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CLM 2018 03 PDF
CLM 2018 03 PDF
A Fellow of
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GM ALEXANDER SHABALOV
WINS EASTERN OPEN
March 2018 | USChess.org
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A LITTLE GAME THE SNIPER ‒ WINNING WITH ...g6, ...Bg7 and ...c5
5!
By Charlie Storey
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lessons in resilience, perseverance, and how to embrace imbalance – and hence winning prospects for Black
inevitable change universal opening framework which can be played a
all main first white moves – 1.e4, 1.d4, 1.c4, 1.f4 and 1.
WORLD OPEN
9 rounds at luxurious
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PAST WINNERS
Time limit: minimum, prize limit $2000. 1973 Walter Browne 1974 Bent Larsen 1975
5-day & 6-day options 40/2, SD/30, d10. Players with under 26 lifetime games Pal Benko 1976 Anatoly Lein 1977 John
4-day, rounds 1-2 G/60, d10, then merges. rated as of July 2018 official list cannot win Fedorowicz 1978 Peter Biyiasas 1979 Haukur
3-day U1200 & up, rounds 1-5 G/35, d10, over $1000 in U1200, $2000 U1400, $3000 in Angantysson 1980 Larry Christiansen 1981
then merges. U1600 through U2000. Igor Ivanov 1982 Nick de Firmian 1983 Kevin
3-day U900, 3-day Unrated: G/60, d10. Entries posted at chessaction.com (online
Spraggett 1984 Joel Benjamin 1985 Maxim
July official USCF ratings used (July entries posted instantly). $15 service charge for
Dlugy 1986 Nick de Firmian 1987 Boris Gulko
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Life or chesstour.com. 1988 Maxim Dlugy 1989 Mikhail Gurevich
Open to U1800 prizes & all plaques
awarded at site, others mailed by 7/23. Bring set, board, clock- not supplied. 1990 Igor Glek 1991 Gata Kamsky 1992
Gregory Kaidanov 1993 Alex Yermolinsky
Open through U1400 entry fees: Online 5-day schedule: Wed 7 pm, Thu to Sat 11 1994 Artashes Minasian 1995 Alex
at chessaction.com, $308 by 4/15, $318 by am & 6 pm, Sun 10 am & 4:30 pm. Yermolinsky 1996 Alex Yermolinsky 1997
5/15, $328 by 6/30, $350 at site to 1 1/2 hrs 6-day schedule: Tue & Wed 7 pm, then Alex Shabalov 1998 Alex Goldin 1999
before round 1 or online until 2 hrs before rd 1. merges with 5-day. Gregory Serper 2000 Joel Benjamin 2001 Alex
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26
COUNTERPLAY / READERS RESPOND
FISCHER’S LEGACY / BOBBY FISCHER
9 US CHESS AFFAIRS /
TEACHES CHESS
NEWS FOR OUR MEMBERS
The Best Chess Book I Ever Stole
10 FIRST MOVES / BY SEAN ROBINSON
CHESS NEWS FROM AROUND THE U.S.
The behind-the-scenes story of Leslie Ault and the best-selling
chess book of all time, Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess
11 FACES ACROSS THE BOARD /
BY AL LAWRENCE
PRIX AL LAWRENCE
Look for updates on (PanAms) is the former executive
two major Swisses director of both US Chess and the
held over Easter World Chess Hall of Fame. He is
Weekend, the currently Managing Director for
Philadelphia Open the US Chess Trust. His latest
and the Reno Larry
book, with GM Lev Alburt, is
Evans Memorial.
Chess for the Gifted and Busy.
TOM BECKMAN
(Eastern Open) is a Washington,
D.C.-area tournament organizer.
CANDIDATES IN BERLIN
The much anticipated Candidates Tournament in Berlin goes
down from March 10-28. GMs Fabiano Caruana and Wesley
So will represent the U.S. in their quest to top the eight-player
tournament. The victor wins the right to play Magnus
Carlsen (above) for the World Championship, set for
November 2018 in London. US Chess coverage will include
live reports from Grandmaster Ian Rogers.
www.uschess.org 7
Counterplay / Readers Respond
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%*'''%! ,
"
Send your letters to letters@uschess.org. Letters are subject to editing for style, length, and content.
www.uschess.org 9
First Moves / Chess news from around the U.S.
www.uschess.org 11
Chess to Enjoy / Entertainment
A Poverty of
Attention
We are rich in games but forced to budget our attention time.
By GM ANDY SOLTIS
GM BOBBY FISCHER AND GM LAJOS And this is a good reason. White’s g3-bishop games, more than 3,500 Anatoly Karpov games
Portisch were talking shop. “Lajos, is it true is temporarily out of the game. Paulsen’s efforts and 4,000-plus Viktor Korchnoi games.
that you study eight hours a day?” Fischer asked. to exploit Black’s advances on the kingside And that’s a problem. It was best expressed
“Why do you ask?” the Hungarian grand- boomerang. at the dawn of the computer age by an amateur
master responded, sounding a bit defensive. chessplayer and world-class polymath named
10. h4 g4 11. Nd2 h5 12. Nd5? Nxd5 13.
“Don’t you study a lot?” Herbert Simon. “A wealth of information
Bxd5 Ne7 14. Bb3 f5!
“Yes,” Bobby said. “But they think I’m crazy.” creates a poverty of attention,” he said. There
Portisch, a top-10 player in his day, has told are simply too many great players and too many
this story many times. But in a 2016 interview worthy games demanding our attention.
on chesspro.ru he added what Fischer said next. We can tweak Simon. A poverty of attention
Bobby wanted to know what Portisch spent forces us to spend our attention wisely. The
his time on. question facing aspiring players today is: Whose
“How many Steinitz games have you studied?” games should you study?
Fischer asked. Here are a few study guidelines:
Steinitz? Yes, Wilhelm Steinitz, who died (a) Games in which one player is a master
decades before anyone appreciated what a are generally more instructive than when neither
Catalan Opening or Najdorf Sicilian was. player is. But rating can’t be the only criterion.
Fischer could have studied the games of any Today’s most error-free games—according to
great player. But he was giving special attention computers—are played by computers. But
to Steinitz. He adopted several of the first world Black has a significant edge. Fischer—and Komodo, Stockfish, Houdini, Fritz, Rybka, and
champion’s 19th century opening ideas but also Steinitz—would have smiled at the way some perhaps even AlphaZero can’t teach us. They
picked up positional insights. computers say the best moves now are 15. Bh2 just show us that 17. Bf3 was best because of a
f4 16. f3 g3 17. Bg1. 23-move variation of subtle retreats and feints.
THREE KNIGHTS GAME (C46) (b) The games of some players are more
15. exf5 Nxf5 16. Nf1 c6
Louis Paulsen entertaining than enlightening and vice versa.
Wilhelm Steinitz The game gets sloppy now, since Black would As GM Gennady Sosonko put it, you can learn
Baden-Baden, Germany (16), 08.02.1870 be nearly winning after 16. ... Qc6! (17. Rg1 a lot from Reuben Fine’s games but you won’t
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 g6 4. Bc4 Bg7
e4). Instead, his edge grew slowly after 17. c3 be delighted by them. On the other hand, you’ll
Qc7 18. Qe2 Qb6 19. Ba2 Bd7 20. 0-0-0 probably enjoy the games of the young Mikhail
5. d3 d6 6. Bg5 Qd7!?
0-0-0 21. f3 Nxg3 22. Nxg3 d5 and he even- Tal. But how much can they teach you?
You’ll be hard-pressed to find another example tually won. When his career was winding down Tal opened
of this position in databases. It illustrates one of In answer to Fischer’s question, Portisch said a chess school in his hometown of Riga for talented
Steinitz’s—and Fischer’s—basic principles: The he had studied “about a hundred” Steinitz games. kids. At the first meeting he told them: “For
“two bishops” are a significant advantage. Black “For me, it’s a thousand,” Bobby said. pleasure you can read the games collections of
threatens to obtain them with 7. ... Na5. Portisch was astonished that Fischer had [Adolf] Anderssen and [Mikhail] Chigorin.” He
In addition, Steinitz believed pawns shouldn’t even located that many. But today it’s easy to was referring to masters of bold attacking play.
be pushed (like 6. ... f6) without very good find online databases offering nearly that many “But for benefit you should study [Siegbert]
reasons. Steinitz games. They also provide well over Tarrasch, [Paul] Keres and [David] Bronstein,”
7. a3 h6 8. Bh4 g5! 9. Bg3 Nge7 2,000 Garry Kasparov or Alexander Alekhine he recalled in a book, Attack with Mikhail Tal.
There are several players in the Fine category. games. For the Queen’s Gambit Declined, Akiba But it’s more important to understand the
You can learn from Salo Flohr and Peter Leko, Rubinstein is the go-to guy. inherent energy, the tactical flow of the KID.
for example. But if you just want entertainment, What Geller, Bronstein et al taught the world 22. Nb1? b4 23. Nf4 Bb3 24. Rd6 c4 25.
check out Rashid Nezhmetdinov or Alexander is that Black must have counterplay when play- Rxc6 c3 26. Nd5 Bxd5 27. exd5 Qxd5 28.
Tolush. ing the King’s Indian and the only way to get it f4 Qd4+ 29. Kh1 Ra2 30. Bf3 Rb2! 31. f5
(c) Don’t agonize over what your computer’s is often by taking risks and making strange moves. Be5 32. Qe1 Rd8 33. Be4 Kg7 34. f6+ Kg8
analysis says. It will criticize 6. ... Qd7 in the 11. Be3 c6 12. Qd2 a5 13. Rad1 Ne5 14. 35. Ra6 h5 36. Ra5 h4 37. Bxg6 Rxh2+!
Steinitz game and give an alternative. But that b3 a4! 38. Kxh2 Bxg3+ 39. Qxg3 hxg3+ 40. Kh3
fxg6, White resigned.
won’t teach you much. If White, with his superior pawn structure,
You want to get ideas out of the games. is allowed to seize the initiative wiith h2-h3 (d) You don’t have to study entire games. If
and f3-f4, he will stand better. you want to improve your winning technique,
KING’S INDIAN DEFENSE, look at Akiba Rubinstein and José Capablanca
15. Nde2 axb3! 16. Bxc5 Nxc4 17. Qc1
FIANCHETTO VARIATION (E68) bxa2 18. Nxa2 Qa5! 19. Qxc4 Be6 20. Qc1 games after move 40. That’s when the most
Alexander Kotov dxc5 21. Nac3 b5 instructive moves are played. Viktor Korchnoi
Efim Geller was already a grandmaster when he improved his
USSR Championship, Moscow, Russia, winning technique by looking at late middlegame
11.12.1949 positions of Rubinstein, Vasily Smyslov, Mikhail
Botvinnik, and Tigran Petrosian and seeing how
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. g3 0-0 5. they turned an advantage into a win.
Bg2 d6 6. Nf3 Nbd7 7. 0-0 e5 8. e4 exd4 (e) Once you’ve become familiar with the
9. Nxd4 Nc5 10. f3 Nfd7!
great games of your favorite players, try to
These days the easiest way to learn how to learn what you don’t understand. When Bent
play the black side of the King’s Indian Defense Larsen was young he immersed himself in the
(KID) is to ask your computer to show you convoluted moves of Aron Nimzowitsch.
games played by Efim Geller, Bronstein and Larsen’s advice to non-masters was: “Study
Isaac Boleslavsky in the 1940s and 1950s. rather good games with good notes and learn
They’ll be more instructive than most recent Your computer may criticize Black’s moves strange openings. Study something you don’t
games. and prefer 17. ... b2 or 20. ... Qxc5+, for example. have in your own style.” And when you’re done
The same goes for several other openings. And it will likely tell you that the game was with Nimzowitsch and Capablanca and Larsen,
If you want to learn how to play the Ruy Lopez decided when White failed to play the favorable too, take a look at Steinitz. A lot of great players
for either side, search for late-career Paul Keres 22. e5! and 22. ... Bxe5 23. f4 Bg7 24. Bxc6. learned a lot from him.
www.uschess.org 13
Back to Basics / Reader annotations
20. ... Ng8 21. Be4 Qf6 22. Qh5 Nh6 23.
Ne8 Qe6 24. Bc2 Qf7 25. Bg6 Qc4 26.
Nxg7 Kxg7
10. ... d5
Now the queenside pieces are doomed and Calvin gives himself a very vulnerable pawn.
Black must defend against a four piece attack 11. cxd5 exd5 12. Qa4 Nb8 13. Ne5 f6 14.
with only three pieces. Nc6 Nxc6 15. Qxc6 Qd6 16. Qxd5+ Qxd5
17. Nxd5 Bd6 18. Rac1 c5
www.uschess.org 15
In The Arena / Player of the Month
Cameron Wheeler at
the North American
Open
At the highest levels of the game, one inaccuracy can lead to an
irreversibly bad position, which in turn can result in defeat.
By GM ROBERT HESS
THEY SAY WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS, The continuation 5. d4 b5 6. b3 Bg4 has been 9. ... Bd6
stays in Vegas. Cameron Wheeler, 17, proves seen thousands of times, including in Checa’s
The try 9. ... cxd4 does not save Black a
that slogan false: he has brought home oodles seventh round game where he had white. Black
tempo. 10. Nxd4 Bd6. Not only is the knight
of rating points from Sin City each of the past is happy to get the bishop outside the pawn
well-placed on d4, but now 11. Nxc6 bxc6 is
three years. The North American Open has chain and trade it for a more active piece.
favorable for White, since the pawn on c6 is
been kind to Wheeler, who earned his final 5. ... e6
two international master norms at the tourna- an easy target. In retrospect, this may have
ments in 2015 and 2016. In 2017, he defeated Expanding on the queenside looks similar been easier to play.
a whopping 5 players rated over 2400 FIDE to the analysis after 5. d4, but a vital difference 10. dxc5 Bxc5 11. Bd3 0-0
and narrowly missed out on a grandmaster is that the light-square bishop struggles to find
comfort. In a rare game in this line, White The enticing 11. ... d4 may rid Black of his
norm. Wheeler’s eighth round victory over
crushed his opponent: 5. ... b5 6. b3 Bf5 7. Ba3 isolani, but the open position favors White,
fellow teenage IM Nicolas Checa is the type of
Qa5 8. Bb2 e6 9. cxd5 cxd5 10. a4 b4 11. Nb5! whose bishops are superiorly placed. For
game that is frustratingly incomprehensible.
1-0 GM Vereslav Eingorn (2595) - IM Oleg example 12. exd4 Nxd4 13. 0-0 0-0 14. Ne4
Black never did anything egregious, so how
Maiorov (2435), Swidnica 1997. (14. Na4 is also excellent.) 14. ... Nxe4 15. Bxe4
was the game so one-sided?
and White has a large advantage.
6. b3 c5
ENGLISH OPENING (A11) 12. 0-0
This really is not a pleasant decision to make.
IM Cameron Wheeler (2477)
On one hand, Black gains space and can develop
IM Nicolas Checa (2593)
the knight to c6. However, this is the second
27th Annual North American Open (8), Las
time this pawn has moved and, more importantly,
Vegas, Nevada, 12.29.2017
Black gets stuck with an isolated pawn.
1. c4 Nf6 2. Nf3 c6 3. Nc3 d5 4. e3 a6 5. h3 Especially since the pawn is committed to
a6, 6. ... dxc4 7. bxc4 is quite bad for Black.
White’s center is strengthened and there are
holes to exploit; 6. ... Bd6 was the response
chosen by GM Dragan Solak against Magnus
Carlsen at the 2014 Olympiad. It may result
in passivity, but it forces White to bring the
action.
Just a dozen moves into the game and Black
7. cxd5 exd5
is in grave danger. How can this be? Material
Avoiding the isolani is worse than accepting is level, no pieces are immediately hanging, and
it, as after 7. ... Nxd5 8. Bb2 Black’s kingside there are no imminent checkmate threats. While
development is halted. this is all true, what can Black do here? Every
8. d4 Nc6 9. Bb2
candidate move has a substantial drawback.
I believe the game continuation to be a
12. ... Re8
surprisingly challenging move order for Black A good lesson in retaining the tension.
to deal with, particularly if you are unfamiliar Capturing on c5 would allow Black to develop Rooks love (half) open files. This is incontro-
with the nuances of the position. his bishop in one turn. vertible. Yet, given the current dynamics of
the position, Black is better off putting his Rxf2 Bxb1 18. Rxb1 Bxe3 19. Nxd5 Bxf2+ 20. 19. Ne6 (A fantastic tactical shot is 19. Rc7! and
bishop on e6, which blocks the e-file and limits Kxf2 Qa5 with a very unclear game. 19. ... Rdb8 is a decent attempt to hold every-
the productivity of a black rook on e8. thing together, though 20. Ne6 Ne8 21. Ng5 f5
15. Bb1 Rd8
Connecting the rooks with 12. ... Qe7 was more 22. Rxd7 Qxd7 23. e4!! appears catastrophic for
flexible. Black can figure out the rook’s square Now it is too late to play 15. ... Ne4 because Black. And 19. ... Rab8 20. Nc6! is fatal.) 19. ...
of choice in the future. 13. Rc1 Be6 (A trap has White immediately wins no less than a pawn Qxe6 20. Qxf6 Qxf6 21. Bxf6 but it’s unclear
been set, and Black can easily fall into it: 13. ... with either 16. Nf4 Rd8 17. Qxd5 (if 17. ... how to make progress: 21. ... Kf8 22. Rc7 Rab8
Rd8 14. Na4 Ba7 [14. ... Ba3 15. Qe2 is Qxd5 18. Nxd5 Nxf2 19. Rxc6! is a powerful and Black is holding on by a thread.
promising for White.] 15. Bxa6! when White shot that secures two minors for a rook) or 16. 19. Rfd1
snags a pawn. If Black tries to counter with a Bxe4 Rxe4 17. Nc3.
bishop sacrifice of his own, 15. ... Bxe3 16. The final piece has been brought into the
16. Nfd4 Bd7 17. Ng3 action and Black does not have a single useful
Rxc6!! and White earns two minor pieces for
a rook.) 14. Na4 (14. Ng5 is also interesting.) move. White has a plethora of strong ideas,
14. ... Bd6 favors White, but there is a lot left including Nde2-f4.
to prove. In fact, this feels like the most stubborn 19. ... Ng6 20. Ndf5 Bxf5 21. Qxf5
defense. (Trading off the powerful bishop is
With two bishops and an ongoing attack,
more useful in theory than in practice, for 14.
the end is already near.
... Ba3 15. Bxa3 Qxa3 16. Nc5 is uncomfortable
for Black.); 12. ... Be6 13. Ng5 is an unwelcome 21. ... Ne5
sight from Black’s point of view. With tactics Losing on the spot. The alternative, 21. ...
threatening to remove the guard of h7, Black Ne7, delayed what must have felt like the
is forced to part with his bishop pair and weaken inevitable. The knockout blow, though, is not
his kingside in the process. imminent. 22. Qf3 Ne8 and White can proceed
13. Rc1 with many different moves, making this a good
17. ... Ne7 position to analyze at home.
Undoubtedly tempting is 13. Na4, but the
offside knight helps Black obtain counterplay In effect the losing move. It is unfeasible to 22. Nh5 Ned7
in the center. White certainly remains better, withstand endless pressure when your opponent
but the advantage can quickly evaporate as seems to have countless strong plans and you
shown by 13. ... Ba7 14. Rc1 Ne4. have just a few non-losing moves.
The continuation 17. ... Nxd4 18. Bxd4 Bxd4
13. ... Ba7 14. Ne2
19. Qxd4 is better for White, but requires a
In this structure it is often best to seize control difficult grind to secure the full point. It is
of the c5-square, though here 14. Na4 again common practice for players with an isolani
runs into 14. ... Ne4. to jettison the weakness in order to enter a
14. ... Qd6
pawn down endgame, in which there are often
decent drawing chances. Psychologically, a
When left with an isolated pawn, it is nearly impossible move for a human to play is
important to utilize it. Doing so generally requires 17. ... g6 with the intention of preventing a
an active knight supported by that pawn. This knight jump to f5. It is not in our nature to
may seem counterintuitive, since the knight was voluntarily open up the long diagonal with a 23. Rc8!
previously defending the weakness. However, bishop staring down our king. Yet Wheeler Technically this move is inaccurate because
sometimes the best defense is creating problems would have no means of immediately exploiting 23. Qg5 simply won no less than a piece, but
for your opponent so that the pawn is immune. the airy kingside. Without the time to form a what a phenomenal concept.
14. ... Ne4 is certainly best. White needs to tread battery, Black gains a vital tempo compared to
carefully, lest the tides turn. 23. ... Rxc8
immediately trading everything on d4 (say after
The following continuation is a good example 18. Qd2 Nxd4 19. Bxd4 Bxd4 20. Qxd4 Bc6). Connecting the rooks does not help 23. ...
of how Black can counterstrike with 15. Nf4 Because White needs to prevent Black from Bc7 24. Nxf6+ Nxf6 25. Bxf6 gxf6 26. Rxa8
(Nearly a century has passed since Aron playing ... d4 himself, in the line 18. Nxc6 Bxc6 Rxa8 27. Qxh7+ Kf8 28. Qh8+ Ke7 29. Qxa8.
Nimzowitsch penned The Blockade, a masterful 19. Ne2 would be absolutely necessary to fight 24. Nxf6+ gxf6 25. Qxh7+ Kf8 26. Qh8+
book that systematized his insights on dealing for an advantage. However, the simple 19. ... Ke7 27. Qxc8 Qh2+ 28. Kf1 Qh1+ 29. Ke2
with various forms of pawn chains and passed Ne4 restricts White’s progress. Qxg2 30. Ba3+, Black resigned.
and isolated pawns. Blockading an isolani is a
well-known principle, and knights are the best 18. Qf3 Games like this are emotionally draining to
piece to use. However, currently the d-pawn White’s play is too simple now. Not only lose because there is no clear blunder to pinpoint
is not threatening to be pushed, so attacking it does Wheeler have full control of the board, the loss on. At the highest levels of the game,
is more worthwhile than stepping in front of but Checa no longer has an opportunity to one inaccuracy can lead to an irreversibly bad
it. 15. Ned4 induces a capture on d4, after which liquidate. position, which in turn can result in defeat.
Black will play moves like ... Bb8 and actually The key often is to minimize your opponent’s
18. ... Bb8
gain an initiative on the kingside.) 15. ... Bf5 positives rather than to eliminate your own
16. Bb1 (16. Nh5 f6 17. Nh4 Be6 and after 18. You couldn’t pay most players enough money negatives. Not every threat can be thwarted,
Nf4 or Qf3 White marches forward, though to seriously consider 18. ... g6 here. For starters, but converting is a challenge when the path
Black is still very much alive.) 16. ... Nxf2! 17. the knight on f6 is en prise, inviting the “obvious” forward is less evident.
www.uschess.org 17
Look at Books / Should I Buy It?
ONCE A HAVEN FOR THE GEEKS AND destroying the next day’s play. Worst of all, the and the writing is evocative of no less than
oddballs among us, chess has taken on a new post-mortem is a relic, an antiquity, offered W.G. Sebald or Teju Cole.
and more positive valence in the modern social only by the aged and accepted even less Of the nine remaining champions, Karpov
imagination. Chess is marketed to parents as a frequently. Those that do occur are haunted is the subject of the largest chapter, at just over
gateway to academic achievement for their by a third party—the ubiquitious Stockfish app, 50 pages. This is not terribly unexpected, as
children and as a source of important non- lurking, correcting, standing as the ultimate Timman faced Karpov more than anyone else
cognitive skills like “grit.” The current US Chess authority. in his career—some 115 games, according to
mission statement—“empowering people through (Is this the part where I tell the kids to get my database. The chapter on Vasily Smyslov
chess one move at a time”—highlights the benefits off my lawn?) reveals a shared love of studies and justifies
of playing more than it does the game itself. Jan Timman’s newest book, Timman’s Titans: Genna Sosonko’s claim of a stylistic affinity
Today’s leading players also bear the signs My World Chess Champions, is many things at between the two men. For me, however, the
of this shift. Top tournaments are broadcast once: a set of sketches of ten world champions, most interesting sections are those on Max
live across the world via YouTube and Twitch, a study of their styles and games, a catalogue Euwe and Mikhail Tal.
and the competitors explain their wins and of Timman’s own dreams and memories. At Euwe was a friend of Timman’s parents, having
losses with sage-like equanimity, their sponsor- its heart, however, I think Timman’s Titans is taught Timman’s mother mathematics in her
ship deals prominently featured on their blazers. an elegy for what has been lost, for better and youth. It was through a book of Euwe’s games—
“Lesser” grandmasters and masters are riding for worse, in modern chess, and a deeply “a plain-looking book with a hard dark-blue
the e-sport wave towards exclusive streaming personal remembrance of a world that no longer cover. ... The paper was thick, the letters were
deals and video series. Scholastic chess has exists. As with most elegies, and here I follow large. Euwe was the hero.” (33)—that Timman
become a growth industry: coaches and camps Samuel Taylor Coleridge, it reveals equally the first seriously studied “real, serious chess.”
proliferate, and it seems like half the players at greatness of its subjects and its author. This is Books are a constant reference in Timman’s
big tournaments are juniors. Timman’s best book to date. Titans. We learn that a book on Botvinnik
Surely this newfound respectability is bene- Timman’s Titans consists of (a) personal (Botvinnik Teaches Chess by Hans Müller) was
ficial for American chess. But is it an unalloyed remembrances of each of the world champions an early influence, and Euwe’s Judgment and
good? Is nothing lost when the chess world is from Alexander Alekhine through Garry Planning in Chess was an introduction to
transformed into a wholesome, family-friendly Kasparov, (b) a discussion of their games and “strategic planning.” Later books by Alekhine
environment? careers, and (c) highlights of Timman’s own (My Best Games of Chess, 1924-1937) and Smyslov
I think back to my first steps in the chess games against the champion in question. The (Selected Games) were of great importance.
world, back to evenings at the public library analysis is insightful and extremely well done, Euwe, whom Timman could never bring
in Merrick, New York, where I was the only but the real reason to buy this book is for himself to address by his first name, is described
person in the room under 40, and where I lost Timman’s memories and memorials. as bearing a “colossal authority,” as indefatigably
game after game to old Russian men who Timman knew all of the champions he hard-working and (despite the odd over-the-
regaled me with wonderful, unprintable jokes. discusses save Alekhine, and he played against board blunder) eminently logical. For his part,
It was a space where the teenaged me wasn’t six of them in serious competition. The chapter Euwe tried to help Timman where he could,
quite supposed to be, but I was there anyway, on Alekhine, despite the handicap of never setting up contacts for an early tour of the
and I was learning to fit in. meeting him, is a particular highlight. We Soviet Union, and quietly contributing rather
You might think about your experiences at journey with Timman to Lisbon, Portugal, large sums of money to the “Timman Commit-
large tournaments like the U.S. Open. The where Alekhine spent his final years. We tee” that aimed to support an assault on the
reputable players play their games, go back to accompany him on his wanderings through the world championship.
their rooms, and get ready for the next round snowy town, and we are present as he stumbles It is clear that that Timman greatly admired
on their computers. Gone are the days of all- upon one of Alekhine’s own chess sets in a tiny Euwe, despite some sharp differences in person-
night blitz benders in the skittles room. Gone junk shop. Here, more than anywhere else in ality between the two men.Where Euwe was
are the days of the pub crawl and the hangovers the book, we get a sense of Timman the flâneur, solid and respectable, the young Timman was
a bon vivant, someone who “hung around in sat at the bar like all the other visitors. Young the “romance” of addiction is much withered.
shabby cafes ... surrounded by shady types” (55) players who invited them to play a blitz game Luckily for Timman and for us, he seems to
and who used a threadbare fur coat as a would never be turned down.” (111) have learned to moderate his vices, allowing
makeshift sleeping bag. Discipline and sobriety For all of this, Timman was not blind to Tal’s him to write this book, and us to enjoy it.
were not in his nature. Indeed, as Timman tells very real flaws, and in particular, his alcoholism. This review was originally meant to have
us, his attempts to emulate Botvinnik’s “spartan” He tells a story of one of the first times he saw included discussion of two other books, but
training methods before his first grandmaster Tal “knocked out by alcoholic excess:” Timman’s Titans is so rich, so packed with stories
tournament failed horribly, and it was only and insights, that twice my alloted page space
after he returned to his “trusted, unhealthy” Ischa Meijer (a well-known TV journalist at the would not have done it justice. I do not think
lifestyle that he began to win. time in the Netherlands—translator’s note) had come it controversial to say that this is one of the
Perhaps Timman’s admiration for Mikhail to Hastings to interview me. … Meijer described best chess books published in recent years, and
Tal, “a type of romantic player that has disap- how Tal interrupted our conversation, saying: “Jan, players of all strengths would find it of great
peared,” (111) can be traced to their similar don’t tell them about our lives.” The interviewer interest.
outlook on life. He seems to take delight in reported: “A while later, he has to be carried off.” What may be more controversial are my
describing his first encounters with the seventh My father, who had great respect for top chess concerns—mild as they may be—over the
World Champion, how he succumbed to the players, was upset by this short sentence. How did direction of modern chess. I offer this olive
famed “hypnotizing power of Tal’s eye” (110) the interviewer dare to write something like that? branch to those who disagree with me: you can,
in their first game in 1971, and how he spent a But however painful this short sentence may have barring the unforseen, find me in the bar after
drunken evening getting the better of Tal in a been, it was the truth. To me it was more interesting the evening rounds at this year’s U.S. Open in
1973 blitz match. what Tal said before that. I remember the look in Madison. Come visit. I’ll buy you a drink and
It is hard to imagine such a thing happening his eyes—a touch of despair was visible when he we can shoot the breeze while we play some
at one of today’s leading tournaments. Sure, testified to our solidarity. (114) blitz or eavesdrop on someone’s postmortem.
the Chessbrahs like to have a little fun while I have to admit that I find the pathos of this Do me a favor, though. Don’t come too late.
streaming, and there are videos on YouTube passage almost unbearable. It is testament to I can’t stay out all night like I used to, and I’ll
of bughouse games after big events at the Saint the strength of Tal’s demons and the challenges have meetings and another round to get ready
Louis Chess Club, but as Timman correctly of living under the Soviet regime, but more for in the morning.
notes, “[t]oday’s top player is a teetotaller ... It than that, it is emblematic of broader societal
Timman, Jan. Timman’s Titans. New In Chess, 2016.
is unthinkable that he would mingle in the changes in the intervening years. Our knowledge ISBN Paperback: 9789056916725. FAN. 320 pages.
social circles around the tournament the way of public health (rightly) stigmatizes smoking, (Available from uscfsales.com, catalog number
Tal did. The top grandmasters of yesteryear an activity that permeates Timman’s Titans, and B0177NIC, $29.95)
www.uschess.org 19
Fischer’s Legacy / Ten years on
Searching
For
Fischer’s
Legacy
Bobby Fischer would have
turned 75 this month.
Ten years removed from
the death of the most
controversial person in
US Chess history, we take
a sober look at his legacy.
Text by MENACHEM WECKER
I
N GAME THEORY, CHESS IS CONSIDERED TO HAVE mere steps and five rows of pews away in the church graveyard.
