prix.
DEC. 27-29, New Orleans Open (LA)
See Grand Prix.
FEB. 6, Greater Chicago K-12 Championship!
Chicago’s Official Scholastic Championship* 5-SS, G/30 (G/25 d5), open
to all grades 12 & below. McCormick Place - West Building 2301 S. Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., Chicago, IL. PRIMARY (K-3): Varsity: open
to all. Trophies: top 5 players, top rated Under 800, top 2 schools. Junior
Varsity: open to Under 600. Trophies: top 15 players, top Unrated & top
kindergartner, top 4 schools. ELEMENTARY (K-6): Varsity: open to all.
Trophies: top 5 players, top rated Under 1000, top 2 schools. Junior
Varsity: open to Under 800. Trophies: top 15 players, top Unrated, top
4 schools. JUNIOR HIGH (K-9): Varsity: open to all. Trophies: top 4
players, top rated Under 1200, top school. Junior Varsity: open to Under
1000. Trophies: top 8 players, top Unrated, top 2 schools. HIGH SCHOOL
(K-12): Varsity: open to all. Trophies: top 4 players, top rated Under
1400, top school. Junior Varsity: open to Under 1200. Trophies: top 8
players, top Unrated, top 2 schools. Entry Fee: $40 by 1/18; $50 by
2/1; $60 after 2/1. On-site entries receive 1/2 point bye for round 1.
All entries $5 off when siblings & team members register together.
Check-In/Onsite Reg.: 8:30 - 9:15. RDS.: 10:00, 11:30, 1:00, 2:30 &
4:00. Awards Ceremony: 5:30pm. Byes: One 1/2-pt bye available, any
round, if requested before end of Rd.2 and if player has not received a
full-point bye. Entries: mail to RKnights, PO Box 1074, Northbrook, IL
60065, include name, section, rating, USCF ID#, grade, school name
city & state. Online/ Info at: www.rknights.org/greaterchicago. Ques-
tions: info@renaissanceknights.org or 773.844.0701. * The City of Chicago
will recognize the top individual & team from Chicago in each Varsity
section as the City Champions.
MAR. 18-20 OR 19-20, 20th annual Mid-America Open (MO)
See Grand Prix.
RBO. Open to Under 1200/Unr or Under 1000/Unr. Tour-
nament name must include “Rated Beginners Open” or
“RBO.”
BLITZ. Time control of Game/5. TLAs such as “USCF-
rated Blitz every Friday 7 pm” are accepted.
COLLEGIATE. A tournament limited to college students.
JUNIOR. For age 20/below (age 20 must be eligible).
NON-SCHOLASTIC WITH SCHOLASTIC. A tour-
nament for all ages held concurrent (same location) with a
scholastic tournament that in its previous year drew at least
50 players. We encourage organizers of scholastics to hold
open or collegiate events on the side.
SPECIAL RATES FOR CLUB ADS. Up to 5 lines
$180 per year, $100 for 6 months for unchanged club ads
in the TLA section. Announce meeting dates & times, activities,
contact info, etc.
US CHESS DISCUSSION GROUPS. See www.
uschess.org/forums for four groups: Tournament Organization,
Chess Club Organization, Tournament Direction, US Chess
Issues.
INDIANA
NOV. 13-15 OR 14-15, 24th annual Kings Island Open (OH)
See Grand Prix.
NOV. 27-29, Cleveland Classic (OH)
See Grand Prix.
NOV. 27-29 OR 28-29, 2015 Motor City Open (MI)
See Grand Prix.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
DEC. 5, Deadwood Chess Club Open 2015
4SS, G/60 d10. Church of The Nativity, 7300 N. Lantern Rd., Indianapolis,
IN 46256. (Note: Best access to Lantern is from Sargent Rd. or Fall
Creek Rd.) In 2 Sections: OPEN and Reserve (U1800), EF: $30 if by
12/1, at site $40, $$1150, based on 40 entries, OPEN: 1st $250, 2nd
$150, U1900 $125, Reserve (U1800): 1st $225, 2nd $150, U1600, U1400
each $125, Max prize for Unrated in either Open/Reserve $100. Regis-
tration: 7:45-8:30 AM, Rds. 9:00, 11:30, 2:00, 4:30. Entries: Advance:
Indianachess.org or mail to: Craig Hines, 613 North Park Dr., Evansville,
IN, 47710. Email:Mrsci2740@hotmail.com or Phone: 812-423-2996,
cell: 812-618-8700, ISCA membership Required, OSA, NO BYES.
MAR. 18-20 OR 19-20, 20th annual Mid-America Open (MO)
See Grand Prix.
IOWA
DEC. 28, Anti Hungar Games III
2 sections Open, RBO. Time Control: Open G/45 d5, RBO G/30d5.
Location: Christ the King Lutheran Church, 325 Melrose Ave., Iowa
City, IA 52246. Prizes: Medals Only 1st thru 3rd , Open, 1st through
5th, RBO. Reg.: Ends 15 min before round 1. Rds.: Open 10:00am
12:30pm then ASAP RBO 10:00am,12:00noon, then ASAP. EF: $10 all
sections. ENT: Eric Vigil, 445 Galway Dr., Iowa City, IA 52246.
evigil@gmail.com,319-621-3116. Special Info: All proceeds above costs
go to the Johnson Country Crisis Center to feed the homeless. Bring a
Can if you Can, and if under 8 entrants in the Open Section Time will
change to 3 Rd. SS G/60 d5.
MAR. 18-20 OR 19-20, 20th annual Mid-America Open (MO)
See Grand Prix.
KANSAS
NOV. 13-15 OR 14-15, 2015 U.S. Class Championships (TX)
See Nationals.
MAR. 18-20 OR 19-20, 20th annual Mid-America Open (MO)
See Grand Prix.
Ages 21-24 dues lower
than Adult dues!
The membership category once called “Youth” has
been renamed “Young Adult,” and eligibility has
changed from under 21 to under 25. Annual dues
for this category are only $33 with paper Chess
Life or $26 with the online version!
One-year membership
with Chess Life:
Only $46 for Premium Membership, which includes
a copy of Chess Life every month. Regular Mem-
berships are available for $40 and give online-only
access to Chess Life. (Note to affiliates: If you collect
a $46 membership, you may submit it online to USCF
for $43.)
www.uschess.org 65
Tournament Life / November
KENTUCKY
NOV. 13-15 OR 14-15, 24th annual Kings Island Open (OH)
See Grand Prix.
NOV. 21-22, 11th SPF World Open for Girls and Boys in Memory
of Steve Dillard
$100,000+ in prizes (lots of trophies, chess prizes & scholarships) All
details on www.SPFWO.com. 6SS, G/45 d5. The Brown Hotel, Louisville,
335 West Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202. HOTEL: Special Room Rate
$129. 335 W. Broadway, Louisville, KY. Call (502) 583-1234 for reserva-
tions. EF: $39 UNTIL 9/30, $59 until 10/15, $69 until 11/16, $89 after.
Prizes: Top Boy and Top Girl will receive a Scholarship to Webster Uni-
versity! Rds.: Sat & Sun 9am, 11:30am, 2:30pm. ENT: Chess Performance
#187, 9462 BROWNSBORO RD., Louisville, KY 502-240-9325. INFO:
Organizer - Ryan Velez 502-240-9325, chessperformance@gmail.com.
www.SPFWO.com. Chief TD - Frank Niro.
DEC. 27-29, New Orleans Open (LA)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 18-20 OR 19-20, 20th annual Mid-America Open (MO)
See Grand Prix.
LOUISIANA
NOV. 13-15 OR 14-15, 2015 U.S. Class Championships (TX)
See Nationals.
DEC. 27-29, New Orleans Open
See Grand Prix.
FEB. 11-15, 12-15, 13-15 OR 14-15, 7th annual Southwest
Class Championships (TX)
See Grand Prix.
MAINE
JAN. 2-3, Bangor Open
See Grand Prix.
JAN. 8-10 OR 9-10, 4th annual Boston Chess Congress (MA)
See Grand Prix.
MARYLAND
MARYLAND CHESS ASSOCIATION TOURNAMENTS
MCA runs scholastic tournaments (almost every other Saturday
from mid-September to late May) & open tournaments (usually
10+ annually) throughout Maryland. Listings & online regis-
tration at www.MDChess.org. Maryland scholastic players who
compete in the Varsity section (which has a floor of 1600) of a
Maryland-Sweet-16 Qualifier can qualify for the $44,000 schol-
arship to UMBC (University of Maryland, Baltimore County)
awarded each year.
NOV. 14, Maryland November Action
See Grand Prix.
NOV. 21, Waldorf Quad #7
3 Rd. Quad, G/90 d5. Waldorf Chess Club, 2932 Mattawoman Beantown
Rd., Waldorf, MD 20601. EF: $20. $$GTD: $50. 1st each Quad. Reg.:
8:30 - 9:45 AM. Rds.: 10:00, 2:00, and 5:30. INFO: Roland Thorpe, 301-
752-5169, strider_08@comcast.net. DIR: 1/2 mile north of Waldorf
Park & Ride. Waldorf Chess Club meets regularly from 6-9 pm on Friday
evenings.
NOV. 27-29 OR 28-29, 46th annual National Chess Congress
(PA)
See Grand Prix.
DEC. 12, Maryland December Action
See Grand Prix.
DEC. 26-29, 27-29, 26 OR 27, 42nd Annual Eastern Open
See Grand Prix.
JAN. 15-18, 16-18 OR 17-18, 48th annual Liberty Bell Open
(PA)
See Grand Prix.
FEB. 26-28 OR 27-28, George Washington Open (VA)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 11-13 OR 12-13, 17th annual Pittsburgh Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 23-27, 24-27, 25-27 OR 26-27, 10th annual Philadel-
phia Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
MASSACHUSETTS
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
DEC. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, George Sturgis Memorial
5SS, G/100 d5. Wachusett CC, McKay Complex, Fitchburg State University,
67 Rindge Rd., Fitchburg, MA 01420. EF: $1 per game played. Reg.: 6-
7:10 p.m. Rds.: 7:15 p.m. each Wed. Byes: 1-4, limit 2. Prizes: Chess
books to 1st, 2nd, top U1850, U1650, U1450, U1250. Info: George Mir-
ijanian, 176 Oak Hill Rd., Fitchburg, MA 01420, miriling2@aol.com,
978-345-5011. Website: www.wachusettchess.org. W. Free parking.
DEC. 5, Wilkes-Barre Thematic (QC)
A Thematic Event! 4 Rd. 2SS, G/25 d3. Town Hall Annex, 381 Main St.,
West Newbury, MA 01985. All games must begin 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6
3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Ng5 Bc5. Prizes: 80% returned. EF: $20 postmarked by 28
Nov. $25 at site. Reg.: Registration 10:00-10:45. Rds.: 11-2-4:15-6:30.
66 November 2015 | Chess Life
Affects Quick rating only. ENT: Alex Relyea, 49 Technology Dr. #89,
Bedford, NH 03110. INFO: Alex Relyea relyea@operamail.com.
www.relyeachess.com. W.
DEC. 6, Harry Nelson Pillsbury Memorial
See Grand Prix.
DEC. 12, 2015 Greater New Haven Open! (CT)
See Grand Prix.
JAN. 8-10 OR 9-10, 4th annual Boston Chess Congress
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 12-13, 49th annual New York State Scholastic Champi-
onships (out of state welcome) (NY)
See New York.
MAR. 23-27, 24-27, 25-27 OR 26-27, 10th annual Philadel-
phia Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
MICHIGAN
NOV. 13-15 OR 14-15, 24th annual Kings Island Open (OH)
See Grand Prix.
NOV. 27-29 OR 28-29, 2015 Motor City Open
See Grand Prix.
NOV. 27-29, Cleveland Classic (OH)
See Grand Prix.
JAN. 16-17, 2016 Michigan Master/Expert & Class Champi-
onships
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 11-13 OR 12-13, 17th annual Pittsburgh Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
MINNESOTA
NOV. 27-29, Wm. Martz Memorial/North Central Open (WI)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 18-20 OR 19-20, 20th annual Mid-America Open (MO)
See Grand Prix.
MISSISSIPPI
NOV. 13-15 OR 14-15, 2015 U.S. Class Championships (TX)
See Nationals.
DEC. 27-29, New Orleans Open (LA)
See Grand Prix.
MISSOURI
FAQ (Friday Action Quad) (QC)
3RR, G/20 d3 Quick Rated. Chess Club & Scholastic Center, 4657 Maryland
Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63108. EF: $10. Prize fund $36 first in each quad.
Club membership req’d. available from $3. Reg: 6:30 - 6:50. Rounds
begin at 7. The FAQ is held every Friday in 2015 except on November
27th and December 25th. Site entries only. Info: 314-361-CHESS
www.saintlouischessclub.org. W.
OCT. 31, Halloween Open
Liberty United Methodist Church, 1001 Sunset Ave., Liberty, MO 64068.
Reg.: 10:30AM. Rd. 1 11AM. 3SS, G/60 d5. EF: $20 by Oct 30th. Reg.
at www.Reg4chess.com. $25 Onsite. Q: Ken Fee, 1537 Baker St., Liberty,
MO 64068. 816-399-3703. Req. Memb: US Chess & KC Chess Assoc.
Sold onsite. Free Entry For ALL Unrated Players! Flyer at website:
www.kansascitychessclub.com.
NOV. 13-15 OR 14-15, 2015 U.S. Class Championships (TX)
See Nationals.
NOV. 27-29, Thanksgiving Open (FIDE Rated)
See Grand Prix.
NOV. 28, Thanksgiving Open & Youth Cash Prize
Liberty United Methodist Church, 1001 Sunset Ave., Liberty, MO 64068.