“perfect information,” which means that luck doesn’t affect outcome. Robert J. Fischer, who died an Icelandic citizen 10 years ago last
It’s therefore ironic or providential that a series of coincidences January, could be the kneeling figure’s doppelgänger. In a 2005 photograph
surround the man invariably hailed as one of history’s best players. that Einar Einarsson snapped, the chess genius wears a dark cap and
In 2008, Bobby Fischer died at age 64—the number of chessboard squares. denim shirt; behind him, a framed picture suggests a cross between a
The day he died, January 17, is the birthday of Icelandic politician Davíð Scrabble board and a Native American quilt. Fischer rarely agreed to be
Oddsson, who helped secure Fischer’s release from a Japanese prison. photographed but made an exception at the restaurant 3 Frakkar (‘Three
Oddsson grew up in Selfoss, the town where Fischer is buried, some 30 Coats’) when an old chef he knew from 1972 requested a memento.
miles southeast of Reykjavik. And the single mom who raised Fischer, Einarsson, a bank executive who, with two others, flew to Japan to
who was the most important “piece” in his life, was named Regina, intercede on behalf of the jailed Fischer and helped secure his citizenship
Latin for queen. and extradition to Iceland, first photographed the two men before
Another fluke surfaces in the painted “Sermon on the Mount” above moving the camera slightly to the left and snapping Fischer alone. “The
the altar at the Selfoss Catholic church Laugardælakirkja. Haloed, goateed, result was a revealing portrait of a man in pain: psychic and perhaps
and clad in biblical garb, Jesus preaches to a dozen bystanders. The physical,” writes biographer Frank Brady in the 2012 book Endgame:
clichéd picture wouldn’t make the cut for a museum storage room, but Bobby Fischer’s Remarkable Rise and Fall—from America’s Brightest Prodigy
it’s curious for a figure kneeling on the right, hand clutched to his heart. to the Edge of Madness.
The white-bearded man, with his modern-looking cap, unruly hair, Taken together, the kneeling figure and its poetic twin, the Fischer
and piercing gaze, evokes the last known photograph of Fischer, buried who emerges in Einarsson’s picture—the weight of the world on his
shoulders Atlas-like—raise a slew of difficult questions about the legacy soundness of mind, he propelled himself, and the home country he
of an elusive man. Fischer beat the Russians at their own game and put hadn’t yet renounced so uncouthly, into history. “Then Bobby Fischer
America on the map eight years before the “Miracle on Ice.” But the made the most original move of all; he disappeared,” the film adds,
same man who secured the world championship in 1972 in the “Match anticipating Keyser Söze’s penchant two years later.
of the Century” also told a radio interviewer that he hoped the United The ominous line resonated as I surveyed the grave. Fischer was easy
States would be wiped off the map as the dust had barely begun settling to track when he was already six feet under, but teasing out his reputation
after the 9/11 attacks on the Twin Towers. And the boy who was born and his legacy as the 10-year anniversary of his death approached—and
Jewish in Chicago, who ended up being buried on church grounds recently passed—still required a good deal of searching.
perhaps under Catholic rite, nearly rivaled Hitler himself in the ugliness
and paranoia of his statements about Jews. Ever thorough, Fischer wrote ICELAND’S “FRIEND”
to Encyclopedia Judaica demanding he be removed from its listing. When Fischer arrived in Iceland with his newly-minted passport in
Standing before Fischer’s tombstone, moved by the minimalism of 2005, it was the return of a prodigal son who had propelled Iceland
the stark, bone-white marble set against the lush grass in an otherwise into the international spotlight. “Bobby Fischer is fondly remembered
doldrums Icelandic palette, my mind wandered to the opening lines of here as an ‘Íslandsvinur,’ a friend of Iceland, which is a term we use for
the 1993 film Searching for Bobby Fischer. The narrator deadpans about foreigners that connect well to the country,” says Ívar Pálsson, a shrimp
the entire world wondering if Fischer would show up in Reykjavik. Of exporter and Reykjavik native who was 14 when he attended the Fischer-
course, he did, and complained about nearly everything under the Boris Spassky match.
seemingly never-setting Icelandic sun. Whatever his motivations and “We all remember Fischer’s eccentricities, which were widely published,
but everybody knew he was a genius, so that was fine!” he says. The
Cold War was a foreboding presence at the time, and Fischer’s match
against the Russian grandmaster Boris Spassky embodied the tension.
“Icelanders were happy that Fischer won, especially since it was reported
that the Russians were using all kinds of devious methods to distract
him,” Pálsson remembers.
“In Iceland, people tend to forgive geniuses their eccentric behavior,”
agrees Gudmundur Thórarinsson, President of the Icelandic Chess
Federation, which organized the 1972 match. “People looked at him as
one man competing against the famous Soviet chess school.”
In 1972, Icelanders saw in Fischer a David taking on the Soviet
Goliath. Per 1 Samuel 17, Goliath arrived ready for battle with a massive
ensemble: helmet, armor, and spear. He had a shield bearer. David,
meanwhile, was too small for armor, so he met Goliath alone, humble
slingshot in hand. Spassky’s Reykjavik entourage included a masseuse,
personal trainer, private chef, and a team of grandmasters to help him
analyze games and prepare. At most, Fischer sometimes brought a
second with him and he rarely actually relied on that assistance. Thirty-
three years later, Icelanders again saw an underdog in Fischer, this time
aged and humbled, under assault from the U.S. government. Fischer
had been a fugitive since breaking an embargo and playing Spassky in
1992 in war-torn Yugoslavia.
“He was the oppressed one, and we agreed to give him cover, also as
gratitude for promoting Iceland when nobody knew about it,” Pálsson
says. He notes that many Icelanders see it as a source of pride that
Icelandic ambassador Thor Thors helped lead the United Nations in its
recognition of Israel, and Iceland was the first country to recognize the
Palestinian state. It’s hard to imagine more compelling credentials for
dark horse cheerleading.
Icelanders deplored the hateful things that Fischer had said publicly
about the United States and about Jews, explains Brady, but they felt a
sense of obligation to help the man who had honored their country in
1972 and was now in trouble. “To not help him, they believed, would
be a greater moral offense and act of ingratitude than even his verbal
attacks of hostility and hatred,” he writes in Endgame.
Just over a mile from the Selfoss gravesite, the Bobby Fischer Center,
a museum and space for playing chess, contains a few hundred facsimiles
of memorabilia, as well as some real items, including the chair Fischer A POSTED FACSIMILE OF BOBBY FISCHER'S ICELANDIC CITIZENSHIP
used to sit on at the Reykjavik used book store Bragi’s, also known as PAPERS AT THE BOBBY FISCHER CENTER IN SELFOSS, ICELAND. PHOTO
Fornbókabúð Braga or Bókin. (Among the literature he read there were BY NACHAMA SOLOVEICHIK.
anti-Semitic conspiracies and neo-Nazi books.)
“He didn’t like authorities in general, and I think he connected Judaism
to the government in the United States,” says Aldís Sigfúsdóttir, part of
the museum’s executive board. “I think he made a connection.” that to a big country,” Sigfúsdóttir says. The big country decided soon
The event organizer Thórarinsson says many saw Fischer’s comments thereafter to shutter its Naval Air Station Keflavik, which it had operated
as “serious wounds in his soul.” In his conversations with Fischer, since World War II, she says. (According to recent news reports, the
Thórarinsson got the sense that Fischer felt that the many Jewish people U.S. will re-invest more than $14 million in the base.)
who tried to help him as a child had ulterior motives of self-promotion. To the end, Fischer, still renowned for his endgame technique, was
“He denied being a Jew and said that being a Jew is a religion not a thinking about his final move, which he decided wouldn’t be a Reykjavik
nationality,” he says. “Traveling alone, lonely in many countries, hunting burial. “He said, ‘So many tourists will come to my gravesite. I want to
him for moving wooden pieces from black squares to white squares, be buried in a small, peaceful, quiet place, because then I know that just
breaking directives that were long outdated in a country that did not my real admirers will visit my gravesite,’” Sigfúsdóttir says, laughing.
exist any more—his inappropriate comments have to be looked at in
this light.” Historians of the future, he adds, will judge the United States CHESS IN THE AGE OF #METOO
harshly for its treatment of the troubled genius. When Sharon Ellen Burtman, a woman international master and the
Like Pálsson and Thórarinsson, Sigfúsdóttir is quick to forgive Fischer’s 1995 U.S. women’s co-champion, imagines a world without Fischer,
“sin” of playing chess in Yugoslavia. “What did Bobby Fischer do? He she doesn’t think she’d be a chess player today if not for Fischer. Who
moved chess pieces from one square to another,” she says. “Maybe he knows if her junior high would have offered chess as an extracurricular,
thought it’s not their business to tell him if he could play or not.” or where she would have learned to move the pieces, or if there would
Even after Iceland had extended citizenship to Fischer and issued have been local tournaments. All those were likely fueled by the “chess
him a passport, the United States still tried to pressure the country to frenzy” that he created in the U.S., she says.
extradite Fischer to America. “It’s pretty bold. It’s a small country saying A Massachusetts native, Burtman can’t resist a comparison of Fischer’s
work ethic with that of New England’s football team and legendary above a light. The Marshall Chess Club ran a large tournament honoring
coach Bill Belichick. “It’s kind of like the way the Patriots train,” she the 45th anniversary of Fischer’s championship win last October, but
says. “They know every game is going to be a tough game, and they Brady knows that some of the club’s roughly 500 members, and others
don’t take anyone for granted. If they win, it’s not a surprise; they had in the chess world at large, want nothing to do with Fischer. Some
to work for it. Fischer was along the same lines.” wouldn’t go to a tournament honoring Fischer, and some would like
When she considers the possibility of separating the chess player the club to remove the photograph by LIFE photographer Carl Mydans.
from the man or woman, Burtman thinks of learning that Arnold “I understand that point of view,” Brady says.
Schwarzenegger, the actor she had so loved in such films as The Terminator In a speech that Brady gave at the club when Fischer—unbeknownst
and Conan the Barbarian, had cheated on then-wife Maria Shriver. She to Brady—was on his deathbed, Brady appealed to his longtime friend.
hedged her decision: she’d see the early films, but not the ones “I ended it by saying, ‘The chess world misses you. The chess world
Schwarzenegger starred in post-infidelity. But she and her husband, wants you. The chess world respects you. I respect you. Come on back
who grew up watching Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids and The Cosby Show to the United States. You’re not going to go to jail. You’re going to get
and who had met and secured autographs from Bill Cosby, had a tougher out. Pay your back taxes and come back and re-enter the world of chess,
time with him and others who have physically harmed people. “I’m still and start playing again.’ That sort of sums out how I feel,” Brady says.
grappling with that one,” she says. “It’s like what do you do with a family member who turns out to be a
Donari Braxton, a filmmaker who is reportedly a master, is able to thief?”
separate the man from the chess player. “As a black Jew, I learned pretty
quickly in life that compartmentalizing heroic actors from their often WAS FISCHER MENTALLY ILL?
less-than-heroic personas is a bit of a sine qua non, at least if you want When the Illinois Chess Association promoted its March 10, 2018
to enjoy things like art, chess, and history,” he says. Bobby Fischer Memorial (held the day after Fischer’s birthday, which
Overlooking—or at least looking beyond the tortured Fischer and this writer happens to share), the association invited competitors to
his mean-spirited words to eye the games he created—is easy for Braxton. “celebrate the 75th birthday of America’s greatest player!” and to “forgive
“Those games kind of populate your mind like old paintings on the those things beyond his control.” The framing of that promotion of the
walls of your childhood home, because you grew up with them,” he tournament, held at the University of Illinois at Chicago, raises the
says. The question of whether Fischer ought to inspire young people question of whether Fischer’s controversial remarks really were beyond
today is the same as whether composers his control.
like the anti-Semitic Richard Wagner Brady is unconvinced, as much as he
or writers like the racist Joseph Conrad
can also inspire emerging artists. “One
[Fischer] was the oppressed wishes he could believe that Fischer
was mentally ill. “I don’t think Bobby
takes what one can from those who
create,” Braxton says.
one, and we agreed to give was insane. I think he was outré. I
detested his politics. I detested his anti-
That Fischer didn’t appear to make Semitism,” Brady says. “He didn’t have
anti-Semitic statements before he won him cover, also as gratitude visions. He didn’t have hallucinations.
the 1972 Reykjavik match makes it He never hurt anyone or himself
easier to enjoy his chess creations, say
Burtman and Brady.
for promoting Iceland when physically.”
Fischer was more paranoid than
Sitting behind a chess set in the great
hall of New York’s Marshall Chess Club nobody knew about it. most, Brady allows, but that didn’t make
him necessarily mentally ill. “This makes
as two grandmasters, Irina Krush and it worse, as far as I’m concerned,” Brady
Giorgi Kacheishvili, taught students says. “If you could say he was mentally
on either side of the club, Brady pointed out where Fischer played the ill, you might be able to forgive the poor guy. He’s nuts. He didn’t know
“Game of the Century” on October 17, 1956. In 1965, when Fischer what he was saying. I can’t say that. I think he turned mean.”
played via teletype from the club because his visa to Cuba was blocked, So why did Fischer denounce the United States, and what drew him
Brady was the referee. And he remembers coming out of the office to to read—and callously recommend subsequently that Jewish friends
inform club members when John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963. read—the notorious Protocols of the Elders of Zion and other anti-Semitic
“Everyone continued to play,” he says. literature? How could he deny the Holocaust when talking to chess
Having known Fischer from when the latter was a child, and having friends who had fled the Nazis and to others who had lost family members
been a friend of Regina’s, Brady felt betrayed when Fischer’s anti-Semitic in concentration camps? Regina wrote to her son in blunt terms of Nazi
rants emerged. Brady never heard Fischer say anything anti-Semitic atrocities, and his sister Joan and her husband, Russell Targ, both Jewish,
prior to the 1972 match. It’s possible Fischer knew that Brady’s wife is had to ask him to leave so he wouldn’t spew anti-Semitic vitriol around
Jewish, but Brady doesn’t recall telling him. their three children.
Brady too raises the question of listening to Wagner’s music. “Do In an October 2006 email exchange, Fischer’s former trainer Harry
you respect Bobby Fischer’s chess even though he was a self-hating Sneider, whom he met at the Worldwide Church of God, recalled
Jew?” he asks. “I went through tremendous problems with this, personally, meeting the grandmaster at the church’s Ambassador College in 1972.
in my relationship with him.” Brady decided that he could listen to (Fischer later had a bad breakup with the evangelical church, which he
Wagner and respect Fischer’s chess. “I was very disappointed,” he says. accused of cheating him.) When Fischer came to the college’s fitness
“I considered him a friend.” center to work out, he saw Sneider, a physical education faculty member.
At the club, the corner immediately to the right when visitors enter “He took one look at my arms, my blonde hair, blue eyes, and asked me
the main room is a kind of shrine to Fischer. A cartoon from the cover if I was Latvian!” Sneider, who died in 2014, wrote me in 2006. “This
of Chess Life, which Brady founded, hangs beside a poster from the was a shock to me because he could predict where I was from.”
Iceland championship match. A lone black-and-white photo of Fischer, Fischer’s anti-Semitism saddened and perplexed his friend of nearly
his left hand to his temple as he looks down upon a position, hangs 35 years. “I’m totally devastated in Bobby’s decline to his hatred for the
www.uschess.org 23
Fischer’s Legacy / Ten years on
JAY-Z
as, “Despite his attempts to Meditations on Mingus,
innovate, Larsen was bent includes “Canon (No.
right out of shape.” 2),” a spoken-word
IMAGE BY VECTEEZY.COM
passage about jazz
During the 1972 World Championship, THE RAPPER, CALLS HIMSELF musician Charles
Soviet singer-songwriter Vladimir Vysotsky
wrote a two-song cycle, “The honor of the
“THE BOBBY FISCHER OF RAP.” Mingus and Fischer
chess crown,” about a Soviet worker’s meeting in
preparation for the match with Fischer. Bellevue Hospital.
PHOTO BY FLICKR USER SULAIMAN.ELLISON
By SEAN ROBINSON
Fischer’s Legacy / Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess
B
less me chess players, for I have sinned. One friend, a fellow book hound, is sharp. The perfect book aimed at average players
I have a confession to make: Years ago, He knows the game and plays well enough to is something of a Holy Grail among aspiring
never mind how many precisely, I give me trouble. I recommend a few obvious amateurs who seek its mystic lore, and a lure
checked out a chess book from a local library classics. Then I remember Ault’s Elements of for con artists seeking a quick buck. My stack
and realized I would keep it forever. Combinations, and confess my ancient theft: includes scores of volumes devoted to the
I didn’t know it then, but my selfish impulse “My conscience rebels to this day,” I said, category.
marked the beginning of a trivial quest that “but this one is in my all-time top 10. It still Some are earnest, some transparently cynical.
bloomed into a lifelong obsession with chess goes with me on every vacation. I think I learned Noble attempts by the greats litter the literature
and chess books and a nagging desire to connect more in one shot from it than any book I own. from its beginnings. Staunton, Steinitz, Lasker,
with an author who taught me more about the I wrote reams in it. I gouged my blue college Capablanca, Nimzowitsch and Alekhine took
game than anyone before or since—an author pen into a mistake on page 115.” their shots, but they were geniuses first, teachers
who also happens to be the ghost writer for The mistake appeared in a puzzle derived second. It’s axiomatic that grandmasters, with
the best-selling chess book in publishing history. from Fischer-Eliskases, Mar del Plata, 1960.1 a few notable exceptions, don’t write well for
The book I checked out was called The Chess In a chapter about discoveries, Ault, asking amateurs. They simply know too much. They
Tutor: Elements of Combinations. The author, readers to guess Black’s 32nd move, had over- take the obvious for granted. They’ve forgotten
Leslie Ault, was a name on a dust jacket, looked a mate in two. how to play stupid moves. The best books for
unknown to me at the time. Most chess authors Spotting the mistake didn’t lessen my appre- amateurs don’t come from the champs—they
were unknown to me at the time. I was in ciation of the book. It enhanced it: Chess books come from the great teachers and coaches.
college, a rank amateur, a fish, a rube, a weakie. could contain errors, and by god I’d found one. Potboilers by Fred Reinfeld and Irving
I had two friends who played chess. Both of Yeah, yeah—cue the scoffing from stronger Chernev dominated the genre for much of the
them beat me like a drum. My temper in those players. I know now that older books from the 20th century. A few of their works still stand
days was mythic: I was a board-sweeper, a table- pre-computer age contain analytical errors. I’ve up. Writers such as Bruce Pandolfini and Dan
pounder, a sore loser who hated being outwitted. read enough John Nunn footnotes and Edward Heisman (heartily endorsed) swim in the same
My friends taunted me with the old line from Winter essays to figure that out—but 30 years waters. C.J.S. Purdy, the first World Corre-
C-3PO in Star Wars: “Let the Wookiee win.” ago, I was young and dumb. spondence Champion, wrote beautifully for
Ault’s book was my antidote, my northern Over time, going through Ault’s book, I’d average players (and he praised Reinfeld’s
star, one of the first chess books I ever acquired. begun to think of him as a professor, to argue diagram books as ideal learning tools).
I still revere it. with him in my head. My battered copy of Jeremy Silman is the clear king of the modern
Published in 1975, it’s a tactical manual and Elements of Combinations contains numerous era. I own three editions of his How to Reassess
puzzle book with light commentary. That flat notes written in initial triumph and crossed your Chess, justly regarded as one of the best
description fails to convey the effect it had on out in crestfallen rage after finding holes in my books of all time for players seeking common-
me. It also fails to convey the curious genesis amateur analysis. Fortunately, my glorious sense advice. Silman’s later Complete Endgame
and genius of the book—but more on that in a victory on page 115 remained pure, and my Course is a masterpiece of instruction.
moment. affection for the book had deepened after years To my mind, Elements of Combinations belongs
Fast forward to the present. I’m middle-aged, of wider chess reading. in the same category as the classics penned by
an investigative journalist. Chess is my refuge Soon enough, my sharp friend acquired Ault’s the authors above, but it’s never received its
from stories of murder and governmental book (a bit of a feat, since it’s rare and pricey due. While plenty of puzzle-based books exist,
screwups. My mighty library approaches 800 these days) and relayed his review. Like me, the measure of instructional quality requires
volumes and fills three bookcases: master games, he was hooked. more than wordless pages of mating diagrams.
opening manuals, middlegame manuals, “Ault is amazing,” he said. “I keep him on The peculiar greatness of Ault’s book is its
PHOTO CREDIT: COURTESY OF AULT
endgame manuals, scholarly history, and plenty my nightstand and do a few problems each sense of gradualism, the sweet spot of chess
of crap. I’m no master and never will be, but night before bed.” instruction. Elements of Combinations divides
I’m a better player, a class-C dabbler. I study The words struck me: “I keep him on my into 15 chapters, starting with basic tactics:
less than I should and buy more books than I nightstand.” Not the book: him, the guy, my pins, forks, skewers, discoveries and such.
need. That’s what addiction looks like. favorite guru. Thus, my friend became the Nothing new, then or now, but Ault has a knack
Others know I’m a junkie—co-workers and newest member of the tiny cult. for setting the degree of difficulty just above
friends. On rare occasions, they seek book I had realized over time how tiny it really the amateur’s horizon line: the mark of a great
recommendations, which I give. For kids and was as I acquired more books, devoured online teacher.
beginners, I buy and hand off copies of Bobby reviews, and sought the best teachers according What’s more, the book adds a fiendish
Fischer Teaches Chess, which remains the cheap- to expert consensus. Naturally I wanted to wrinkle: Typically, Ault doesn’t tell you which
est, fastest entry point I know: all diagrams, no improve, but I was also fascinated by chess player has the move. He asks the reader to
theory, but you get the hang of back-rank mates. pedagogy and its masters. decide the best moves for White and Black—
www.uschess.org 27
Fischer’s Legacy / Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess
Following the success of BFTC, Ault obtained journalist,” I wrote, in part. “I write about crime Ault recently sent me one position from his
his Ph.D. in psychology and gained a profes- and courts and policing. In private, I'm a chess new project, a tricky setup featuring an apparent
sorship in behavioral sciences at a college on player and book hound. This is a starstruck fan win for Black with a king + knight + knight +
the East Coast. In 1972, he ventured into chess letter—forgive me.” rook versus king + rook (you should evaluate
writing again with the idea for Elements of A few days later, a message hit my inbox. it as both White to play and Black to play):
Combinations. “Sean: glad to hear from you.”
“I was feeling that another book, written in Paydirt. It’s difficult to explain the childish
a similar manner but concentrating on basic glee I felt when I saw that message. As predicted,
tactics, would be much more useful for aspiring my response gushed. I told Ault his book richly
players beyond the level of rank beginner,” he deserved republication: expansion, conversion
wrote in the foreword to The Genesis of Power to algebraic notation, all the bells and whistles.
Chess. “Originally, I was hoping to deal with I told him it was perfectly aimed at the average
Fischer myself, but his subsequent withdrawal player.
from public activity forced me to sell my That back and forth dates to June 2017. I’ve
manuscript on my own.” been corresponding with Ault ever since.
The legendary Fischer boom was over. He’s in his late 70s now, retired but still
Without the famous name to sell it, Ault’s book active. He plays tennis regularly. He’s a grand-
sank into undeserved obscurity. father and a caregiver for his wife, now battling “Solve it and I’ll explain,” he said.
Knowing all this, and knowing my own Alzheimer’s. He’s still thinking about chess I looked at the photo, and fell into two days
regard for the book, I assumed writers and instruction, and he’s got one more book in of brain-busting, swiftly realizing the puzzle
players more learned than I would have cited mind, again utilizing the programmatic methods wasn’t as simple as I thought. I replied with
Elements as an example of high-quality interme- he devised almost 50 years ago. He described brief analysis.
diate instruction. Yet the literature and reams those methods more specifically in a recent Once more, the old professor had me. My
of online reviews gave it little attention. Was note to me: assessment was off. He told me to provide more
I out of my mind? “The concept of my books is a series of moves.
While idly surfing online, I finally found positions, grouped in themes and progressively “Then I’ll explain further,” he said.
evidence that I wasn’t. A 2007 blog entry re- more complex, for the reader to select move(s) To date, I haven’t solved the position, but I
ferred to Ault as the “most underrated chess and then get feedback (an application to chess took a separate step, driven by guilt. A certain
author.” of the behavioral theory of B.F. Skinner).” library in the Pacific Northwest received an
“I’ve never understood why Leslie Ault's two That last tidbit was a new and personal online donation: overdue compensation for a
books (three, if you count Bobby Fischer Teaches revelation. Skinner’s famous theories regarding book lost long ago.
Chess—see below) never became better known,” behaviorism were well known to me. My father, (Editor’s note: Fritz’s evaluations are below.)
the writer said, before praising the combinations who worked in mental-health services for a
book. time, had read Skinner’s books and described
FOOTNOTES
I couldn’t help agreeing. That led to more his ideas to me. 1 Fischer won the game in question, but Erich
surfing, and a more diligent effort to track the In later years, my research into chess peda-
Eliskases (1913-1997) defeated him in another
man down. Was Ault still alive? He had been gogy led me to the idea that Skinner’s methods
game in Buenos Aires, 1960, placing him in a
young in the Fischer years, so the chances were transferred beautifully to chess teaching—and
rare club of players with wins against both
decent. here was Ault, telling me that was precisely
Capablanca and Fischer (Euwe, Keres and
In spring 2017, a Google search led me to a what he’d intended, and already done.
Reshevsky are the others.)
hit that had nothing to do with chess: a traffic I mentioned that in a later note to Ault. In a
2 Robin Ault also produced a rare, privately
column in the Bergen (New Jersey) Record 3. A reply, he floored me and said he’d met Skinner
reader named Leslie Ault had offered advice during his first days on the job with Basic published two-volume translation of Tarrasch’s
about how to avoid accidents in parking lots. Systems, the company that specialized in the Dreihundert Schachpartien (300 Chess Games), as
The Ault name was uncommon. Prior re- programmed instruction utilized in Bobby Fischer noted by Edward Winter in his Chess Notes
search told me he had roots in the area. Could Teaches Chess: column, item 7375 (2011).
this be the same guy? Taking a small risk, I “There was some personal involvement by 3 http://www.northjersey.com/story/news/
sent an email to the columnist, who agreed to Skinner; we had an office in Cambridge and I columnists/john-cichowski/2016/11/18/road-
share my email address with his correspondent. met him there and the company office. Skinner warrior-reader-safety-tips/94067842/
Before long, an email arrived. My guess had had produced a primitive teaching machine
PHOTO CREDIT: COURTESY OF AUTHOR
www.uschess.org 29
Webster Staves Off
SLU for Another
PanAms Title
SLU, Texas Tech and UT-RGV secure
remaining berths in Final Four
By AL LAWRENCE
C
oughing and sniffing with colds, yes, but Webster University Ramirez proved to be a brilliant choice, putting together a first-year
showed no signs of being “sick of winning” at the 2017 PanAms team that qualified for the 2017 Final Four and finished number three.
in Columbus, Ohio, between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. But you have to think three is not Sinquefield’s favorite number. This
But a new intracity rival—also bringing a 2700-plus team to the four- year SLU’s team was even more powerful.
player tables—is inching closer to ending Webster’s dominance. This year’s lineup seemed once again to offer the strongest-ever event
GM Susan Polgar’s Webster squads have finished in the top score overall. With 15 grandmasters and 29 international masters among the
group at the Pan-American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championships 245 collegiate competitors, 11 of the 58 four-player teams at this year’s
ever since the suburban St. Louis Division III school’s chess program event averaged a US Chess rating of over 2400. Webster “A” was again at
began in 2012. True, twice Webster yielded the first-place trophy on the top of the wallchart with a 2724 average rating, and Webster brought
tiebreaks. Yet Webster went on every year to win all five championships three more teams, a “B” team rated over 2600, and two more rated over
at the annual Final Four, the playoff among the PanAm’s four top U.S. 2200. SLU’s lone team was close behind Webster “A” at 2702. The other
finishers that determines the U.S. collegiate championship. chess scholarship programs—The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Enter Saint Louis University (SLU). From a distance, SLU may seem (UT-RGV), Texas Tech University, and University of Texas at Dallas
to be just another addition to the St. Louis hegemony of nearly all things (UTD)—brought multiple teams, their top squads averaging over 2600.
U.S. chess. But the rivalry inside St. Louis is intense. Webster is strictly One Webster team was comprised of four African-Americans who
Polgar. SLU, where he first studied business, is the beloved alma mater grew up playing each other in the New York City area. The team’s first-
of billionaire philanthropist Rex Sinquefield, the man who reinvigorated board FM Justus Williams upset UT-RGV’s GM Kamil Dragun in
USA chess—both as a national power and a venue. Thursday morning’s round two. But a different round two game gave
Two years ago, Sinquefield funded a SLU chess scholarship program us the ultimate individual upset winner—who overcame a 900-plus
and enlisted GM Alejandro Ramirez to head the effort. Sinquefield deficit to pull off a sparkling combination.
bankrolled recruitment, rumored to be the richest in college chess.
CARO-KANN, 15. ... f5?! 16. e5? THE “BRAVE” AND “MOST
ADVANCE VARIATION (B12) IMPORTANT GAME”
16. Nxc4, discovering on the black bishop,
Baren Gunsolus (1749, University of For four rounds, Webster “A” holds its grip
gives White a better game.
Minnesota Twin Cities “B”) on table one and SLU holds court on table two.
Peter Gabrielides (816, Oberlin College) 16. ... Nd5! 17. Bf2 Bc5 18. Nd4 Nxf4 19.
Round five on Monday night sees the faceoff
2017 Pan-American Intercollegiate (2), N2f3 Nxe5!! 20. Nxe5 Bxd4
of the 2700 intracity rivals. The match comes
Columbus, Ohio, 12.28.2017 Frank Marshall or Paul Morphy would have down to one imbroglio on third board between
preferred 20. ... Qg5! with the same fork-tactic two former U.S. Championship contenders.
1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. f3 Nd7 4. Bd3 e5 5. used in the game: 20. ... Qg5 21. Bg3 Bxd4+
Be3 Bd6 6. Ne2 Ne7 7. Nd2 0-0 8. c4 dxc4 Who knows what happens when a Gorlok
22. Qxd4 Ne2+.
PHOTO CREDIT: COURTESY OF WEBSTER UNIVERSITY
9. Bxc4 b5 10. Bb3 Bb7 11. 0-0 a6 12. f4 battles a Billiken? (Who knows even what
21. Bxd4 Qxd4+ 22. Qxd4 Ne2+ 23. Kh1 either is?)
exd4 13. Nxd4 c5 14. N4f3 c4 15. Bc2
Nxd4 24. Bd1 Rad8 25. a4 Rfe8 26. Nf3
Bxf3 27. Bxf3 Nb3 28. Ra2 Nd2 29. Rf2 (a RUY LOPEZ, BERLIN DEFENSE (C65)
blunder in a lost position, allowing mate in GM Ray Robson (2731, Webster U. “A”)
two) 29. ... Re1+, White resigned. GM Yaro Zherebukh (2717, Saint Louis U. “A”)
2017 Pan-American Intercollegiate (5),
Columbus, Ohio, 12.29.2017
WEBSTER’S “A-TEAM” PAN AM CHAMPIONS: FIGHTING OFF ILLNESS, BUT NOT SICK OF WINNING.: (LEFT-TO-RIGHT) GMS JORGE CORI, RAY ROBSON
(TEAM CAPTAIN), SUSAN POLGAR, VASIF DURARBAYLI, ALEKSANDR SHIMANOV, AND TOURNAMENT ORGANIZER KELLY BLOOMFIELD.
www.uschess.org 31
College Chess / 2017 PanAms
TENDER TEAMMATE CARE: PHIONA MUTESI, SUBJECT OF THE MOVIE THE QUEEN OF KATWE AND
NOW A MEMBER OF THE NORTHWEST UNIVERSITY SQUAD, APPLYING EYEDROPS TO TEAMMATE
WALTER BORBRIDGE.
1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 e6 5. Ke7 26. Bd3 Bf3 27. Nc3 Bxc3 28. bxc3
e3 a6 6. Bd3 dxc4 7. Bxc4 b5 8. Bd3 c5 9. Bd5 29. a3 e5 30. f4 e4 31. Be2 Bc4 32.
0-0 Bb7 10. Qe2 Nbd7 11. Rd1 cxd4 12. Bg4 e3 33. Bf5 Kd6 34. Bb1 Kc5 35. Kg2
Nxd4 Bd6 13. e4 Qe7 14. Bg5 0-0 15. Rac1 Bd5+ 36. Kf1 Kc4 37. Ba2+ Kxc3!, White
Rfd8 16. Nf3 h6 resigned.
www.uschess.org 33
College Chess / 2017 PanAms
THE SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY SECOND-PLACE FINISHERS: (LEFT TO RIGHT) COACH GM ALEJANDRO RAMIREZ, IM DORSA DERAKHSHANI, GMS
FRANCESCO RAMBALDI, CEMIL CAN ALI MARANDI, YARO ZHEREBUKH, ALEXANDER IPATOV, DARIUSZ ŚWIERCZ, WITH TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR
KELLY BLOOMFIELD.
NAIL-BITING TO THE END Qualifiers for the Final Four can send a team A STORIED HISTORY AND MANY
Games over, rather than disclosing tiebreak made up of any of their student players they TO THANK
order as soon as it’s calculated, Organizer Kelly choose, so rosters of the U.S. collegiate hopefuls The Pan-Am Intercollegiate Team Chess
Bloomfield keeps the suspense alive to draw aren’t known. But here are the four schools, Championship has been held every year since
the biggest crowd to a PanAms closing cere- with the players that clinched the spots for 1946. The PanAms are sanctioned by US Chess
mony in recent years—and announces awards their schools: but depends on volunteer organizers to run
in reverse order. The program directors of the the not-for-profit event. Chief Organizer Kelly
5-1 schools sit like kids waiting to unwrap that WEBSTER UNIVERSITY
GMs Alex Shimanov, Jorge Cori, Ray Robson, Bloomfield saw to it that this year’s event offered
Christmas package that may not be quite the the amenities of a first-class grandmaster
right shape. Vasif Durarbayli
tournament for all—with a collegial reception,
Schools can have only one team in the Final SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY a spacious playing site, and refreshments for
Four, so there are four scholarship teams GMs Alexander Ipatov, Dariusz Świercz, Yaro all the players every round. Chief Director
hoping to have one of the remaining three
PHOTO CREDIT: AL LAWRENCE
Zherebukh, Francesco Rambaldi, Cemil Can Grant Perks ran an on-time event with the
seats at the Final Four. SLU gets a berth. So Ali Marandi, IM Dorsa Derakhshani help of Bloomfield, who was Chief Assistant
does Texas Tech, thanks to its last-round
Tournament Director as well as Organizer,
sweep. Without even a drum-roll, UT-RGV TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY
is the final qualifier, and UT-D, 10-time Kathy Lin, Ben Tancinco, Al Valentine, and
GMs Andrey Baryshpolets, Sergei Matsenko,
winner of the event, is the hard luck school Aryan Balyan.
Pavlo Vorontsov, IM Evgeny Shtembuliak
of the 2017 PanAms. Despite having three The 2017 PanAms was sponsored by Ohio
teams behind the ropes in the last round, UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS-RIO State University, with help from the U.S. Chess
despite its “B” team’s going undefeated and GRANDE VALLEY Trust and Akuna Capital. The 2018 PanAms
being the only squad to draw Webster “A,” GMs Kamil Dragun, Andrey Stukopin, will be held in San Francisco, organized by Bay
UT-D’s season is over. Vladimir Belous, Carlos Hevia Alejano Area Chess.
www.uschess.org 35
GM Irina KRUSH
IM Anna ZATONSKIH
WGM Tatev ABRAHAMYAN
IM Nazi PAIKIDZE
WGM Sabina FOISOR
WGM Jennifer YU
WIM Annie WANG
FM Maggie FENG
WGM Anna SHAREVICH
IM Dorsa DERAKHSHANI
WIM Akshita GORTI
IM Rusudan GOLETIANI
WATCH LIVE ON
USCHESSCHAMPS.COM
@STLCHESSCLUB #USCHESSCHAMPS
D C E
X T
www.uschess.org 37
Cover Story / Shabalov Wins Eastern Open
What a Piece
of Work is Shabba!
Blitzes the Opposition
at the 44th Eastern Open
By TOM BECKMAN
T
he move to Tyson’s Corner, Virginia increased the turnout to 205 players in the six-section, seven-round Eastern Open
over December 27-30, 2017. GM Alexander Shabalov suffered no slings or arrows at this year’s six-section, seven-round
Eastern Open, finishing the tournament with a perfect score. The decisive game came in round four when GM Shabalov
downed GM Aleksandr Lenderman (last year’s winner) to take a full-point lead over the field. GM Lenderman took second
with 5½ points..
In addition to the main tournament, a day-long scholastic tourney drew 54 players in three sections, and the blitz tourney
consisted of 36 entrants. A lecture by Alex Lenderman on active and defensive prophylaxis showcased the event.
PHOTO CREDIT:
Due to the number of fine submissions, it was quite difficult to settle on the winners of the special prizes, the source for
this article. The number of special prizes were increased in the three categories: Best Played Game/Best Fighting Spirit, Brilliancy, and Opening
Innovation. A tournament e-booklet was sent out to all participants containing over 50 annotated and raw game scores, as well as brilliancies,
puzzles, and an opening survey.
www.uschess.org 39
Cover Story / Shabalov Wins Eastern Open
FEATURED GAMES 1) 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Nc3 c6 6. e4 (AL) 5. ... c5 6. Bg2 Nc6 7. 0-0 (AS) With simple moves, White
FROM THE 2017 ([TB] 6. Bf4 may be better) cxd4 8. cxd5 Nxd5 9. Nb3 Be7 10. achieved almost a decisive advan-
EASTERN OPEN 6. ... dxe4 7. Ng5 Nh6 8. Bc4 Nbxd4 Nxd4 11. Qxd4 when tage and now has to choose from
All In: Both Alexs had perfect Be7 9. Ncxe4 Bf5 10. d5 0-0 White has a little pull. a bunch of good plans.
scores going into round four and 11. 0-0 cxd5 12. Bxd5 Nc6 13. (TB) Or 11. ... Be4 12. Ng5 Bxg2
6. Nxc4 b5
it was likely that this game would h3 Nb4 14. Bb3 Qd3 1/2-1/2 13. Kxg2 Qb7+ 14. Kg1 Nd5 15.
determine the eventual tourna- (14) Hammer, J (2630)- (AS) There are two additional e4 Nxf4 16. gxf4 and White is
ment winner. This game won the Andreikin, D (2734) chess. options: much better.
second prize for Best Played Game. com INT 2017, or 1) 6. ... b6 7. Bg2 Bb7 8. Nce5 12. Bh3
2) 4. Bg5 1-0 (34) Hammer, J Ra7 9. 0-0 Bd6 10. Bg5 0-0
(AS) The computer also likes to
QUEEN’S GAMBIT (2677)-Carlsen, M (2876) a) 11. Qc1 and 1-0 (37)
DECLINED (D30) prepare for e2-e4, but does it more
Stavanger 2015. Istratescu, A (2589)- precisely with 12. Nd3! Bd5 13.
GM Alexander Shabalov (2629)
But in the end, I decided to stick Secheres, A (2332) Corund Re1.
GM Aleksandr Lenderman
with my pregame plan: to check 2017
(2689) 12. ... Bd5 13. Nd2 Qd8 14. Qc2
44th Annual Eastern Open (4),
out how Alex’s defense to the b) (TB) Slightly better is 11. Nh5
Tyson’s Corner, Virginia,
Catalan is doing. Rc1 Be7 12. Qa4 h6 13.
(AS) After 14. ... Ba8 15. e4 Qxd4
12.29.2017 4. ... Nf6?! Bxf6 gxf6 14. Ng4 f5 15.
16. Nxf7 Kxf7 17. Be3, White is
Notes by GM Alexander Nge5 Be4 16. Qb3 Qd5 17.
(AS) And this is already a mis- winning.
Shabalov (AS), GM Aleksandr Qe3 with a nice edge.
step. However, 4. ... c5 deserved 15. Be3 f5 16. f3
Lenderman (AL), and Tom 2) 6. ... c5 led to a famous
serious attention. It is hard to
Beckman (TB) masterpiece in 7. Bg2 Nc6
believe, but the game can quickly
stir into uncharted territory as early a) 8. Nfe5 Nxe5 9. dxe5
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 a6!?
as move four in a major 1. d4 Qxd1+ 10. Kxd1 Nd7 11.
(AS) Wait a minute, this is opening! After 5. cxd5 ... a4 Rb8 12. a5 ([TB] Slight-
exactly what I played against 1) 5. ... exd5 6. e4!? (Or 6. g3 ly better is 12. Kc2 b6 13.
Lenderman a year ago at the same Nc6 7. Bg2 Nf6 8. 0-0 Be6 Rd1 Bb7 14. Bxb7 Rxb7 15.
tournament with the colors with a kind of Tarrasch setup) Be3 when White has a
reversed! While it is not a bad and now either: winning advantage) and 1-
move itself, Alex lamented his 0 (36) Andersson, U
choice after the game saying that a) 6. ... cxd4 7. exd5 with a
(2640)-Lautier, J (2620)
inclusion of 3. ... Nf6 4. Nc3 is totally original and fresh
Biel 1996, or
necessary if Black intends to play position, or
b) 8. 0-0!? cxd4 9. Bf4 Nd5? (TB) Here White has several
this line. This is a little extreme b) 6. ... Nf6 7. exd5 cxd4 8.
10. Nxd4 Nxd4 11. Qxd4 more promising options:
statement, no doubt influenced by Bc4 b5 9. Bd3 Be7 10. Nb3
game result, and a lot of strong winning. 1) 16. Bg2 Nf6 17. Rfd1 a5 18.
Qxd5 11. Nbxd4
players, including Mamedyarov, Bxd5 Nxd5
2) (TB) 5. ... cxd4 6. Qa4+ b5 7. 7. Nce5 Bb7
would disagree. An out of form 2) 16. Nb3 stops ... c7-c5 and
Qxd4 exd5 with equal
(and out of luck) Magnus Carlsen (AS) Knowing how the game puts Black in a permanent
chances.
playing Black lost against his own went, it is easy to recommend 7. bind.
second and good friend, Jon Ludvig (AL) Weaker is 4. ... dxc4 5. ... Bb4+ 8. Bd2 Bxd2+ 9. Qxd2 Bb7
Hammer, in the last round at Nxc4 b5 6. Nce5 f6 (6. ... Bb7 7. 10. Bg2 0-0 11. Rc1 Qd6 12. 0-0 3) 16. g4 fxg4 17. Bxg4 Nf6 18.
Stavenger 2015. An unenviable a4) 7. Nd3 when White has a nice but then Black has to forever Bf3
situation for the champion. It is edge. abandon any ambitions of playing 16. ... Bd6?!
therefore not a surprise that 5. g3! ... c7-c5.
Carlsen now chooses to play (AS) About 40 years ago, Mark
(AS) That’s the point. While 4. 8. Bg2 Qc8 Dvoretsky was giving a lecture on
something slightly different. ... 3.
... Nf6 4. g3 leads to a standard Nbd2 is a program move for (AS) 8. ... Qc8 is an unfortunate methods to change the course of a
Catalan after 4. ... a6 5. Bg2 dxc4, White, ... a6 without taking on c4 necessity as Nxf7 followed by Ne5+ bad/passive position during an
and 4. Nc3 a6 is the move order first does not look smart for Black. was already in the air. No better annual Russian junior camp in the
Black is looking for. (AL) This setup with Nbd2 and was 8. ... Bd5 9. 0-0 Be7 10. Bg5 Armenian mountains. Had Alex
(AL) Black should wait for g3 is probably just good for White. h6 11. Bxf6 Bxf6 12. Qc2. Lenderman been at the camp, he
White to play Nc3 before ventur- That’s why it’s more accurate if (AL) Alternatives are: would definitely choose to play ...
ing ... a7-a6. Thus, if 3. Nc3, then you want to play the systems with c7-c5 now or on the next move.
... a7-a6, to play it only once 1) 8. ... Bd5 9. 0-0 h6 (9. ... Nbd7 After 16. ... c5!? 17. dxc5, Black
3. ... a6 is OK; or if 3. ... Nf6 4. 10. Bg5 or 10. Nxd7) 10. Bf4
Nc3, then 4. ... a6 is OK. White’s knight is already on c3. can reach a reasonable position
(10. a4) and Black is worse. with either:
5. ... dxc4
4. Nbd2!? 2) 8. ... Be7 9. Nxf7 Kxf7 10. 1) 17. ... Bf6 18. Bd4 Nd7 19. f4
(AS) 5. ... c5 now is a bit too late Ng5+ which is awful. g5 20. c6 Rc7
(AS) Played after 20 minutes as after 6. Bg2 Nc6 7. 0-0 cxd4 8.
thinking. I seriously considered cxd5 Nxd5 9. Nb3 White has a 9. 0-0 Be7 10. Bf4 0-0 11. Rc1 a) 21. Qd3 Bxe5 22. fxe5 Rxc6
active options like: pleasant advantage. Ra7 23. Rxc6 Bxc6 24. Rc1 Bb7
b) 21. Qd1 Bxe5 22. fxe5 Bxc6 much all of his life and in 2013 (TB) 9. h4 h5 10. 0-0-0 Nf6 11.
23. e4 g4 24. Bg2 (TB), or published a wonderful book (The Be2 Kg7 12. Rf1 is also interesting.
2) 17. ... f4 18. Bd4 fxg3 19. e3 Dark Knight System, Everyman Chess) 9. ... Kg7 10. Nge2 Nh6 11. h3
gxh2+ 20. Kxh2 Qe8 21. f4 on the subject. But because not too c6 12. 0-0-0
Bf6 (TB) many people know James outside of
the state, nobody paid attention. It seems that the idea to castle
Recently there were two events that long is a mistake in this structure.
17. Bf2 Qg5?
hopefully will change that. White is unable to open files on
(AS) Better is 17. ... c5 18. e4 First there was an article by the kingside, while Black has all
Ba8 19. Rce1 (or 19. f4 cxd4 20. Jeroen Bosch in #6 New in Chess the time in the world on the
Qb3) 19. ... Rc7 20. exf5 cxd4 21. magazine of 2017 that drew the opposite side.
Qb1. attention of a few players (includ- 12. ... cxd5 13. cxd5 Nd7 14. g4
(AL) For better or worse, 17. ... Shabba’s Secret Sauce: Alex ing myself, and I went 4-0 with it f6 15. Rdg1
c5 18. e4 Ba8 had to be tried here had four games with Black in the at the Eastern Open! Thanks
to get the rook from a7 into the tournament, and he was very Weaker was 15. f4 Nc5 16. Kb1
Jeroen!) My biggest surprise came
game. Since I didn’t play ... c7-c5, consistent in his treatment of the Nxd3.
when I started to analyze my games
I didn’t have real chances after that. opening. However, it was a very from Tyson’s Corner and realized 15. ... Nf7 16. Ng3 Nc5 17. Bc2
obscure variation, and—to this that I was not the only one who Bd7
18. Bg2
author’s skeptical eye—it seemed took note of Bosch’s suggestions.
(AS) Now it is all over. Like in dubious at best. So, I asked Shabba There were a few other guys,
countless games before this one a about it, and was floored by his and—that’s right— one of them was
well prepared e2-e4 wins in a 1. response: Magnus Carlsen, who employed it
d4 opening. with a great success at the World
18. ... Qh6 19. e4 Bb7 20. exf5 NIMZOWITSCH DEFENSE Rapid and Blitz, occurring at the
Rxf5 21. Ng4 (B00) same time as the Eastern Open.
GM Alexander Shabalov (2656) GMs Viswanathan Anand and
(AL) 21. g4 also wins easily of FM James Schuyler (2396) Olexandr Bortnyk escaped after
course. 118th U.S. Open Championship being seriously worse and Sergei
21. ... Qg6 22. d5 Ra8 23. dxe6 (9), Norfolk, Virginia, 08.06.2017 Movsesian lost badly. What is the
Qxe6 24. Rfe1 Qf7 Notes by Shabalov. main attraction of this line? In my
opinion, what Black does is to draw Somewhat better was 17. ... b5!
1. e4 Nc6 2. d4 d6! opponents into a King’s Indian 18. Nxb5 Qb6 19. Nc3 Rb8 20. Nd1
I must explain a little about this structure, which is a challenge for Ba6.
move order, which New in Chess many 1. e4 players. 18. Kb1
called a Pirc-Nimzo hybrid, and The following game is an nice
which I believe is accurate. My illustration of this concept. My Or 18. b4 Na6 19. a3 Nc7 20.
personal journey into this line opponent had a great tournament, Bd3 Rc8 21. Kb2 Na8.
began in August 2017 when James beating a bunch of higher-rated (TB) White’s last chance for
Schuyler played it against me in players, but in this game he just counterplay was 18. h4!? Bxg4 19.
the last round of the 2017 U.S. could not get around without his f3 Bc8! 20. Nf5+ Kf8 21. Nh6 Qb6
Open. I reacted with my standard dark-square bishop. 22. Qd2 with mutual chances.
three pawns attack and quickly was 18. ... a5 19. Rh2 b5 20. Bd1
worse. PIRC-NIMZO HYBRID, Qb6 21. Rhg2 b4 22. Nce2
25. Bh3! Rac8 23. Nc1 Kf8 24. h4 Ke7
3. Nc3 Nf6 4. f4 e5 5. d5 Ne7 SCHUYLER’S DARK
(AS) The key move that forces KNIGHT SYSTEM (B00) 25. g5?!
6. Nf3 exf4 7. Bxf4 Ng6 8. Bg3
Black to sacrifice an Exchange Be7 9. Bb5+ Bd7 10. Bxd7+ Missaka Warusawitharana Another misstep. White creates
without adequate compensation. Qxd7?! (2202) a weakness that will decide any
GM Alexander Shabalov (2629) endgames in Black’s favor. He
25. ... Rxf3 26. Nxf3 Qxf3 27. The first step in a wrong
44th Annual Eastern Open (7), should have started bringing his
Qb3+ Qxb3 28. axb3 Nd7 29. direction. After 10. ... Nxd7 11.
Tyson’s Corner, Virginia, pieces to defend his king.
Nh6+! gxh6 30. Bxd7 Nf6 31. 0-0 Bf6, Black is already better.
12.30.2017
Be6+ Kg7 32. Bc5 Kg6 33. 25. ... fxg5 26. hxg5 Na4
11. h3 0-0 12. Nd4 c6?! Notes by Shabalov.
Bxd6 cxd6 34. Rc7 Be4
And this is another false step as (see diagram top of next
1. e4 Nc6 2. d4 d6! 3. c4 e5 4. page)
(see diagram top of next Black helps White to get rid of his d5 Nb8 5. Nc3 g6 6. Be3 Bh6
column) e4 weakness.
Slightly better was 6. ... h5! 7. 27. Qd2? (Better is 27. Nf1!.) 27.
(AS) Here comes a thematic 13. 0-0 cxd5 14. exd5 Rfe8 15. ... Nc3+ 28. Ka1 Nxd1 29. Rxd1
Nf5 Rac8 16. Qd4 Bd8 17. Kh1
Qd2 Bh6 8. Nf3 Nd7.
finish that reminds me of the Rc4 30. Qe1 Rhc8 31. Nf1 Bh3
famous Reti-Alekhine Baden- Ne5 18. Rae1 Rc4 19. Qxa7!, 7. Qd2 Bxe3 8. Qxe3 Kf8 9.
32. Rh2 (Also losing is 32. Rg3
Baden 1925 finale. Black resigned. Bd3
Qxf2.) 32. ... Bg4 33. f3 (No
35. Rxe4! Nxe4 36. Bd5 Re8 Everyone in Virginia knows that Or 9. c5 Nd7 10. cxd6 cxd6 11. better is 33. Ne3 Bxd1 34. Nxc4
37. Bf7+, Black resigned. James has played this opening pretty Be2. Qd4.) 33. ... Bxf3 34. Nd2 Bxd1
www.uschess.org 41
Cover Story / Shabalov Wins Eastern Open
play somewhat like T. 9. ... Nd7 10. Be2 Nge5 11. Nxe5 (TB) An interesting alternative
Petrosian-Jacob Yukhtman, Nxe5 12. 0-0 b6 13. Qc2. is 16. h4 Nxg3 17. fxg3.
26th USSR Championship 9. ... Nd7 10. Qd2 16. ... Nxg3 17. hxg3
1959. Later, Petrosian played
13. Bg4 to exchange off his (TB) The non-committal 10.
bad bishop, and I played 18. Be2 may be slightly better.
Bg4 with similar effect. 10. ... a6 11. a4 Ngf6 12. Be2
4) 6. ... c5 (TB) is recommended Qb6?!
by Stockfish and then: (TB) Here Black has two decent
a) 7. d5 a6 8. a4 Ng4 9. Bg5 options:
Nd7 10. Be2 1) 12. ... g5 13. Bg3 Nh5 14. 0-0
35. Nxc4 Rxc4 36. Qxd1 Nxg5 b) 7. dxc5 Qa5 8. Qd2 (8. Bd3 2) 12. ... Qa5 13. Bxf6 Nxf6 14.
37. Qd2 Qg1 38. Kb1 Ke8!, is also possible) 8. ... dxc5 0-0 Bg4
White resigned. 9. Nd5 Qxd2+ 10. Nxd2
Nxd5 11. cxd5 Bxb2 12. 13. 0-0
Rb1 Ba3 13. Nc4 17. ... e5?
Old School: Please note that all (TB) Here White should throw
of Larry’s post-game calculations 5) 6. ... Na6 (TB) is recommend- in 13. a5! driving the black queen This move doesn’t look right,
and analyses were done without ed by John Nunn and Graham back now. but it is correct at this point.
benefit of a computer to check the Burgess in The New Classical Evidently Prav properly feared the
13. ... g5 14. Bg3 Nh5 15. a5 buildup with f2-f4 and later e4-e5.
lines. In the search for truth, some- King’s Indian to avoid the
times the computer can take the Exchange Variation, and Besides, the fortress created is
mystery out of the game. This then: difficult to breach quickly.
game won first prize for Best (TB) Burying the king’s bishop
a) 7. Be2 e5 (or 7. ... Ng4) 8.
Played Game. looks wrong, and is wrong. Black
0-0 transposes to the
should have played on the queen-
Gligoric System
side with 17. ... b6! 18. f4 gxf4 19.
KING’S INDIAN b) 7. h3 e5 8. d5 is the main gxf4 bxa5 20. Rf3 Rb8 21. Rg3 Kh8
DEFENSE, CLASSICAL line of the Makogonov 22. f5 Qb6 with mutual chances.
VARIATION (E90) System
FM Larry C. Gilden (2252) 18. Bg4!
IM Prav Balakrishnan (2495) c) Other ideas are 7. Qd2 or
7. Bd3 Trading off the bad bishop in
44th Annual Eastern Open (2),
blocked positions is correct as
Tysons Corner, Virginia,
6. ... Ng4 7. Bg5 c5 usual.
12.28.2017 I had several other possibilities
Notes by Gilden and Tom In a G/45 tourney from March that I didn’t consider during the 18. ... b6 19. Nc2
Beckman (TB) 2015, Trung Nguyen tried 7. ... h6 game: I think that 19. axb6 was more
8. Bh4 Nf6! and no refutation was straightforward.
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7
1) 15. h4 Nxg3 16. fxg3 g4 17.
forthcoming from me.
4. e4 d6 5. Nf3 0-0 6. Be3
Nh2 Ne5 18. Nd1 with com- 19. ... bxa5 20. Ne3 Nb6 21.
(TB) Also possible was 8. Bd2
plicated play. Bxc8 Nxc8 22. Ne2
I have consistently played this e5 9. d5 f5 10. Bd3 Nf6 11. 0-0 fxe4
12. Nxe4 Bf5 with a slight edge for 2) 15. Qc2 Qb4 16. a5 b5! and White now engages in a bit of
move from 2013 to the present. 6.
White. Black stands well. unnecessary shuffling back and
Be3 serves the purpose of restrict-
ing Black’s normal King’s Indian 8. d5 forth. But eventually I got the idea
15. ... Qc7!
plans. Now Black has the choice that my play was on the queen-side.
I considered 8. dxc5, but Black’s (TB) Larry thought that Prav
of several responses: 22. ... Ne7 23. g4
8. ... h6 chases White’s bishop from could successfully play 15. ... Qb4!?
1) 6. ... e5 is the usual response attacking e7 (if 9. Bh4, then 9. ... as 16. Nxg5 Nxg3 17. hxg3 b5(!!) (TB) Also strong was 23. Qxa5
when there follows 7. dxe5 g5), and allows either 9. ... Qa5 or works, but the following sequence Qxa5 24. Rxa5 Rfb8 25. Rb1 f5 26.
dxe5 8. Qxd8 (8. Qc2) 8. ... 9. ... dxc5 depending on where the would have been much better for exf5 e4 27. g4.
Rxd8 9. Nd5 Nxd5?! (9. ... bishop goes. White: 18. Nf3 cxb4 19. Rfb1! Rb8 23. ... Rfb8 24. Ng3?!
Rd7! is equal.) 10. cxd5 c6 11. and now a rope-a-dope with 20.
8. ... h6
Bc4 cxd5 (11. ... Bd7 is Ra4 Qb3 21. Ra3 Qb4 22. Qc1! This move allows Black play on
possible) 12. Bxd5 Nc6 13. 0- (TB) And here Black has a (guarding the rook) 22. ... Qb7 23. the queenside. White should prefer
0-0 or 13. Ng5. somewhat better alternative: 8. ... Bxc4 when White is much better. 24. Nc1.
Bxc3+ 9. bxc3 f6 10. Bd2 Nd7 11. Black would have had to settle for
2) 6. ... Nbd7 avoiding the 24. ... Rb4 25. Ne2 Rab8 26.
Be2 Nge5. 17. ... Ne5 18. Nf3 Nxc4 19. Bxc4 Ra2 Qb6 27. Rb1 Ng6 28. g3
exchange of queens allows 7.
h3 when 7. ... e5 8. dxe5 dxe5 9. Bh4 Qxc4 20. Na4 Rb8 21. Rfe1 Qb4 Ne7 29. Nc1 Qc7 30. Rba1
9. c5 has occurred in my (TB) Of course, which way to 22. e5. So, the computer helps to Black is without counterplay as
games. retreat the bishop is always the demonstrate that Prav played the White slowly makes progress.
question in this variation. Here 9. best move after all! Note how White makes use of the
3) 6. ... Ng4 played by Prav in
chasing the bishop creates Bd2 may be the better choice after 16. Ne1 principle of two weaknesses over
the next 10 moves. but after 44. Qc4 Rb2 45. Nxb2 position, and Black is rather passive 21. ... Qg5! 22. g3?
30. ... Qc8 31. Nd3 R4b6 32. Qxb2 46. d6 Nc6 47. Rxc5 White and cramped, but watch what hap- If you pretend you are White,
Rxa5 Kh7 33. Qc2 f6?! wins handily. pens now. you can understand cracking under
42. ... Qh8 43. Nf5 Qd8 44. Rc1 17. Nb4?! the pressure of six black pieces
(TB) Defensive fatigue sets in.
Kf7 45. c5 dxc5 46. Raxc5 Ra7 focusing like lasers on your f3 and
33. ... Bf8 is somewhat better, as (TB) White’s first errant knight
47. Qd1 g2 squares. But both 22. Bf2 and 22.
33. ... f6 makes more holes in move. Better was 17. Nd4! Rf6
Black’s kingside. (TB) Crushing is 47. Qc4 Kg6 Nxe6 are better attempts to bail out.
18. Ndb5 Nxb5 19. Nxb5 a6 20.
48. Rh1. Nc3 Rd6 21. Qe1 Rxd1 22. Rxd1 22. ... Nxg3!
34. R1a3
47. ... a5 48. Qh1 Nxf5 49. d6 with a nice edge for White. Better than just taking the f-
(TB) It is safer to play 34. Kg2 gxf5, Black resigned after 35
to cover the h3-square, so Larry 17. ... Rf8 18. Nbd5?! pawn.
more moves.
doesn’t have to worry about ... h6- After being in a worse position 23. hxg3 Qxg3+ 24. Kf1
h5 and ... Qh3. Errant Knights: White has a
good position until his knights go for awhile, I was being very vigilant
34. ... Kg6
astray. After that, Black’s knights should my opponent go wrong in
go crazy. This game won the First this full-bodied position with so
(TB) To avoid being smothered
Brilliancy Prize. many pieces on the board. My
to death, the urge to do something
opponent had just relieved the
active kicks in. However, other
pressure on my backward center
moves aren’t much better. SICILIAN DEFENSE,
by playing the “normal” centraliz-
MAROCZY BIND (B37)
ing move Nb4 to d5?!, which
Dominique Myers (2141)
allowed my pieces to start their
FM Nathan Resika (2263)
migration toward the black king.
44th Annual Eastern Open (4),
(TB) Now the position is equal.
Tysons Corner, Virginia,
Again, White should have played
12.29.2017
18. Ncb5 Nxb5 19. cxb5 e6 20. The only move, considering the
Notes by Resika and Tom
Rxc8 Qxc8 21. Rc1 Qb7 22. Bf4 d5 hidden, nasty priest on a8.
Beckman (TB)
23. Nc6 Nf7 24. Bg3 when White 24. ... Ng4!!
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 g6 3. d4 cxd4 has a tiny advantage.
4. Nxd4 Bg7 5. c4 Nc6 6. Nc2 I had about three minutes left
18. ... Nf5 19. Bg5 h6 20. Be3?!
Nf6 7. Nc3 0-0 8. Be2 b6!? 9. for 17 moves, but still played this
0-0 Bb7 10. Be3 Rc8 11. f3 Myers suggested 20. Bf4. move mostly on instinct. It took
35. Qa4! Ra8 36. b4! Ne8!? 12. Qd2 Nd6 13. Rfd1 f5 (TB) Better is 20. Bf4 e6 21. Ne3 Stockfish about half a minute, but
14. exf5 Rxf5 15. Rac1 Ne5 16. Nh4 22. Bg3 Rxf3! 23. Bxh4 Qxh4 it turns out to be the strongest of
The culmination of White’s b3 Ba8 24. gxf3 Bxf3 25. Rf1 Qg5+ 26. Kf2 the several winning lines. It just
play. The further opening of the Qh4+ 27. Kg1 with a perpetual. “can-opens” both the f-file as well
queenside will expose Black’s lack as the h1-a8 diagonal for Black’s
of piece activity. 20. ... e6!
remaining army and threatens 24.
36. ... cxb4 37. Nxb4 h5 38. Better than snatching the bishop ... Nh2 mate.
gxh5+ Kxh5 39. Kg2 Kg6 40. right away. 25. Ng2
Nd3
21. Nf4? If 25. fxg4, then 25. ... Rxf4+!
(TB) 40. c5 dxc5 41. Nd3 is more 26. Bxf4 Rf8! 27. Nd5 exd5 does
efficient. The final mistake. Going back
to b4 was a must. the job.
40. ... Qh8 41. Ra1 Qh5 42. g4 25. ... Nh2+ 26. Kg1 Bxf3 27.
(TB) 21. Nb4! leaves White in
Bf1 Bxd1, White resigned, while
(TB) Safest, but stronger is 42. the game after 21. ... Nxe3 22. Qxe3
c5! dxc5 43. Rh1 Qe2 Larry was Qh4 23. Nc2 Rf7 24. Rd4 Qh5 25. his time ran out, as huge material
worried about this queen intrusion, (TB) White has built a very nice Ne4 Rcf8 26. Ng3 Qg5. losses follow.
www.uschess.org 43
Solitaire Chess / Instruction
Positional Chess
Can Wait
Wilhelm Steinitz once said, “Chess is not for timid souls.” It is time
to bravely step into the fray with the first world champion.