Reg.: 10:30AM. Rd. 1 11AM. Open 3SS, G/60 d5.Youth Cash Prize
U1300 3SS, G/30 d5 1st $50/U1000 1st $50. EF: $20 by Nov 27th. Reg.
at www.Reg4chess.com. $25 Onsite. Q: Ken Fee, 816-446-3550. Req.
Memb: US Chess & KC Chess Assoc. Sold onsite. Free Entry For ALL
Unrated Players! Flyer at: www.kansascitychessclub.com.
DEC. 11-13, 2015 Club Championship (FIDE Rated)
See Grand Prix.
DEC. 19, Holiday Chess
5/SS, G/45 d5. Chess Club & Scholastic Center of Saint Louis, 4657
Maryland Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63108. Free entries for GMs and IMs.
EF: $10, $5 for annual members of the club if registered by 12/18.
Reg.: 10-10:45. Rds.: 11, 12:45, 3, 4:45, 6:30. $200 Unconditionally
Guaranteed!! $50-$40-$30-$25. Top U1800-$20. Top U1500-$15. Biggest
Upset-$20. Event is dual rated. Two 1/2 point byes if declared before
round 2. Ent: 4657 Maryland Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63108 or saintlouis-
chessclub.org Info: 314-361-CHESS, info@saintlouischessclub.org.
DEC. 27-29, New Orleans Open (LA)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 18-20 OR 19-20, 20th annual Mid-America Open
See Grand Prix.
NEBRASKA
MAR. 18-20 OR 19-20, 20th annual Mid-America Open (MO)
See Grand Prix.
NEVADA
NOV. 26-29 OR 27-29, 51st Annual American Open (CA-S)
See Grand Prix.
DEC. 26-30, 26-29 OR 27-29, 25th annual North American
Open
See Grand Prix.
DEC. 29, North American Open Blitz (BLZ)
See Grand Prix.
JAN. 1-3 OR 2-3, 2016 New Year Open Championship (CA-N)
See Grand Prix.
JAN. 15-18, 16-18 OR 17-18, 7th annual Golden State Open
(CA-N)
See Grand Prix.
JAN. 23 AND/OR 24, 2016 U.S. Junior Chess Congress (CA-N)
See Nationals.
MAR. 4-6 OR 5-6, 23rd annual Western Class Championships
(CA-S)
See Grand Prix.
JUNE 22-23, 2016 U.S. Women’s Open
See Nationals.
JUNE 24-26 OR 25-26, 2016 National Open
See Nationals.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
A Heritage Event!
NOV. 14, 40th New Hampshire Amateur Championship
4SS, G/60 d5. Holiday Inn, 9 Northeastern Blvd. (exit 4 off Everett
Tnpk/Rte. 3), Nashua, NH. 3 Sections: Championship, open to U2100
or Unr. EF: $34 if rec’d by 11/12, $39 at site.$$G: $150-100-50; trophies
to top 3, top 3 U1850. Intermediate, open to U1750 or Unr. EF: $34 if
rec’d by 11/12, $39 at site. $$G: $120-60-40; trophies to top 3, top 3
U1500. Novice, open to U1300 or Unr. EF: $29 ($24 to jrs. U21) if rec’d
by 11/12, $34 at site ($29 jrs. U21). Trophies to top 3, top 3 U1100, top
Unr. All, NHCA membership req’d of rated NH residents; dues $8 adult,
$6 under 19. Reg.: 8:30-9:35am Sat. 11/14, Rds.: 10-1:00-3:30-6:00.
Bye: All Rds., limit 1, must commit before Rd. 2. No half-point byes for
players receiving full-point byes. Online advance entry available at
www.nhchess.org until 11/13 6 PM. Ent: NHCA, c/o Hal Terrie, 377
Huse Rd. #23, Manchester, NH 03103. Info: halterrie@comcast.net
or (603) 668-8368.
JAN. 8-10 OR 9-10, 4th annual Boston Chess Congress (MA)
See Grand Prix.
NEW JERSEY
NOV. 13, FCA Friday Night Blitz-O-Mania (BLZ)
RR G/5 d2. 271 Fort Lee Rd., Leonia, NJ 07605. Prizes(b/20): $125,
Class prize based on entries. EF: $10. Reg.: 7:00-7:30pm. Rd. 1: 7:45,
Separate junior section. Info: frank@frankschess.com, 201-961-4029.
NOV. 14, Princeton Day School
650 The Great Road. Plaques to top 3 school teams and top 8 in each U-
1000 section, top 6 Over 1000. Medals to all players. Sections for Over
1000 rated players begin at 10:15 and must preregister: 3 rds. G/55
d5: NEAR MASTERS (players K-12 <1400, FUTURE MASTERS (players
K-12 1200-1400), CLOSED (K-12 1000-1200). ALL AFTERNOON SEC-
TIONS. G/25 d5 4 rds. Beginning at noon (round times will be accelerated
if possible): OPEN (Players K-12 U-1000), RESERVE (K-12 U-800),
NOVICE II (K-8 U-600), NOVICE I (unrated K-8), K-1 (unrated) NO SCORE
K-1 (beginner). PARENTS OF PLAYERS rated G/25 d5 3rds. Parents
play free. Pre-registration online $35 pay at the door. Info and register
online: www.pds.org/chess. On-site 11 to noon $45. Inquiries to Bonnie
Waitzkin Chessteach@gmail.com.
NOV. 15, Dr. David Ostfeld Memorial ICA Championship in 5
Sections
SITE: BERGEN ACADEMY, 200 HACKENSACK AVE., HACKENSACK, NJ
07601. 4SS, EVERYONE PLAYS 4 GAMES, ALL PLAYERS WITH 2.5 PTS
OR MORE WILL RECEIVE A TROPHY! US Chess Memb Req’d For Sections
3, 4 AND 5. Info: 201 287 0250 or chessdirector@icanj.net. ADV EF
(pmk by Nov 11th) $25 At Site $30. Reg ends 1/2 hr before 1st rd Late
entrants will receive a 1/2 pt bye for rd. 1. In 5 Sections, Section 1
Junior Novice (not US Chess rated): Open to unr players K thru 2nd
grade. Rds.: First Round 10:15 AM then ASAP. Section 2 Novice (not
US Chess rated): Open to unr players K thru 4th grade. Rds.: First
Round 10:00 AM then ASAP. Section 3 G/45;d5 U800: Open to players
rated below 800 and unr players K thru 12th grade. Rds.: 9:45 AM,
11:30, 1:15, 3:00 PM. Section 4 G/45 d5 U1200: Open to players rated
below 1200 and unr players K thru 12th grade. Rds.: 9:45 AM, 11:30,
1:15, 3:00 PM. Section 5 G/60 d5 U1400: Open to All Ages rated below
1400 or unrated. Rds.: 9:30 AM, 11:45, 2:00, 4:30 PM. ENT: Make EF
payable To: International Chess Academy. Mail To: Diana Tulman, 28
Canterbury Ln., New Milford, NJ 07646 . INFO: www.icanj.net. W.
NOV. 15, Dr. David Ostfeld Memorial ICA Open Championship
See Grand Prix.
NOV. 15, Dr. David Ostfeld Memorial ICA U1600 Championship
Site: Bergen Academy, 200 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, NJ 07601.
Open To All Ages With Rating below 1600. 4SS, G/60 d5. Prize Fund ($$
b/25) 1st - 3rd $200, $150, $100, TU1400 $50, TU1200 $50. INFO 201
287 0250 or chessdirector@icanj.net ADV EF (pmk by Nov 11th) $30,
At Site $35. Reg ends 1/2 hr before 1st rd. Late entrants will receive a
1/2 pt bye for rd. 1. Rds.: 9:30 AM, 11:45 AM, 2:00 PM, 4:30 PM. ENT:
Make EF payable to: International Chess Academy. Mail To: Diana Tulman,
28 Canterbury Ln., New Milford, NJ 07646. INFO: www.icanj.net. W.

NOV. 15, Westfield G/45 Quads
3-RR. G/40 d5. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. EF: $25,
$20 Members. Prizes: $60 to first in each section. Register: 1:15-1:45
p.m. Rounds: 2:00, 3:45, 5:30 p.m. Information: email John Moldovan
westfieldchessclub@gmail.com, Bill Cohen: 732-548-8432 or 848-219-
1358, www.westfieldchessclub.com and westfieldchessclub.blogspot.com.
A Heritage Event!
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
NOV. 16, 23, 30, DEC. 7, 14, 46th Annual Bergen County Open
(one game each Monday night)
5SS, G/90 d5. Bergen Chess Mates, United Methodist Church, 100
Dayton St., Ridgewood, NJ 07450. Two sections: Open and unrated
section, $100-50 top U2000 $40. U1800 section, $100-50, top U1600,
U1400 $40 each. EF: $25, Sr. $20, all non-club members +$5. Reg.: 7-
7:45pm. Rounds begin at 8pm. www.bergenchessmates.com, Peter:
201-394-3986.
NOV. 19, 3rd Thursday Quads
3 RR, G/25 d4. Effects Quick Rating, only. Quads grouped by Quick
Rating. All the King’s Men Chess & Games Center (Just 22 mins. from
Phila/NJ bridges), 62 S. Broadway, Pitman, NJ. 856-582-8222. Prizes:
$25 1st per quad. Unr. cannot win more than $10. EF: $12.50, members
$10. Reg.: 6 -7:15 pm. Rds.: 7:30-8:30-9:30 pm. All: Visa/MC/Disc/Amex
OK w/$1surcharge. Info: cs@ATKMchessSets.com. Bring a clock!
NOV. 21, Central Jersey Chess Tournament
Princeton Academy, 1128 Great Rd., Princeton. 6 sections: 4 rated, 2
unrated. Open, U1200: K-12, 3SS, G/40 d5. U900, U600: K-8, 4SS, G/25
d5. Intermediate (K-6), Beginners (K-2): 4SS, unrated, no clocks. Tro-
phies: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and top school or club team per section, medals to
all! $35 pre-reg online by 11/19, $45 on-site. Reg.: 1:15-1:45, sections
end between 4-6pm. Full details & pre-reg at njchess.com.
NOV. 21, Princeton Charter School
Princeton Charter School at: 100 Bunn Dr., Princeton, NJ 08540. TIME
CONTROL: G/30 d0 Swiss to 4 rounds. SECTIONS: Open above 1000;
U1000; U700; U500/Unrated (sections might be combined when necessary
for pairings). Parental Supervision Required: The parents or another
adult must be designated to supervise the student player between
rounds. Schedule (will be accelerated if possible). First Round: 12:01
PM; Second Round: ASAP; Third Round: ASAP; Fourth Round: ASAP;
Award Ceremony: ASAP (4:05 the latest). Schedule will be accelerated
if possible (*) Online Registration $30 Only if register one week
before: www.ChessKidsNY.com/PCSChessProgram.htm (*) Fee
will increase automatically to $35 if register later. On site regis-
tration the date of the event: $40 from 11:45 am to 12:00 noon.
Information: email to Miguel Iniguez at: migini@gmail.com Results
will be posted online the same day of the event!
NOV. 22, FCA Sunday G/60 Quads
3RR. G/60 d5. 271 Fort Lee Rd., Leonia, NJ 07605. Prizes: Trophy or
($)65% per Quad. EF: $10(trophy),$20(cash). Reg.:11:00-11:45. Rounds:
12:00, 2:00, 4:00. Info: frank@frankschess.com, 201-961-4029.
NOV. 22, Lazy TD Quads & Non-Rated Swiss
G/40 d5. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. Reg.: 1:15-
1:45 p.m. Rds.: 2:00, 3:45, 5:30 p.m. Quads: 3-RR. EF: $25, $20 Members.
Prizes: $60 to first in each section. Swiss for non-USCF members: 3-
SS. EF: $5. Prize: 1 yr. USCF membership to the winner. Info: John
Moldovan: westfieldchessclub@gmail.com, Bill Cohen: 732-548-8432
or 848-219-1358, www.westfieldchessclub.com and westfieldchessclub.
blogspot.com Note: Pairings within each quad will be random.
A State Championship Event!
NOV. 22, New Jersey K-12 Grade Championship
5SS, G/30 d5. Brookdale College, 765 Newman Springs Rd., Lincroft,
NJ 07738. Student Life Center, use Parking Lot #7 or #6; 4 miles from
Garden State Parkway exit 109. 13 Sections: Play only in your grade!
Grades K-12: Trophies to top 10 individuals, top 3 teams - top 3 from
each school/grade; 50% of players receive trophy or medal! Rds.: 10am
and ASAP. EF: $35 by 11/15, $55 at site. USCF mem req’d. Reg.: 8-
9:00am After 9:00am 1/2 pt bye rd. 1. Info: 732 259-3881 Hal sprech
man@gmail.com Ent: Please make checks payable to NJSCF and send
to Hal Sprechman, 66 Cromwell Ln., Jackson, NJ 08527. Entries must
include name, grade school, date of birth, USCF ID # & expiration,
mailing address, phone number & entry fee, please include email address.
Register online at: www.njscf.org until 11/20.
NOV. 27-29 OR 28-29, 46th annual National Chess Congress
(PA)
See Grand Prix.
NOV. 28, Hamilton Chess Club Quads
3RR, 40/80 15/30 15/30 d0. Full K. McManimon Hall, 320 Scully Ave.,
Hamilton Twp., NJ 08610. Quads open to all. EF: $10. Prizes: $25 per
Quad. Reg.: 9-10:30am. Rds.: 10:30am-1:30pm-4:30pm. OSA. Contact
email: hamiltonchessclub.com. W.