By BRUCE PANDOLFINI
THE FIRST OFFICIAL WORLD CHESS next move only after trying to guess it. If you On 9. ... Qc6, White would have to play it
Champion was Wilhelm Steinitz (1836-1900). guess correctly, give yourself the par score. carefully as well, since 10. cxd4 cxd4 11. Qxd4
Steinitz held the title from 1886-1894, when Sometimes points are also awarded for second- would signal bad news after 11. ... Bc5, pinning
he lost it to Emanuel Lasker, but probably best moves, and there may be bonus points—or the white queen (1 bonus point).
Steinitz was the best player on the planet for deductions—for other moves and variations. 10. Kh1 Par Score 5
longer than his eight official years at the top. Note that means that White’s move is on
Perhaps more importantly, Steinitz was also the next line. By moving the king off the a7-g1 diagonal,
the first player to write about the principles of White avoids some tactical tries along that line.
6. Nxe5 Par Score 5
positional chess, and for that reason it’s easy But probably more to the style of this game
think of him as a stodgy materialist. But his Steinitz’s bishop was attacked, so he trades would be 10. f4-f5, pressing the attack.
early games were anything but careful and knights to avoid losing a tempo. 10. … Be7
boring, as the second game of his 1860 match 6. … Qxe5
with Max Lange in Vienna shows. The fire- A better try for Black was 10. ... Ne7, tem-
works began rather quickly after: The only move that makes any sense. porarily closing the e-file and supporting ...
7. c3 Par Score 5
d7-d5.
11. f5 Par Score 6
SCOTCH GAMBIT (C44) This opens the lines for attacking chances.
Wilhelm Steinitz Of course Steinitz realized his e-pawn is White’s position is beginning to look more
Max Lange immune. If 7. ... Qxe4??, then 8. Re1 pins the menacing.
Vienna, 1860 queen (1 bonus point). 11. … d5
7. … c5
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Bc4 Qe7 Black tries to break the attack by surrendering
5. 0-0 Ne5 Defending the pawn in this way is not as the d-pawn, but a more prudent defensive idea
good as simply capturing a white pawn, 7. ... was 11. ... h5, so that the king-rook could take
dxc3, even though White would then develop back on h6 (if necessary) without a disrupture
his knight in the act of recapturing. to the black kingside.
8. f4 Par Score 6 12. Bxd5 Par Score 5
White is pushing for a kingside attack. Black Steinitz would later say in his life that “a
must be mindful of Steinitz’s growing initiative. pawn is worth a little trouble,” but that’s not
what this capture is about. He’s simply answer-
8. … Qf6
ing the threat and keeping the lines open for
At least Black is consistent. He plays to keep attack.
his extra pawn.
12. … Nh6
9. e5 Par Score 5
Lange is attempting to get out his pieces,
Now ensure that the above position is set
White expands in the center with a gain of but this development backfires. His kingside
up on your chessboard. As you play through
time. now gets torn apart.
the remaining moves in this game, use a piece
of paper to cover the article, exposing White’s 9. … Qb6 13. f6 Par Score 6
White has a winning attack. Max Lange, 17. Qe8+ Par Score 6 Take that Steinitz!
Fritz Lang, Lang Lang, Auld Lang Syne—none 21. Rf4+ Par Score 5
Steinitz forces the black king up the board,
of them could hold Black’s position.
into “no man’s land.” Forcing Black’s response.
13. … Bf8
17. … Kd5 21. … Kd3
Black’s dark-square bishop is driven back.
Occupying d5 can be important in many
14. Bxh6 Par Score 6 positions, but not here. 22. Rd1+ Par Score 5
This is strong, but just as interesting was 14. 18. cxd4 Par Score 6 22. … Kc2
e6, when 14. ... Bxe6 15. Bxe6 fxe6 (15. ... Qxe6
Steinitz has the time for this, which clears No better was 22. ... Ke3 23. Rf3 mate (1
16. Re1) 16. fxg7 Bxg7 17. Qh5+ (1 bonus point)
c3 for his knight. But a faster conclusion would bonus point).
wins a piece.
have resulted from 18. c4+! (1 bonus point). For
23. Rf2 mate! Par Score 5
14. … gxh6 instance, on 18. ... Kxc4, then 19. b3+ Kd5 20.
Black has a threat to b2, but White has a big Nc3+ dxc3 21. Rad1+ Ke4 22. Qh5 Qb5 23. An enjoyable game, nicely conducted by the
advantage. How will he play it? Qf3+ Kxe5 24. Qe3 mate (add 2 bonus future world champion.
points more if you worked out these additional
15. Bxf7+ Par Score 7
moves ahead of time).
That’s how! Heck, Paul Morphy is still around,
18. … Be6 TOTAL YOUR SCORE TO
and so is Adolf Anderssen. Naturally, a young
talent on the rise wants to play in the spirit of Attacking White’s queen, but the fun isn’t DETERMINE YOUR
the times. over yet. APPROXIMATE RATING
15. … Kxf7
BELOW:
19. Nc3+ Par Score 5
What does not kill him might make him Time to develop a new piece. Total Score Approx. Rating
stronger. Well, perhaps that was Black’s hope. 95+ 2400+
19. … Kc4
16. Qh5+ Par Score 5 81-94 2200-2399
Should White just take the rook? No! There’s 66-80 2000-2199
Time waits for no man. Steinitz goes for better.
the kill. 51-65 1800-1999
20. d5 Par Score 7
16. … Ke6 36-50 1600-1799
This “quiet little move” has almost nothing 21-35 1400-1599
Steinitz would later say that his “king likes
to do with positional chess. No, it’s about 06-20 1200-1399
to go for a walk.” Perhaps Lange had envisioned
forcing mate.
the future. Add 1 bonus point if you had analyzed 0-05 under 1200
16. ... Kg8 17. Rf3. 20. … Rxe8
www.uschess.org 45
The Practical Endgame / Instruction
AMONG MY FRIENDS AND RELATIVES, I After a furious ascent that included a stunning Obviously, 68. ... Kb3 meets with 69. Nc5+.
am known as the proverbial alarm-snoozer. victory at the 2017 Aeroflot Open, Russian GM This is somewhat of a stopgap blockade, but it
One Sunday during exam week last quarter, I Vladimir Fedoseev has established himself as gives White just enough time to bring his own
slept through so many early morning alarms one of the most promising talents in Russia. monarch to the rescue.
that I finally woke up to my roommate standing At the time of this game, he was leading the 68. ... a5 69. Nd2 a4
at my bedside and repeatedly stabbing me with rapid with a massive 8½/11. At first blush, it
an imaginary knife. My math final that night seems that he has held his own against the
did not go very well. World Champion. In fact, the time seems ripe
One thing I will get up for at 5 a.m., however, for a handshake. The king is tied to the g5-
is the World Rapid and Blitz Championship. pawn, the pawn ending after 65. ... Bxf3 66.
This exhilarating event features almost all of Kxf3 is a dead draw, end of story.
the world’s top players going at each other’s True to his ability to squeeze water from a
throats to the tune of heart-stopping time rock, Magnus sees past this myopic assessment
scrambles and, inevitably, tragic blunders. and plays his last trump card.
This year, one of the endgames in the rapid
championship—which I had followed live— 65. ... Kd5!
featured one of the most beautiful defensive Why not? This move is not only a good
resources that I have ever seen. At the risk of practical chance, but especially savvy given
jinxing it, let me say that this motif will be Fedoseev’s acute time pressure: Fedoseev had 70. Ke4
seared in your mind for weeks to come. a minute or so left and was playing “on Fedoseev played this move almost instantly,
increment.” The king’s intentions are decidedly and who can blame him? The king aims for
WATER FROM A ROCK malevolent: the monarch intends to eat up d3, but the problem is that it temporarily
GM Vladimir Fedoseev (FIDE 2771, RUS) White’s defenseless pawns, relegating to his deprives the knight of its rightful place on e4!
GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2908, NOR) subordinate the task of restraining White’s Carlsen now has a brief respite in which to
World Rapid Chess Championship. Open. h-pawn. reorganize his forces and confront Fedoseev
(12), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 12.28.2017 with a whole new class of problems.
66. Nxg5
If Fedoseev had used Waze instead of
The point of this move is not so much to Google Maps to decide on a route for the
capture a pawn as to halt the king’s path with king, he would have undoubtedly sidestepped
some timely gymnastics. This does the trick, the trouble with 70. Ke3!. After 70. ... Kc5,
though 66. b3! was even more straightforward. White hits the king with 71. Ne4+. Black
The king has to detour with 66. ... Ke4, and has a few tries, but everything fizzles out
after 67. Nxg5+ Kd3 68. Ne6 Kc3 69. Nc5 White quickly:
achieves his aim with a tempo to spare. The
1) 71. ... Kc4 72. Nd6+ Kb3 looks intimi-
game would end following 69. ... Kxb4 70.
dating, but after 73. Nxb5 Kxb2 74. Kd4
Nxa6+ Kxb3 71. Nc7 b4 72. Na6 and White
Be8 75. Nc3 a3 76. Kc4 White brings the
liquidates the final pawn.
king to b4 and follows up with a check
AFTER 65. Nf3+ 66. ... Kc4 67. Ne4 Kxb4 68. Kf4 from either d1 or a4.
2) 71. ... Kd5!? would probably have been a) 74. ... a3 75. bxa3 bxa3 76. Kd2 Kc4 77.
Magnus’ attempt. The “blunder” is, of course, Na5+ Kb4 78. Nc6+ Kc5 (78. ... Kb3 79.
deliberate: the point is to lure the knight Na5+ leads nowhere, since 79. ... Kb2 80.
offsides after 72. Nf6+ Kc4 73. Nxh5 Kb3. Nc4+ is a draw) 79. Kc3! and it is time to
But following 74. Kd4 Kxb2 75. Nf4 a3 76. shake hands. Even if 79. ... Kxc6 80. Kb3
Nd3+ the knight is in time, and Black is the did not happen to win the pawn, it would
one who must demonstrate caution. still be a draw since Black has the incorrect
70. ... Kc5! 71. Ke3 b4 bishop for the a-pawn.
b) 74. ... Kc4 75. Na5+ Kb5 76. Nb3 is prob-
Er-oh. All of a sudden, Magnus has erected
ably the most unconventional repetition
an impassable barrier along the h7-b1 diagonal.
of all time.
... Bg6 followed by ... a4-a3 looms large, when EITHER SIDE TO MOVE
the king will be permanently cut off and the c) 74. ... Bc2 is useless: 75. Nd4 Bd1 76. Kd2!
knight, no longer able to jump to e4, will trip board, and the fortress remains watertight. At with a draw.
over its own haunches. With time running the first opportunity, White’s king wriggles its Alas, with just a few minutes left on his clock,
out, Fedoseev starts to flounder. way to a1 and stays there, awaiting stalemate Fedoseev did not exploit the opportunity.
or (with a dark-square bishop) liquidation to a However, I think it is safe to bet that a team of
72. Ne4+ Kd5 73. Nd2 Bg6!
drawn king-and-pawn ending. 500 grandmasters with two hours on the clock
This is the critical moment, and, in many Now, back to the text. At first, it may be would be quite unlikely to see it either.
ways, the reason I chose this endgame. Now, difficult to understand the link between the
it is not immediately clear why ... a4-a3 is a two positions. But as GM Alex Yermolinsky 74. Ke2?
decisive threat: White will, after all, be able to explained to me many years ago, theoretical The king takes the long route to c1, and
restrain the pawn from b3. It turns out that positions will not necessarily arise in pure form Fedoseev was relying on a cute stalemate trick
the ensuing position is lost for White, and that every time; the true endgame virtuoso knows to save the day, but allowing the pawn to a2
should not be a surprise: once the knight is how to use theoretical positions as beacons of simply places too large of a burden on White’s
reduced to utter passivity and the passer light, guiding his play in outwardly dissimilar pieces.
advances past the sixth rank, White’s prospects positions. And in this case, just such an approach
74. ... a3 75. bxa3 bxa3 76. Kd1 a2 77.
are not very promising. can be used to uncork one of the most brilliant
Nb3 Kc4 78. Na1 Kc3 79. Kc1 Bf5 80. h4
But there doesn’t seem to be any conceivable ideas in recent endgame memory: Bg6!
way to stop ... a4-a3, or to breach the diagonal 74. Nb3!!! No, this is not a typo. Yes, three
blockade. It transpires that the first of these exclamation marks. What makes chess so attrac- Zugzwang numero uno. Get rid of the pawn.
assumptions is correct, but the second, believe tive to me is that even the wildest ideas can be 81. h5 Bxh5 82. Nc2 Be8 83. Na1 Ba4 84.
it or not, is false. The drawing idea—rendered understood with enough persistence and logical Nc2
all the more stunning by the fact that it is the thinking. This is just such an idea: after 74. ...
only path to salvation—is so jaw-dropping that axb3 75. Kd2, we reach the exact same theoretical This was Fedoseev’s intention all along, but
it took me a long, long time before I accepted position as the one shown above, with a few the king simply repositions itself.
its objective value. inconsequential differences. You can even put 84. ... Kb3, White resigned.
The theoretical underpinning of this idea can black pawns on b5, b6, and b7, and the situation
be found in the following stem position, featured remains the same: White will push the h-pawn After 85. Na1+ Ka3 it is Zugzwang numero
in Karsten Müller and Frank Lamprecht’s classic until Black is forced to take it, and voilà! dos, since 86. Nc2+ no longer works for obvious
work, Fundamental Chess Endings: Skepticism is encouraged, but the fact of the reasons.
matter is that 74. Nb3 is the only drawing move. OK, maybe I overhyped it. But to me, ideas
(see diagram next column)
Now, if Black does not take the knight, then like 74. Nb3 offer a direct refutation to the
This is a draw with either side to move, and White is well in time to stop the pawns, since common endgames-are-boring trope. No, they
regardless of the bishop’s color (!). See for a direct route to the queenside is now open for are not. And they’re happy to punch you in the
yourself: put a bishop on any square on the White’s king. Some illustrative lines: face if necessary.
www.uschess.org 47
Grand Prix / Junior Grand Prix
FINAL 2017
GRAND PRIX STANDINGS 2018 AWARDS
12,500
CONGRATULATIONS TO 2017 GRAND PRIX CHAMPION
GM ELSHAN MORADIABADI! $
See more about Moradiabadi on page 72 in our “My Best Move” column.
IN CASH PRIZES!
2017 US CHESS GRAND PRIX STANDINGS
NAME STATE PTS. FIRST PRIZE: $5,000!
1 GM ELSHAN MORADIABADI NC 313.10
2nd: $2,500 | 3rd: $1,000
2 GM RUIFENG LI TX 248.08
4th: $900 | 5th: $800
3 GM ALEXANDER IVANOV MA 262.16
6th: $700 | 7th: $600
4 GM ALEKSANDR LENDERMAN NY 245.02
8th: $500 | 9th: $300
5 GM BRYAN G. SMITH PA 220.36
10th: $200
6 GM VLADIMIR BELOUS TX 217.75
7 GM ANDREY STUKOPIN TX 216.20
8 GM SAMUEL SEVIAN MA 187.70
9 GM ILLIA I. NYZHNYK MO 168.90
The Grand Prix point totals reflect all
rated event information as of February 7,
10 GM ALEXANDER SHABALOV PA 151.90 2018 for the 2017 Grand Prix.
2017 US CHESS JUNIOR GRAND PRIX FINAL STANDINGS: ALAN HUNG IS CHAMP
Congratulations to Northern California’s
who just edged out
of Virginia to win the 2017 US Chess Junior Grand
Prix. Hung is awarded a Chess.com one-year Diamond membership valued at $100, a Chess.com gear/merchandise package valued at $100, a US
Chess award, free entry into the 2018 U.S. Open, and $1,000 of expense money from US Chess to offset the trip. For the top five players on the
overall list and to each state winner, Chess.com also awards a choice of a one-year ChessKid.com gold membership (valued at $50/annually) or a
one-year Chess.com Gold membership (valued at $40/annually). US Chess gratefully acknowledges the participation of Chess.com!
Name State Pts. State Leaders State Pts. State Leaders State Pts.
HUNG, ALAN CA-N 11219 SHEPARD, RIVER ID 2766 CAO, ELTON OH 7391
PILLAI, ADITHYA VA 11197 PLOTNICK, JACOB IL 7358 PETERS, AARON OK 8981
SIVAKUMAR, SHAASHWATH CA-N 9792 KACZANOWSKI, AIDAN P IN 4208 TANG, AUSTIN OR 5007
SIVAKUMAR, SHAAKETH CA-N 9727 SHESHAPPA, SAMEETH KS 5510 FENG, ANDREW T PA 7863
LAM, KOIIP NY 8986 SHAWKAT, SAIF KY 4980 VAIJAEEPAY, VAISHNAVI RI 3318
APPLEGARTH, BRYANT LA 4193 MOORE, ELI DAVIS SC 3250
State Leaders State Pts. SU, CARAH MA 5138 TAO, ARTHUR SD 1822
KING, KENNY PAUL AK 700 GUO, BRADLEY MD 4490 RODRIGUEZ, CARLOS XAVIER TERR 2100
VELIDANDLA, SARVAGNA AL 3656 AMAR, BENJAMIN ME 3446 WU, LILLIAN TN 6059
BELLISARIO, STEVEN AR 5701 REED, HUNTER MI 5814 KUNG, THOMAS TX 5497
SELVAM, SANJAY AZ 6532 LEE, ALICE MN 3922 RAY, UJAN UT 6204
RAJARAM, ANIKA CA-N 8064 ZHENG, MERRICK MO 6704 LI, MENGYI VA 7205
HUANG, YISHI CA-S 6300 WU, RYAN BOYD MS 5931 TAYLOR, AEDAN E VT 1758
MARSH, ALEXANDER J CO 2449 CARLINO, DANIEL MT 700 LI, ALBERT WA 6676
WEBER, MADELINE L WI 6103
HATCHER, KATHERINE CT 4701 RAMESH, RAHUL NC 8661
YADAV, OMKAR WV 1506
SPASOJEVIC, NICHOLAS DC 7592 SOORI, ISAIAH C ND 652
MC LNERNEY, BRYAN C WY 2994
LUO, TERRY DE 6215 REVESZ, GREGORY NE 1210
CHEN, BENJAMIN LJ FL 5893 TIRUVEEDHULA, SUHAVI NH 5260
MYDUKUR, AMIT GA 6709 CHINNAMBETI, ABHINAV NJ 8560
WHITE, ADRIEL HI 2268 CONTRERAS, ANDRES NM 3978
CHEN, NATHAN IA 4155 NAJIBZADEH, OMID NV 1650
PORTH, DARWIN ALBERT ID 2766 YANG, JACK NATHANIEL NY 8181
Official standings for events received and processed by February 6, 2018.
48 August2018
March 2017 | | Chess
ChessLife
Life www.uschess.org 48
Tournament Life / March
Bids
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Note: Tournament memberships not valid for National events
events.
OVERDUE BIDS
Please contact the National Office if you are
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according to the following schedule. However,
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2$62$6*043*6-5/)62634)5234-6**3)/
.+,"6 '%'6
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,,)164334-6#.+,"!6 '%'60*366July 28-August 5, July 31-August 5 or August 2-5 • RATING SUPPLEMENTS
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.+,"6 '%'64/)*$/6&1*//6&14(0523/15066August 17-21 • Greensboro, North Carolina PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS HEALTH AND
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www.uschess.org 51
Tournament Life / March
US Chess, over-the-board (OTB) ratings. Awards: Trophies to top indi- West, 1313 John Q. Hammons Dr., Middleton, WI 53582, HR: $115, Call 4SS, G/61 d5. Bergen Academy, 200 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, NJ
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US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6
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2500-1250-600-350-300-250-250-250-250. Under 1700: $4,000-2,000- U.S. Open Scholastic (see separate TLA for the Scholastic event); if paid with entry. Online at chessaction.com, Adult $35, Young Adult
1,000-500-300-250-250-250-250-250. Under 1500: 3000-1500-700-350- Mon-Wed-ThuFri July 30, August 1, 2, 3 U. S. Open Quads (one- $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $25,
300-250-250-250-250-250. Under 1300: $2000-1,000-500-300-250-250- day events) G/30 d5. Entry fee $20. Registration 9:30-11:30 a.m., Scholastic $17. Re-entry $60; not available in Master Section. 3-day
250, top under 1000 (no provisional) $900. Beginners (unrated or rated Rounds at noon, 1:30 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. $50 to first in each quad. Tue schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:15.
under 1000): 3 schedules with 6 rounds per day $200-125-75 each day July 31 U.S. Open Quads (Tuesday Quads Only)G/60 d5. Entry Fee 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun 10 &
plus $300 overall (best 2 results). Plus Score Bonus: ($12,000 guar- $20. Registration 9 a.m.-10:00 a.m., Rounds at 10:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. 3:15. All: Half point byes OK all, limit 2, Master must commit before rd.
anteed) in addition to any other prizes, every player with 4 points or and 3:30 p.m. $50 to first in each quad. U.S. Open Bughouse Sat. 2, others before rd. 3. HR: $127-127-127-127 (no resort fee), includes
more wins a $50 gift certificate. Plus score certificates will be awarded 10:30 AM 7/28. 19th Annual Golf Tournament for the US Open resort fee benefits (free wireless & entertainment in room, parking,
on site only. Mixed Doubles: best male/female combined 2-player Chess Players, (see tournament website for details). US Open Tennis use of fitness center, etc). 1-800-421-8001, 407-351-2420; reserve by
team score: $1,500-750-350-250-150. Teammates may play in different Tournament (see tournament website for details). In addition, three 3/2 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, AWD D657633,
sections but must have average rating below 2200. The Freddie: Players other championships will also take place: the 2018 Denker Tournament or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Ent: chessaction.com or
age 14 and under are eligible for best game prizes including the Freddie of HS Champions (see website for participants’ list), the 2018 Barber Continental Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. $15 service charge
Award and $400 in cash prizes (donated by Fred Gruenberg). Unrated Tournament of K-8 Champions (see website for participants’ list) for refunds. Questions: DirectorAtChess.us, chesstour.com, chesstour.info,
players may play only in Beginners or Open Section. Provisionally rated and the 2018 National Girls’ Tournament of Champions (see website 347-201-2269. Entries posted at chessaction.com (online entries posted
players may not win more than 40% of top prize in any under section; for participants’ list). Please check the U.S. Open website often for instantly). Blitz tournament Sat 9:30 pm, enter by 9:15 pm.
balance goes to next player(s) in line. CCA minimum ratings or other updates, new information and corrections and other useful doc-
uments! http://www.uschess.org/tournaments/2018/usopen/ US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
ratings may be used if higher than US Chess June Supplement. EF:
MAR. 16-18 OR 17-18, TEXAS
$199 by 1/31, $229 by 5/31, $259 by 6/19, $280 later. Add $125 for AUG. 4, WISCONSIN
adults rated under 2200 or juniors under 2100 playing in the Open US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15 LONE STAR OPEN
Section. $40 less for seniors 65 and over. Beginners section only: $125 2018 U.S. OPEN NATIONAL BLITZ CHAMPIONSHIP (BLZ)
less for players in only 1 schedule, $60 less in 2 schedules. Reg.: 1 5SS, (Open and U2000 Sections are G/90 i30, and FIDE rated; All other
7 Double Round (14 games) Swiss, 1 section, G/5 d0. Blitz rated, higher Sections are G/120 d5). Free entry for GMs,IMs,WGMs and WIMs (EF
p.m.-6 p.m. Thursday. Rds.: 7:30, 11-5:30, 10-4:30, 10-4:30. 3-day sched- of regular or Blitz rating used. Entry fee $40, free to Unrated players if
ule: Reg.: 8:30-9:30 a.m. Friday. Rds 11-2 then merge with 4-day in deducted from winnings). SIDE EVENTS: (Schol. Team & Ind., 4SS, G/30
paying US Chess dues. Registration 9-11:30 a.m, round 1 begins at d5, 1-day only, Sat. Mar. 17th); 5-min. Blitz “CAJUN KNOCK-OUT” (Sat.
round 3 at 5:30. 2-day schedule: Reg.: 8:30-9 a.m. Saturday. Rds.: 10- noon. $2000 Guaranteed Prizes!: $$400-200-150, U2200 $200-100,
11:30-1-2:30 then merge with 4-day in round 4 at 4:30. Half point byes night after Rd. 3). Separate room for schol. Players - A trophy or medal
U2000 $200-100, U1800 $180-90, U1600/Unrated $140-70, U1400 $100, will be awarded to each schol. player. DoubleTree by Hilton near IAH
available in any round; round 6 or 7 byes must be requested before the U1200 $70. See also http://www.uschess.org/tournaments/2018/usopen
start of round 2 and may not be cancelled. Chess sets and boards Airport (Houston North – JFK Blvd. off of Beltway 8), 15747 John F.
for additional details. Kennedy Blvd., Houston, TX 77032, Ph: 281-848-4000, $89 chess rate
provided for tournament play only, not for skittles. Please bring digital
chess clocks! The LAS VEGAS INTERNATIONAL CHESS FESTIVAL fea- (reserve by 3/2 and mention Cajun Chess Tournament). Free Parking!
tures the National Open, the U.S. Women’s Open, the International Free airport shuttle service! Free wireless internet in all guestrooms!
Youth Championship, and other events. Many free extras and surprises!
Free parking. Free raffles with great prizes. Free GM Lectures. Free
Grand Prix Discounted Hotel Breakfast Coupons for all hotel room guests ($12 Hot
Breakfast Buffet – Guests are responsible for tax & gratuities). Hotel
GM analysis of your games. Free Daily Bulletins and free commemorative US Chess Junior Grand Prix! check-in time is 3pm; check-out time is 12 noon. For guests who need
DVD for all participants. Grandmaster Simuls and Chess Camp for A State Championship Event! later check out on Sunday, you may stay in your room until 7pm for an
all ages on Thursday. U.S. Women’s Open Wednesday and Thursday. MAR. 10-11, DELAWARE additional day rate of $69; otherwise, hotel will store luggage at no
Walter Browne Memorial Blitz Thursday 2:00 p.m. Youth Tournaments US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 charge on Sunday afternoon for those checking out at 12 noon. 5 Sects.
Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Blitz Sectionals Friday, Saturday & Sunday. DELAWARE STATE OPEN CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP PRIZES: $10,000 b/200 paid ent. OPEN: $1400-800-500-300-200; U2200:
Poker Tournament Monday Morning. Don’t be shut out - make your Hilton, Christiana Hotel, 100 Continental Dr., Newark, DE 19713 (off I- $700-400; U2000: $800-400-200-100-50; U1800: $800-400-200-100-50;
reservations early and be sure to ask for the CHESS rates — $69 single 95). Ask for the special price to reserve room for the chess tournament. U1600/Unr*: $8023z0-400-200-100-50; U1300: $400-300-200-100-50.
or double ($92 Friday and Saturday nights) guarantees a premium room 302-454-1500. 6-SS Open, 5-SS U1600, G/90 d5. Open: $600, $300, *Unrated players may only win 50% of the prize fund except in the Open
with new furniture, refrigerator, flat screen TV and more. The resort $150, U2200 $150, U2000 $150, U1800 $150, U1600 $400, $240, $140, Sect. where they must pay full EF and are eligible for full prize fund.
package including access to the Fitness Center, free WI-FI, and more U1400 $140, U1200 $140, U1000 $140. Special DE Resident Prizes: Schol.Sects. (Team & Individual): K-2, K-5, K-8, K-12. Prizes: Trophies
is substantially discounted for our group. Cutoff for special hotel rate Delaware State Champion: Crystal Trophy + Free entry in next year’s to top 5 individuals & top 3 teams in each section (more ind. trophies
is May 31; after that rates will increase significantly and there event, Delaware State Woman’s Champion: Trophy + Free entry in depending on pre-entries). Every non-trophy winner receives a souvenir
may not be any rooms available. (800) 732-7117 or www.Vegas next year’s event (may be in U1600 or open section based on perform- chess medal. Teams may have as many players as they wish from the
ChessFestival.com/hotel. ENT: Vegas Chess Festivals, PO Box 90925, ance), Top DE U1600 Trophy. Top DE Junior under age 18 Trophy. Reg.: same school in the same section but must have a minimum of 3 players
Henderson, NV 89009-0925, online at www.VegasChessFestival.com. Advanced reg: Delaware Chess Association, 2400 N. Broom St., Apt. to be considered a team; the top 4 scores will count for final team score.
Info: (702) 930-9550 and leave a message. FIDE. W. 203, Wilmington, DE 19802. 302-893-9519. TD: William Trueman. On- Scholastic Players may play in both Scholastic and Main Tourna-
site Reg: 8am - 9am. EF: Free entry to GM’s and IM’s ($50 deducted ments if desired by registering for the Scholastic Tournament AND
A Heritage Event! a section in the 3-day Schedule of the Main Tournament with a
US Chess Junior Grand Prix! from prizes), $65 by 3/06, $70 at the site. Rds.: Sat.10, 2, 6, Sun. 9, 1,
(5 open only). Half point Byes: 2 available. $ prizes b/40 in each 1/2-point Bye in the 2nd Round of the 3-Day Schedule. USCF-rec-
JULY 28-AUG. 5, JULY 31-AUG. 5 OR AUG. 2-5, WISCONSIN ommended computer tiebreaks will decide trophy and medal placements
section. Email: trueman56@gmail.com
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 300 (ENHANCED) for winners of all schol. sections. Free chess gift to oldest player and to
119TH ANNUAL U.S. OPEN US Chess Junior Grand Prix! player who travels farthest to OPEN tourn. CAJUN BOUNTY: Defeat the
Includes Traditional one game per day schedule (9 days), a 6-day slow MAR. 11, NEW JERSEY top ranked player in the OPEN sect. and win free entry to our next tour-
time control option, and 4-day option. 9SS, 40/120, SD/60 d5 (4-day US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15 (ENHANCED) nament! EF: $95 by 3/9; $110 thereafter and at site; Unr. (U1600) and
option, Rds. 1-6, G/60 d5; then 40/120, SD/60 d5). Madison Marriott DR. DAVID OSTFELD MEMORIAL ICA OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP Jrs. (under 19 yrs of age and playing in U1300 or U1600 Sections) $65
by 3/9; $80 thereafter and at site. Schol. EF: $20 by 3/9; $30 thereafter EF: $85. U1800 Section: $1100-750-450. Under 1600 $750-450. EF: reserve car online through chesstour.com. Ent: chessaction.com or
and at site; Re-Entry Fee (no Re-Entry in OPEN and U2000 Sects): $35 $70. U1400 Section: $500-300-200. Under 1200 $300-200. EF: $60. Continental Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. Questions: Director
(avail. up to Rd. 4; 3 re-entries or 2 Jr. entries count as one additional U1000 Section: $400-250-160. Under 800 $200-130. EF: $50. Unrated AtChess.US, chesstour.com, chesstour.info, 347-201-2269. $15 service
entry for prize fund). 3-day Sched: Reg. Fri. 5:30-7pm, Rds. Fri. 8pm; players in the U1800 section can only win $375, in U1400 $175 & U1000 charge for refunds. Entries posted at chessaction.com (online entries
Sat. 2-7, Sun. 10-3. 2-day Sched: Reg. Sat. 7:45-8:30am, (Rds. Sat. 9-2- $125. No limit in Open. Balance to next prize winners. EF refunded and posted instantly). Blitz tournament Saturday 9:30 pm, enter by 9:15 pm.
7, Sun. 10-3. Both schedules merge at Rd. 2. Schol. Sched: (All 4 rds. $100 appearance award to all GM and IM if paid by 3/5/2018. All EF
G/30 d5 - one day only, Sat., Mar. 17). Reg. Sat. 8:30am-9:30am, Rd.
A Heritage Event!
add $20 after 3/5/2018. NYSCA members deduct $3. All sections USCF US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
one at 10am; Other Rds. will immediately follow. Byes for OPEN & U2000 rated. Ratings as in March Supplement. Bring sets, boards, and clocks
Sects: Up to two 1/2-pt. byes available for any round except Round 5 (if – none provided. Food court and chess books & equipment sales available MAR. 23-25, VIRGINIA
you cannot stay for Rd. 5 you must take a 0-pt. bye or simply withdraw onsite. No smoking allowed on The Strong campus. Free parking. Reg.: US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30
after Rd. 4); Byes for all other Sects. In Open Tourn: Up to two 1/2-pt. 8:30-9:15am. Rds.: Sat. 10-2:15-6:30, Sun. 10-2:15. One 1/2 point bye 51ST VIRGINIA OPEN
byes avail. For any Rd. and must commit before Rd. 3. Byes for SCHOL. available in rds. 1, 2, 3, or 4 if requested at entry. Optional first round 5SS, a VCF Cup Event, $$4000 Guaranteed! SITE: Washington Dulles
Tourn: Only one ½-point bye allowed and must commit before Rd. 2. HR: Friday, 3/16/2018 at 7pm played at Rochester Chess Center (register Airport Marriott Hotel, 45020 Aviation Dr., Dulles, VA 20166; www.mar-
$89 (281-848-4000), reserve by 3/2 and mention Cajun Chess Tournament by 6:30pm). Info: 585-442-2430. Mail entry to: Rochester Chess Center, riott.com, 703-471-9500, rooms $104 Chess Rate plus taxes, res. by
to assure group rate. ENT: On-line registration, printable entry form, 221 Norris Dr., Rochester, NY 14610. Web: nychess.org. Store: Fri. 3/2 at 1-800-228-9200 or 703-471-9500. Two Sections. OPEN (FIDE-
and more detailed info at www.cajunchess.com, or mail entry form to chessset.com. rated): $750-475-325-230; Top X and A (based on USCF ratings) ea
Cajun Chess, 12405 Hillary Step Dr., Olive Branch, MS 38654. Info or $200. FIDE Rules, 30-minute default for late arrivals. AMATEUR (U1900,
Phone Ent: 504-208-9596 or 504-905-2971. Major credit cards accepted US Chess Junior Grand Prix! USCF Rated): $500-300-200; Top B,C,D, ea $175, Top U1200 $165, Top
(no checks at site). FIDE. MAR. 17-18, MAINE Unr $130 (limited to $200 place award). Plaques to 1st Place in Open
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 (ENHANCED) and Amateur. Trophies to Top U1000, U800, U600 and Unrated. 5 Rds.:
US Chess Junior Grand Prix! SACO OPEN Rd. 1 Fri 3/23, 7:30pm (G/90 inc/30); Rds. 2 & 3 Sat 3/24 10am (G/90
MAR. 16-18 OR 17-18, CALIFORNIA, NORTHERN Hampton Inn Saco/Biddeford, 48 Industrial Park Rd., Saco, ME 04072. Inc/30) & 3pm (40/90, SD/30 inc/30), Rds. 4 & 5 Sun 3/25 10am &
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 Both sections will use FIDE pairing rules. In 2 Sections, Open: 4SS, 4pm (40/90, SD/30 inc/30). EF: $85 if rec’d by Sat. 3/17, $100 starting
CAL CHESS WOMEN’S STATE CHAMPIONSHIP 40/90, SD/30 + 30 Sec. Increment. FIDE rated. $$GTD: $500-250. Sun. 3/18 and on site. VCF Mem req. for VA Residents ($15 Adults, $8
Double Tree by Hilton Berkeley Marina, 200 Marina Blvd., Berkeley. U2250 $150, U2000 $150. No analog clocks allowed in this section. Junior under 18 yo). Byes: One 1/2 point Bye allowed Rds. 1-4, must
Prizes: $1,500. 100% guar. 1st-3rd $500-300-200, u2000: 200. u1600 U1750: 4SS, 40/90, SD/30 + 30 Sec. Increment, Analog clocks play commit by Sat 9:30am. Re-entry $40, start Rd2 with 1/2 pt. Checks
$150, u1200/unr 150. Mar 18 Supp & TD disc. Reg.: Fri 6:30-6:45. $60 40/90, SD/60, Open to 1749 & under. $$GTD: $400-200. U1500 $100, payable to Virginia Chess Federation. REG.: On-line at www.vachess.org,
Onsite. SCHED: 3Day Fri 7pm Sat 11am, 4pm Sun 11am 4pm 2 Day Sat U1250 $100, Unrated $75. ALL: EF: $52 postmarked by 3/10, $57 at mail to Mike Hoffpauir, ATTN: VA Open, 405 Hounds Chase, Yorktown,
11am 1:30pm 4:00pm Sun 11am, 4pm merges with 3 day in Round 3.1 site. Reg.: Registration 9:00-9:45. Advance entries must be postmarked VA 23693; On-Site Fri 3/23 5-6:45pm. Info: www.vachess.org, or andr-
TC: G/90+30 2day Rds. 1, 2 G/60 d5 EF: 50, after 3/14 +10 WGMs, by 10 March 2018. Rds.: 10-4, 10-4. One half point bye available rounds erea2@yahoo.com.
WIMs WFM,s -$0 by 3/10. Info: www.Berkeleychessschool.org. FIDE 1-3. Must be requested before round 1. ENT: Alex Relyea, 49 Technology
RATED. Dr. #89, Bedford, NH 03110. INFO: Alex Relyea relyea@operamail.com. US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
www.relyeachess.com. HR: $89 by 24 February. Call 207-282-7222 MAR. 23-25 OR 24-25, CALIFORNIA, NORTHERN
MAR. 16-18 OR 17-18, CALIFORNIA, NORTHERN US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 (ENHANCED)
and mention Relyea Chess or https://secure3.hilton.com/en_US/hp/
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 reservation/book.htm?ctyhocn=PWMSCHX&corporateCode=000315 IM WALTER SHIPMAN MEMORIAL CHAMPIONSHIP
CAL CHESS SENIOR STATE CHAMPIONSHIP 8308&from=lnrlink. W. Fri: BAC office 2050 Concourse Drive, #42, San Jose 95131; Sat & Sun:
Double Tree by Hilton Berkeley Marina, 200 Marina Blvd., Berkeley. Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Pkwy. Park Free!
Prizes: $1,000. 100% guar. 1st-3rd $350-250-100, u2000: 100. u1600 MAR. 18, VIRGINIA 5SS, G/90 +30 2-day rds. 1-2 G/61 d5. Park free. Prize: 5,000 b/90
$75, u1400/unr 50. Mar 18 Supp & TD disc. Reg.: Fri 6:30-6:45. $60 US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 (60% guar). 3 sects: 2000+ (FIDE) $1,000-500-200, u2300: 250-125-
Onsite. SCHED: 3Day Fri 7pm Sat 11am, 4pm Sun 11am 4pm 2 Day Sat DULLES MAR 2018 FIDE RAPID/USCF QUICK RATED (QC) & 100. 1600-1999: $700-300-100, u1800: 200-100, u1600: $700-300-100
11am 1:30pm 4:00pm Sun 11am, 4pm merges with 3 day in Round 3.1 U1400 SCHOLASTIC QUADS u1400: 125-100, u1200: 100. Unr max $100 exc Open. Mar 18 Supp &
TC: G/90+30 2day Rds. 1, 2 G/60 d5. EF: 40, after 3/14 +10 GMs, Location: Washington Dulles Airport Marriott (Downstairs Reston Salon), TD disc. Reg.: F 6:30-6:45p & Sa 9:30-9:45a. Rds.: F 7p, Sa 10a, 3p Su
IMs, FMs -$0 by 3/10. Info: www.Berkeleychessschool.org. FIDE RATED. 45020 Aviation Dr., Dulles, VA 20166. Two Sections. Open (FIDE) and 10a 2:30p. (2-day Sa 10a 12:30 & merge). EF: 109, Econ EF: 89 w 50%
U1800. 5-SS, G/15;10sec inc. Open MIN 1700 to play otherwise pay prz, after 3/15 +20. Playup +30. GMs/IMs- $0 by 3/10 (prize - EF).
US Chess Junior Grand Prix! $30 addl EF. Prizes: Open $$340 GTD: $200-100 U1900 $40. U1800
MAR. 16-18 OR 17-18, NORTH CAROLINA Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/champs.
$240 b/15: $120-60-30 U1500 $30. EF: $25-3/13, $30-3/16, $35
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 40 (ENHANCED) after/onsite, CAC $5 less. GMs/IMs Free-PrizeDedn $20. OnsiteRegn MAR. 24, CONNECTICUT
5TH ANNUAL RON SIMPSON MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT closes 9:15am. Round#1: 9:30am. Side Event U1400 Scholastic US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6
5-SS, G/120 d5. Ramada Hotel & Convention Center, 2703 Ramada Rd., Quads: EF $5 less 3- RR G/40 d5, Trophy/Medals. Mailed entries: PO 2018 Greater New Haven Championships!
Burlington, NC 27215, (336) 227-5541, mention chess for $74 rate until Box 223582, Chantilly, VA 20151 Checks payable to ‘Capital Area Chess’. at Elm City Prep, $1000 Prize Fund! b/30, $500 b/15. Open, U1700
March 2, 2018. Full hot buffet breakfast included! $5,000 in total prizes Email information only: info@capitalareachess.com. Online Info/Regn/ 4/SS, G/60 d5, Rds.: 9-11-1:30-3:30. Rds.: 1 & 2 accl’rtd prngs if nec.
ALL UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED! CHAMPIONSHIP: $800-400- Adv Entries: capitalareachess.com. U1200, U1000, U800/UNR: 5SS, G/30 d5. Rds.: 10am then ASAP, Open:
200-100; U2200 (class): 160-110; U2000 (class):150-105; U1800:
$600-400-250-200-150-100; U1600 (class): 160-110; U1400: $400-250- MAR. 20, NEW YORK
150; U1200 (class): 160-100. EF: $79 if received by March 11th; $91 US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10
thereafter. RDS.: Round 1: Friday at 7:30 pm or Saturday at 10 am (G90; MARSHALL MASTERS
d/5); then Saturday 2-7, Sunday 9-2. Two byes allowed (any round) must 4-SS, G/25 d5. Open to 2000+ players. FIDE Rapid rated. $750 GTD:
be requested before Round 2. Advance Entry: Online registration is $250-150-100; U2400: $125; U2300: $100; Biggest upset: $25. EF: $30;
available at www.carolinaschessinitiative.com. Alternately, mail checks Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour
to: CCI, 105 N. Crabtree Knoll, Chapel Hill, NC 27514. Make checks payable before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. Max one bye, for
to: Carolinas Chess Initiative (CCI). On site entry: March 16th from 5-7 Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: www.marshallchess-
pm and March 17th from 8-9:30 am. Saturday Scholastic: Open to kids club.org/register.
rated U1000. 4 Rd-SS, G/30 d5. EF: $20 by March 11th, $25 thereafter. MAR. 23, NEW YORK
Rounds: 10:30 am-12:30 pm-1:45 pm-3:00 pm. Trophies: top 5 in two US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6
sections. Sections based on ratings. INFO: Walter High wmhigh@nc.rr.com.
MARSHALL $500 FIDE BLITZ (BLZ)
No smoking or tobacco products including electronic cigarettes.
9-SS, G/3 +2. FIDE Blitz rated. USCF regular rating used for pairings &
MAR. 17, MASSACHUSETTS prizes. $500 GTD: $200-100; U2400/unr, U2200, U2000, U1800: $50.
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 EF: $20; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person
BOYLSTON CHESS FOUNDATION reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: Begin at 7pm and continue
4SS, G/60 d5. Sections: Open & U1900. Entry fee: $35, $20 for BCF ASAP. Max three byes; request at entry. Register Online: www.mar-
members, $5 more if not registering online. Prizes: $400 Guaranteed: shallchessclub.org/register.
Open $150-$100-50, U1900 $100. Registration: 9:15am – 9:45am. US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
Rounds: 10:00am, 1:00pm, 3:30pm, 6:00pm. Address: Boylston Chess MAR. 23-25 OR 24-25, MISSOURI
Foundation, 40 Norris St., Suite B101, Cambridge, MA 02140. Phone:
617-714-3022. E-mail:boylstonchess@gmail.com. Register online at: US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 120 (ENHANCED)
https://boylstonchess.org/. 22ND ANNUAL MID-AMERICA OPEN
5SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Clayton Plaza
MAR. 17, NEW YORK Hotel St. Louis-Clayton, 7750 Carondelet Ave., St. Louis, MO 63105 (I-
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15 (ENHANCED) 64 W/US 40-W Exit 32B, 1.2 miles north on Hanley Rd). Free parking.
19TH ANNUAL BRUCE BOWYER MEMORIAL $$ 20,000 GUARANTEED PRIZES. In 6 sections: Major: Open to
4SS, G/45 d10. ** ESTONIAN HOUSE, 243 East 34th Street between 1800/over. $2000-1000-600-400, clear winner or 1st on tiebreak $100
Second and Third Avenues. 212.684.0336.**Note: Saturday Grand Prix bonus, top U2300 $800-400. FIDE. Under 2100: $1500-700-500-300.
and Sunday Scholastic • Info@ Facebook: Bruce Bowyer Foundation Under 1900: $1500-700-500-300. Under 1700: $1400-700-500-300.
or (Pat Bowyer) 516.641.4521. EF: $20. $$G: $250-$175-$125, U2200 Under 1500: $1200-600-400-300. Under 1250: $900-500-300-200. Prize
$100, U2000 $75, U1800 $60. New: Mixed Doubles Bonus Prize: best limits: Unrated may not win over $200 in U1250, $400 U1500, or $600
male/female 2-player team combined score: $100. Team must average U1700. Mixed doubles: best male/female 2-player team combined
U2200; register (no extra fee) onsite by 1:30 pm; teammate pairings score among all sections: $800-400-200. Team must average under
avoided but possible. Reg.: 10am-10:45. Rds.: 11-1:30-3:45-5:45pm. 2200, may play in different sections, register (no extra fee) by 2 pm
Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), must commit by 1:30PM. Ent: Cks or MO 3/24. Top 5 sections EF:$113 at chessaction.com by 3/21, 3-day $118,
payable to Pat Bowyer (be sure to specify “Grand Prix, Saturday”), c/o 2-day $117 mailed by 3/14, $130 online until 2 hours before round 1 or
APS, 3500 North State Road 7, Ste 400, Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33319. • at site. GMs free; $100 deducted from prize. U1250 Section EF: all
Payment must be received by March 13 latest. NO door ents. You $20 less than above. Online EF $3 less to MCA members. No checks
*MUST* bring clocks and sets, none will be provided. at site, credit cards OK. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used
if otherwise unrated. Special 1 yr USCF dues with magazine if paid
A Heritage Event! with entry: Online at chessaction.com, Adult $35, Young Adult $22,
US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Scholastic $15. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult
MAR. 17-18, NEW YORK $25, Scholastic $17. Re-entry $60; not available in Major Section. 3-
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 150 (ENHANCED) day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 5, Sun 10 &
40TH ANNUAL MARCHAND OPEN 3:15. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun 10
Dr. Erich Marchand “requested that his friends play chess in his memory.” & 3:15. Byes: OK all, limit 2; Major must commit before rd. 2, others
5SS, G/115 d5. Location: Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan before rd. 3. HR: $102-105, includes free full hot buffet breakfast. 888-
Square, Rochester, NY 14607. $16,440 Gtd. Open Section: $3000- 2000- 303-1746, 314-726-5400, request chess rate, reserve by 3/9 or rate
1300-800-500-300. Under 2200 & U2000 each $750-450. FIDE Rated. may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633, or
www.uschess.org 53
Tournament Life / March
$300, $200, $100, $50. U1700 $150 + trophy, $100, $50, $50. Tro- 9:45 at site. Rds.: 10:00, 12:30, 2:15, 4:00. Prizes: $2000 b/ on 90 $82 mailed by 3/19, $100 at site. Online late entry after 3/27: available
phies to top 5 U1200, U1000, U800/Unrated, top 3 school teams. paid entries. Open: $400, $200, U-2200 $100. U-2000: $250, $150, until 2 hours before round 1, same price as entry at site. EF $100 less
EF: $40 Online, $50 by 3/18, $80 on site. EF: Educational Technologies, U1750 $100. U-1500: $250, $150, U1250 $100. U1000: $150, $75, U750 to seniors 65/over in Open through U1400. Special 1 year USCF mem-
343 Beach St. #404, West Haven, CT 06516. Online EF save $10! $75. Free pizza and drinks for all players and parents! Info: Contact: bership with magazine if paid with entry: Online at chessaction.com,
www.edutechchess.com or www.CTChess.com. Mike Joelson, 216-321-7000. Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or at site, Adult $40,
Young Adult $25, Scholastic $17. No checks at site, credit cards OK.
MAR. 24, PENNSYLVANIA US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Re-entry: $100, no re-entry from Open Section to Open Section. 5-day
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 MAR. 28-APR. 1, MAR. 29-APR. 1, MAR. 30-APR. 1 OR MAR. schedule (Open only): Reg. ends Wed 6 pm, rds. Wed. 7 pm, Thu 12 &
17TH HORIZONS FOR YOUTH SPRING SCHOLASTIC RBO 31-APR. 1, PENNSYLVANIA 7, Fri 11 & 6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:15. 4-day schedule (no Open):
$375 GTD. 5SS, G/30 d5. Northampton Com.College, 3835 Green Pond US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 200 (ENHANCED) Reg. ends Thu 6 pm, rds. Thu 7 pm, Fri 11 & 6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 &
Rd., Main Campus, Coll. Ctr. Bldg., Bethlehem, PA 18020. Reg.: 8:30am, 12th annual Philadelphia Open 4:15. 3-day schedule (no Open): Reg. ends Fri 10 am, rds Fri 11, 2:30
Rds.: 9:30, ASAP. 2 Events: 1) Open and U1200,18yrs & under 2) Age- OPEN SECTION, Mar 28 - Apr 1: 9SS, 40/2, SD/30 d10. GM & IM & 6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:15. 2-day schedule (not Open): Reg. ends
Based, Non-Rated,14 yrs & under. EF: $34 by 11pm, 3/22, $39 after. norms possible, FIDE rated. OTHER SECTIONS, MAR 29 - APR 1, MAR Sat. 9 am, rds. Sat. 10, 12, 2, 3:45 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:15. 4-day, 3-day, 2-
Prizes: OPEN $200-1st +, $100-2nd+Trophys-1st,2nd, 3rd, 4th, U14; 30 - APR 1 or MAR 31-APR 1: 7SS, 40/2, SD/30 d10 (3-day option, day merge & compete for same prizes. Byes: Half point byes OK all
U1200 $75-1st+Trophys 1st, 2nd, 3rd, U10, U8, U6,UNR. OpenTie (Blit- rds. 1-2 G/60 d10; 2-day option, rds. 1-4 G/30 d10). Philadelphia Mar- rounds, limit 3 byes, limit 2 in last 4 rounds. Open Section must commit
zoff); Non-USCF Rated b/0 age. Ent: http://northampton.edu/noncredit/ riott Downtown, 1201 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19107, directly before rd. 3, other sections before rd. 4. Bring set, board, clock if
horizons-for-youth/bethlehem-school-year-programs.htm Online only. across the street from Reading Terminal Market with 80 food vendors. possible- none supplied. HR: $108-108-128, 215-625-2900, reserve by
Info: 610-861-4120; sazrinski@gmail.com. Prizes $80,000 based on 500 paid entries (seniors, re-entries, GMs, 3/16 or rate may increase. Parking: (rates subject to change) Marriott
IMs, WGMs count as half entries, U1100 Section as 40% entries), else valet, about $20/day (60% off regular rate) for first 100 spaces sold.
A State Championship Event! proportional, minimum $60,000 (75% of each prize) guaranteed. In 7
MAR. 24, PENNSYLVANIA Gateway Garage, 1540 Spring St. (3/5 mile from Marriott, 1 block from
sections: Open: $7000-4000-2000-1000-800-600-500-500-400-400, clear Sheraton Hotel), $7/day Sat & Sun, $20/day other days. Car rental:
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 or tiebreak first $200 bonus, FIDE Under 2400/Unr $2000-1000. Under
2018 PA STATE GAME/29 CHAMPIONSHIP (QC) Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633 or reserve car online at chess-
2200/Unr, Under 2000/Unr, Under 1800: each $5000-2500-1200-800- tour.com. Ratings: FIDE March used for Open, USCF April official for
5SS, G/29 d0. O’Hara Student Center, Univ. of Pitt., 4024 O’Hara St., 600-500-400-300-300-300; unrated may not win over $2000 in Under
Pittsburgh, PA 15213. 2 Sections: Championship: EF: $25 by 3/16, U2200 & below; note that USCF ratings after the April list (see above)
2000. Under 1600: $4000-2000-1000-700-500-400-300-300-300-300. may result in a $1500 prize limit. Foreign player ratings: see www.chess-
$35 later. $$ (690G): $200-100, U2000 $90, U1800 $80, U1600 $70, Under 1400: $3000-1500-1000-700-500-400-300-300-300-300. Under
U1400 $60, U1200 $50, U1000 $40. Trophies: 1-3 U1400, 1-3 U1200, 1- tour.com/foreignratings.htm. Cellphone & anti-cheating rules: see
1100/Unr: $1000-700-500-400-300-300-200-200-100-100; unrated may www.chesstour.com/devices.htm. Players must submit to a search for
3 U1000. Scholastic: Grades K-12 unrated or U900. EF: $15 by 3/16, not win over $300. Unrated not allowed in U1800, U1600 or U1400
$25 later. Trophies to Top 7, 1-3 U600. ALL: Trophies: 1-2 Schools, 1-2 electronic devices if requested by Director. Ent: chessaction.com or
sections. Mixed Doubles Bonus Prizes: best male/female combined Continental Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. $15 service charge
Clubs, Teams of 4-7 players from both sections. PSCF $5, OSA. Reg.: 2-player team score: $1000-500-300-200. In Open Section, only the first
10-10:30am. Rds.: 11-12:30-1:45-3-4:15. Ent: PSCF, c/o Tom Martinak, for refunds. Questions: DirectorAtChess.us, 347-201-2269, chesstour.com.
7 rounds are counted. Team must average under 2200; may play in dif- Advance entries posted at chessaction.com (online entries posted
25 Freeport St., Pittsburgh, PA 15223, martinak_tom_m@hotmail.com ferent sections; register (no extra fee) before both players begin round instantly). Blitz tournament Sat. 10:30 pm, reg. by 10:15 pm.
MAR. 24, NEW HAMPSHIRE 2. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated.
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 Prize limits: 1) If post-event rating posted 3/27/17-3/27/18 is more US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
NEW HAMPSHIRE QUICK CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP (QC) than 30 points over section maximum, prize limit $1500. 2) Players with MAR. 30-APR. 1 OR MAR. 31-APR. 1, NEVADA
8SS, G/25 d3. Holiday Inn Portsmouth, 300 Woodbury Avenue, Portsmouth, under 26 lifetime games as of April 2018 official cannot win over $500 US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 120 (ENHANCED)
NH 03801. EF: $22 postmarked by 17 March, $27 at site. Memb. Req’d: in U1100, $1000 in U1400, $1500 U1600, or $2000 U1800. 3) Balance of 7th Annual Reno Larry Evans Memorial - FIDE
$8, Juniors $6. $10 with printed NHCJ. OSA. $$GTD: $200- 100. U2000 any limited prize goes to next player(s) in line. Open EF, for GMs, IMs 6SS, OPEN Section 40/2, G/55 Min-d5, (“Expert”,“A”, “B”, “C”, “D”
$100. U1600 $100. Plaque and $100 bonus to top finishing NH resident. & WGMs: $128 online by 3/27, $160 at site. Minimum prize guarantees Sections 40/2, G/1-d5 - 2-Day Schedule G/1-d5) . Sands Regency
Reg.: 9:00-9:45. Rds.: 10-11-1-2-3-4-5:30-6:30. Byes available rounds 1- in Open Section, to players who enter online by 3/1 and play all 9 games Hotel/Casino, 345 N. Arlington Ave., Reno, NV 89501.1-866-386-7829
7, limit two. Must be requested before round four. Hotel requests that all with no byes: US GM $300, foreign GM $700 (limited to first 6 to enter, or (775) 348-2200. $$25,500 b/275. $$15,500 Gtd. (Prizes 1-7 in Open
outside food be eaten in your sleeping rooms. ENT: Alex Relyea, 49 Tech- others $400), foreign IM/WGM $400, foreign FM/WIM $300, foreign Section Gtd. plus 1/2 of all other prizes). 6 Sections. Open (FIDE
nology Drive #89, Bedford, NH 03110. INFORMATION: Alex Relyea FIDE rated $200. Open EF, for US players who are not USCF or FIDE Rated) (2200 & above) EF: $159, (2000-2199) EF: $200 (1999 & below)
relyea@operamail.com. www.relyeachess.com. W. rated 2200/over: $358 online at chessaction.com by 1/22, $378 online EF: $300. (GMs & IMs free but must enter by (3/2) or pay late fee)
by 3/27, $400 at site. Open EF, for others: $208 online at chess .$$2,000-1,000-800-600-500-300-300, (2399/below)- $1,000-500, (2299/
MAR. 24, OHIO action.com by 1/22, $228 online by 3/27, $250 at site. Open mailed below)- $1,000-500. (If there is a tie for 1st then a playoff for $100 out
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 entries: all $10 more than online entry, mail by 3/19. U2200 through of prize fund plus trophy). Expert Section (2000-2199) EF: $159; $$2,000-
CWRU MARCH MAGNUS U1400 Sections EF: $208 online at chessacton.com by 1/22, $228 800-400-300-200. Sec. ”A” (1800-1999) EF: $158; $$1,800-700-400-300-
4SS, G/45 d5. Tinkham Veale University Center, 11038 Bellflower Rd., online by 3/27, $250 at site. Mailed EF: 4-day $214, 3-day $213, 2-day 300, Sec. ”B” (1600-1799) EF: $157; $$1,700-700-400-300-300, Sec.
Cleveland, OH 44106. EF: $40, IMs, GMs free. Sections: Open, U2000, $212 mailed by 1/22, all $20 more mailed by 3/19. U1100/Unr Section ”C” (1400-1599) EF: $156; $$1,500-600-400-300-300, Sec. ”D”/under
U1500, U1000. Registration: Online at progresswithchess.org or 9- EF: $78 online at chessaction.com by 3/27, 4-day $84, 3-day $83, 2-day (1399 & below) EF: $150; $$1,000-400-300-200; (1199 & below) - $$300;
Type 1 yr 2 yr
Adult P $49 $95
Adult R $40 $75
Senior (65+) $40 $75
Young Adult P (U25)* $35 $65
Young Adult R (U25)* $26 $48
Youth P (U16)* $30 $55
Youth R (U16)* $22 $40
Scholastic P (U13)* $25 $45
Scholastic R (U13)* $17 $30
Premium membership provides a printed copy of Chess Life
(monthly) or Chess Life Kids (bimonthly) plus all other benefits
of regular membership. Regular membership provides online-
only access to Chess Life and Chess Life Kids. Youth provides
bimonthly Chess Life, Scholastic bimonthly Chess Life Kids,
others listed above monthly Chess Life. See www.uschess.org
for other membership categories. Dues are not refundable and
may be changed without notice.
54-55
*Ages at expiration
2-Day EF: $155 (No Open Section). Top Senior (65+) -$200; Club Champ.- 8 rounds, G/5 d0. Charlotte Chess Center and Scholastic Academy, 1800 Re-entry $40; not available in Open Section. Unofficial uschess.org
$600-300. ALL: Entries must be postmarked by 3/2 or pay late fee-$11, Camden Road, Suite 108, Charlotte. EF: $30 online or on-site by 6:45pm, ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 year USCF dues
do not mail after 3/23 or email after 3/27, $22 at site. Trophies 1st – $25 for CCCSA members. In one section, prizes 100% guaranteed. OPEN: with paper magazine if paid with entry. Online at chessaction.com, Adult
3rd (“A” – “D” sections). Unrated players are free entry but must join $250-150-100. Top U1800 $75, Top U1400/Unr $75. US Chess and FIDE $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or at site, Adult $40, Young
USCF for 1 full year thru this tournament – Unrated not eligible for cash Blitz Rated! Regular US Chess ratings used for pairings and prizes. Rounds Adult $25, Scholastic $17. Reg. ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 3 & 7, Sun
prizes. 1st Unrated = trophy + 1 yr. USCF Mem. Senior discount (65+ 7:00pm then ASAP, tournament should end by 9pm. Info/reg: www.char- 10 & 3:15. Bye: all, limit 2; must commit before rd. 2. HR: Hotels/motels
yrs.) $10. Players may play up. Provisionally rated players may only win lottechesscenter.org, grant@charlottechesscenter.org. within walking distance; see travel websites. Ent: chessaction.com or
½ of 1st place money (except Open Section 1 – 7). CCA ratings may be Continental Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. $15 service charge
used. Note: pairings not changed for color unless 3 in a row or cause a A Heritage Event! for refunds. Questions: www.chesstour.com, DirectorAtChess.US, 347-
plus 3 and if the unlikely situation occurs 3 colors in a row may be US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 201-2269. Advance entries posted at chessaction.com (online entries
assigned. SIDE EVENTS: Wed. (3/28) 7:00pm GM Sergey Kudrin – Clock APR. 6-8 OR 7-8, OHIO posted instantly).
Simul with game analysis ($30); Thurs. (3/29) 6-7:15pm Lecture by IM US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20
John Donaldson (FREE); 7:30pm- GM Alex Yermolinsky - Simul ($20); 54TH CINCINNATI OPEN A Heritage Event!