NOV. 29, Leftover Turkey Under 18 Junior Open
4SS, G/60 d5. FCA, 271 Fort Lee Rd., Leonia, NJ 07605. Prizes: Trophies
Top 5. Entry Fee: $15; (1)1/2 pt. bye any rd. Must notify b/4 rd.1. Reg.:
9:00-9:45. Rounds: 10:00, 12:00, 2:00, 4:00. Info: frank@frankschess.
com, 201-961-4029.
NOV. 29, Westfield G/45 Quads
3-RR. G/40 d5. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. EF: $25,
$20 Members. Prizes: $60 to first in each section. Register: 1:15-1:45
p.m. Rounds: 2:00, 3:45, 5:30 p.m. Information: email John Moldovan
westfieldchessclub@gmail.com, Bill Cohen: 732-548-8432 or 848-219-
1358, www.westfieldchessclub.com and westfieldchessclub.blogspot.com
DEC. 5, Central Jersey Chess Tournament
Princeton Academy, 1128 Great Rd., Princeton. 6 sections: 4 rated, 2
unrated. Open, U1200: K-12, 3SS, G/40 d5. U900, U600: K-8, 4SS, G/25
d5. Intermediate (K-6), Beginners (K-2): 4SS, unrated, no clocks. Tro-
phies: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and top school or club team per section, medals to
See previous issue for TLAs appearing November 1-14
all! $35 pre-reg online by 12/3, $45 on-site. Reg.: 1:15-1:45, sections
end between 4-6pm. Full details & pre-reg at njchess.com.
DEC. 12, Princeton Charter School
Princeton Charter School at: 100 Bunn Dr., Princeton, NJ 08540. TIME
CONTROL: G/30 d0 Swiss to 4 rounds. SECTIONS: Open above 1000;
U1000; U700; U500/Unrated (sections might be combined when necessary
for pairings). Parental Supervision Required: The parents or another
adult must be designated to supervise the student player between
rounds. Schedule (will be accelerated if possible). First Round: 12:01
PM; Second Round: ASAP; Third Round: ASAP; Fourth Round: ASAP;
Award Ceremony: ASAP (4:05 the latest). Schedule will be accelerated
if possible (*) Online Registration $30 Only if register one week
before: www.ChessKidsNY.com/PCSChessProgram.htm (*) Fee
will increase automatically to $35 if register later. On site regis-
tration the date of the event: $40 from 11:45 am to 12:00 noon.
Information: email to Miguel Iniguez at: migini@gmail.com Results
will be posted online the same day of the event!
DEC. 12, The Greater Princeton Championship, Princeton Day
School
650 The Great Road. Trophies to top 8 in each U1000 section, top 3 in
Over 1000. Plaques to top 3 school teams. Trophies to all players.
Sections for OVER 1000 rated players begin at 10:15 and must preregister:
3 rds. G/55 d5: NEAR MASTERS (players K-12 <1400), FUTURE MAS-
TERS (players K-12 1200-1400), CLOSED (K-12 1000-1200). ALL
AFTERNOON SECTIONS. G/25 d5 4 rds. Beginning at noon. (round
times will be accelerated if possible):OPEN (Players K-12 U-1000),
RESERVE (K-12 U-800), NOVICE II (K-8 U-600), NOVICE I (unrated K-
8),K-1 (unrated) NO SCORE K-1 (novice). PARENTS OF PLAYERS rated
G/25 d5 3rds. Parents play free. Pre-registration online, $40 pay at the
door. Info and register online: www.pds.org/chess. On-site 11 to
noon $50. Inquiries to Bonnie Waitzkin Chessteach@gmail.com.
DEC. 26-28 OR 27-28, 34th annual Empire City Open (NY)
See Grand Prix.
JAN. 8-10 OR 9-10, 4th annual Boston Chess Congress (MA)
See Grand Prix.
JAN. 9 OR 10 OR 9-10, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents
the 50th Annual Greater NY Scholastic Championships - Since
1966, US Chess Longest-Running Scholastic! (NY)
See New York.
JAN. 15-18, 16-18 OR 17-18, 48th annual Liberty Bell Open
(PA)
See Grand Prix.
FEB. 13-15, World Amateur Team & U.S. Team East
See Nationals.
FEB. 26-28 OR 27-28, George Washington Open (VA)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 12-13, 49th annual New York State Scholastic Champi-
onships (out of state welcome) (NY)
See New York.
MAR. 23-27, 24-27, 25-27 OR 26-27, 10th annual Philadel-
phia Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
NEW MEXICO
NOV. 13-15 OR 14-15, 2015 U.S. Class Championships (TX)
See Nationals.
NOV. 26-29 OR 27-29, 51st Annual American Open (CA-S)
See Grand Prix.
DEC. 26-30, 26-29 OR 27-29, 25th annual North American
Open (NV)
See Grand Prix.
FEB. 11-15, 12-15, 13-15 OR 14-15, 7th annual Southwest
Class Championships (TX)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 4-6 OR 5-6, 23rd annual Western Class Championships
(CA-S)
See Grand Prix.
NEW YORK
NOV. 7, TRM#97
at SUNY, 1400 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12222. Free. 8 sections.
4SS, G/30 d5. Pre-register by Thurs 8:00 at www.chesstrm.org.
NOV. 8, TRM #209
Riverbank State Park, 145th St. & Riverside Dr., NYC 10025. 6 sections.
Free Scholastic, 4SS, G/30 d5. Pre-register by Fri 8:00 PM at www.
therightmove.org Check in by 9:15.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
NOV. 12, 19, DEC. 3, 10, 17, 8th Long Island CC Winter Open
5SS, G/90 d5. United Methodist Church, 470 East Meadow Ave., East
Meadow, NY 11554. Open to all. $(b/20 pd. ent.): $100-80. Top U-2000,
U-1500/unr. $50 ea. EF(cash only): $35. Non-LICC members +$10.
UNRATED FREE! Reg.: 7:15 – 7:30 PM, no adv. ent., Rds.: 7:30 PM ea.
Thursday. No game 11/26. 2 byes 1-5. Skittles rm. Information:
www.lichessclub.com.
NOV. 13-15 OR 14-15, 14th Annual Turkey Bowl (FL)
See Grand Prix.
NOV. 14, Inaugural Seneca Lake Open
See Grand Prix.
NOV. 15, Marshall Scholastic Action! (U1400) - NEW
3-SS, G/25 d5. Open to youth K-12. ($225 b/25): $100-50, U1100: $75.
EF: $30, MCC Mbrs & GMs $15. Reg.: 8:15-8:45am. Rds.: 9-10:10-
11:20am. No byes. www.marshallchessclub.org. 23 W. 10th St., NYC.
212-477-3716.
NOV. 15, Marshall Sunday G/45 (Open & U1600)
4-SS, G/40 d5. Two sections: Open: ($450 b/35): $200-125, U2200:
$75, U1900: $50. U1600: ($325 b/25): $150-100, U1300: $75. EF: $40,
MCC Mbrs $20. GMs Free. Reg.: 12:15-12:45pm. Rds.: 1-3:30-5:45-
8pm. One bye available, request at entry. www.marshallchessclub.org.
23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
NOV. 16, 23, 30, DEC. 7, 14, 21, Marshall FIDE Mondays/
U1800
6-SS, G/90 +30. Two sections. Open: Open to all players 1600+. FIDE
Rated. ($600 b/25) $200-150-100. U2000: $100-50. U1800: ($600 b/25)
$200-150-100. U1500: $100-50. EF: $60, MCC Mbrs $40. Reg.: 6:15-
6:45pm. Rd: 7pm each Mon. Limit two byes; request by rd. 4. 23 W.
10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716, www.marshallchessclub.org.
NOV. 17, Marshall Masters - New Prizes, FIDE Rapid Rated!
See Grand Prix.
NOV. 19, Marshall Thursday Action!
4-SS, G/25 d5. ($375 b/25): $150-100, U2200: $75, U1900: $50. EF:
$40, MCC Mbrs $25. GMs Free. Reg.: 6:15-6:45pm. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-
10:45pm. Max one bye, for round 1 or 4 only. Request at entry. 23 W.
10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716, www.marshallchessclub.org.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
NOV. 20-22, Marshall Junior Championship!
5-SS, 40/90, SD/30 +30. Only open to MCC Junior Members. US Chess
ratings used for pairings and prizes. FIDE Rated. Prizes: $500-250-
150: Top U18, U16, U14, U12, U10, U8 years old: $100 + Trophy. Trophy
and Title of “2015 Marshall Chess Club Junior Champion” goes to the
winner. Tie breaks decided by blitz playoff and Armageddon if necessary.
EF: $75. Reg.: 5:15-5:45pm. Rds.: Fri: 6pm, Sat-Sun: 11am & 5pm. 1
bye available, request by Rd. 3. www.marshallchessclub.org. 23 W. 10th
St., NYC. 212-477-3716.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
NOV. 23, 30, DEC. 7, 14, 21, 28th Nassau Amateur
5SS, 40/80 d0. 1st Presbyterian Church, 1st & Main Sts., Mineola. 2
sections. Amateur: U2000/UR. EF: $33 by 11/20. $$ (435 b/15) 195,
U1800, 1600 each 120. Booster: U1400/UR. EF: $18 by 11/20. $$ (140
b/10) 80, U1200/UR 60. All: EF: Non memb $11 more. All $8 more at
site. 2 byes 1-5. Reg to 7:15 PM. Rds.: 7:15 each Mon. Ent: Harold
Stenzel, 80 Amy Dr., Sayville, NY 11782.
NOV. 27, Marshall $500 FIDE Blitz (BLZ)
See Grand Prix.
NOV. 27-29 OR 28-29, 46th annual National Chess Congress
(PA)
See Grand Prix.
NOV. 28-29, Marshall No-Draws Thanksgiving - NEW!
See Grand Prix.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
NOV. 29, 63rd Binghamton Open
4SS, G/65 d5. Prizes: $300 b/24. Open-$100-$60-$30; Reserve-$50-
$40-$20 (U1700). EF: Open $25, Reserve $20 (U1700). Cash only on
site. Schedule: Registration 8:45-9:15 AM. Rounds: 9:30-12Noon-2:30-
4:45. Entry: payable to: “Cordisco’s Corner Store”, 308 Chenango St.,
Binghamton, NY 13901, (607) 772-8782, cordiscos@stny.rr.com.
DEC. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Community Chess Club of Rochester
Wed Night Chess!
Note: 1 game rated per night, G/80 d5. Rochester Chess Center, 221
Norris Dr., Rochester, NY 14610. 585-442-2430. EF: $5, CCCR members
$3. Reg.: 7-7:25 pm. Rd.: 7:30pm. www.rochesterchessclub.org.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
DEC. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, JAN. 6, Marshall Weekly Wednesdays
6-SS, G/90 +30. Two sections. U2000: ($600 b/25) $250-150-100.
U1700: $100. U1400: ($600 b/25) $250-150-100. U1100: $100. EF: $60,
MCC Mbrs $40. Reg:. 6:15-6:45pm. Rds.: 7pm each Wed. Limit two
byes; request by rd. 4. www.marshallchessclub.org. 23 W. 10th St.,
NYC. 212-477-3716.
DEC. 3, Marshall Thursday Action!
4-SS, G/25 d5. ($375 b/25): $150-100, U2200: $75, U1900: $50. EF:
$40, MCC Mbrs $25. GMs Free. Reg.: 6:15-6:45pm. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-
10:45pm. Max one bye, for round 1 or 4 only. Request at entry. 23 W.
10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716, www.marshallchessclub.org.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
DEC. 4-6, Marshall Amateur Championship/Jerry Simon Memo-
rial
5-SS, 40/90, SD/30 +30. Open to all player U2200 and unrated. No
FIDE ratings over 2200. US Chess ratings used for pairings and prizes.
FIDE Rated. Prizes: 1st-3rd place, Top U1900: Free Entry into the 99th
MCC Championship! 4th-10th place finishers (plus ties): Eligible for paid
entry into the 99th MCC Championship! EF: $75, MCC Mbrs $50. Reg.:
6:15-6:45pm. Rds.: Fri: 7pm, Sat-Sun: 12:30 & 6pm. 1 bye available,
request by Rd. 3. www.marshallchessclub.org. 23 W. 10th St., NYC.
212-477-3716.
DEC. 5, 12, 19, 26, Rochester Chess Center Saturday Tourna-
ments!
3-SS, G/60 d5. Rochester CC, 221 Norris Dr., Rochester, NY 14610. 585-
442-2430. Prizes based on entries. EF: $15, RCC members $13. $2 less
for HS and Pre-HS. Reg.: 1-1:45 pm. Rds.: 2-4-6. One bye available,
request at entry. www.nychess.org. Also, Youth tournament, G/30 d5,
every Saturday morning 10am-1pm, trophies and prizes. EF: $5.
DEC. 10, Marshall U2400 Action
4-SS, G/25 d5. Open to players rated below 2400 US Chess. ($375
www.uschess.org 67
Tournament Life / November
b/25): $150-100, U2100: $75 U1800: $50. EF: $40, MCC Mbrs $25. Reg:.
6:15-6:45pm. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. Max one bye, for round 1 or
4 only. Request at entry. www.marshallchessclub.org. 23 W. 10th St.,
NYC. 212-477-3716.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
DEC. 10, 17, JAN. 7, 14, 21, 28, Marshall Thursday Open
6-SS, G/90 +30. FIDE Rated. ($600 b/25): $250-150, U2100: $125.
U1800: $75. EF: $60, MCC Mbrs $40. Reg.: 6:15-6:45pm. Rds.: 7pm
each Thurs. Limit two byes; request by rd. 4. (Note: There are no games
Dec. 24 or Dec. 31.) www.marshallchessclub.org. 23 W. 10th St., NYC.
212-477-3716.
A Heritage Event!
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
DEC. 11-13, 18-20, 99th Annual Edward Lasker
Memorial/MCC Championship!