7:30pm-Blitz (G/5 d0)) Tourney ($25) 80% entries = Prize Fund. Sat. Hilton Garden Inn, 5300 Cornell Rd., Blue Ash, OH 45242. 5SS; Sections: US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
(3/31) (3-4:30pm) Free Game/Position Analysis - IM John Donaldson. Open, U2100, U1700, U1300. Open section FIDE rated. Players may APR. 7-8, ILLINOIS
REG.: (3/29) 5-8pm (3/30) 9-10am and (3/31) 9-10 am. RDS.: (Fri) 12- choose to play up, but only one section. Time Control: Open section US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15
7, (Sat) 10-7, (Sun) 9:30-4:30. 2-Day (3/31) Rd. 1 (11:00 am), Rd. 2 40/90, SD/30, +30 except 2-day rds 1&2 G/75 d5. Other sections 54TH GREATER PEORIA OPEN
(1:15 pm), Rd. 3 (3:45 pm), Rd. 4 merge with regular schedule – (7:00 G/120 d5. Prizes: Open: $800-550-400-300, top under 2200 $250-200; 5 SS, G/90 inc/30. Mark Twain Hotel, 225 NE Adams St., Peoria, IL
pm). Byes available any round if requested by Rd.1 (Open Section 2 U2100: $550-400-300-200, top under 1900 $200-150; U1700: $400-300- 61602. 2 Sections: Open & Reserve (1400 & Under). EF: $40 by 4/5,
byes max). ENT: make checks payable and send to: SANDS REGENCY 200-150, top under 1500 $175-125; U1300: $300-200-150-125, top under $50 at site, free to Masters. $$Gtd: $1,320 (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th & Upset
(address listed above), postmarked by 3/2. $11 late fee if postmarked 1100 $150-125; prizes based on 120 paid entries, else proportional. No in Open & 1st, 2nd, 3rd & Upset in Reserve). Class prizes are b/3 for X,
after 3/2. Do not mail after 3/23 or email after 3/27. $22 late fee at unrated may win more than the third-place prize amount except in Open A, B, & C for Open section & E & F for Reserve section. Open: 1st $500,
site. HR: (Sun-Thurs. $54.07!) (Fri. & Sat. $76.77!) 1-866-386-7829 Reser- section. Entry fee: Advance $99, must be received by 9:00 am, April 6; 2nd $240, 3rd $120, 4th $90, X, A, B & C $90 & $60 each, Upset $50.
vation Code: CHESS318 (Reserve by 3/15/18 to get Chess rate. INFO: onsite $110; re-entry $50. $10 discount for all who played in 2017 Cincin- Reserve (1400 & Under): 1st $120, 2nd $90, 3rd $60, Classes E & F
Jerry Weikel, 6578 Valley Wood Dr., Reno, NV 89523, (H) 775-747-1405 nati Open, $5 discount for all others who played in any Cincinnati Open $90 & $60 each, Upset $50. Reg.: 8-8:45, Rds.: 9:30-2:00-6:30, 10:00-
or (Cell) 775-354-8728, wackyykl@ aol.com or check out our website 2012-2016; $3 discount for current Ohio Chess Association members. 3:00. Bye: 1-5, www.peoriaopen.org. Ent: Greater Peoria Chess
at: www.renochess.org. To verify entry check website. Free entry to GMs/IMs/WGMs/WIMs; $99 less applicable discounts Foundation, 1116 N. Parkside Dr., Peoria, IL 61606, 309-981-7210.
deducted from prize. Advance registration: Mail entries to Cincinnati APR. 8, CONNECTICUT
US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Open, 9180 Pinewood Dr., Loveland, OH 45140 or enter online at
MAR. 30-APR. 1, ILLINOIS US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6
www.chesscincinnati.com. Onsite registration: Friday, April 6 5:30-
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 6:30 pm; Saturday, April 7 8:00-10:00 am. Open 3-day schedule: Fri CT STATE RAPID CHAMPIONSHIPS! (QC)
MIDWEST HOLIDAY CLASS 7, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 9 & 3. Open 2-day schedule: Sat 11 & 2, then merge at West Haven Police Dept. $1000 Prize Fund! b/30, $500 b/15. Open,
7-SS, in 6 Sections. T/L: G/90 + 30 sec increment. Sheraton Chicago with 3-day. U2100, U1700 and U1300 sections: Fri 7, Sat 9, 2 & 7, U1700, U1200. 7/SS, G/15 d5, 1 & 2 accl’rtd prngs if nec. Rds.: 10am
O’Hare Airport Hotel, corner of Higgins & Mannheim, Rosemont, IL. Sun 9 & 2; six rounds are scheduled; every player in these sections then ASAP, Open: $300, $200, $100, $50, U1700 $150, $100, $50,
Just 1 block north of the O’Hare Metra train stop. Prizes ($10,000 must select one zero-point bye round so that all players play a five- $50. Trophies to 1st Place Open, U1700, top 3 U1200. EF: $40
b/160): M $950-550-300, U2300 $200. X $750-400-225, U2100 $175. A round schedule. Half-point Byes: Up to two optional half-point byes, Online, $50 by 3/18, $80 on site. EF: Educational Technologies, 343
$750-400-225, U1900 $175. B $750-400-225, U1700 $175. C $750- 400- additional to zero-point bye, must commit before 5:00 pm Sat. HR: Beach St. #404, West Haven, CT 06516. Online EF save $10!
225, U1500 $175. D & below $700-375-200, U1100 $175, U800 $150. $99/king bed, $110/two queen beds, rate includes breakfast for two. www.edutechchess.com or www.CTChess.com.
Upset prize Sections X-C $50. Unr may play in any section, but $400 Reserve by Thursday, March 22, 2018 to ensure rate and room. For US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
prize limit & is ineligible for upset or under prize. ALL: RAFFLE PRIZES, reservations, call 513-469-6900, or use link on our website to book APR. 14-15, TEXAS
Including prize of free entry to 2018 Chicago Open, and prize of free online. Bring sets and clock. Complete information, including online and US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 (ENHANCED)
entry to 2018 US Open. EF: $92 by 3/16, 104 by 3/29, 120 at site. GM mail registration forms, at www.chesscincinnati.com. Questions: 2018 DCC FIDE OPEN IV
Free. Play up 1 section $10. ReEntry $60. Reg.: 12:30-1 pm. Rds.: 1:30- info@chesscincinnati.com or call/text Alan at 513-600-9915. 5SS, G/90 inc/30. Dallas Chess Club, 200 S. Cottonwood Dr. #C, Richard-
6:30, 9:30-2-7, 10:30-3. MAX of 2 Half Point byes, which should be son, TX 75080. Two sections: Open and Reserve. Open: $$875G. FIDE
requested at registration & Round 7 byes are irrevocable. Hotel Rate of US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
APR. 6-8, MISSOURI and US Chess rated but uses FIDE rules. Use US Chess ratings and
$99 per night (plus taxes) available until March 16, 2018. Payment and rules for pairings and for awarding prizes. Default late forfeiture time
registration online at kingregistration.com/Midwest holiday class. NO US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 40
BILL WRIGHT SAINT LOUIS OPEN (FIDE RATED) $10K EVENT is one hour. TD may extend this time at TD’s discretion. Note that
Credit cards accepted at site! Mail entry (payable to) Lawrence Cohen, Foreign players must disclose their FIDE ID number before 1st round
PO Box 6632, Villa Park, IL 60181. Additional info via e-mail at allamer- 5SS, G/90 + 30 second increment. Chess Club & Scholastic Center of
Saint Louis, 4657 Maryland Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63108. Free entries in order to play. Note that USA Players with no FIDE ID must disclose
icaschess@gmail.com. W. their email address. $$ $500-$250-$125. EF: 2400+ $125, 2000-2399
for GMs and IMs. EF: $100, $80 if registered by 4/3. Two Sections:
MAR. 31, MISSOURI Open (FIDE Rated) & U2000. Prize Fund: $10,000 UNCONDITIONALLY $90, 1600 -1999 $99, U1600 $125, Senior/Birthday during tournament/
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 GUARANTEED!! Open Section: $1,500-$1,000-$800-$650-$300. Under Additional Family Member $55. Dallas Chess Club membership required
SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL (QC) 2250: $600-$400-$250. Under 2150: $350-$200. Under 2000 Section: or pay $20 non-member fee. Small Minimum prize to the First three
4SS, G/15 + 2 second increment. Chess Club & Scholastic Center of $1,000-$600-$350-$200. U1800: $500-$250. U1600: $400-$200. U1400: GM/IM’s who apply. GM/IM must play all rounds to get minimum prize
Saint Louis, 4657 Maryland Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63108. Free entries $300-$150. Reg.: 3:00-6:30 on Friday Afternoon. Rounds: Friday: 7:00 (entry fee may be deducted from prize). Reserve: Open to players rated
for GMs and IMs. EF: $25. One Section. Prize Fund: $1,800 Uncondi- pm. Saturday 12:00 pm, 5:00 pm Sunday 11:00 am, 4:00 pm. Two half below 2000 USCF. This section is not Fide Rated but is US Chess rated
tionally Guaranteed!! 1st-$500 2nd-$400 3rd-$300 All Players below the point byes available in any round if declared before Round 2. MCA Mem- and uses US Chess rules. EF: $40. 10$ non Dallas Chess Club membership
top 1/3 compete for $150-$100-$50. Players in the bottom 1/3 also bership required from $5. OSA. Ent: 4657 Maryland Ave., Saint Louis, fee. The Reserve give back 10% in prizes and if at least 8 paid entries
compete for $110-$60-$30. Biggest Upset: $100. Reg.: 5-5:45. Rounds: MO 63108, or online at saintlouischessclub.org Info: 314-361-CHESS, and if there is a clear winner, then that winner receives free entry to
6, 6:50, 7:45, 8:45. One 1/2 point bye available in any round if declared info@saintlouischessclub.org. next DCC Fide Open. In the reserve section, Tournament reserves the
before round 1. Quick ratings will be used for Pairing and Prize Purposes. right to use Fide rules on electronic devices and on starting White’s
TD has discretion to appoint ratings. Ent: 4657 Maryland Ave., Saint US Chess Junior Grand Prix! clock at start of a round and to use FIDE pairing rules. Also clocks will
Louis, MO 63108, or online at saintlouischessclub.org Info: 314-361- APR. 7, WISCONSIN be set to ‘halt at end’. Both: Reg.: Saturday from 9:45–10:15 am. Rds.:
CHESS, info@saintlouischessclub.org. US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 Sat 10:45 am-3:10pm-7:16pm, Sun 9:45 am- 2:10pm. One half point Bye
HALES CORNERS CHALLENGE XXVII allowed if requested before end of round 2 and before getting full point
US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 4SS, G/60 d6. 2 Sections: Open & Reserve (under 1600). Hilton Garden bye. Withdrawals and zero point last round byes are not eligible for
MAR. 31-APR. 1, GEORGIA Inn Oshkosh, 1355 W. 20th Ave., Oshkosh, WI 54902, (920) 966-1300. prizes. Note that house players (if required) must pay $5 per round and
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 EF: $40-Open, $30 Reserve, both $10 more after April 5. Comp EF for be US Chess members. ENT: Make/mail Checks payable to Dallas Chess
1ST ANNUAL RON FINEGOLD MEMORIAL USCF 2200+. $$GTD: Open: 1st-$325, 2nd-$175, A-$100, B & below- Club, C/O Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX 76036-
Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Atlanta, 2500 Old Alabama Rd., $75; Reserve: 1st $100, 2nd $75, D-$50, E & below $40. Goddesschess 4719. Info: 214-632-9000. FIDE .
Suite 11, Roswell, GA 30076. 3 sections: Open, U1800, U1400. 5 rounds, prizes for females in addition to above prizes. Reg.: 8:30-9:30. Rds.:
G/90 d5. Registration: 8:00am-9:30am, March 31, or call (678) 628- 10-1-3:30-6. Questions to: Chris Wainscott (414-839-5232, after 5:30 A Heritage Event!
5615 by March 30 to register by phone. https://atlchessclub.com/ for pm), or e-mail: chris.wainscott13@outlook.com. Entries to: Robin J. A State Championship Event!
online registration. Rounds: Sat rounds: 10AM-2PM-6PM, Sun rounds: Grochowski, 3835 E. Morris Ave., Cudahy, WI 53110, (414-861-2745), APR. 15, MASSACHUSETTS
10AM-2PM. EF: $55 for CCSCATL members if entered by March 30, $5 e-mail: rgrochowski@wi.rr.com. US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15 (ENHANCED)
more at site. Non-Members pay $10 more each. (this means $65 non- 28TH MASSACHUSETTS G/60 CHAMPIONSHIP
APR. 7, CONNECTICUT 4SS, G/60 d5. Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel, 181 Boston Post Road
members paid by March 30, and $70 day of event). $2500 total prizes US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6
Guaranteed. Open Section prizes: 1st -$600, 2nd -$400, 3rd-$200. 1st West, Marlboro, MA 01752 (I-495, exit 24B, Rt. 20W, one mile from
U2000-$150. U1800 Section prizes: 1st-$300, 2nd-$175, 3rd-$100, 1st CT STATE QUICK CHAMPIONSHIPS! (QC) exit). 508-460-0700 or 888-543-9500. $$ 2,500 b/100 paid entries
U1600-$75. U1400 Section prizes: 1st-$250, 2nd-$125, 3rd-$75, 1st at West Haven Police Dept. $1000 Prize Fund! b/30, $500 b/15. Open, (U1200 counts 70%), $2,000 minimum (80% each prize). 6 sects. Open:
U1000/UNR -$50. *Any player can play in the Open Section* *Any U1700, U1200. 5/SS, G/25 d5, 1 & 2 accl’rtd prngs if nec. Rds.: 10am $300-175, top Under 2400 $150, top Under 2200 $150. Under 2000:
player Unrated-1799 can play in the U1800 section* USCF RATED. Sets then ASAP, Open: $300, $200, $100, $50. U1700 $150, $100, $50 , $250-125. Under 1800: $250-125. Under 1600: $200-125. Under 1400:
$50. Trophies to 1st Place Open, U1700, top 3 U1200. EF: $40 $200-100. Under 1200: $150-100, top Under 1000 $100. Unrated prize
and Clocks provided for all of our events!! GM and Senior TD Ben Finegold
Online, $50 by 3/18, $80 on site. EF: Educational Technologies, 343 limits: $75 in U1200, $100 in U1400, $125 in U1600, $150 in U1800,
will be the Chief TD. Visit our website: https://atlchessclub.com/.
Beach St. #404, West Haven, CT 06516. Online EF save $10! $175 in U2000. EF: $34 if mailed by 4/10 or online by 4/13, $45 at site.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix! www.edutechchess.com or www.CTChess.com. $10 discount to players in U1200 Section. GMs and IMs free. Reg.: 8-9
APR. 2, 9, 16, 23, NEW YORK US Chess Junior Grand Prix! a.m. Rds: 10-1-3:30-6. Other: Bye 1-4 with entry, limit 1, must commit
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 APR. 7-8, NEW YORK before round 2, no half point byes for players receiving full point byes.
111TH NASSAU GRAND PRIX US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15 (ENHANCED) MACA memb. required for Mass. residents ($12 adult, $6 jr. U18, add
4-SS, 45/90, SD/30 d5. 1st Presbyterian Church, 1st & Main Sts., Mineola. 2ND ANNUAL BILL LITTLE MEMORIAL $8 for Chess Horizons subscription). Ent: Robert Messenger, 4 Hamlett
3 sections. Open: EF: $40 by 3/30. $$ (540 b/15, top 2 G) 180-120, 5SS, rds. 1-3 G/90 d10, rds. 4-5 40/100, SD/30 d10. Proctors Theatre, Dr., Apt. 12, Nashua, NH 03062 or online (PayPal) at www.MassChess.org.
U2200, 2000 each 120. Booster: open to U1800/UR. EF: $30 by 3/30. Make checks payable to MACA. Info: 603-891-2484 or send email to
432 State St., Schenectady, NY 12305 (free parking in Broadway Garage).
$$ (390 b/15) 165, 105, U1600 120. Novice: open to U1400/UR. EF: info@masschess.org. Day of the tournament call 603-557-1732. W.
$1700 guaranteed prize fund. In 3 sections. Open: $300-150-90, top
$20 by 3/30. $$ (240 b/15) 100, U1200, U1000/UR each 70. All: 2 byes
U2050/Unr $140-70. Under 1850: $200-100-50, top U1650 (no unr) APR. 17, NEW YORK
1-4 (Last rd bye must be req before rd. 3 and is irrevocable). $10 more
for non-memb. EF $7 more at site. Reg ends 7:15 PM. Rds.: 7:15 each $120-60. Under 1450: $120-70-40, top U1250 (no unr) $60-30. Unrated US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10
Mon. Info only: captnhal@optonline.net. Ent: Harold Stenzel, 80 Amy may not win over $70 in U1450. Mixed doubles: best male/female MARSHALL MASTERS
Dr., Sayville, NY 11782. combined scores among all sections: $100. Must average under 2200; 4-SS, G/25 d5. Open to 2000+ players. FIDE Rapid rated. $750 GTD:
may play in different sections; register by 3 pm 4/7. Top 2 sections $250-150-100; U2400: $125; U2300: $100; Biggest upset: $25. EF: $30;
APR. 5, NORTH CAROLINA EF: $62 online at chessaction.com by 4/5 or mailed by 3/30, $80 at site Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 or online until 9 am 4/7. Online entry $5 less to NYSCA members (may before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. Max one bye, for
CHARLOTTE CHESS CENTER FIRST THURSDAY FIDE BLITZ - join with entry). U1450 Section EF: all $20 less than above. No checks Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: www.marshallchess-
MARNZELL HAND MEMORIAL (BLZ) at site, credit cards OK. GMs, IMs & WGMs free, $50 from prize. All: club.org/register.
www.uschess.org 55
Tournament Life / March
US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Booster: 4SS, G/120 d5, Open to 1499 & under. $$GTD: $150-100. Unr. A Heritage Event!
APR. 19, 26, MAY 3, 10, 17, 24, NEW YORK must play in Booster Section. Unrated players winning prizes will only US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15 receive half of the prize. ALL: EF: $35 advance until 4/19, $45 at site. APR. 27-29 OR 28-29, FLORIDA
3RD ANNUAL LI CHESS CLUB ILAN KREITNER MEMORIAL No phone or e-mail entries. $10 fee to play up a section. Reg.: 04/21 US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 80
Open to all. $1500 GTD PRIZE FUND! 6SS, G/90 d5. United Methodist 8:30am - 9:30am. Rds.: Sat 10, 3; Sun 10, 3. ENT: Paul Stagnoli, 4233 25TH SPACE COAST OPEN
Church, 470 East Meadow Ave., East Meadow, NY 11554. Open to all: Kintyre Rd., Santa Rosa, CA 95409- 4127. INFO: (707) 478-4385 5SS, Top section FIDE rated (USCF ratings used for pairings & prizes)
$1500 GTD: $500-$300. Top U-2000, U-1750, U-1500, U-1250/unr. $175 paulgs@sonic.net. http://pstagnol.users.sonic. net/tournaments. Bring at G/90+30 sec. incr., All other sections but Class E/U1200 G/120 d5,
ea. EF: $50 LICC Members, $60 Non-LICC members. Reg.: 6:45 – 7:15 your own equipment, none provided. No Cell phones allowed. W. Class E/U1200 G/90 d5 (2-day Rd. 1 for all sections G/60 d5). Interna-
PM. Adv. Ent: in person at the LICC any Thursday evening prior to rd. 1. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! tional Palms Resort, 1300 N. Atlantic Ave. (Hwy A1A), Cocoa Beach, FL
Rds.: 7:30 PM SHARP ea. Thursday. 2 byes 1-6 (rd. 6 bye decl. before APR. 21-23, IOWA 32931. $$20,000 b/240 pd., $15,000 Gtd. 6 Sections: Master/Expert:
rd. 3). Info:www.lichessclub.com. Open to 2000/over. $2000+trophy-1000-500-400, U2400 $1500+tro-
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 (ENHANCED) phy-750, U2200 $1400+trophy-700-400. Draw offers not permitted
A Heritage Event! 12TH ANNUAL OKOBOJI OPEN (IASCA GP QUALIFIER) before move 30 (Master/Expert section only). Class A: Open to 1600-
US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 1405 Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center. 1405 Highway 71 S. 1999. $1200+trophy-600-300-200. Class B: Open to 1400-1799.
A State Championship Event! Okaboji, IA 51355. TD Eric Vigil. 5 Rd Swiss, G/120 d5 in 3 day option. Rds.: $1100+trophy-500-300-200. Class C: Open to 1200-1599. $1000+tro-
APR. 20-22 OR 21-22, INDIANA Friday 6:00 PM; Saturday 10:00 AM, 4:30 PM; Sunday 9:00 AM, 2:30 PM. 2 phy-500-300-200. Class D: Open to 800-1399. $900+trophy-450-200-100.
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 day option has G/90 d5 for rds. 1 and 2. Sections merge at Rd. 3. On site Class E/U1200: Open to U1200. $800+trophy-400-200, U1000 $500+tro-
77TH ANNUAL INDIANA STATE CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP registration 5:00-5:45 PM on 4-21 (3 day option) Rds.: 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM phy-300, U800 $400+trophy-200, trophies to top Brevard County
OPEN: 3day 5/SS, 30/90, SD/60 d5, 2day Rd. 1 & 2 G/90 d5. RESERVE 4:30 PM; Sunday 9:00 AM, 2:30 PM. Entry fee: $55, if received by April 13, scholastics players in K-3, K-5, K-8, K-12. Top Senior Prizes: Among
(U1800): 5/SS, G/90 d5. Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Airport, 2501 S. High 2018. On site: $65 cash or $70 check. USCF membership required. On-site all sections, must be at least 55 on Apr. 27. $250+trophy-150-100. All:
School Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46241. HR: $112 by 3/21. Ph: 317-244-6861. available. IASCA membership required: $10. Other states accepted. Prize Unr. may enter any section. Unr. may not win over $300 or trophy unless
PRIZES: $$3,000(b/80) Open: 1st, $500+plaque (plaque - IN. res. only), info: Top 3 (guaranteed) $500 + Trophy, $300 & $150. U2000,U1800,U1600 place prize in Master/Expert section. Prizes for 1st-3rd brilliancy &
$400, Top X, A $300ea.; Reserve: 1st $500+plaque (plaque - IN. res. - $100 (b/30). Make checks payable: Sibley Chess Club. 934 6th St., Sibley, biggest upset rds. 1-4. EF: $114 by 4/22, $20 more later & onsite; $20
only), $400, Top C, D/Under $300ea. REG.: 3day Fri.6-6:30PM, 2day IA 51249, (712) 330-8254 or email jodene77@yahoo.com or pay on-line by less if Unr. or under age 18. Re-entry $60 by rd. 3 (1/2 pt. byes for
Sat.8:30-9:30AM. ROUNDS: 3day Rd.1 Fri. 7PM, Sat.10, 4, Sun. 9:30, 4; April 13. Onlineregistration.cc Additional info: $79 Hotel rate, if reserved earlier rds.). GM/IM free entry available online until 3/31, else $114
2day Sat. 9, 12:30 then merge, 1/2pt bye available Rd. 1-4, request before by March 21, call 1-800-727-4561. SIDE EVENT: Blitz Friday Night at 9:30 from prize. Special EF for Brevard County students in any section: $25
Rd. 2. Top bd. per section broadcast live at indianachess.org. EF: $55 by or 30 min after last game first round of Open: 5SS, G/5 d0. Rds.: ASAP. online by 4/22, $30 online by 5 pm on 4/26 or at site (counts as 1/4
Half pt bye any one rd. Prize info: $50 b/10 players. 1st-$25, (U1300) $20. entry for based on prize fund). Reg.: Ends 1/2 hr. before 1st rd. Rds.:
4/13, $70 onsite, Reentry $25, player 13yrs and under $30 by 4/13, $45
EF: $10 if recieved by April 13, $15 on site. Rd. 1 7:30 pm Fri. (2-day 10 am Sat. at G/60 d5); Rd. 2 Sat. 1:15; Rd. 3
onsite, $5 discount to ISCA members. ENTRIES: indianachess.org OR
Mail to: Mathew Leach, 4010 Parkwood Circle, Apt. 2A, Mishawaka, IN APR. 22, NEW JERSEY all sections but Class E/U1200 6:30, Class E/U1200 5:45; Rd. 4 Sun.
46545. ISCA MEMBERSHIP MTG: Sun. 2:30PM. US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 9:30; Rd. 5 all sections but Class E/U1200 2:30, Class E/U1200 1:45.
WESTFIELD GRAND PRIX Up to 2 half point byes if req’d before rd. 2. Side events: Space Coast
APR. 21, PENNSYLVANIA Open Blitz. G/5 d0. Prizes: Cash prizes based on entries. EF: $20. Blitz
4-SS. G/40 d5. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. 3 Sections:
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15 starts at 10:15 pm Sat. Other events: see www.spacecoastchessfoun-
Open, U1800, U1200. Open: EF $40, $30 members, GM free (-$30 from
4TH ANNUAL LVCA BRUCE ALBERSTON MEMORIAL $1500 prize). Prize Fund: $900 b/30 paid section entries. 70% guaranteed. dation.org. HR: $109, Oceanside $129, Loft $149. Resort fee waived.
GTD-RBO Prizes: $240-200-160. U2400 $120, U2200 $100, U2000 $80. U1800: EF 800-206-2747 or 321-392-1647, reserve by 4/6. Group code SCC18. Ent:
5SS, G/30 d5. College Hill Moravian Church, 72 W. Laurel St., Bethlehem, $25, $20 members. Prizes, b/14: $80-60, U1600 $50, U1400 $40. U1200: Payable to: Space Coast Chess Foundation, c/o Jon Haskel, 2385 NW
PA. 2 Sections: Open: $350 $250-$150, U2100/Unr-U1900-U1700- U1500- EF $25, $20 members. Prizes, b/14: $80-60, U1000 $50, U800 $40. Executive Center Dr., #100, Boca Raton, FL 33431. Online entry and
$75 ea. U1200:1st-$100, 2nd-3rd-U900-Unr-$50 ea. Mixed/Fam. Doubles: Register: 11:15 a.m. -12 noon. Rounds: 12:15, 2:00, 3:45, 5:30 p.m. add’l info:www.spacecoastchessfoundation.org, jon@bocachess.com,
$75 ea. EF: $30 by 4/16, $35 CASH on site. GM/IM free; $30 from prize. Byes: 1 per player allowed. Must declare before round 3. Info: westfield- 561-302-4377.
Reg: ends 10:45 am. Rds.: Sat-11,12:30, 2:30, 4, 5:30. 1/2 pt byes: limit chessclub@gmail.com, www.westfieldchessclub.org/Events.html
2. Info: www.lehighvalleychesscub.org, 484-866-3045. Checks payable A Heritage Event!
to: Bruce Davis, 1208 Linden St., Fl. 1, Bethlehem, PA 18018. APR. 27, NEW YORK US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 APR. 27-29 OR 28-29, MASSACHUSETTS
US Chess Junior Grand Prix! MARSHALL $500 FIDE BLITZ (BLZ) US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 120 (ENHANCED)
APR. 21-22, CALIFORNIA, NORTHERN 9-SS, G/3 +2. FIDE Blitz rated. USCF regular rating used for pairings & 27TH ANNUAL EASTERN CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 prizes. $500 GTD: $200-100; U2400/unr, U2200, U2000, U1800: $50. 5SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Host Hotel
2018 ANNUAL FRANK DOYLE OPEN EF: $20; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person at Cedar Lake, 366 Main St., Sturbridge, MA 01566 (I-84 Exit 3, near I-
Exchange Bank, 444 Aviation Blvd., Santa Rosa, CA 95401. 4 Round reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: Begin at 7pm and continue 90). Free parking. $$20,000 guaranteed prizes. In 7 sections: Master
Swiss, G/120 d5. In 3 Sections, Open: 4SS, G/120 d5, $$GTD: $250- ASAP. Max three byes; request at entry. Register Online: www.mar- (2200/up): $2000-1000-500-300, clear winner or 1st on tiebreak $100
175. Reserve: 4SS, G/120 d5, Open to 1899 & under. $$GTD: $200-125. shallchessclub.org/register. bonus, top U2300 $800-400. FIDE. Expert (2000-2199): $1500-700-400-
300. Class A (1800-1999/Unr): $1500-700-400-300. Class B (1600- EF deducted from prize.) NO RE-ENTRIES IN OPEN SECTION. U1800 223582, Chantilly, VA 20151 Checks payable to ‘Capital Area Chess’.
1799/ Unr): $1500-700-400-300. Class C(1400-1599/Unr): $1300-700- Section: 3-DAY, $66. 2-DAY, $65. Re-Entries, $50. U1400 Section: 3- Email information only: info@capitalareachess.com. Online Information/
400-300. Class D (1200-1399/Unr): $700-400-200-100. Class E (Under DAY, $46. 2-DAY, $45. Re-Entries $35. TIME LIMIT: 3-DAY: G/115 d5. Registration/Adv Entries: capitalareachess.com.
1200/Unr): $600-300-200-100, plaques to top 3, 1st U1000, U800, U600, 2-DAY: Rds.: 1-2, G-45 d5. Rds.: 3-5, G/115 d5. ROUNDS: 3-DAY: Fri:
Unr. Rated players may play up one section. Prize limits: Unrated A Heritage Event!
7pm. Sat: 12, 4. Sun: 10, 3. 2-DAY: Sat: 11:30, 1:30, 4:00. Sun: 10, 3. US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
may not win over $100 in E, $200 D, $400 C or $600 B. Mixed doubles REGISTRATION: ON SITE: 3-DAY, Fri 4–6pm. 2-DAY, Sat 8:30–10am.
bonus prizes: best male/female 2-player team combined score among ONLINE at http://www.onlineregistration.cc until MIDNIGHT, THURS- MAY 4-6 OR 5-6, MARYLAND
all sections: $600-300. Team must average under 2200; may play in dif- DAY, APRIL 26TH! MAIL-IN by Tues, April 24th: Holly Munsch, US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30
ferent sections; register (no extra fee) by 2 pm 4/28. Top 5 sections Battle Creek Community Foundation, 34 W. Michigan (Not Jackson) 64TH ANNUAL MARYLAND OPEN
EF: $115 online at chessaction.com by 4/25, 3-day $118, 2-day $117 St., Suite 1, Battle Creek, MI 49017. $$: $5,600 Prize Fund (65% 5SS, 40/90, SD/30 + 30” incr, (Rnd. 1 G/90 +30” incr) (2-day schedule:
mailed by 4/18, $130 at site, or online until 2 hours before round 1. Guar). OPEN: $2,600 (b/40, min. 5 per section): 1st, 2nd, 3rd: $800, rds. 1-2 G/45+30”incr) U1300 & U1000 G/120 d5 (rds 1-2 G/60 d5),
GMs free, $100 deducted from prize. Class D or E EF: All $50 less than $450; $300. 1st, 2nd Top X, A, U1800/UNR: $200, $150 each. U1800: (U1300 3-day option rds. 1&2 G/120 d5) Rockville Hilton, 1750 Rockville
top 5 sections EF. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Online EF $5 $1,800 (b/40, min. 5 per section): 1st, 2nd, 3rd: $600, $350, $250. 1st, Pike, Rockville, MD 20852. $$Based on score. 7 sections: Championship
less to MACA members; may join/renew at masschess.org. Unofficial 2nd, TOP C, U1400/UNR: $175, $125 each. U1400: $1,200 (b/40, min. (min. rating of 2000) FIDE rated: 5.0 =$1600, 4.5 =$800, 4.0=$450,
uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 yr 5 per section): 1st, 2nd, 3rd: $500, $300, $200 each. TOP E, UI000/UNR: 3.5=$175, 3.0=$50 [min $1500 payout, top score group raised if less
USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry: Online at chessaction.com, $100 each. UNR eligible for Top or UNRATED Prizes ONLY. LODGING: than $1500]. U2200 FIDE Rated: 5.0 =$1500, 4.5 =$700, 4.0=$350,
Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or paid at site, Adult This AAA Four-Diamond Hotel is located in Downtown Battle Creek. Call 3.5=$150, 3.0=$40. U2000: 5.0 =$1200, 4.5 =$650, 4.0=$325,
$40, Young Adult $25, Scholastic $17. Re-entry $60; not available in Toll-Free 1-888-622-2659 for Reservations or go online at http://www. 3.5=$125. U1800: 5.0= $1200, 4.5 = $600, 4.0= $300, 3.5= $100.