9-SS, 40/90, SD/30 +30. Open to MCC Members and Non-members
rated 2200+ US Chess or FIDE, FIDE Title Holders, & Qualifiers from
the Marshall Amateur Championship Dec 4-6. FIDE ratings used for
pairings and prizes. FIDE rated. Prizes $7,500 unconditionally guaranteed!
$3000-1500-1000, U2400 FIDE: $1000-500, U2300 FIDE: $500. Title of
“2015 Marshall Chess Club Champion” goes to highest-scoring MCC
Member. Entry Fee: $200. GMs/Foreign IMs: Free. Local IMs: $150.
$25 less for MCC members. $25 more if received 12/11. (Foreign players
who play all 9 rounds receive $75.) Schedule: Fri 12/11: 7pm, Sat
12/12: 12 & 6pm, Sun 12/13, 12 & 6pm, Fri 12/18: 7pm, Sat 12/19: 12
& 6pm, Sun 12/20: 12pm. Byes: 2 byes available, must commit before
round 3; limit 1 bye in rounds 8-9. FIDE GM/IM Norms possible; must
play all rounds. Registration: Call MCC with credit card, mail check, or
online. Limited to 70 players! Register early! www.marshallchessclub.
org. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716.
DEC. 12, 2015 Greater New Haven Open! (CT)
See Grand Prix.
DEC. 15, Marshall Masters
See Grand Prix.
DEC. 17, Marshall Thursday Action!
4-SS, G/25 d5. ($375 b/25): $150-100, U2200: $75, U1900: $50. EF:
$40, MCC Mbrs $25. GMs Free. Reg.: 6:15-6:45pm. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-
10:45pm. Max one bye, for round 1 or 4 only. Request at entry. Website:
www.marshallchessclub.org. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716.
DEC. 26, Marshall Saturday G/60 (Open & U1700)
4-SS, G/55 d5. Two sections: Open: ($450 b/35): $175-125, U2300:
$75, U2000: $75. U1700: ($325 b/25): $150-100, U1400: $75. EF: $40,
MCC Mbrs $20. GMs Free. Reg.: 11:15-11:45am. Rds.: 12-2:30-4:45-
7pm. One bye available, request at entry. www.marshallchessclub.org.
23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716.
DEC. 26-28 OR 27-28, 34th annual Empire City Open
See Grand Prix.
DEC. 27, Marshall Sunday G/45 (Open & U1500)
4-SS, G/40 d5. Two sections: Open: ($450 b/35): $175-125, U2100:
$75, U1800: $75. U1500: ($325 b/25): $150-100, U1200: $75. EF: $40,
MCC Mbrs $20. GMs Free. Reg.: 11:15-11:45am. Rds.: 12-1:45-4:00-
5:45pm. One bye available, request at entry. www.marshallchessclub.org.
23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
DEC. 28, JAN. 4, 11, 18, 25, FEB. 1, Marshall FIDE Mondays/
U1800
6-SS, G/90 +30. Two sections. Open: Open to all players 1600+. FIDE
Rated. ($600 b/25) $200-150-100. U2000: $100-50. U1800: ($600 b/25)
$200-150-100. U1500: $100-50. EF: $60, MCC Mbrs $40. Reg.: 6:15-
6:45pm. Rd: 7pm each Mon. Limit two byes; request by rd. 4. www.mar
shallchessclub.org. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716.
JAN. 1, Marshall New Year’s Ridiculousness Insane Person
Championship!
See Grand Prix.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
JAN. 1-3, Marshall Weekend FIDE
5-SS, 40/90 SD/30 +30. FIDE Rated. ($600 b/25): $250-125. U2200:
$125; U1900 $100. EF: $60, MCC Mbrs $40. GMs Free. Reg.: Ends 15
min before round start. Rds.: Fri. 6pm, Sat. & Sun. 12:30-5:30pm. Max
2 byes, request by round 3. www.marshallchessclub.org. 23 W. 10th
St., NYC. 212-477-3716.
JAN. 2, Marshall Saturday U1700
4-SS, G/40 d5. ($325 b/25): $150-100, U1400: $75. EF: $40, MCC Mbrs
$20. Reg.: 11:15-11:45am. Rds.: 12-1:45-4:00-5:45pm. One bye available,
request at entry. www.marshallchessclub.org. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-
477-3716.
JAN. 3, Marshall Morning Action!
3-SS, G/25 d5. ($225 b/25): $100-50, U1800: $75. EF: $30, MCC Mbrs
$15. GMs Free. Reg.: 8:15-8:45am. Rds.: 9-10:10-11:20am. No byes.
www.marshallchessclub.org. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716.
JAN. 7, Marshall Thursday Action!
4-SS, G/25 d5. ($375 b/25): $150-100, U2200: $75, U1900: $50. EF:
$40, MCC Mbrs $25. GMs Free. Reg.: 6:15-6:45pm. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-
10:45pm. Max one bye, for round 1 or 4 only. Request at entry. www.mar
shallchessclub.org. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716.
JAN. 8, Marshall Friday Night Blitz (BLZ)
9-SS, G/3 +2. ($500 b/35): $200-100, top U2400/unr, U2200, U2000,
U1800: $50. Highest rating (regular, quick or blitz) used for pairings &
prizes. EF: $30, MCC Mbrs $20, GMs $20. Reg:. 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7-
7:30-7:50-8:10-8:40-9-9:20-9:40-10pm. Max three byes. Request at
entry. Blitz rated. www.marshallchessclub.org. 23 W. 10th St., NYC.
212-477-3716.
JAN. 8-10 OR 9-10, 4th annual Boston Chess Congress (MA)
See Grand Prix.
68 November 2015 | Chess Life
JAN. 8-10 OR 9-10, 2nd Gulf Coast New Year’s Open (FL)
See Grand Prix.
JAN. 9, Marshall Saturday G/60 (Open & U1800)
4-SS, G/55 d5. Two sections: Open: ($450 b/35): $175-125, U2400:
$75, U2100: $75. U1800 ($325 b/25): $150-100, U1500: $75. EF: $40,
MCC Mbrs $20. GMs Free. Reg.: 11:15-11:45am. Rds.: 12-2:30-4:45-
7pm. One bye available, request at entry. www.marshallchessclub.org.
23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716.
An American Classic!
A Heritage Event!
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
JAN. 9 OR 10 OR 9-10, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents
the 50th Annual Greater NY Scholastic Championships - Since
1966, US Chess Longest-Running Scholastic!
Beautiful hotel site: NY Marriott Hotel At Brooklyn Bridge, 333
Adams Street (near Borough Hall), Brooklyn, NY. Nearby subway sta-
tions: Jay Street Metrotech (A, C, F & R trains), Hoyt Street (2 & 3
trains), Borough Hall (4 & 5 trains), Court Street (R train). HR $149,
call 877-513-6305 or 718-246-7000 by 12/18 (rooms may sell out early),
mention chess. In 14 sections! Each section has its own age, grade
and rating requirements (Championship sections open to all who are
under grade and age limits). The 5 Championship sections are each
2 days, 6-SS, G/60 d/10, Rounds 10 am-1-4 pm Sat-Sun. Awards cere-
monies about 6:30 pm Sun. The 9 non-Championship sections are
each 1-day, G/30 d10: Junior High Under 1000, Primary Under 1000,
Primary Under 500, and K-1 Under 400 are Saturday: 10 am-12-1:30-
3-4:30 pm; Awards ceremonies about 6 pm. High School Under 1900,
High School Under 1200, Elementary Under 1400, Elementary Under
1000 and Elementary Under 600 are Sunday: 10 am-12-1:30-3-4:30
pm, Awards ceremonies about 6 pm. All 3 Primary sections open to
grades 3/below born after 1/9/06. 1. Primary Championship (Sat-
Sun), EF $58.30 postmarked by 12/18/15. 2. Primary Under 1000
(Sat), EF $58.20 postmarked by 12/18/15. 3. Primary Under 500 (Sat),
EF $58.10 postmarked by 12/18/15. Both K-1 sections open to grade
1/below born after 1/9/08. 4. K-1 Championship (Sat-Sun), EF $59.30
postmarked by 12/18/15. 5. K-1 Under 400 (Sat), EF $59.20 postmarked
by 12/18/15. Both Junior High sections open to grades 9/below born
after 1/9/00. 6. JHS Championship (Sat-Sun), EF $56.30 postmarked
by 12/18/15. 7. JHS Under 1000 (Sat), EF $56.20 postmarked by
12/18/15. All 4 Elementary sections open to grades 6/below born
after 1/9/03. 8. Elementary Championship (Sat-Sun), EF $57.40 post-
marked by 12/18/15. 9. Elementary Under 1400 (Sun), EF $57.30
postmarked by 12/18/15. 10. Elementary Under 1000 (Sun), EF $57.20
postmarked by 12/18/15. 11. Elementary Under 600 (Sun), EF $57.10
postmarked by 12/18/15. All 3 High School sections open to grades
12/below born after 1/9/96. 12. High School Championship (Sat-
Sun), EF $55.30 postmarked by 12/18/15. 13. High School Under 1900
(Sun), EF $55.20 postmarked by 12/18/15. 14. High School Under
1200 (Sun), EF $55.10 postmarked by 12/18/15. Trophies each section
to Top 12, top 3 Unrateds and Top 6 teams (top 4 scores from same
school = team, all on team must attend same school: no combined
teams, even if one school “feeds” another). In High School U1200,
plaques also to top 2 each grade: 7-9. In Junior High U1000, plaques
also to top 2 each grade: 4-6. In K-1 Championship, plaques also to top
6 K/below (you can win both plaque + trophy). All players scoring 4 or
more (5 or more in Championship) who don’t win a trophy receive a
medal! Speed playoff for 5-0 or 6-0. Individual free entry prizes (each
Championship section): Free entry to specified Continental Chess tour-
naments thru 1/20/17 to 1st, thru 10/10/16 to 2nd, thru 8/25 to 3rd,
thru 6/15 to 4th. Individual free entry prizes (each non-Championship
section): Free entry to specified Continental Chess tmts. thru 12/1/16
to 1st, thru 8/25 to 2nd, thru 6/15 to 3rd, thru 4/25 to 4th. Team free
entry prizes: free entry to specified CCA tmts. thru 8/25/16 to 1st
team, thru 6/15 to 2nd team each section! Free entries courtesy of
Continental Chess and are valid for CCA tmts. with 100% unconditionally
guaranteed prize funds. Free entries do not include NYS Scholastics in
Saratoga. See www.chesscenter.cc or www.gnyscc.com or www.chess-
tour.com for complete details and restrictions. High School Mixed
Doubles (best male/female 2-player “team” combined score among
all 3 High School sections after 5 rounds) Bonus Prizes: free entry to
specified CCA tmts. thru 8/25/16 to 1st team, thru 6/15 to 2nd. Team
average must be under 2200; Mixed Doubles teammates may play in
different sections and may attend different schools; teams must register
on-site (no extra charge!) before rd. 2; teammate pairings avoided but
possible. All: January 2016 official ratings used, except unofficial ratings
at uschess.org usually used if otherwise unrated. TD reserves right to
assign estimated ratings to players with non-USCF ratings. EFs $10
extra per player postmarked 12/19-26. Entries $5 less per player if
4 or more from same school in SAME ENVELOPE! Mailed entries:
list name, rating, ID# (non-USCF members enclose dues), school, grade,
DOB, address, (specify section!). Checks to: Chess Center of NY, PO
Box 4615, New Windsor, NY 12553. If necessary to confirm receipt,
enclose SASE. No mail postmarked after 12/26/15! All substitutions
from advance entry list charged late fee. Switching sections subject to
$15 extra charge. $15 service charge for each player refund. TD reserves
right to reassign sections for advance entries with incorrect or unclear
registrations. Limit 2 byes (limit 3 in Championship), commit before rd.
3. Phone entries: $74 by credit card thru 1/4: 406-896-2191 (24 hours:
entries only, no questions), no phone entries after 1/4. Online entries
at www.gnyscc.com: $55 thru 12/26/15, $65 12/27-1/4, $75 1/5-1/7.
Online team entry discounts thru 1/4 only, no team discounts by
phone or at site. On-site entry fee: $85 until 8:30 am, $100 after 8:30
am; after 9 am you risk not playing rd. 1. Good luck attempting to change
entries after 9am. Help with parking: http://nyc.bestparking.com/neigh-
borhoods/downtown-brooklyn-parking and https://www.parkingpanda.
com/brooklyn-parking Questions, team rooms: chesscentr@gmail.com,
littlehouseofchess@gmail.com or 347-201-2269 (leave message, email
is better). Jan 9-10 only: 718-246-7000. Sets provided by Little House
of Chess— bring clocks! W. Info: www.chesscenter.cc, www.gnys
cc.com. Note: Only Championship Sections qualify for US Chess Junior
Grand Prix.
JAN. 10, Marshall Scholastic Action! (U1300)
3-SS, G/25 d5. Open to youth K-12. ($225 b/25): $100-50, U1000: $75. EF:
$30, MCC Mbrs: $15. Reg.: 8:15-8:45am. Rds.: 9-10:10-11:20am. No byes.
www.marshallchessclub.org. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716.
JAN. 11, Marshall Sunday G/45 (Open & U1600)
4-SS, G/40 d5. Two sections: Open: ($450 b/35): $175-125, U2200:
$75, U1900: $75. U1600: ($325 b/25): $150-100, U1300: $75. EF: $40,
MCC Mbrs $20. GMs Free. Reg.: 12:15-12:45pm. Rds.: 1-2:45-5:00-
6:45pm. One bye available, request at entry. www.marshallchessclub.org.