Master Section. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat mccamlyplaza.com. Ask for the Great Lakes Open chess rate ($99/night)– U1600: 5.0= $1000, 4.5= $500, 4.0= $250, 3.5= $100. U1300: 5.0=
11 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:15. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat must reserve by April 6th for this great rate! Parking $8, unlimited in $500, 4.5= $250, 4.0= $125, 3.5= $50. U1000 (no adult UNR): 5.0=
11, 2 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:15. Byes: OK all, limit 2; Master must commit and out privileges. Free parking in nearby areas on weekends. For direc- $250, 4.5= $125, 4.0= $50, 3.5= $20. Trophies to top 10 & U800 in
before rd. 2, others before rd. 3. HR: $98-98-108, 800-582-3232, 508- tions to hotel, go online to http://www.mapquest.com or http://www. U1000. If no 5-0 in section, then sole 1st @ 4.5 or shared 1st at
347-7393, request chess rate, reserve by 4/6 or rate may increase. yahoo.com/maps. reg. Info: Holly Munsch, (269) 962-2181. Email, lower score receive bonus (added to score prize) - Championship:
Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633, or reserve car holly@bccfoundation.org. CHESS INFO: Ed Mandell, (248) 635-2375. $300; U2200 $200, U2000 $150, U1800 & U1600: $100; U1300 & U1000:
online through chesstour.com. Ent: chessaction.com or Continental Email, allthekingsmench@aol.com. $50. Unrated limited to $100 in U1000, $200 in U1300, and $400 in
Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. Questions: DirectorAtChess.us, U1600. Sets and boards provided. Clocks provided in the Champi-
chesstour.com, chesstour.info, 347-201-2269. $15 service charge for US Chess Junior Grand Prix! onship, U2200, U2000, U1800, and U1600 sections. Optionally,
refunds. Entries posted at chessaction.com (online entries posted APR. 28-29, WISCONSIN pairings can be texted/emailed to your phone. Free Sunday morning
instantly). Blitz tournament Sat 9:30 pm, enter by 9:15 pm. US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 continental breakfast for players. Free parking for day guests. EF:
US Chess Junior Grand Prix! ARPAD ELO OPEN $99 by 4/20, $109 by 5/1, and $114 online only by 5/5, $120 later.
Chula Vista Resort, 2501 River Rd., Wisconsin Dells, WI. HR: $99 866- Special EFs: $55 less for U1000, $35 less for U1300, GMs free, $50
APR. 27-29 OR 28-29, MICHIGAN
320-7982 mention G22584. Reserve by March 28. 5SS. Open: EF $45 deducted from prize, IMs $45 off EF, $20 deducted from prize, HR: $119,
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 (ENHANCED) received by April 26, $50 at site. $$b/25: $400,$250, A $150, U1800 ($5 EF discount if staying at hotel). Rooms may not be avail after 4/20.
15TH ANNUAL GREAT LAKES OPEN $140. Reserve (U1800): EF $30 received by April 26, $35 at site. $$b/25: 3-day schedule: Reg. ends Fri 7pm, rds. Fri 8, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 9:30 &
Held at McCamly Plaza Hotel, 50 Capital Avenue SW, Battle Creek, MI $125, $100, C $75, D $75, U1200 $75. TC: Rd1: G/90 d5. Rds. 2-5: 3:30. 2-day schedule: Reg. ends Sat 10am rds. 11, 2:15 & 6, Sun 9:30 &
49017 (See Lodging below). Prize Fund: $5,600 (65% Guar.). FORMAT: 30/90. SD/60, d5. Rds.: 10, 2, 7:30; 10, 3:30. Registration: 9-9:30. 3:30. U1300 & U1000 schedule Reg. ends Sat 10am rds. 11, 1:15 &
5-SS. 3 Sections: OPEN, U1800 U1400. 2-Day and 3-Day Schedules. Ent: Guy Hoffman, 1305 D Tompkins Dr., Madison, WI 53716-3279. Info: 4:00, Sun 9:30 & 1:30. U1300 3-day schedule Reg. ends Fri 7 pm, rds.
OPEN Section USCF and FIDE-rated. OPEN Section participants must 920-279-0701, www.wischess.org, schachfuhrer@hotmail.com. A WI Fri 8, Sat 11 & 4:00, Sun 9:30 &1:30. Ent: MCA, 1827 Thornton Ridge
have USCF and FIDE memberships in addition to a State membership; Tour event. W. Rd., Towson, MD 21204. Detailed rules, more information and registration
can be purchased on site or at online registration at http://www.online at http://themdopen.com.
registration.cc. (FIDE membership is free). USCF rating is used for PAIR- APR. 29, VIRGINIA
ING and PRIZES. Up to two 1/2-point byes allowed; must be requested US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
prior to start of RD 2. SCHEDULES MERGE AFTER RD. 2. NO RE- DULLES APR 2018 FIDE RAPID/USCF QUICK RATED (QC) & MAY 5-6, ILLINOIS
ENTRIES IN OPEN SECTION. Re-Entries in U1800, $50; U1400, $35. U1600 OPEN QUADS US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 60 (ENHANCED)
USCF and a STATE Membership Required – can be purchased on site or Location: Washington Dulles Airport Marriott (Downstairs Reston Salon), CHICAGO CHESS CENTER 2ND HAYMARKET MEMORIAL
online at registration! Online registration available at http://www.online 45020 Aviation Dr., Dulles, VA 20166. Open (FIDE) 5-SS, G/15;10sec Make class warfare nonviolent again! Student Center East, Univ. of
registration.cc. NOTE: ONLINE REGISTRATION CLOSES AT MIDNIGHT, inc. Open MIN 1500 to play otherwise pay $30 addl EF. Prizes: Open Illinois at Chicago, 750 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60607. $6,000 guar-
THURSDAY, APRIL 26TH! CHIEF TD: NA and Senior TD Bradley Rogers $$380 GTD: $200-100 U1900 $40 U1700 $40. EF: $25-4/24, $30-4/27, anteed! 4SS, 40/90, SD/30, +30 from move one. Accelerated possible.
(bradleyrogers22@msn.com. Cell Phone and Headset Rules firmly apply; $35 after/onsite, CAC $5 less. GMs/IMs Free-PrizeDedn $20. OnsiteRegn 1/2-byes available all rounds; must commit before rd.2. (Max. two byes;
Rules posted on site. ENTRY FEE: By April 20th (add $10 after, add $15 closes 9:15am. Round#1: 9:30am. Side Event U1600 Open Quads: for prize purposes, second bye on Sun. counts as 0.4 points). Rds.: 10-
on site): OPEN Section: 3-DAY, $86. 2-DAY, $85. IM’s/GM’s Free! ($80 EF $5 less 3- RR G/40 d5, Trophy/Medals. Mailed entries: PO Box 4 Sat., 10-4 Sun. Three Sections: OPEN SECTION FIDE Rated! EF: $69
www.uschess.org 57
Tournament Life / March
by 4/21; $79 by 5/4, $90 onsite. U2000 may play up for additional $15. Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour Online entries per PayPal are accepted until registration end time on
GMs and IMs play for free; no prize reduction! $1200-600-300. Under before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. Max one bye, for Saturday at 8:45am. Website for pre-entries: www.memphischess.com
2300 $400. UNDER 2000 SECTION: Open to 1999 & under or unrated. Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: www.marshallchess- Rounds: Saturday: 9am-2pm-7pm; Sunday: 9am-2pm. U1000 Trophy
EF: $68 by 4/21; $78 by 5/4, $90 onsite. U1600 may play up for additional club.org/register. Section: 4SS, G/45 d5; Saturday only; Entry Fee: $15. Trophies for top
$15. $600- 300-150. Under 1800 $400-200-120. Unrated may not win 3 overall, top U800 and top U600. Round 1 at 9am, next rounds ASAP
more than $200. UNDER 1600 SECTION EF: $59 by 4/21; $69 by 5/4,
A Heritage Event! (as soon as possible). On-site Registration: May 19, 2018 - 7:30am-
$80 onsite. $600-300-150. Under 1400: $250-130-100 Under 1200: $200.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 8:45am. Send mail entries to: MCC, P.O. Box 17864, Memphis, TN
Unrated may not win more than $100. ENT: www.chichess.org/events/ MAY 18-20 OR 19-20, NEW YORK 38187. Email: gpylant@gmail.com.
or mail to Chicago Chess Center NFP Inc., P.O. Box 180095, Chicago, IL US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 (ENHANCED)
60618. REG.: 8:30-9:30 a.m. No phone entries. 20% discount for CCC 26TH ANNUAL NEW YORK STATE OPEN AND SENIOR An American Classic!
members. INFO: Bill Brock, 773-294-1709, info@chichess.org. Sets & 5SS, 40/100, SD/30, d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Tiki Resort, A Heritage Event!
clocks provided. All-day parking at 760 W. Taylor available for $7. W. 2 Canada St., Lake George, NY 12845. $$G 3300. In 4 sections. Open: US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
$$ 400-200-150, top Under 2010/Unr $240-120, top Under 1810 $200- MAY 24-28, 25-28, 26-28 OR 27-28, ILLINOIS
US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 100. Senior: open to under 1910 or unrated born before 5/20/68. $$ US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 200 (ENHANCED)
MAY 5-6, TEXAS 300-150- 100, top Under 1710/Unr $140-70. Under 1610: $$ 240-120- 27TH ANNUAL CHICAGO OPEN
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 (ENHANCED) 70, Under 1410 $120-60, unrated limit $160. Under 1210: $120-60-40, Open Section, May 24-28: 9SS, 40/2, SD/30 d10, GM & IM norms
2018 DCC FIDE OPEN V unrated limit $80, plaques to top 3, 1st U1000, U800, U600, Unr. Mixed possible, FIDE rated. Other Sections, May 25-28, 26-28 or 27-28:
5SS, G/90 inc/30. Dallas Chess Club, 200 S. Cottonwood Dr. #C, Richard- doubles: best male/female 2-player combined score among all sections: 7SS, 40/2, SD/30 d10 (3-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10; 2-day option,
son, TX 75080. Two sections: Open and Reserve. Open: $$875G. FIDE $200-100. Team must average under 2200; may play in different sections; rds. 1-4 G/30 d10). Westin Chicago North Shore Hotel, 601 North
and US Chess rated but uses FIDE rules. Use US Chess ratings and register (no extra fee) by 2 pm 5/19. Top 3 sections EF: $79 online at Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling, IL 60090 (from Chicago, I-294 north to US-
rules for pairings and for awarding prizes. Default late forfeiture time chessaction.com by 5/16, 3-day $83, 2-day $82 mailed by 5/10, $90 45 north; from Milwaukee, I-94 east to Lake Cook Rd to US-45 south.)
is one hour. TD may extend this time at TD’s discretion. Note that online until 2 hours before round 1 or at site. Under 1210 Section EF: Free parking. Free lectures and analysis of your games by GM John
Foreign players must disclose their FIDE ID number before 1st round all $30 less than top 3 sections EF. All: Online entry $7 less to NYSCA Fedorowicz. $100,000 guaranteed prize fund. In 8 sections (unrated
in order to play. Note that USA Players with no FIDE ID must disclose members (dues $12/year with 2 issues Empire Chess, $20/year with 4 allowed only in Open, U2300, U2100 or U1000). Open: Open to players
their email address. $$ $500-$250-$125. EF: 2400+ $125, 2000-2399 issues, may be paid with entry fee). No checks at site, credit cards OK. who are rated 2200/over by USCF or FIDE or pay $100 extra. $10000-
$90, 1600 -1999 $99, U1600 $125, Senior/Birthday during tournament/ Special 1 year USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry- online at 5000-2500-1300-1000-800-600-500-400-400, clear or tiebreak winner
Additional Family Member $55. Dallas Chess Club membership required chesstour.com, Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or bonus $300, top FIDE Under 2400/Unr $2000-1000. FIDE rated, GM
or pay $20 non-member fee. Small Minimum prize to the First three at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $25, Scholastic $17. Re-entry $40, not and IM norms possible. Under 2300: $5000-2500-1200-800-600-500-
GM/IM’s who apply. GM/IM must play all rounds to get minimum prize available in Open Section. GMs, IMs, WGMs free, $60 deducted from 400-300-300-300. Under 2100: $5000-2500-1200-800-600-500-400-
(entry fee may be deducted from prize). Reserve: Open to players rated prize. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7, Sat 11 & 5, Sun 300-300-300; unrated limit $1000. Under 1900: $5000-2500-1200-800-
below 2000 USCF. This section is not Fide Rated but is US Chess rated 10 & 3:15. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 2 & 5, 600-500-400-300-300-300. Under 1700: $5000-2500-1200-800-600-500-
and uses US Chess rules. EF: $40. 10$ non Dallas Chess Club membership Sun 10 & 3:15. Half point byes OK all, must commit before rd. 2; limit 2 400-300-300-300. Under 1500: $4000-2000-1000-700-500-400-300-300-
fee. The Reserve give back 10% in prizes and if at least 8 paid entries byes (limit 1 bye if under 1810/unr in Open). HR: $80-80, call 518-668- 300-300. Under 1300: $4000-2000-1000-700-500-400-300-300-300-300.
and if there is a clear winner, then that winner receives free entry to 5744 Mon-Fri 9 am-5pm, reserve by 4/28 or rate may increase. Car Under 1000: $1000-500-300-200-200-150-150-100-100-100, unrated
next DCC Fide Open. In the reserve section, Tournament reserves the rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633, or reserve car online limit $200, trophies to first 10, top U800, U600, Unrated. Prize limits:
right to use Fide rules on electronic devices and on starting White’s through chesstour.com. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if 1) If any post-event rating posted 5/22/17-5/22/18 was more than 30
clock at start of a round and to use FIDE pairing rules. Also clocks will otherwise unrated. Ent: chessaction.com or Continental Chess, Box points over section maximum, prize limit $1500. 2) Players with under
be set to ‘halt at end’. Both: Reg.: Saturday from 9:45–10:15 am. Rds.: 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. Questions: www.chesstour.com, Direc- 26 lifetime games rated as of May 2018 official list cannot win over
Sat 10:45 am-3:10pm-7:16pm, Sun 9:45 am- 2:10pm. One half point Bye torAtChess.us, 347-201-2269. $15 service charge for refunds. Advance $500 in U1000, $1000 U1300, $1500 U1500, $2000 U1700, or $2500
allowed if requested before end of round 2 and before getting full point entries posted at chessaction.com (online entries posted instantly). Blitz U1900. 3) Balance of any limited prize goes to next player(s) in line.
bye. Withdrawals and zero point last round byes are not eligible for tournament Sat 9:30 pm, reg. ends 9:15 pm. Mixed Doubles Bonus Prizes: best male/female combined 2-player
prizes. Note that house players (if required) must pay $5 per round and team score: $2000-1000-500-400-300. For Open Section, only rounds
US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 1-7 counted towards mixed doubles. Team must average under 2200;
be US Chess members. ENT: Make/mail Checks payable to Dallas Chess MAY 19-20, TENNESSEE
Club, C/O Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX 76036- may play in different sections; register (no extra fee) before both players
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 begin round 2; teams including an unrated limited to $500. Open through
4719. Info: 214-632-9000. FIDE.
BLUFF CITY OPEN U1300 entry fee: $207 online at chessaction.com by 3/20, $227 by
MAY 15, NEW YORK 5ss, G/120 d5. Site: IBEW Local 474, 1870 Madison Ave., Memphis, TN 5/23. 5-day $215, 4-day $214, 3-day $213, 2-day $212 mailed by 3/20,
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 38104. Three Sections: Open, U1700, and U1000. $1700 Prizes are all $20 more mailed by 5/12. All $250 online until 2 hours before round
MARSHALL MASTERS based on 35 paid entries in top 2 sections. Open: $550, $300, $200. 1 or at site until 1 hour before round 1. No checks at site, credit cards
4-SS, G/25 d5. Open to 2000+ players. FIDE Rapid rated. $750 GTD: U1700: $350, $200, $100. Entry Fee: $50 early by May 12, $60 late. OK. Do not mail entry after 5/12. Open EF for titled players: GMs
$250-150-100; U2400: $125; U2300: $100; Biggest upset: $25. EF: $30; MCC Members $50 anytime; Masters: free (EF deducted from winnings). free; $200 deducted from prize. IMs/WGMs $100, also $100 deducted
from prize. EF $100 less to seniors age 65/over, except U1000 Section. Area Chess) to CHERRY BLOSSOM CLASSIC/ Attn. Capital Area Chess, $15. Mailed or at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $25, Scholastic $17. 3-
Under 1000 Section EF: $67 online at chessaction.com by 5/23, 4-day PO Box 223582, Chantilly, VA 20171. Email info only: Anand Dommalapati, day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7, Sat 11 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:15.
$74, 3-day $73, 2-day $72 mailed by 5/12, all $90 online until 2 hours cbc2018@capitalareachess.com. Boards and sets provided in ALL sec- 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun 10 &
before round 1 or at site until 1 hour before round 1. No checks at tions. Clocks supplied in the Open section. Four Side Events: Fri May 3:15. Bye: all, limit 2; must commit before rd. 2. HR: $105-105, 800-
site, credit cards OK. Online EF $5 less to ICA members; join at il- 25th 8pm - Open Quick Rated; Sat May 26th - 6th Cherry Blossom 408-7640, 203-358-8400; reserve by 6/1 or rate may increase. Ent:
chess.org. An ICA Tour Event. Special 1 yr US Chess dues with Classic Scholastic 10am, Scholastic Blitz 5pm & Open (FIDE)/Ama- chessaction.com or Continental Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803.
magazine if paid with entry: Online at chessaction.com, Adult $35, Young teur Blitz Tournament at 10pm. $15 service charge for refunds. Questions: Chesstour.com, Direc-
Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, torAtChess.us, 347-201-2269. Entries posted at chessaction.com (online
Young Adult $25, Scholastic $17. Re-entry: $100, no re-entry from Open A Heritage Event!
US Chess Junior Grand Prix! entries posted instantly). Blitz Sat 9:30 pm, enter by 9:15 pm.
to Open. 5-day schedule (Open only): Reg. ends Thu 6 pm, rds Thu 7
pm, Fri 12 & 7, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:15. 4-day schedule A State Championship Event! US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
(U2300 to U1500): Reg. ends Fri 6 pm, Rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 11 MAY 25-28 OR 26-28, TEXAS JUNE 15-17 OR 16-17, VIRGINIA
& 6, Mon 10 & 4:15. 3-day schedule (U2300 to U1500): Reg. ends Sat US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 (ENHANCED) US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 120 (ENHANCED)
10 am, Rds. Sat 11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:15. 2-day schedule 73RD ANNUAL TEXAS STATE AND AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS 7TH ANNUAL CONTINENTAL CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS
(U2300 to U1500): Reg. ends Sun 9 am, Rds. Sun 10, 12, 2, 3:45 & 6, 7SS. DFW Airport Marriott South, 4151 Centreport Dr., Fort Worth, TX 5SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Westin Tysons
Mon 10 & 4:15. Under 1300 & Under 1000 schedules: Same as U2300 76155. $$ 8,350G. Championship: This section is FIDE rated and uses Corner, 7801 Leesburg Pike (VA-7), Falls Church, VA 22043. Free parking,
to U1500 (4-day, 3-day, 2-day options), except last round Mon is 3:15. FIDE rules. The tournament will use USCF ratings for pairings and prize free shuttle to Tysons Corner Center and Metro. $20,000 guaranteed. 7
4-day, 3-day & 2-day schedules merge & compete for same prizes. purposes. Must be rated 2000 or above regular (not quick, blitz or rapid) sections: Master (2200/up): $2000-1000-500-300, clear win or 1st on
Byes: OK all, limit 4 (limit 2 in last 4 rds), Open must commit before rd by either USCF or Fide to play in this section or have had a provable 2000 tiebreak $100, top U2400 $800-400. FIDE. Expert (2000-2199): $1400-
3, others before rd 4. Hotel rates: $113-113-113-113, 800-937-8461, or higher regular rating in the past. Defending Texas State Amateur Cham- 700- 400-200. Class A (1800-1999/Unr): $1400-700-400-200. Class B
847-777-6500, reserve by 5/10 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, pion may also play in this section. Texas Scholastic High School Champions (1600- 1799/Unr): $1400-700-400-200.Class C (1400-1599/Unr): $1300-
800-331-1600, AWD #D657633, or reserve car online through (either South or North/Central) may also play in this section. Foreign 700-400- 200. Class D (1200-1399/Unr): $800-400-200-100. Class E
chesstour.com. Foreign player ratings: See www.chesstour.com/for- unrateds may play in this section and at TDs discretion may be required (Under 1200/Unr): $800-400-200-100, plaques to top 3, 1st U1000, U800,
eignratings.htm. US player ratings: May official ratings used; FIDE to play in Championship section. G/90 with 30 sec. increment. Foreign Unr. Rated players may play up one section. Unrated limits: E $150, D
ratings used for Open Section. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually players must disclose their FIDE ID number before 1st round in order to $250, C $350, B $500. Mixed doubles prizes: best male/female 2-player
used if otherwise unrated. Special rules: Players must submit to a play in Championship section. Default late forfeiture time is one hour. TD team combined score among all sections: $800-400. Must average under
search for electronic devices if requested by Director. See also may extend this time at TD’s discretion. $$ 1,000-500-250, 2200-2399 2200; may play different sections; register (no extra fee) by 2 pm 6/16.
chesstour.com/devices.htm. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, $750, U2200 $750. Amateur: U2000 & unrated. Rds. 1-7 G/90 with 30 sec Top 5 sections EF: $118 at chessaction.com by 6/13, 3-day $123, 2-day
NY 10803. Questions: chesstour.com, chesstour.info, DirectorAtChess.US, increment. $$ 800-400-200. B $$ 600-300-150, C 500-250-125, U1400 $122 mailed by 6/6, $130 at site, or online until 2 hrs before rd. 1. GMs,
347-201-2269. $15 service charge for refunds. Entries posted at ches- $500- 250-125, U1200 $400, U1000 $300 Unrated $200. Both: TCA mem- IMs & WGMs free in Master; $100 deducted from prize. Class D or E
saction.com (online entries posted instantly). Bring set, board, clock bership required. Other states accepted. EF: $89 if received by 5/16, else Section EF: all $40 less than above. No checks at site, credit cards OK.
if possible- none supplied. $99. $80 Junior (U19) if received by 5/16 else $90, Senior (over 65)/Hand- Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Special
US Chess Junior Grand Prix! icapped/ additional family participant $53 if receive by 5/16 else $65. Add 1 yr USCF with magazine if paid with entry. At chessaction.com, Adult
$5 for CC phone entries; pre-reg. requires pre-payment. After 5/23 all $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or at site, Adult $40, Young
MAY 25-28, 26-28, PENNSYLVANIA
registration and changes on site only; all changes including withdrawals, Adult $25, Scholastic $17. Re-entry $50 (no Master Section). 3-day sched-
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 $10 after 5/23. 4 day: Reg. Friday 5/25, 6:15 pm-7:15. Rds. Fri: 7:45, Sat: ule: Reg. Fri to 6 pm, rds. Fri 7, Sat 11 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:15. 2-day schedule:
EAST COAST OPEN 2:45 pm - 7:30, Sun: 11:30 am - 5:15 pm, Mon: 9:30 am - 2:15 pm. 3 day: Reg. Sat to 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:15. Bye: all, limit 2;
7SS, 40/90, SD/30 + 30” incr, (Rnd 1 G/90 +30” incr) (3-day schedule: Reg. Sat. 5/26, 9-9:30 am, Rd. 1 at 10 am then merge with 4 day. Foreign Master must commit before rd. 2, others before rd. 3. HR: $104-104, 1-
rds. 1-2 G/45+30”incr); U1300 & U1000 G/120 d5 (rds. 1&2 G/60 d5) Unrated must play in Championship section. Registrations that do not 866- 716-8108, reserve by 6/1 or rate may increase. Ent: chessaction.com
(2-day schedule, rds. 1-4 G/30 d5) Philadelphia Marriott West, 111 indicate 4 or 3 day schedule will be put in the 3 day. HR: $109/109/109/109, or Continental Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. Refunds, $15 service
Crawford Ave., West Conshohocken, PA 19428. $$ Based on score. 7 817-358- 1700 or 800-228-9290 reserve by 5/13 and ask for Chess rate. charge. Questions: Director@Chess.US, chesstour.com, 347-201-2269.
sections: Championship (min. rating of 2000) FIDE: 7.0 =$3300, 6.5 Rate includes breakfast for up to 4 hotel guests. Free Parking. Up to two Entries posted at chessaction.com (online entries posted instantly). Blitz
=$2100, 6.0=$1500, 5.5=$1000, 5.0=$500, 4.5=$175, 4.0=$70 [min 1/2 pt byes available if requested before end of rd. 2 and before receiving Sat 9:30 pm, enter by 9:15 pm.
$1500 payout, top score group raised if less than $1500]. U2200 (min. full point bye, but byes for both rounds 6 AND 7 is not permitted. K-12
rating of 1800) FIDE: 7.0 =$3000, 6.5 =$2000, 6.0=$1300, 5.5=$800, JUNE 20-21, NEVADA
Scholastic on Saturday, 5/26. 5-SS, Rds. G/30 d5, EF: $29 by 5/16, $45 US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 50 (ENHANCED)
5.0=$450, 4.5=$150, 4.0=$50. U2000: 7.0 =$3000, 6.5 =$1900, after; Pre-reg. requires pre-payment. After 5/23 all registration and
6.0=$1200, 5.5=$750, 5.0=$400, 4.5=$150. U1800: 7.0= $3000, 6.5 changes on site only; all changes $10 after 5/23. No refunds after 5/24, 2018 U.S. WOMEN’S OPEN
= $1800, 6.0= $1100, 5.5= $650, 5.0=$350, 4.5=$150. U1600: 7.0= $10 handling fee for refunds before 5/24. Registration 8:15-8:45 am, Rd. See Nationals.
$2700, 6.5= $1500, 6.0= $900, 5.5= $550, 5.0=$300, 4.5=$125. 1 at 9:30 am, rest ASAP with small lunch break. Sections: K-12 Champi- JUNE 21, NEVADA
U1300: 7.0= $1200, 6.5= $700, 6.0= $350, 5.5= $225, 5.0=$120, onship and K- 12 U1000. Prizes: Trophies to top 12 individuals, top five US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 50 (ENHANCED)
4.5=$50. U1000 (no adult UNR): 7.0=$500, 6.5=$325, 6.0=$175, teams in each section. K-12 U1000 also top three unrateds. Medals to
5.5=$100, 5.0=$55, 4.5=$30. Trophies to top 10 & top U800 in U1000. WALTER BROWNE MEMORIAL NATIONAL OPEN BLITZ
those who do not win a trophy. Ent: Dallas Chess Club, C/O Barbara CHAMPIONSHIP (BLZ)
Additional prizes to clear 1st place, if no 7-0 in section (added to Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX 76036. Info: Barb Swafford,
score prize) - Championship: $600; U2200 $450, U2000 $375, U1800 & 7 D-SS (14 games), G/3, +2. Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino,
214-632-9000, info@dallaschess.com www.dallaschess.com. W. FIDE. 3000 Paradise Road, Las Vegas 89109. $5,000 Guaranteed Prize fund!
U1600: $300; U1300 $100, U1000 $50. Unrated may not win over $100
in U1000, $200 U1300, or $400 in U1600. Boards and pieces provided MAY 26, VIRGINIA Open: $1000-500-300. U2400 300, U2300 275, U2200 250, U2100 225,
in all sections. Clocks provided in the Championship – U1600 sec- US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 (ENHANCED) U2000 200. Reserve (U1900): $500-300-150, U1800 250, U1700 200,
tions. Optionally, pairings can be texted or emailed. Free Monday 6TH CHERRY BLOSSOM CLASSIC FIDE BLITZ! (BLZ) U1600 175, U1500 150, U1400 125, U1200 100. Open section FIDE blitz
morning continental breakfast for players. Free parking for day Side Event to the 6th Cherry Blossom Classic (May 25-28). Wash- rated. Must be 3 players eligible for each prize awarded. Unrated eligible
guests. EF: $149 by 5/11, $159 by 5/22, and $164 online only by 5/24, ington Dulles Airport Marriott, 45020 Aviation Dr., Dulles, VA 20166. 2 for under prizes in open section only. EF: $50 by 5/31, $60 later. REG.:
$170 after 5/24. Special EFs: $75 less for U1300, $100 less for U1000; Sections - Open (FIDE) and Amatuer/U1800. Open: G/3;+2; 5-SS by 1 p.m. Rd. 1 at 2 p.m. www.VegasChessFestival.com. FIDE.
GMs free, no deduction from prize; IMs $45 less. HR: $99, ($5 EF Double. $$500 GTD $200-100 Top U2200/U2000 $100 each. Amateur/ JUNE 21-24, 22-24 OR 23-24, NEVADA
discount if staying at hotel). Rooms may not be avail after 5/11. 4-day U1800 (b/16; Section maybe combined with Open): $100-$50 Top US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 300 (ENHANCED)
schedule (Champ-U1600): Reg. ends Fri 7pm, rds. Fri 8, Sat 11 & 6, Sun U1400/U1200 $50 each. EF: $25 by May 25th online, Onsite. $30 by 2018 NATIONAL OPEN
11 & 6, Mon 9:30 & 3:30. 3-day schedule (Champ-U1600): Reg. ends 9:45pm. Rounds start 10pm. Max 1 byes allowed at entry. More infor- See Nationals.
Sat 10am rds. 11, 2:15 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 9:30 & 3:30. U1300 & mation/Online registration: www.cherryblossomchess.com. Mail checks
U1000 3-day schedule Reg. ends Sat 10am. Rds. 11, 1:15 & 4:00, Sun (payable to Capital Area Chess) to Cherry Blossom Classic, Attn. Capital US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
11 & 4:00, Mon 9:30&1:30. U1300 & U1000 2-day schedule: reg ends Area Chess, PO Box 223582, Chantilly, VA 20151. Email info only: Anand JUNE 28-JULY 2, PENNSYLVANIA
Sun 10am. Rds. Sun 11, 12:15, 1:30, 2:45, 4:00, Mon 9:30&1:30 Ent: Dommalapati, cbc2018@capitalareachess.com. US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 200 (ENHANCED)
Michael Regan, 1827 Thornton Ridge Rd., Towson, MD 21204. Detailed 12TH ANNUAL PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL
rules, more information and registration at http://theeastcoastopen.com. MAY 27, ILLINOIS 9SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10. Philadelphia Marriott Downtown (see World
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 (ENHANCED) Open for location, rates, parking). $25,000 guaranteed prizes, in 3
US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 7TH ANNUAL CHICAGO OPEN BLITZ (BLZ) sections. Only Premier is FIDE rated. US sections are not open to players
MAY 25-28 OR 26-28, VIRGINIA 5SS, G/5 d0, double round, 10 games. Westin North Shore Hotel (see listed as foreign by FIDE. Premier uses June FIDE ratings for pairngs &
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 100 (ENHANCED) Chicago Open). In 2 sections with $2500 guaranteed. Open: $400-250- prizes, US sections use July official USCF ratings. Premier: open to
6TH CHERRY BLOSSOM CLASSIC 150, U2300/Unr $220-110, U2100/Unr $200-100. Under 1900/Unr: , FIDE1900/over or USCF 2000/over and all FIDE rated foreign players.