23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
JAN. 13, 20, 27, FEB. 3, 10, 17, Marshall Weekly Wednesdays
6-SS, G/90 +30. Two sections. U2000: ($600 b/25) $250-150-100.
U1700: $100. U1400: ($600 b/25) $250-150-100. U1100: $100. EF: $60,
MCC Mbrs $40. Reg:. 6:15-6:45pm. Rds.: 7pm each Wed. Limit two
byes; request by rd. 4. www.marshallchessclub.org. 23 W. 10th St.,
NYC. 212-477-3716.
JAN. 15, Marshall U2200 Friday Night Action!
4-SS, G/25 d5. ($300 b/25): $150-75, U1900: $75. EF: $40, MCC Mbrs
$20. Reg.: 6:15-6:45pm. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. Max one bye, for
round 1 or 4 only. Request at entry. www.marshallchessclub.org. 23 W.
10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716.
JAN. 15, Marshall U2400 Action
4-SS, G/25 d5. Open to players rated below 2400 USCF. ($375 b/25):
$150-100, U2100: $75 U1800: $50. EF: $40, MCC Mbrs $25. Reg.: 6:15-
6:45pm. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. Max one bye, for round 1 or 4 only.
Request at entry. www.marshallchessclub.org. 23 W. 10th St., NYC.
212-477-3716.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
JAN. 15-17, 16-17 OR 17, Marshall Monthly U2300
5-SS, 40/90 SD30 +30. Open to players rated below 2300 USCF. $800
Gtd: $300-150-100. U2100: $125; U1800 $125. EF: $60, MCC Mbrs $40.
Reg.: Ends 15 min before round start. Rds:. 3-day: Fri. 6pm, Sat. &
Sun. 12-5:30pm. 2-day: Sat. 11am (G/25 d5) then merge with 3-day in
round 2. 1-day: Sun. 9-10:10-11:20am (G/25 d5) then merge in round
4. Max two byes, request at entry. www.marshallchessclub.org. 23 W.
10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716.
JAN. 15-18, 16-18 OR 17-18, 48th annual Liberty Bell Open
(PA)
See Grand Prix.
FEB. 12-14 OR 13-14, 2016 U.S. Amateur Team Championship
South (FL)
See Nationals.
FEB. 26-28 OR 27-28, George Washington Open (VA)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 11-13 OR 12-13, 17th annual Pittsburgh Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
A Heritage Event!
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
A State Championship Event!
MAR. 12-13, 49th annual New York State Scholastic Champi-
onships (out of state welcome)
Note corrected time control and schedule. 6SS, G/60 d10, open to
grades K-12; top NYS player & team in each section are NY champions.
In 10 sections. HS & JHS Championships at Courtyard by Marriott,
11 Excelsior Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (2/5 mile from Saratoga
Hilton). Other sections at Saratoga Hilton, 534 Broadway (I-87 Exit
13-N, 4 miles north on US 9), Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Team prizes
based on top 4 scores from same school; no combined school teams
allowed even if one school “feeds” another. Teams of 2 or 3 players
allowed, but are at a disadvantage. Online entry fee at chessaction.
com, all sections: $44 by 2/19, $54 2/20-3/5, $60 3/6 to 3/11. Entry
fee at site, all sections: $70. High School, open to grades K-12 born
after 9/1/96. EF $48.20 mailed by 2/19. Top NYS grade 9-12 qualifies
for Denker Tournament of HS Champions, top NYS grade K-12 girl
qualifies for National Girls Invitational. High School Reserve, open to
K-12 under 1200 or unrated. EF $48 mailed by 2/19. Junior High, open
to all in grades K-9 . EF $47.90 mailed by 2/19. Top NYS grade K-8 born
after 9/1/00 qualifies for Barber tournament of K-8 Champions. Middle
School Reserve, open to K-8 under 1000 or unrated. EF $47.80 mailed
by 2/19. Elementary, open to all in grades K-6. EF $47.60 mailed by
2/19. Elementary Intermediate, open to grades K-6 under 1200 or
unrated. EF $47.50 mailed by 2/19. Elementary Reserve, open to
grades K-5 under 800 or unrated. EF $47.40 mailed by 2/19. Primary,
open to grades K-3. EF $47.30 mailed by 2/19. Primary Reserve, open
to grades K-3 under 600 or unrated. EF: $47.20 mailed by 2/19. K-1,
open to grades K-1. EF $47.10 mailed by 2/19. Postmarked 2/20-3/2:
All EF $10 more. Do not mail entry after 3/2. Special 1 year US Chess
dues with magazine if paid with entry. Online at chessaction.com, Young
Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or paid at site, Young Adult $25,
Scholastic $17. Trophies to top 15 players and top 7 teams each section,
top 3 unrated in K-1 and each Reserve section, and top U1600, U1400,
U1200 (HS), U900, U700 (HS Reserve & Elem Intermediate), U1400,
U1200, U1000 (JHS), U700, U500 (MS Reserve), U1300, U1100 (Elem),
U500, U300 (Elem Reserve), U500 (Primary), U200 (Primary Reserve,
K-1). Speed playoff if perfect score tie. Free entry to NY State Champi-
onship, Labor Day weekend 2016 (Albany), to top player each section, if
not already qualified for free entry from another event. Schedule: Reg.
ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 2, 5, Sun 9, 12, 3, Awards 5:30 pm. Half
point byes OK all, limit 2, must commit before rd. 2. HR: $129-129 at
either hotel, Courtyard 866-210-9325, Hilton 888-999-4711, 518-584-
4000, two nights minimum, reserve by 2/6 or rate may increase; hotels
often sell out a few months before the deadline. Free parking at Courtyard;
free parking for overnight guests at Hilton. 7 days notice required for

room cancellation. Special car rentals: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD
#657633. Online entry: www.chessaction.com. Mail entry: Continental
Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Include name, rating, US
Chess ID, USCF expiration (non-members enclose dues), section, school,
grade, birth date, address of each player. Checks payable to Continental
Chess. $15 per player service charge for refunds. $10 extra to switch
sections, all substitutions from advance list charged $70. Questions:
DirectorAtChess.US (At = @)), 347-201-2260. Bring set, board, clock
if possible- none supplied. March official ratings used (except unoffical
web ratings usually used if otherwise unrated). TD reserves right to
assign estimated rating to players with non-US Chess ratings.
MAR. 23-27, 24-27, 25-27 OR 26-27, 10th annual Philadel-
phia Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
NORTH CAROLINA
NOV. 27, Turkey Turmoil
Triangle Chess Center, 5920 S. Miami Blvd. Ste 203. Durham, NC 27560.
4-SS, G/45 d5. Rds.: 9am-10:45 am-2 pm-3:30pm. EF: $25 by Nov. 20 /
$30 on site. Sections split every 12 players. Prizes: $125-75-30 b/12 in
each section. Up to two half point byes available any round, must request
upon entry. http://chesspig.com/Turkey_Turmoil.html Info: Jeff Jones
(919)270-9948, coachpigjones@aol.com
NOV. 27-29, Tobacco Road FIDE Open
See Grand Prix.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
NOV. 27-29, Tobacco Road U1800 Booster
Triangle Chess Center. 5920 S. Miami Blvd. Ste 203. Durham, NC 27560.
HR: Comfort Suites, 5219 Page Rd., Durham, NC 27703. $69-79 (919)314-
1200. 5-SS, G/105 i/30. Reg. & Rds.: Fri 7pm or Sat. 9:30am (G/75 d5)
/ Sat. 1pm - 7pm / Sun. 9am - 3pm. EF: $50 by Nov. 20 / $60 on site.
Prizes: $1100 b/32. $$400 - $$200 - $$100, C , D , u1200 $100 ea. Up
to two half point byes available any round, must request upon entry.
http://chesspig.com/Tobacco_Road_FIDE_Open.html. Make checks to
RTCC, send to the Chess Center. Info: Jeff Jones (919)270-9948, coach
pigjones@aol.com
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
DEC. 18-20, Southeastern FIDE Championship - $3500 Guaran-
teed!
5SS, G/110;+30. Charlotte Chess Center & Scholastic Academy, 1800
Camden Rd. Suite 108, Charlotte, NC 28203 - United States. $3500 Guar-
anteed in One Section!. Must be or have been US Chess or FIDE 2000+;
Few Exceptions. Open to Must be or have been 2000+ US Chess or
FIDE; Juniors May Be 1900+. FIDE rated. Limited to first 50 Entries.
EF: Chess Center Members $104 before November 30. Non Members
$114 before November 30. Juniors rated between 1900-2000 $125
before November 30. CCCSA Members and Non Member $125 After
November 30. Juniors rated between 1900-2000 $150 after November
30. Free for IM/ GM; $104 deducted from winnings. No On-Onsite
Entry; Must Pre-register. $$GTD: $1000-700-400-200. Best U2300 1st
$400 2nd $200; Best U2100 1st $400 2nd $200. 3-day schedule: Rounds:
7:30, 1-7:00, 10-4:00. 2-day schedule: 1st at 9:00 then merge with 3
day. Deadline for early entry November 30; Deadline for all entry
December 14. 1 allowed in any round 1-4. No byes in round 5. ENT:
Charlotte Chess Center & Scholastic Academy 980-265-1156 www.char-
lottechesscenter.org. INFO: info@charlottechesscenter.org.
DEC. 26-28, 45th Annual Atlanta Open (GA)
See Grand Prix.
DEC. 27-29, New Orleans Open (LA)
See Grand Prix.
JAN. 29-31, Land of the Sky XXIX
See Grand Prix.
OHIO
NOV. 6, DCC Friday Nite Quick #38 (QC)
4SS, G/24 d5. Dayton Chess Club, 18 W. 5th St., Dayton, OH. Rds.: 7:30/
8:30/9:30/10:30. One bye. Prizes: based on entries. EF:$14 ($10 DCC
mbr). Info: DCC.18W5@sbcglobal.net, 937-461-6283.
NOV. 7, “Early Thanksgiving (19 Days)” Pawn Storm XXXII
See Grand Prix.
NOV. 13-15 OR 14-15, 24th annual Kings Island Open
See Grand Prix.
A State Championship Event!
NOV. 21, 2015 Ohio Grade Level Championships
5SS, 13 separate Sections. Open to students enrolled in Ohio schools in
grades K-12 or home schooled in Ohio, age 19 and under. Sheraton
Cleveland Airport Hotel, 5300 Riverside Dr., Cleveland, OH 44135.
EF: $30 if received by Nov 16 $35 after. Low income students $10 by
Nov 16 $15 after. No on-site registrations. Awards: Trophies to all
scoring 3.5 or more, top three teams each section. Medals to all in
sections K-8. See website for full details. Contact: Mike Joelson, 216-
321-7000, mdjoelson@progresswithchess.org Info/Forms: www.pro
gresswithchess.org
NOV. 21, Parma Novemberfest
4SS, G/45 d5. German Central Organization, 7863 York Rd. (1/4 mi. N
of Sprague), Parma, OH. Sections: Open, U2000, U1600. Reg.: 8-9AM.
Rds.: 9:30-11:15-1:30-3:15. Prizes (b/50): Open 1st $160, 2nd $80;
U2000 1st $120, 2nd $60; U1600 1st $120, 2nd $60; U1200 1st $60.
Ent: $20. Info & entries: William Wright, 19121 Wheelers Ln.,
Strongsville, OH 44149 Phone: (440) 572-9565 E-mail: grubber@adel-
phia.net. Web www.parmachessclub.org/.
NOV. 27-29 OR 28-29, 2015 Motor City Open (MI)
See Grand Prix.
See previous issue for TLAs appearing November 1-14
NOV. 27-29, Cleveland Classic
See Grand Prix.
NOV. 28, Cincy Tornado - Thanksgiving Chess
Last Saturday of the Month. 2 Sections: OPEN & Under 1600. 4-SS, G/60
d5. EF: $30 if paid online/$35 at site. OGPrix Event/OCA deduct $3.
Masters above 2200 Free EF & Lunch. Open b/15: $150-$75; Class
Prizes based on entries. Master Bounty Prize: Best Final Result
against 1# Rated Master pays $100 for win/$50 draw. $100 for
perfect score to 1# Rated Master. UNDER 1600 b/15: $150-$75;
Class Prizes based on entries. Reg. Ends 9:45am. 1st Round: 10am. 1st
Baptist Church, 11195 Winton Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45218. www.chessearth.
com, info@chessearth.com. Last Saturday of Month.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
DEC. 12, Toledo December Swiss
Open, 4SS, Rnd. 1 G/75 d5, Rnds. 2-4 G/85 d5. The University of Toledo
Health Science Campus, Mulford Library Basement Cafe, 3000 Arlington
Ave., Toledo, OH 43614. Can split into 2 sections if enough players. EF:
$20 by 12/10, $25 at site. Reg.: 9-10 a.m., Rds.: 10, 1, 4, & 7. Prizes:
$360 b/20, $100-50, 1st A,B,C,D/Under $40, 1st U1600 $50. Ent: James
Jagodzinski, 7031 Willowyck Rd., Maumee, OH 43537. 419-367-9450.
DEC. 27-30, 2015 Pan American Intercollegiate Team Chess
Championship
See Nationals.
JAN. 29-31 OR 30-31, 39th Cardinal Open, Columbus
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 11, 15th Annual Queen City Classic Chess Tournament
G/30 d5. Paul Brown Stadium, Club West, Downtown Cincinnati, OH. 14
School Sections, includes rated and non-rated. Grade K Non-Rated, 1
Non-Rated, 2 Non-rated, 3 Non-rated, K-3 Open, 4 Non-Rated, 5 Non-
Rated, 6 Non-Rated, 4-6 below 800, 4-6 Open, 7-9 Non-Rated, 7-9 Open,
10-12 Non-Rated, K-12 Open. US Chess membership is not required for
the non-rated and K-3 rated sections. Prizes: Trophies to all who score
3.5 points or higher, top three team trophies awarded and medals to
all others. EF: $40 early bird fee from January 4 - February 12. $50 EF
after February 12. EF includes lunch, t-shirt, program/score book, medal.
Registration closes Wednesday, March 4, 2016. NO ON-SITE REGISTRA-
TIONS. Schedule: Friday, March 11, check in from 5-6 pm. SIMUL at 6:30
p.m. EF: $5 for tournament participants, $20 for Non-participants. SIMUL
features International Grandmasters Maurice Ashley, Gregory Kaidanov,
and Irina Krush. March 12 Check in 7-8:15 am. matches begin at 9:00
am. Grandmasters will be available for questions and instructions all
day. Entry/Info: 1-866-PS-CHESS (772-4377) or www.queencityclassic.org
MAR. 11-13 OR 12-13, 17th annual Pittsburgh Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 18-20 OR 19-20, 20th annual Mid-America Open (MO)
See Grand Prix.
OKLAHOMA
NOV. 13-15 OR 14-15, 2015 U.S. Class Championships (TX)
See Nationals.
DEC. 27-29, New Orleans Open (LA)
See Grand Prix.
FEB. 11-15, 12-15, 13-15 OR 14-15, 7th annual Southwest
Class Championships (TX)
See Grand Prix.
OREGON
NOV. 26-29 OR 27-29, 51st Annual American Open (CA-S)
See Grand Prix.
DEC. 26-30, 26-29 OR 27-29, 25th annual North American
Open (NV)
See Grand Prix.
JAN. 1-3 OR 2-3, 2016 New Year Open Championship (CA-N)
See Grand Prix.
JAN. 15-18, 16-18 OR 17-18, 7th annual Golden State Open
(CA-N)
See Grand Prix.
JAN. 23 AND/OR 24, 2016 U.S. Junior Chess Congress (CA-N)
See Nationals.
MAR. 4-6 OR 5-6, 23rd annual Western Class Championships
(CA-S)
See Grand Prix.
JUNE 22-23, 2016 U.S. Women’s Open (NV)
See Nationals.
JUNE 24-26 OR 25-26, 2016 National Open (NV)
See Nationals.
PENNSYLVANIA
Every Saturday - LVCA Quads/RBO U1200 Quads + G/7 d3 (BLZ)
(New Location - see www.lehighvalleychessclub.org)
G/40 d5 Quads, 3-RR. Reg.: 1-1:45, Rds.: 2 pm, then asap. 2 Sections:
Open Section EF: $10. Prizes: $30 for 3-0 score, else $25 for 1st. RBO
Section EF: $10. Prizes: $30 for 3-0 score, else $25 for 1st. G/7 d3
(BLZ) Event Rd. 1: 6:15 pm or asap. Prizes: 50% of entries, 1st-70%,
2nd-30%, more prizes if 12 or more. Bruce, 484-866-3045. Info: srdia-
mondd@yahoo.com.
Every Friday - LVCA 7 & 9 pm Blitz Events Open/U1200 (BLZ)
8SS, G/5 d2. St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church, 140 So. Ott St., Allentown,
PA 18104. EF: $5, Prizes: Open and U1200, Minimum 50% Returned.
1st-70%, 2nd-30% AND will ADD PRIZES if 12 or more players per
section, FREE Coffee For All Entrants. REG.: Ends 6:55pm, Cash on site
only. RDS.:7 pm, then ASAP. On Site: 484-866-3045 or bdavis@lehigh-
valleychessclub.org, www.lehighvalleychessclub.org/.
North Penn Chess Club
Main & Richardson, Lansdale, PA. See www.northpennchessclub.org
for schedules & info or 215-699-8418.
NOV. 14 OR 15, 2015 Red Rose Autumn Dual-Rated Beginner
(U1200 & Unrated)
Two Tournaments Open to U1200 and Unrated / New Players! Location:
Frankin and Marshall College, Kaufmann Hall, Rms. 202 and 204, 800
Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA 17603. www.fandm.edu/map/kaufman-
hall. Pick from Saturday or Sunday or both! Rounds: 4SS, 10am, 12pm,
2pm, 4pm. Time Control: G/45 d5. EF: $25, $30 on site. Prizes b/20:
U1200/Unrated: $100, $50, $30 U800: $50 $20. Bye: available if requested
before end of round 1. On-site Registration: 9:00-9:45am. Online
Registration and Info: www.lancasterchess.com. Email:jere@lancast-
erchess.com, 717-431-0199.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
NOV. 14-15, 2015 Red Rose Autumn Open
Location: Frankin and Marshall College, Kaufmann Hall, Rms. 202 and
204, 800 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA 17603. www.fandm.edu/map/
kaufman-hall Rounds: 5SS Saturday 10am, 2pm, 6pm Sunday 10am,
2pm. Time Control: G/90 d10. EF: $50 in advance on-line, $60 on-site.
Prizes b/30: Open/Unrated: $300-150-75 U1800: $150-75 U1400: $100-
50. Bye: available if requested before end of round 1. On-site Registration:
9:00-9:45am. Online Registration and Info: www.lancasterchess.com.
Email: jere@lancasterchess.com, 717-431-0199.
NOV. 15, PCL November Quick Quads (QC)
3RR, G/15 d3. Wm. Pitt Union, Univ. of Pittsburgh, 5th Ave. & Bigelow
Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15213. EF: $10, $7 Jrs. $20 to 1st/quad. Reg.: 11-
11:15am. Info: martinak_tom_m@hotmail.com, 412-908-0286. W.
NOV. 21, 8th Annual David Elliott Memorial Cup
See Grand Prix.
NOV. 22, 2015 PA State Game/15 Championship (QC)
See Grand Prix.
NOV. 27-29, Cleveland Classic (OH)
See Grand Prix.
NOV. 27-29 OR 28-29, 46th annual National Chess Congress
See Grand Prix.
NOV. 27-29 OR 28-29, 2015 Motor City Open (MI)
See Grand Prix.
DEC. 5, W.Chester 1st Sat. Quads
Our 26th year! 3RR, Game/80 d5. 2nd Presbyterian Church, 114 S.
Walnut St., West Chester, PA. EF: $20; $40, $50 for 3-0. Reg.: 9am.
Rds.: 9:30,12,2:30. Info: WCCC1975@gmail.com.
DEC. 6, Chess at the Moose
Moose Lodge 1336, 705 Stokes Mill Rd., East Stroudsburg, PA 18301-
9035. Registration: 10:00-10:30. Time control: G/60 d5. Entry Fee: $12
at site cash only. Prize 1st $35, if perfect 3-0 $40, additional prizes
added based on attendence. 3 round Swiss. Contact: Michael Laverty,
908-339-7105, poconoml@gmail.com. http://poconoml.wix.com/
poconochess.
DEC. 6, PCL December Quick Quads (QC)
3RR, G/15 d3. Wm. Pitt Union, Univ. of Pittsburgh, 5th Ave. & Bigelow
Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15213. EF: $10, $7 Jrs. $20 to 1st/quad. Reg.: 11-
11:15am. Info: martinak_tom_m@hotmail.com, 412-908-0286. W.
DEC. 12, 36th Abel Bomberault Memorial
4SS, G/60 d5. Pittsburgh Chess Club, 5604 Solway St., Suite 209, Pitts-
burgh, PA 15217. EF: $20 postmarked by 12/8, $25 later, $4 extra to
play up one section, $3 discount to PCC members. 2 Sections: Champi-
onship, open to 1800-up: Trophies to 1st - 2nd - 1st U2000. Reserve
Section, open to U1800: Trophies to 1st - 2nd - 1st U1600 - 1st U1400
- 1st U1200/Unrated. Reg.: 9-9:45am. Rds.: 10 - 12:30 - 3 - 5:30. Info:
412-421-1881, www.pittsburghcc.org. Ent: Pittsburgh Chess Club, Attn:
Bomberault Memorial, 5604 Solway St., Suite 209, Pittsburgh, PA 15217.
Checks payable to Pittsburgh Chess Club. W.
DEC. 12, MasterMinds CC Swiss/Quads
Lenfest Center, 3890 N. 10th St., Philadelphia, PA 19140. Quads: 3RR,
G/85 d5. EF: $30 cash; winner $100. Reg. ends 9AM. Rd. 9:30, 1, 4.
Scholastic: 4SS, K-12 Open, K-8 U1200, K-6 U800, K-3 U500 G/40 d5,
EF: $5 rec’d by Thurs. before, $15 on site. Reg. ends 9AM. Rd. 1 10AM
then asap. Mail Ent: payable to MasterMinds CC, 36 E. Hortter St.,
Philadelphia, PA 19119. Info: mastermindschess.org or brad@master-
mindschess.org
DEC. 26-28 OR 27-28, 34th annual Empire City Open (NY)
See Grand Prix.
JAN. 2, LVCA $1000 Scholarships K-12 Championships
5-SS, G/30 d5. EF: $30, $40 CASH ONLY after 12/30/15 AT SITE. $$1000
in Scholarships to 1st-$400, 2nd-$200, 3rd-$100, $100 each top 3
Lehigh Valley players. Trophy’s to 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, Top U1400, U1200,
U1000, U800, U600, U400, UNR, $10-$20 in Random Prizes to every
player. Rds.: 1:10pm then ASAP. Reg.: Ends 1pm. Site: St. Timothy’s
Church, 140 So. Ott St., Allentown, PA 18104. Ent: Bruce Davis, 1208
Linden St., Bethlehem, PA 18018, 484-866-3045, Email: bdavis@lehigh-
valleychessclub.org, Info: www.lehighvalleychessclub.org/.
JAN. 9 OR 10 OR 9-10, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents
the 50th Annual Greater NY Scholastic Championships - Since
1966, US Chess Longest-Running Scholastic! (NY)
See New York.
JAN. 15-18, 16-18 OR 17-18, 48th annual Liberty Bell Open
See Grand Prix.
FEB. 26-28 OR 27-28, George Washington Open (VA)
See Grand Prix.
www.uschess.org 69
Tournament Life / November
MAR. 11-13 OR 12-13, 17th annual Pittsburgh Open
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 23-27, 24-27, 25-27 OR 26-27, 10th annual Philadel-
phia Open
See Grand Prix.
RHODE ISLAND
DEC. 12, 2015 Greater New Haven Open! (CT)
See Grand Prix.
JAN. 8-10 OR 9-10, 4th annual Boston Chess Congress (MA)
See Grand Prix.
SOUTH CAROLINA
NOV. 27-29, Tobacco Road FIDE Open (NC)
See Grand Prix.
NOV. 27-29, Tobacco Road U1800 Booster (NC)
See North Carolina.
DEC. 27-29, New Orleans Open (LA)
See Grand Prix.
TENNESSEE
NOV. 13-15 OR 14-15, 24th annual Kings Island Open (OH)
See Grand Prix.
NOV. 13-15 OR 14-15, 2015 U.S. Class Championships (TX)
See Nationals.
NOV. 21-22, 56th Mid-South Open
See Grand Prix.
DEC. 26-28, 45th Annual Atlanta Open (GA)
See Grand Prix.
DEC. 27-29, New Orleans Open (LA)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 18-20 OR 19-20, 20th annual Mid-America Open (MO)
See Grand Prix.
TEXAS
NOV. 13-15 OR 14-15, 2015 U.S. Class Championships
See Nationals.
NOV. 21, Many Springs 82
North Richland Hills Public Library, 9015 Grand Ave., North Richland Hills,
TX 76180. 3 Round Swiss, G/60 d5. EF: $20, 65% of EF returned as prizes.
Sections to be determined by participation. Registration: on-site 8:45-
9:05. First Round: 9:15AM, Second Round: 12:15PM, Third Round:
2:30PM. Additional information: Aurelio Gonzalez at either 817-789-
8360, agonzalejr@yahoo.com or www.tarrantcountychessclub.org/.
NOV. 26-29 OR 27-29, 51st Annual American Open (CA-S)
See Grand Prix.
NOV. 26-29 OR 27-29, 2015 DCC Fide Open XIII
See Grand Prix.
NOV. 28-29, San Antonio Turkey Shoot
See Grand Prix.
November 20-25, 2015 Texas
2015 UTDallas Fall FIDE Open. 9SS. G/90 +30sec from move
1. Embassy Suites Dallas – Park Central, 13131 North Central
Expressway, Dallas, TX 75243. GM & IM norms possible! Min.
2000 FIDE or 2200 USCF required. Prizes $7,500 G: $$3000-
1500-1000, U2500 $$1000, U2300 $$1000. EF: GMs, foreign IMs,
2500+: Free; 2450-2499: $100; 2400-2449 $150; 2350-2399:
$200; 2300-2349 $250; 2250-2299: $300; 2200-2249 $350; 2100-
2199: $400; 2000-2099 $450; U2000: $500; Unr: $700; $75
discount to all non-US Federation players. FIDE ratings used
for EF/pairings/prizes. Tournament will be run using FIDE Rules.
Non-US Federation players must have/provide a FIDE ID number
or they cannot play. (New players can get a FIDE ID number for
their Country’s Federation ) This tournament is open to players
with FIDE Ratings above 2000 (a few special exceptions may be
made at the discretion of the Organizers.) Note that anyone
rated USCF 2200 is also eligible to play but must pay Entry Fees
according to their FIDE Ratings. To improve chances to make
GM Norms, a maximum of one-third of the total field will be per-
mitted to be U2200 FIDE. May use accelerated pairings if in the
opinion of the Chief Arbiter, that would improve norm chances.
Tournament is limited to a total of around 40 players. If Monroi
Units are provided, they must be used. Schedule: Onsite reg-
istration if not full, 11/20 at 3pm-3:30 pm. Opening
Ceremony at 5:30 pm. Rds.: Rd on 11/20 at 6 pm; 11/21 at 10
am and 5 pm; 11/22 at 10 am and 5 pm; 11/23 at 5 pm; 11/24
at 10 am and 5pm; 11/25 at 9 am. Chief Arbiter: IA Francisco
Guadalupe. HR: $92-$92-$92-$92 includes free breakfast, 972-
234-3300 mention UTD to get $92 rate. Reserve by 11/1 or rate
may go up. Hotel will provide guests free rides (base on avail-
ability) to anywhere within 3 miles. Make checks payable to
Dallas Chess Club. ENT: Dallas Chess Club, 2709 Longhorn Trail,
Crowley, TX 76036. 214.632. 9000. INFO: Barb Swafford or Luis
Salinas, info@dallaschess. com or Luis.Salinas@utdallas.edu.
www.utdallas.edu/chess. NS. NC. FIDE
70 November 2015 | Chess Life
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
DEC. 1, 8, 15, 22, Monthly - Tuesday Night Swiss
4SS, first 4 Tuesdays of every month. Time control: G/120 d5. Center64
CC, 3201 Hillcroft St., Suite 2E, Houston, TX 77057. EF: $25 members,
plus $7 registration fee for non-members. Prizes: 50% EF. Reg.: 6:30-
6:55 p.m. First Tue. of month. Rds.: 7 p.m. Tuesdays. INFO WEBSITE:
www.center64.com
DEC. 12, Corpus Christi Chess Clinic Presents: December Chess
Battle
5 Rounds, G/30 d5. LOCATION: GARCIA ARTS & EDUCATION CENTER,
2021 Agnes Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX 78405. Plenty of parking available.
RATED OPEN TOURNAMENT. MUST BE A CURRENT USCF MEMBER TO
PLAY. ALL AGES AND LEVELS OF PLAY WELCOME. TWO DIVISIONS:
UPPER & LOWER. UPPER SECTION: RATING 1000 & UP. LOWER SEC-
TION: BELOW 1000. REGISTRATION BEGINS: 8:00 am. TOURNAMENT
PLAY BEGINS: 9:00 am. FORMAL LUNCH BREAK AT THE END OF ROUND
TWO. FOOD AND BEVERAGES PROVIDED ON SALE FOR LUNCH. ENTRY
FEE: $20.00 at the door or pre-register and pay via Paypal. Paypal e-
mail address: cc_chessclinic@yahoo.com. Room for 150 players. Bring
your own tournament board and clock. 1st place trophies for each
division will be presented at closing ceremony. For questions or further
information, contact: Steve Blustein 361-429-0204.
DEC. 12-13, 2015 DCC FIDE Open XIV
See Grand Prix.
DEC. 19-21, 2015 Dallas Absolute
See Grand Prix.
DEC. 26-30, 26-29 OR 27-29, 25th annual North American
Open (NV)
See Grand Prix.
DEC. 27-29, New Orleans Open (LA)
See Grand Prix.
DEC. 30-31, DCC New Year’s Eve INSANITY
See Grand Prix.
JAN. 8-10 OR 9-10, 6th Annual Austin Chess Club Champi-
onship
See Grand Prix.
JAN. 9-10, 2016 DCC FIDE Open I
See Grand Prix.
JAN. 16-18, Texas Masters
See Grand Prix.
FEB. 11-15, 12-15, 13-15 OR 14-15, 7th annual Southwest
Class Championships
See Grand Prix.
JUNE 22-23, 2016 U.S. Women’s Open (NV)
See Nationals.
JUNE 24-26 OR 25-26, 2016 National Open (NV)
See Nationals.
UTAH
Club 84065
See www.chessprep.org for club activities.
JAN. 1-3 OR 2-3, 2016 New Year Open Championship (CA-N)
See Grand Prix.
CHESS LIFE USPS # 102-840 (ISSN 0197-260X).
Volume 70 No. 11. PRINTED IN THE USA. Chess
Life, formerly Chess Life & Review, is published
monthly by the United States Chess Federation, 137
Obrien Dr., Crossville, TN 38557-3967. Chess Life &
Review and Chess Life remain the property of USCF.
Annual subscription (without membership): $50.
Periodical postage paid at Crossville, TN 38557-
3967 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER:
Send address changes to Chess Life (USCF), PO
Box 3967, Crossville, Tennessee 38557-3967. Entire
contents ©2015 by the United States Chess Feder-
ation. All rights reserved. No part of this publication
may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,
or transmitted in any form or by any means elec-
tronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise
without the prior written permission of USCF. Note:
Unsolicited materials are submitted at the sender's
risk and Chess Life accepts no responsibility for
them. Materials will not be returned unless accom-
panied by appropriate postage and packaging.
Address all submissions to Chess Life, PO Box 3967,
Crossville, TN 38557-3967. The opinions expressed
are strictly those of the contributors and do not
necessarily reflect the views of the United States
Chess Federation. Send all address changes to: U.S.
Chess, Membership Services, PO Box 3967, Crossville,
Tennessee 38557-3967. Include your USCF I.D. num-
ber and a recent mailing label if possible. This
information may be e-mailed to addresschange@us
chess.org. Please give us eight weeks advance notice.
PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 41473530
RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES
TO EXPRESS MESSENGER INTERNATIONAL P.O.
BOX 25058 LONDON BRC, ONTARIO, CANADA
N6C 6A8
JAN. 15-18, 16-18 OR 17-18, 7th annual Golden State Open
(CA-N)
See Grand Prix.
JAN. 23 AND/OR 24, 2016 U.S. Junior Chess Congress (CA-N)
See Nationals.
MAR. 4-6 OR 5-6, 23rd annual Western Class Championships
(CA-S)
See Grand Prix.
JUNE 22-23, 2016 U.S. Women’s Open (NV)
See Nationals.
JUNE 24-26 OR 25-26, 2016 National Open (NV)
See Nationals.
VIRGINIA
NOV. 7-8, 20th Annual Northern Virginia Open!
See Grand Prix.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
NOV. 21-22, 23rd Annual David Zofchak Memorial
5SS, G/2 d5. Site: Sleep Inn Lake Wright 6280 Northampton Blvd.,
Norfolk, VA 23502, 757-461-6251 EF: $50 if rec’d. by 11/19, else $60.
$1200 b/o 40 2 Sections - OPEN $160-$140-$120 - Top A $110 - Top B
$100. U1600 $120-$110 - $100 - Top D/Unr $90 - Top E $80 - U1000
$70. A VCF Cup event. Reg.: 9-9:30. Rds.: Sat: 9:45-2:15-7, Sun: 9:30-
2:00. Mbr: VCF $10/$5. HR: $74 w/Free breakfast. Please reserve by
11/10. Entry & checks: Virginia Chess, 1370 S. Braden Cres., Norfolk,
VA 23502. Info only: ernest.schlich@gmail.com, (757)362-6542. On-
line entry and details www.vachess.org.
NOV. 27-29 OR 28-29, 46th annual National Chess Congress
(PA)
See Grand Prix.
NOV. 27-29, Tobacco Road FIDE Open (NC)
See Grand Prix.
NOV. 27-29, Tobacco Road U1800 Booster (NC)
See North Carolina.
FEB. 26-28 OR 27-28, George Washington Open
See Grand Prix.
WASHINGTON
NOV. 26-29 OR 27-29, 51st Annual American Open (CA-S)
See Grand Prix.
NOV. 27-29 OR 28-29, Washington Class Championships
See Grand Prix.
JAN. 1-3 OR 2-3, 2016 New Year Open Championship (CA-N)
See Grand Prix.
JAN. 23 AND/OR 24, 2016 U.S. Junior Chess Congress (CA-N)
See Nationals.
JUNE 22-23, 2016 U.S. Women’s Open (NV)
See Nationals.
JUNE 24-26 OR 25-26, 2016 National Open (NV)
See Nationals.
WEST VIRGINIA
NOV. 27-29, Cleveland Classic (OH)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 11-13 OR 12-13, 17th annual Pittsburgh Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 23-27, 24-27, 25-27 OR 26-27, 10th annual Philadel-
phia Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
WISCONSIN
NOV. 27-29, Wm. Martz Memorial/North Central Open
See Grand Prix.
NOV. 27-29 OR 28-29, 2015 Motor City Open (MI)
See Grand Prix.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
DEC. 12-13, The Wisconsin Memorial
5SS, Rds 1-3 G/120 d5. Rds. 4-5 40/120, SD/60 d5. Union South, 1308
W. Dayton St., Madison, WI 53715. EF: $22 (Juniors $18) by Dec. 8. $3
more later or on site. $$b/50 and 4 per class: $160-110. A - $90, B -
$80, C - $70, D - $60, E - $50, U1000 - $40, Unr - $40. Upset $50. Reg.:
9-9:30 AM 12/12. Rds.: 10-2:30-7:30; 10-3:30. ENT: Dennis Kosterman,
28 Singleton Ct., Madison, WI 53711 608-770-3133. INFO: dennisk@tds.
net, www.wischess.org. WI Chess Tour Event. W.
MAR. 18-20 OR 19-20, 20th annual Mid-America Open (MO)
See Grand Prix.
NOTE
The TLA abbreviations can be found online on
the “Information for Players” page at main.uschess.
org/go/tlainfo.

Classifieds
Chess Life accepts classified advertising in these categories:
Activities, For Rent, For Sale, Games, Instruction, Miscel-
laneous, Services, Tournaments, Wanted. Only typed or
e-mailed copy is accepted. Absolutely no telephone
orders. Rates (per word, per insertion): 1-2 insertions
$1.50, 3-6 insertions $1.25, 7 + insertions $1.00. Affiliates
pay $1.00 per word regardless of insertion frequency.
No other discounts available. Advertisements with less
than 15 words will cost a minimum of $15 per issue. Post
office boxes count as two words, telephone numbers as
one, ZIP code is free. Full payment must accompany all
advertising. All advertising published in Chess Life is
subject to the applicable rate card, available from the
Advertising Department. Chess Life reserves the right
not to accept an advertiser’s order. Only publication of
an advertisement constitutes final acceptance. For a copy
of these complete set of regulations & a schedule of
deadlines, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to:
Chess Life Classifieds, PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557.
Ads are due two months prior (by the 10th) of the issue
cover date you want your ad to appear in. (For example:
October CL ads MUST be submitted no later than August
10th). You can e-mail your classified ad to Joan DuBois,
tla@uschess.org.
Activities
“Do you know what your playing speed is?
WWW.MSGT.INFO
For Sale
* WORLD’S FINEST CHESS SETS *
*The House of Staunton, produces unquestionably
the finest Staunton Chess sets. *Pay-Pal and all Major
Credit Cards accepted. The House of Staunton, Inc.;
1021 Production Court; Suite 100; Madison, AL 35758.
*Website: www.houseofstaunton.com; phone: (256)
858-8070; email: sales@houseofstaunton.com
Solutions
PAGE 17 / CHESS TO ENJOY
PROBLEM I. U.S. Championship, 1974: 26. Bc4 Qf8
27. Qe6! (or 27. Qe7) and 28. Qxd7 wins. PROBLEM
II. Haifa, 1976: 45. Ne4+ and 46. Nd2! cages the
bishop. Black resigned after 45. ... Kb6 46. Nd2!
a5 47. c4! Kc7 48. Ke6. PROBLEM III. Lublin, 1978:
48. Qe6! followed by 49. Rf6 and 50. Rg6+. Black
resigned after 48. ... Bc5 49. Rf6 Bd4 50. Rg6+
Bg7 51. g4! Qh7 52. Bh6. PROBLEM IV. Chicago,
1973: 28. Rh1! Kf8 29. Bg5! Rec8 30. Qh8+! Bxh8
31. Rxh8+ Kg7 32. Bf6 mate. PROBLEM V. Lone
Pine, 1975: 25. Qe8+! Kxh6 26. Qh8+ Kg6 27. Rg4+
and mates, e.g. 27. ... Kf5 28. Qe5+! Kxg4 29. h3+
or 27. ... Bg5 28. Qg8+ Kf5 29. Qxg5+ (or 29. Re1!).
PROBLEM VI. Plovdiv, 1976: 24. fxe6+! Ke7 (24. ...
Kg7 25. Rxe5! and 26. Rf7+) 25. Qxg6! Kd8 (25. ...
Nxg6 26. Rf7+ Kd8 27. Rd7 mate) 26. Rxe5! dxe5
27. Bxh6 threatening 28. Rd1+ Kc7 29. Rd7+ Kc6
30. Qe4 mate.
CHESSMATE® POCKET & TRAVEL SETS
Perfect chess gifts for the
chess lover in your life:
The finest magnetic chess sets available.
HANDMADE IN THE USA
30-DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE!
WWW.CHESSMATE.COM Phone: 425.697.4513
Wanted
* CHESS-PLAYER SCHOLARS *
in top 10% of high school class with USCF > 2000
and SAT (math + critical reading + writing) > 2150
for possible college scholarships to UMBC. Prof. Alan
Sherman, Dept. of Computer Science and Electrical
Engineering, Univ. of Maryland, Baltimore County,
21250. 410-455-2666, sherman@umbc.edu
Instruction
TOP-QUALITY BARGAIN CHESS LESSONS BY PHONE
With more than 40 years of experience teaching
chess, the Mid-Atlantic Chess Instruction Center is
the best in the business. We specialize in adult stu-
dents. We offer 32 different courses as well as
individual game analysis. Center Director: Life Master
Russell Potter. Tel.: (540) 344-4446. If we are out
when you call, please leave your name & tel. #. Our
Webpage is at: chessinstructor.org. NEW: FREE pow-
erful analysis engines + FREE screen-sharing!
LEARN CHESS BY MAIL:
Any Strength: Inquire about individual programs.
Alex Dunne, 324 West Lockhart Street, Sayre, PA
18840. adunne@stny.rr.com.
YOU’LL SEE REAL PROGRESS by Studying with
3- Time U.S. Champ GM Lev Alburt!
Private lessons (incl. by mail and phone) from $80/hr.
Autographed seven-volume, self-study Comprehensive
Chess Course-only $134 postpaid! P.O. Box 534,
Gracie Station, NY, NY 10028. (212) 794-8706.
BEST LESSONS FOR UNDER 1600
Scholastic or Adult. 35+ years of proven results.
www.ChessThinker.com.
PAGE 47 / LIQUIDATE, OR LIQUI-DON’T?
PROBLEM I. Gossip correctly determined that 67.
Rxb6+ is the swiftest path to victory. After 67. ....
Kxb6 68. Ke3 Kc6 69. Kf4, Black resigned, since
the king easily picks up the two pawns. PROBLEM
II. Cornejo rejected 40. Nxd6!! on account of 40.
... Bxd3! 41. Kxd3 cxd6, and the pawn ending
appears completely winning. But after 42. h4! d5
43. Kc3 Black has absolutely no way to make
progress despite his extra pawn.
PAGE 49 / ABCS OF CHESS
PROBLEM I. Pin: The simple capture 1. ... Nxb3
wins a piece.. PROBLEM II. Trapping: Black traps
the bishop with 1. ... h4. PROBLEM III. Pin: The
invasion 1. ... Nd4 wins a piece. PROBLEM IV.
Double Threat: Black wins with 1. ... Qg5, threatening
mate at g2 as well as 2. ... Nh3+. PROBLEM V.
Mating Net: It’s over in three moves: 1. ... Rxg2+ 2.
Rxg2 Qxh3+ 3. Kg1 Qxg2 mate. PROBLEM VI.
Fork: Black wins the queen with 1. ... Rxb2+ 2. Rxb2
Nc1+.
Classifieds / Solutions / November
U.S. Postal Service. Statement of Ownership, Man-
agement, and Circulation (required by 39 U.S.C.
3685). (1) Title of publication: Chess Life. (1) Publi-
cation number: 102-840. (3) Date of filing: September
25, 2015 (4) Frequency of issue: Monthly. (5) No.
of issues published annually: 12. (6) Annual sub-
scription price: $50. (7) Complete mailing address
of known office of publication (street, city, county,
state, and ZIP code) (Not printers): P.O. Box 3967,
137 Obrien Dr., Crossville, TN 38557 (8) Complete
mailing address of the headquarters of general busi-
ness office of the publisher (Not printers): PO Box
3967, 137 Obrien Dr., Crossville, TN 38557. (9) Full
names/complete mailing addresses of publisher,
editor, and managing editor (this item must not be
blank). Publisher (name/complete mailing address):
Jean Hoffman, US Chess, PO Box 3967, 137 Obrien
Dr., Crossville, TN 38557. Editor (name/complete
mailing address): Daniel Lucas, P.O. Box 3967, 137
Obrien Dr., Crossville, TN 38557. Managing Editor
(name and complete mailing address): same as
above. (10) Owner. (If owned by a corporation, its
name and address must be stated and also imme-
diately there under the names and addresses of
stockholders owning or holding 1 percent or more
of total amount of stock. If not owned by a corpo-
ration, the names and addresses of the individual
owners must be given. If owned by a partnership
or other incorporated firm, its name and address,
as well as that of each individual must be given. If
the publication is published by a nonprofit organi-
zation, its name and address must be stated.) (Do
not leave blank.): United States Chess Federation,
PO Box 3967, 137 Obrien Dr., Crossville, TN 38557.
(11) Known bondholders, mortgagees, and other
security holders owning or holding 1 percent or
more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other
securities (if there are none, so state): none. (12)
For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized
to mail at special rates section 423.12, DMM only).
The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this
organization and tax exempt status for Federal
income tax purposes (check one): þ has not changed
during preceding 12 months; ¨ has changed during
preceding 12 months. (If changed, publisher must
submit explanation of change with this statement.)
(13) Publication Name: Chess Life. (14) Issue Date
for Circulation Data Below: September 2015. (15)
Extent and nature of circulation. (a) Total number
copies printed (net press run): average number
copies each issue during preceding 12 months,
27,277; actual number copies of single issue published
nearest to filing date, 26,119 (b) Paid and/or
requested circulation: (1) Paid/requested outside-
county mail subscriptions: average number copies
each issue during preceding 12 months, 24,748;
actual number copies of single issue published near-
est to filing date, 23,848. (2) Paid in-county
subscriptions (include advertiser’s proof copies/ex-
change copies): average number copies each issue
during preceding 12 months, 0; actual number copies
of single issue published nearest to filing date, 0.
(3) Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors,
and counter sales (not mailed): average number
copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 428;
actual number copies of single issue published near-
est to filing date, 1,125. (4) Paid distribution by other
classes of mail through the USPS (e.g. First Class
Mail): average number copies each issue during
preceding 12 months, 343; actual number copies of
single issue published nearest to filing date, 331.
(C) Total paid distribution (sum of 15b (1), (2), (3),
and (4),: average number copies each issue during
preceding 12 months, 25,519; actual number copies
of single issue published nearest to filing date,
25,304. Free or nominal rate distribution; (15d (1),
(2), (3); average number copies each issue during
preceding 12 months, 0; actual number copies of
single issue published nearest to filing date, 0. 15d
(4); average number of copies each issue during
preceding 12 months, 200; actual number of copies
of single published nearest to filing date, 200. (e)
Total free or nominal rate distribution (sum of 15d
(1), (2), (3), and (4): 200; actual number copies of
single issue published nearest to filing date, 200.
(f) Total distribution (sum of 15c and 15e): average
number copies each issue during preceding 12
months, 25,719; actual number copies of single issue
published nearest to filing date, 25,504. (g) Copies
not distributed: average number copies each issue
during preceding 12 months, 1,558; actual number
copies of single issue published nearest to filing
date, 615. (h) Total (sum of 15f and 15g) average
number copies each issue during preceding 12
months, 27,277; actual number copies of single issue
published nearest to filing date, 26,119. (i) Percent
paid. 15c divided by 15f × 100), per cent on average
no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months,
99.2; per cent on actual no. copies of single issue
published nearest filing date, 99.2. 16. Publication
of Statement of Ownership. Publication of this
statement will be printed in the November 2015
issue of this publication. 17. I certify that the state-
ments made by me above are correct and complete
(signature and title of editor, publisher, business
manager, or owner): Jean Hoffman (sig.), Publisher.
P.S. Form 3526, July 2014.
www.uschess.org 71
 My best Move
GM SAM
SHANKLAND
7th-Ranked U.S. Player
Gold Medalist (Reserve),
41st Olympiad
U.S. Board 1, 2015 World
Team Championship
t’s hard for me to remember any brilliant
I games I’ve played. For whatever reason all
of my best wins over the years have seemed
pretty sedate in comparison to those of my
colleagues. With this in mind, I had to dig deep
for my “best move,” back to the final round of the
2008 U-18 World Youth, where as a FIDE master
I won a beautiful endgame in the final round
against GM Quang Liem Le to share first place.
THE NARROW PATH
FM Sam Shankland (FIDE 2436, USA)
GM Quang Liem Le (FIDE 2583, VIE)
World Youth Chess Championships -
Open 18, 10.30.2008
AFTER 50. ... Kf5
51. Rb1!!
White's idea is that he threatens 52. b8=Q Rxb8
53. Rxb8 h1=Q 54. d8=Q, which would leave him
up a rook, so Black's reply is forced. 51. Kc3? fails
because Black is able to use d6. 51. ... Ke6! 52.
Kc4 (52. Rb1 This would be similar to the game
but White has lost a very critical tempo: 52. ... e4
53. Kc4 e3 54. Kxc5 e2! and White is one tempo
too slow to play both Kc6 and Re1. He even loses
here.) 52. ... Kd6! And Black can cut across the d-
file to reach b8 with his king, holding a draw (52.
... Kxd7? 53. Rd1+); 51. Rh1? Taking the pawn is
not fast enough here: 51. ... Ke6 52. Rxh2 Kd6!
And White is unable to prevent Black from
retreating back with Kc7-b8, stopping the pawns.
His own king is in the way of his rook’s ability to
reach a2.
72 November 2015 | Chess Life
51. ... Rb8
White wins after 51. ... Ke6 52. b8=Q Rxb8
53. Rxb8 h1=Q 54. d8=Q.
52. Rd1
White has a similar threat—d8=Q and ending
up with an extra rook.
52. ... Rd8
And now we have the exact same position as
the starting one, except that White got to move
his rook from e1 to d1 for free.
53. Kc3!
White is now threatening to play Rh1 followed
by Rxh2.
53. ... Rxd7
This looks like a nice tactic as White has two
tempting moves that both fail, but after Rf1+, it's
all over. 53. ... Ke6 is another resilient defensive
idea, and the main reason White needed to play
Rb1 and Rd1. Here, the king is cut off and cannot
PHOTO: ARCHIVAL
use the d6-square to reach b8. 54. Kc4 Rxd7 (54.
... e4 55. Kxc5 e3 56. Kc6 White reaches c6 just
in the knick of time. 56. ... e2 57. Re1) 55. b8=Q!
Rxd1 56. Qe8+ Kf6 This is the only way to avoid
losing the rook directly. 57. Qh8+ Ke6 58. Qh6+
Ke7 59. Qxh2 Black can still make White work
in queen against rook, but of course he is
technically lost. 53. ... e4? This fails to address
White’s threat: 54. Rh1! Ke6 55. Rxh2 Kd6 And
previously with the king on c2 this would have
held for Black, but here he is too slow: 56. Ra2
And Ra8 is next.
54. Rf1+!, Black resigned.
My distinguished opponent resigned and I
shared first in the World U-18 championship.
54. b8=Q? was tempting, but White is actually
even losing here: 54. ... Rxd1 h1=Q. 54. Rxd7
This is also poor. 54. ... h1=Q 55. b8=Q White is
now a rook up, but he loses it to a skewer: 55. ...
Qc1+ 56. Kd3 Qd1+.
Whose Best Move would you like to see? Write to
us at letters@uschess.org.
7th annual Southwest
Class Championships
D DFW Airport Marriott South, Fort Worth, Texas
Feb 11-15, 12-15, 13-15 or 14-15, 2016 (Presidents Day weekend)
$30,000 guaranteed, GM & IM norms possible!
Master Section: 9 rounds, Feb 11-15.
40/2, SD/30, d10.
Other sections: 7 rounds, 40/2, SD/30,
d10 (3-day option, rds 1-2 G/60, d10; 2-day
option in B through E, rds 1-4 G/30, d10). All
schedules merge & play for same prizes.
DFW Airport Marriott South, 4151
Centreport Blvd, Fort Worth TX 76155.
Special room rates $100-$100, 817-358-
1700, reserve by 1/29 or rate may increase.
Free parking, free airport shuttle
In 7 sections. Rated players may play up
one section. Unrated may enter A through E.
Master (2200/up): $3000-1500-1000-600-
400, clear/tiebreak win $200, top FIDE
U2300 $1400-700. FIDE rated, 150 GPP.
Expert (2000-2199): $2000-1000-500-
300-200.
Class A (1800-1999): $2000-1000-500-
300-200. Unrated limit $800.
Class B (1600-1799): $2000-1000-500-
300-200. Unrated limit $600.
Class C (1400-1599): $1200-600-400-
300-200. Unrated limit $400.
Class D (1200-1399): $1200-600-400-
300-200. Unrated limit $300.
Class E (Under 1200): $800-400-300-
200-100. Unrated limit $200.
Mixed Doubles bonus prizes: Best
male-female 2-player combined score
among all sections: $1000-600-400. Team
average must be under 2200; teammates
may be in different sections; must register
(no extra fee) before both players begin
round 2.
Top 4 sections entry fees: $158 online
at chessaction.com by 2/10, $170 phoned to
406-896-2038 by 2/8, $180 at site, or online
until 2 hours before first game.
Mailed entries: 5-day $165. 4-day $164,
3-day $163, 2-day $162 mailed by 2/3. Do
not mail entry after 2/3.
Class C or D entry fee: $60 less than top
4 sections entry fee.
Class E Section entry fee: $100 less
than top 4 sections entry fee.
Master Section: GM, foreign IM/WGM
free; $150 from prize. US IM/WGM & FIDE
rated foreign: entry fee $50 less..
Re-entry (no Master to Master): $50.
USCF memb. required. Special 1 yr dues
with magazine: see TLA or chesstour.com.
5-day schedule (Master only): Reg. Thu
to 6 pm, rds Thu 7, Fri 12 & 7, Sat 11 & 6,
Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4.
4-day schedule (Expert & below): Reg.
Fri to 6 pm, rds Fri 7, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 11 &
6, Mon 10 & 4.
3-day schedule (Expert & below): Reg.
Sat to 10 am, rds Sat 11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 11 &
6, Mon 10 & 4.
2-day schedule (B, C, D, E only): Reg.
ends Sun 9 am, rds Sun. 10, 12, 2, 3:45 & 6;
Mon 10 & 4.
Half-point byes available all rounds, limit
2; Master must commit before rd 2, others
before rd 4.
Bring set, board, clock if possible- none
supplied. FIDE ratings used in Master, Feb
USCF in others, except unofficial USCF
ratings usually used if otherwise unrated.
$15 service charge for refunds.
Entries are posted at chessaction.com
(online entries posted instantly).
Entry: chessaction.com or Continental
Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills NY 12577.
Blitz: starts Sun 10 pm, enter by 9:45.