Washington Dulles Airport Marriott, 45020 Aviation Dr., Dulles, VA $300-150-90, U1700/Unr $180-90, U1500 $120-60, U1300 $80. EF: $40 GM & IM norms possible. Prizes $5000-2500-1300-800-600-400-300-300,
20166. A VCF Cup Event. $$12,500 GUARANTEED Prizes in 5 Sections by 7 pm 5/27, $50 by 10 pm 5/27. GMs free; $40 from prize. Enter at top FIDE under 2300 or unrated $1200-600. US Under 2100/Unr: $2500-
($$2,500 increase in Prize Fund from 2017 - 4th straight year with site only, no checks. $20 service charge for refunds. Reg.: ends 10 pm, 1300-700-500-400. US Under 1900/Unr: $2500-1300-700-500-400, unrated
an increase in prizes !!!). Open: $2000-1000-500-300 U2350 $400- rds. 10:30, 11, 11:30, 12, 12:30. 1 bye allowed (1 point out of 2), must limit $1000, top U1700 (no unrated) $800-400. Premier minimum prize
200. Clear 1st/Tiebreaker $100 bonus. U2200: $1300-700-400 U2050 give notice before rd. 2. Blitz rated, but higher of regular or blitz used guarantees: $600 to foreign GMs, $300 to foreign IMs/WGMs (all must
$300- 150. U1900: $1000-500-250 U1750 $300-150 U1600: $800-400- for pairings & prizes. complete all 9 games with no byes; limited to first 6 foreign GMs & first
200, U1450 $200-100 U1300: $500-300-150 U1150 $200-100 Unrated 6 foreign IMs/WGMs to enter by 5/25 at chessaction.com). Minimum
prize limits in all sections except Open. 7-SS in 4 sections (4-day or 3- US Chess Junior Grand Prix! prize $300 to other GMs (including US) who enter at chessaction.com by
day): Open/U2200 (FIDE Rated), U1900 and U1600. 6-SS in U1300 (2-day JUNE 8-10 OR 9-10, CONNECTICUT 5/25 and complete all 9 games with no byes. Premier EF: GMs, IMs,
only – Sat and Sun). GMs, IMs & WGMs free, deduct $50 from prize US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 50 (ENHANCED) WGMs, foreign FIDE rated players: $50 online at chessaction.com by
winnings; Addl conditions offered to the first 6 GMs/IMs who reg- 24TH ANNUAL NORTHEAST OPEN 5/25, $75 online at chessaction.com by 6/25, $100 at site; $100 deducted
ister by May 5th. Contact Organizer by the deadline. Min Rating in 5SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Sheraton from prize (no deduction from minimum prize). US FIDE Masters: $200
Open & U2200: 2000 for Open and 1750 for U2200 else pay $50 more. Hotel, 700 Main St., Stamford 06901. Parking $10. $10,000 guaranteed. online by 5/25, $225 online by 6/25, $250 at site. US players USCF or
EF: Top 4 sections $98 (Eary Bird rate) by Apr 8th, $105 by May 8th, 4 sections. Major: Open to 1800/above. $1200-700-400, U2250 $600- FIDE rated 2100/up:$300 online by 5/25, $325 online by 6/25, $350 at
$110 by May 22nd, $115 by May 24th, $125 after and onsite. U1300 300. Under 2050: $1000-600-300, U1850 $500-250. Under 1650: site. US players USCF or FIDE rated 2000-2099: $400 online by 5/25,
Section $15 less. Re-entry $60 for all players, no re-entry in Open. $800-500-300, U1450 $400-200. Under 1250: $600-400-200, U1050 $425 online by 6/25, $450 at site. Others: $500 online by 5/25, $525
T/C: Top 4 Sections: 4-day: Rd1 G/90;+30; Rds2-7 40/90;SD/ 30;+30. $150, plaque to top 3, 1st U1000, U800, U600, Unr. Unrated limit $100 online by 6/25, $550 at site. US sections EF: $250 online by 5/25, $275
3-day: Rd1 G/45;+30, Rds2-3 G/90;+30, Rds4-7 40/90;SD/ 30;+30. in U1250, $300 U1650. Mixed doubles prizes: best male/female 2- online by 6/25, $300 at site. All: Mailed entry all $10 more; do not mail
U1300 only Sat & Sun G/90 d5. Rounds: 4-day: Reg. ends Fri 7 pm, player combined score among all sections: $400-200. Must average entry after 6/15. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Special 1 year USCF
Rds. Fri 8pm, Sat/Sun 11am- 5:30pm, Mon 9:30am-3:30pm. 3-day: Reg. under 2200; may play different sections; register (no extra fee) by 2 dues with magazine: see World Open. Schedule: Late reg. ends Thu 6
ends Sat 10am, Rds. 1-3 Sat 11am-2pm-7pm and Rds. 4-7 follows 4- pm 6/9. Top 3 sections EF: $95 at chessaction.com by 6/6, 3-day $98, pm, rds. Thu 7 pm, Fri 1 & 7, Sat-Mon 11 & 5. Two half point byes available;
day. (U1300 only 2-day Rds. Sat 11am-3pm-7pm, Sun 10am-2pm-6pm.) 2-day $97 mailed by 5/31, $110 at site, or online until 2 hrs before rd 1. must commit before rd. 3; FIDE norm in Premier not possible if taking
Byes: Up to two 1/2pt byes available in all sections, must commit 1 U1250 Section EF: all $30 less than above. No checks at site, credit bye. HR: see World Open. Bring set, board, clock if possible- none sup-
hour before start of rd. 4 (by Sun 8:30am). HR $99/night if reserved by cards OK. GMs $90 from prize. CSCA members, online EF $3 less. Re- plied. Ent: chessaction.com or Continental Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY
May 10th. Reservations call 1-800- 228-9290 or 703-471-6700, mention entry $50, except Major Section. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually 10803. $15 service charge for refunds. Questions: www.chesstour.com,
Cherry Blossom Chess Tournament. More information/ Online regis- used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 yr USCF with magazine if paid DirectorAtChess.us, 347-201- 2269. Entry list: see chessaction.com; online
tration: www.cherryblossomchess.com. Mail checks (payable to Capital with entry. At chessaction.com, Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic entries posted instantly. Invitations: Go@Chess.us.
www.uschess.org 59
Tournament Life / March
US Chess Junior Grand Prix! spaces sold. Gateway Garage, 1540 Spring St. (3/5 mile from Marriott, 1 MAR. 16-18 OR 17-18, Lone Star Open (TX)
JULY 2-3, PENNSYLVANIA block from Sheraton Hotel), about $7/day Sat & Sun, $20/day other days. See Grand Prix.
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 40 (ENHANCED) Special car rental rates: Avis, 800-331-1600, AWD #D657633, or reserve
car online through chesstour.com. Foreign player ratings: See www.chess- A State Championship Event!
7TH ANNUAL WORLD OPEN WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP MAR. 24-25, Alabama State Scholastic Chess Championship
6SS, G/90 d10. Philadelphia Marriott Downtown (see World Open for tour.com/foreignratings.htm. US player ratings: Official July USCF ratings
used; July FIDE ratings used for Open Section. Unofficial uschess.org March 24th, Saturday Team: 4SS, Game/45 + 5 second delay for
location, rates, parking). Open to all females. $2500 guaranteed prizes: Open & Jr. High Championship, All other sections 4SS, Game/30 + 5
$1000-500-250, top U2000/Unr $300, U1700 $250, U1400 $200, plaques ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Special rules: Players must
submit to a search for electronic devices if requested by Director. See second delay. March 25th, Sunday Individual: 4SS, Game/45 + 5
to 1st, top U1200/Unr, U1000, U800. EF: $88 online at chessaction.com second delay for Open & Jr. High Championship, All other sections 5SS,
by 6/30, $92 mailed by 6/15, $100 at site, or online until 8 am 7/2. also chesstour.com/devices.htm. Ent: chessaction.com or Continental
Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. Questions: chesstour.com, chess Game/30 + 5 second delay. Location: University of South Alabama,
GMs, IMs, WGMs free; $80 from prize. Reg. ends 9 am 7/2, rds. 10, 2, Student Center, 307 N. University Blvd., Mobile, AL 36688. Round times:
6 each day. Half point byes OK all rounds, limit 2 byes (limit 1 bye if tour.info, DirectorAtChess.US. $15 service charge for refunds. Entries
posted at chessaction.com (online entries posted instantly). Awards: Open & Jr. High 10:00, 12:45, 2:30, 4:15. All other sections 10:00, 11:15,
under 1400), must commit before rd 3. Special USCF dues: see World 1:30, 2:45, 4:00 (5th round Sunday Only). Sections: TEAM - Primary(K-
Open. Ent: chessaction.com or Continental Chess, PO Box 8482, Pelham, Open through U1800 prizes awarded 7/8, others mailed by 7/23. Bring
set, board, clock if possible- none supplied. 3), Primary Club, Elementary(K-6), Elementary Club, Jr. High(K-9) and
NY 10803. $15 service charge for refunds. Entries posted at chess Open (K-12). INDIVIDUAL - Primary (K-3), Elementary (4-6) Under 600,
action.com (online entries posted instantly). JULY 4, PENNSYLVANIA Elementary (K-6), Jr. High Under-800, Jr. High (K-8), Open Under 1000,
JULY 3, PENNSYLVANIA US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15 (ENHANCED) Open (K-12). USCF and ACF required. EF: Team $50 by March 15th,
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 40 (ENHANCED) 7TH ANNUAL WORLD OPEN GAME/7 CHAMPIONSHIP (BLZ) $100 thereafter, Individual $25 ($55 family) by March 15th, $35 by
6TH ANNUAL WORLD OPEN ACTION CHAMPIONSHIP 5-SS, double round (10 games), G/7 d2. Marriott Philadelphia Downtown March 20th, $60 thereafter. For online Registration and Payment refer
6SS, G/30 d5. Philadelphia Marriott Downtown (see World Open for (see World Open). Prizes $1000 guaranteed: $300-150-70, U2100 $130- to https://alabamachess.org starting February 01,2018. Questions:
location, rates, parking). Prizes $7000 based on 100 entries, otherwise 70, U1800 $120-60, U1500/Unr $100. EF: $40, at site only, no checks. Balagee.Govindan@AlabamaChess.org
raised or lowered in proportion; minimum guarantee $4667 (2/3 of GMs $40 from prize. Reg. ends 10:30 am, rds. 11, 12, 1, 2, 3. One pair
each prize). GMs count as half entries. In 4 sections. Premier, open to of 1/2 pt byes available, must commit before rd. 2. Blitz rated (will not
1900/above. Prizes $1000-500-300, top Under 2400 $600-300. Under affect regular ratings), but higher of regular or blitz used for pairings & ARIZONA
2200/Unr: Prizes $600-300-200, top Under 2000/Unr $400-200. Under prizes. $20 service charge for refunds.
UNITY CHESS CLUB
1800/Unr: Prizes $600-300-200, unrated limit $350, top Under 1600 US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Dedicated to cultivating a sense of unity and learning through
(no Unr) $320-160. Under 1400/Unr: Prizes $400-200-100, unrated JULY 6-8, CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN chess! Contact Pedram Atoufi, President. (602)326-2727. 1660
limit $200, top Under 1200 (no unr) $210-110. Top 3 sections EF: $96 US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 100 (ENHANCED)
online at chessaction.com by 7/1, $100 mailed by 6/15, $110 at site.
S. Alma School Rd., #207, Mesa, AZ 85210, info@unity chess.com;
PACIFIC SOUTHWEST OPEN Monthly 4-round rated G/55; +5 Saturday tournaments. Weekly
GMs free, $90 from prize. Under 1400/Unr section EF: all $20 less 5-SS, G/90 + 30 sec inc. At the Hilton Irvine/Orange County Airport,
than above. Reg. ends 10 am 7/3, rounds 11, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9. Half point Sunday rated G/30;+5 tournaments from 3-7pm. Monday night
Irvine, CA 92612. $10,000 in Guaranteed Prizes, 6 Sections. Prizes: tournaments G/90;+5 sec increment; play one round every Mon-
byes OK all rounds, limit 2, must commit before rd. 3. Special USCF Open Sec 1st $1,600-1,000-600-300-100, plus BU2300 $400-200; U2200,
dues: see World Open. $15 service charge for refunds. Entries posted day night for the whole month. The strongest tournament in
U2000, U1800 ALL: $700-300-200-100; U1600: $600-300-100 U1400: Arizona is the 6th Annual Phoenix Open from November 24th-
at chessaction.com (online entries posted instantly). $300-200, plus BU1200 $200-100, Book prize for Best unrated in each 26th! Group classes every Sunday on Tactics, Strategy, and more.
An American Classic! section, if any. Not FIDE rated. Reg.: 6:30 - 7:45 PM Friday, July official Private lessons and online lessons available with master coaches.
A Heritage Event! rating list used. No “fast” schedule or re-entries. One 1/2 point bye All ages and levels of playing welcome! See website for more
US Chess Junior Grand Prix! available, but must commit before Rd. 4. Rds.: 8 PM on Friday, 10 AM details.
JULY 3-8, 4-8, 5-8 OR 6-8, PENNSYLVANIA & 3 PM Sat and Sun. EF: $90 Early Bird Special if received by 5/31,
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 300 (ENHANCED) $100 from 6/1 to 7/01, $120 from 7/01 -7/05, $140 on event day. No MAY 5-6, 13th Susan Polgar Foundation National Open for Boys
46TH ANNUAL WORLD OPEN credit cards at door, checks or cash only. Special rate of only $60 if and Girls (CA-N)
9SS. Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, 1201 Market St., Philadelphia, PA U1400 or unrated. GMs, IMs, WGMs and WIMs all have free entry, but See California, Northern.
19107, directly across the street from the world famous Reading Terminal $100 deducted from any prize winnings. SCCF membership req’d ($18 JUNE 20-21, 2018 U.S. Women’s Open (NV)
Market with over 80 food vendors. In 9 sections. $225,000 guaranteed Adult; $13 Jr or $3 Jr w/o mag,) for all So Cal residents. Entries: SDCC, See Nationals.
prizes. Unrated may enter only Open, U2200, U2000, or Unrated Sections. PO Box 120162, San Diego, CA 92112 or enter online at www.scchess.com.
Free analysis of your games by GM Sam Palatnik 7/4-8, free GM lectures For more info call Chuck at 858-432-8006, or email me at chucnglo JUNE 21, Walter Browne Memorial National Open Blitz
9 am 7/6 & 7/7. Open Section, July 4-8 only: Open to all rated 2200/over @aol.com Hotel Rates: $139, 800-445-8667, if booked by 6/06/18. Championship (BLZ) (NV)
USCF or FIDE, or must pay $100 more. 40/2, SD/30 d10. Under 2200 to This event is a State Championship Qualifier. See Grand Prix.
Under 1200 Sections, July 3-8, 4-8, 5-8 or 6-8: 40/2, SD/30 d10 (4- JULY 7, PENNSYLVANIA JUNE 21-24, 22-24 OR 23-24, 2018 National Open (NV)
day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10; 3-day option, rds. 1-5 G/35 d10). Under US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 (ENHANCED) See Nationals.
900 Section & Unrated Section, July 6-8 only: G/60 d10, play separate WORLD OPEN G/10 CHAMPIONSHIP (QC)
schedule. Open: $20000-10000-5000-2500-1300-1000-800-700-600-500, JUNE 23-24, International Youth Championship (NV)
5SS, G/10 d2. Marriott Philadelphia Downtown (see World Open). $1700 See Nevada.
clear winner bonus $500, top FIDE 2300-2449 $5000-2500-1500, top FIDE guaranteed prizes. In 2 sections. Open Section: $300-200-100, top
2200-2299 $5000-2500-1500. Top FIDE U2200/Unr $5000-2500-1500. If U2300 $220, U2100/Unr $200. Under 1900 Section: $200-100-50, top
tie for first, top 2 on tiebreak play speed game 10 pm 7/8 for title &
bonus prize. GM & IM norms possible. FIDE rated. Under 2200/Unr:
U1700 $130, U1500 $110, U1300 $90. EF: $40, at site only, no checks. ARKANSAS
GMs $40 from prize. Reg: 6-9 pm, rounds 9:30, 10:10, 10:50, 11:30,
$12000-6000-3000-1500-1000-800-600-500-400-400, top U2100 (no unr) 12:10. 1 half point bye available, must commit before rd. 2. Quick-rated MAR. 16-18 OR 17-18, Lone Star Open (TX)
$2000-1000, unrated limit $2000. Under 2000/Unr: $12000-6000-3000- (will not affect regular ratings); higher of regular or quick used for See Grand Prix.
1500-1000-800-600-500-400-400, top U1900 (no unr) $2000-1000, unrated pairings & prizes. $20 service charge for refunds. US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
limit $1000. Under 1800: $12000-6000-3000-1500-1000-800-600-500-
JULY 8, PENNSYLVANIA MAR. 24-25, Arkansas Open
400-400, top U1700 $2000-1000. Under 1600: $10000-5000-2500-1300-900-
700-600-500-400-400, top U1500 $2000-1000. Under 1400: $8000-4000- US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 (ENHANCED) 5SS, G/90;+30. Mt. Sequoyah Retreat Center, 150 N. Skyline Dr., Fayet-
2000-1300-900-700-600-500-400-400, top U1300 $1600-800. Under 1200: WORLD OPEN BLITZ CHAMPIONSHIP (BLZ) teville, AR. (479) 443-4531 or (800) 760-8126, M-F 9-5. Cottage Cabins:
$4000-2000-1000-800-600-500-400-400-300-300, top U1000 $1000-500. 5SS, G/5 d0 (double round, 10 games). Marriott Philadelphia Downtown 1 King or 2 Queens $75 (no tax). Reserve by Mar. 16! EF: Open: $40 by
Under 900: $600-400-300-200-100, plaques to top 10. Unrated: $600- (see World Open). $3000 guaranteed prizes. In 2 sections: Open Section: 3/23; $50 at site; Reserve (U1600): $30 by 3/23; $35 at site. $$ Prizes
400-300-200-100, plaques to top 10. Prize limits: 1) If any post-event $500-300-200, top U2400 $220-110, U2200/Unr $200-100. Under 2000 (b/40): Open: $225-125; U1800 $125; Reserve: $150-75; U1400 $100;
rating posted 6/30/17-6/30/18 was more than 30 points over section Section: $400-200-100, top U1800/Unr $220-110, U1600 $160-80, U1400 U1000 $50; Upset $50. Reg.: 8:15-9:15 Sat AM. Rds.: 9:30-2-6:30; 9-
maximum, prize limit $2000. 2) Players with under 26 lifetime games $100, unrated limit $200. EF (at site only, no checks): $40 by 7 pm 7/4, 1:15. Byes: One 1/2-pt bye Rds. 1-5 commit before Rd. 3 pairings.
rated as of July 2018 official list cannot win over $1000 in U1200, $2000 $50 after 7 pm 7/4. GMs $40 from prize. Reg. ends 9:30 pm, rounds Entries: Les Kline, 801 N. Rush Dr., Fayetteville, AR 72701. Info:
U1400, $3000 U1600 through U2000. Games rated too late for July official 10, 10:45, 11:20, 11:55, 12:30. Half point bye available (1 point out of cl_kline@sbcglobal.net; (479) 595-5720. ACA (OSA).
list not counted toward 26 game total. 3) Balance of any limited prize 2); must commit before rd. 2. Blitz rated (will not affect regular ratings);
goes to next player(s) in line. Mixed Doubles Bonus Prizes: best higher of regular or blitz used for pairings & prizes. $20 service charge CALIFORNIA, NORTHERN
male/female combined 2-player team score: $3000-1500-700-500-300. for refunds.
Team must average under 2200; may play in different sections; register MAR. 9-11, 2018 U.S. Junior Chess Congress
JULY 28-29, WISCONSIN See Nationals.
(no extra fee) before both players begin round 2; teams including an
unrated limited to $500. Entry fee for Open through U1400 sections: US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10
2018 U.S. OPEN WEEKEND SWISS MAR. 10, Foster City Luper$wiss90 (3SS, G/90 d5)
Online at chessaction.com: $308 by 4/15, $318 by 5/15, $328 by 6/30, Foster City Courtyard Marriott, 550 Shell Blvd., 94404. Prizes: $1,300
$350 at site until 1 1/2 hours before round 1, or online until 2 hours 5SS, G/60 d5. $1,150 Guaranteed Prizes: $200-100-50, U2200/Unrated
$160, U2000 $150, U1800 $140, U1600 $120, U1400 $100, U1200 $80, b/50. 60% guar. 1900+: $200-100-100, u2000 50-50. 1500-1899: $200-
before. Mailed by 5/15: 6-day $326, 5-day $325, 4-day $324, 3-day $323. 100, u1600 50-50. u1500: $200-100, u1200 50-50. Mar 18 Supp & TD
Mailed by 6/15: all $10 more. All $100 more for Open Section if not Unrated $50. Entry fee $40, Unrated players free if paying US Chess dues.
On-site Registration 10:00-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Rounds at noon & 3:00 disc. Reg.: 8:30-8:45. Rds.: 9-1-4:30. EF: 49, Econ 39 w 1/2 prz. after
rated 2200/over by USCF or FIDE. Do not mail entry after 6/15. No 3/3 +20, playup +20, GMs/IMs/NMs- $0 by 2/25. Info: http://BayArea
checks at site, credit cards OK. GMs in Open: free; $200 deducted from p.m. Saturday, 10:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. Sunday. See http://
www.uschess.org/tournaments/2018/usopen/ for additional details. Chess.com/grandprix. W.
prize. IMs, WGMs in Open: EF $100 less. Under 1200 Section EF: all
$100 less than above. Seniors 65/up: all EF $100 less in U1400 or above MAR. 10, Fremont DuperSwiss75 (3SS, G/75 d5)
JULY 28-AUG. 5, JULY 31-AUG. 5 OR AUG. 2-5, WISCONSIN Courtyard Marriott, Fremont, CA 94538. Prizes: $1,300 b/50. 60% guar.
sections. U900 Section or Unrated Section EF: $68 online at US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 300 (ENHANCED)
chessaction.com by 6/30, $73 mailed by 6/15, $80 at site until 9:30 am 1900+: $200-100-100, u2000 50-50. 1500-1899: $200-100, u1600 50-
119TH ANNUAL U.S. OPEN 50. u1500: $200-100, u1200 50-50. Mar 18 Supp & TD disc. Reg.: 8:30-8:45.
7/6 or online until 9 am 7/6. No checks at site; credit cards OK. Re- See Nationals.
entry: $160, no re-entry from Open to Open. $20 fee for switching Rds.: 9-12-3. EF: 49, Econ 39 w 1/2 prz. after 3/4 +20, playup +20, Rtd
section after 7/2. Special 1 year USCF dues with magazine if paid with AUG. 4, WISCONSIN 2200+ $0 by 2/25. Info: BayAreaChess.com/grandprix. W.
entry: Online at chessaction.com, Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15 MAR. 16-18 OR 17-18, Cal Chess Women’s State Championship
$15. Mailed or at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $25, Scholastic $17. 6-day 2018 U.S. OPEN NATIONAL BLITZ CHAMPIONSHIP (BLZ) See Grand Prix.
schedule: Tue/Wed 7 pm, Thu 6 pm, Fri/Sat 11 am & 6 pm, Sun 10 am & See Nationals.
MAR. 16-18 OR 17-18, Cal Chess Senior State Championship
4:30 pm. 5-day schedule: Wed 7 pm, Thu-Sat 11 am & 6 pm, Sun 10 am See Grand Prix.
& 4:30 pm. 4-day schedule: Thu 11, 2:30 & 6, Fri/Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 &
4:30. 3-day schedule: Fri 11, 1:30, 3:30, 6 & 8:30, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 &
4:30. U900 Section, Unrated Section schedule: Fri 11, 2:30 & 6, Sat
Regional US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
MAR. 18, Palo Alto $uper$wiss61 (4SS, G/61 d5)
11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 10, 1:30 & 4:30. All schedules merge & compete for *NEW Location* Crown Plaza Palo Alto, 4290 El Camino Real, Palo Alto,
same prizes. Half point byes OK all, limit 4 (limit 2 in last 4 rds), Open ALABAMA CA 94306. Prizes: $1,300 b/50. 60% guar. 1900+: $200-100-100, u2000
must commit before rd. 3, others before rd. 5. Entries, re-entries close 50-50. 1500-1899: $200-100, u1600 50-50. u1500: $200-100, u1200 50-
90 minutes before round 1. HR: $115-115-135, 215-625-2900, reserve MAR. 16-18 OR 17-18, 16th annual Southern Class 50. Feb 18 Supp & TD disc. Reg.: 8:30-8:45. Rds.: 9-11:30-2-4:30. EF:
early, chess block may sell out by early June. Parking: Marriott valet Championships (FL) 49, Econ 39 w 1/2 prz. after 3/10 +20, playup +20 GMs/IMs/NMs -
parking, about $20/day (60% off regular rate) for first 100 valet parking See Grand Prix. $0 by 3/3. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/grandprix. W.
MAR. 23-25 OR 24-25, IM Walter Shipman Memorial MAR. 24, 2018 Greater New Haven Championships!
Championship CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN See Grand Prix.
See Grand Prix. MAR. 28-APR. 1, MAR. 29-APR. 1, MAR. 30-APR. 1 OR MAR.
THE LOS ANGELES CHESS CLUB
MAR. 24-25, 2018 CalChess State Scholastic Team vs. Team The Most Active Club on the West Coast! (310) 795-5710. * 31-APR. 1, 12th annual Philadelphia Open (PA)
Championship LACC: www.LAChessClub.com; VCC: www.ValleyChess See Grand Prix.
G/30 d5. Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Pkwy. Club.com; Contact: Mick@LAChessClub.com; Saturday & Sun- APR. 7, CT State Quick Championships! (QC)
Park Free! Teams: Four-player teams plus optional alternate. Mar 2018 days: 10 am-9 pm (Beginner/Novice & Intermediate classes + See Grand Prix.
Supplement, CCA min, & TD discretion used to place players accurately. 3 Tournaments each day – Details on our web site. Tuesdays:
Sections: Elementary School Teams (K-Gr6) on Saturday only, Middle 7:30-9:30 pm (Advance lecture). 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., APR. 7-8, 2nd annual Bill Little Memorial (NY)
School Teams (K-Gr8) & High School Teams (K-Gr12) on Sunday Los Angeles, CA 90025. (4 blocks W of 405, SW corner of See Grand Prix.
only. All three sections are one-day events. Sched: Saturday only Santa Monica & Butler * 2nd Floor – above Javan Restaurant) APR. 8, CT State Rapid Championships! (QC)
section: Onsite Registration @ Sat 9-9:30a, Round Times @ Sat 10a- Group Classes * Tournaments * Private (1:1) Lessons. Note See Grand Prix.
11:30a-1p-2:15p-3:30p. Sunday only section: Onsite Registration @ our monthly major tournaments. Also, we have the best Weekly
Sun 9-9:30a, Round Times @ Sun 10a-11:30a-1p-2:15p-3:30p. Prizes: APR. 27-29 OR 28-29, 27th annual Eastern Class
BLITZ tournament on Saturday nights at 6:30 pm!! Championships (MA)
Special 4 commemorative clocks and team trophy to the team for Top 3
overall teams. Clocks to top scorer on each board (1-4) in each section. VELLOTTI’S CHESS SCHOOL See Grand Prix.
Event EF: $149/team or $39/player by 3/15. Late Fee: after 3/15: $10 Beginners Welcome! Now offering online lessons, Vellotti’s Chess MAY 4-6 OR 5-6, 64th Annual Maryland Open (MD)
extra per player or $40 per team. Onsite: $20 extra per player, $80 School makes chess FUN for both boys & girls from PreK thru See Grand Prix.
extra per team. Info:www.bayareachess.com/scholasticteam. Online 8th grade. Our Award-Winning Enchanted Chess adventure-
entry at http://www.BayAreaChess.com/my/scholasticteam or mail based system is currently used to train & develop thousands of MAY 18-20 OR 19-20, 26th annual New York State Open and
to Bay Area Chess, 2050 Concourse Drive #42, San Jose, CA 95131. students into state and national champions. Super star International Senior (NY)
For questions: ask@BayAreaChess.com. W. Master Luke Vellotti supervises the development of lesson plans See Grand Prix.
MAR. 31, Bay Area Cupertino Quads (PK-12; 3xG/30 d5) and also coaches more advanced students and titled players. Now MAY 25-28 OR 26-28, 6th Cherry Blossom Classic (VA)
Courtyard Marriott, Cupertino, CA 95014. Trophies: Players w + score. in two locations- Idaho and Southern CA. For more info about See Grand Prix.
Sched: Reqrd. Check-in 1:30-2p. Games: 2:15-5p. EF: 29, 44 after 3/24. Classes, Camps, and Tournaments, call (208) 713-2486 or email MAY 25-28, 26-28, East Coast Open (PA)
Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W. info@SuccessInChess.com. Visit us online at SuccessInChess.com See Grand Prix.
or SoCalChess.com to register for a FREE class today!
MAR. 31, Bay Area Cupertino Swiss (PK-12; 4SS, G/30 d5) JUNE 8-10 OR 9-10, 24th Annual Northeast Open
Courtyard Marriott, Cupertino, CA 95014. Trophies: players w + score. MAR. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31, Every Saturday & Sun- See Grand Prix.
Sched: Reg.: 9:30-9:45a. Games: 10a -1:30p. EF: 34, 49 after 3/24. day Chess 4 Juniors
JULY 3-8, 4-8, 5-8 OR 6-8, 46th Annual World Open (PA)
Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W. 9 separate events- 5SS, G/30 d0. 11514 Santa Monica Blvd. & Butler See Grand Prix.
LA, 90025, 2nd fl. 4 blocks West of 405. EF: $30 ($20 LACC memb, No
A State Championship Event! prize 1/2 EF, siblings 1/2, Free new LACC members). Reg.: 12-1 pm.
APR. 6-8, 2018 CalChess State Scholastic Championship
Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Pkwy., CA 95054.
Rds.: 1pm & asap; done by 4; Prizes: Trophies & medals; All players DELAWARE
receive prizes! Parking: Free on streets & BoA. Free healthy refreshments.
Park free. Prizes: Huge Trophies to top 20 players w + score & top 5 Info: (310) 795-5710 or www.LAChessClub.com or Mick@LAChessClub.com. MAR. 10-11, Delaware State Open Chess Championship
teams and top 5 clubs (in ea section). Medals to all others. In case of See Grand Prix.
ties, tiebreaks will determine trophies. Sections based on grades AND MAR. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, LACC - Sat Nite Blitzathon G/5 (BLZ)
rating. Sched: 1-day event for all u800 sections: KG, K-Gr3 Rookie(unr), 5 separate events- 7DSS, G/5 d0 (Blitz,14 Games). 11514 Santa Monica MAR. 28-APR. 1, MAR. 29-APR. 1, MAR. 30-APR. 1 OR MAR.
K-Gr3 Beginner(u500), K-Gr3 JV(500-799): Saturday only 5SSxG/30 d5: Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd fl. 4 blks W of 405. EF: $20 ($15 LACC memb). No 31-APR. 1, 12th annual Philadelphia Open (PA)
Rounds: 9:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, 3pm, 4:30pm. K-Gr6 Rookie(unr), K- prizes 1/2 EF. Reg.: 6-6:30 pm. Register at LAChessClub.com and receive See Grand Prix.
Gr6 Beginner(u500), K-Gr6 JV(500-799), K-Gr8 Beginner(u800), K-Gr12 a free gift. Rds.: 6:30, 6:55, 7:20, 7:45, 8:10, 8:35, 9 pm. Prizes: 1/2 MAY 4-6 OR 5-6, 64th Annual Maryland Open (MD)
Beginner(u800): Sunday only 5SSxG/30 d5: Rounds: 9:30am, 11:30am, collections. Parking: Free on streets & BoA. Info: 310/795-5710 or See Grand Prix.
1:30pm, 3pm, 4:30pm. 2-day event for sections: K-Gr3 Champ (800+), www.LAChessClub.com.
K-Gr5 Champ (800+), K-Gr6 Champ (800+), K-Gr8 JV (800-1199), K- MAY 25-28 OR 26-28, 6th Cherry Blossom Classic (VA)
MAR. 3, 10, 24, 31, LACC Saturday G/60 See Grand Prix.
Gr8 Champ (1200+), K-Gr12 JV (800-1599): Sat+Sun 6SSxG/75 d5. 4 separate events- 1 open section, 6SS, G/60 d5. 11514 Santa Monica
Rounds: Sat & Sun 9am, 12n, 3pm. 3-day event for K-Gr12 Champ(1600+) Blvd., LA 90025, 2nd fl. EF: $30/ ($20 LACC memb; No prizes 1/2 EF). MAY 25-28, 26-28, East Coast Open (PA)
FIDE rated: 5SSxG/90+30: Fri 6pm, Sat 11am, 3pm, Sun 10am, 2pm Reg.: 11-12 noon. Rds.: 12, 2, 4 pm each day. Prizes: 1/2 collections. See Grand Prix.
Side-event: Blitz: KG-Gr3, Gr4-6, Gr 6-8, Gr 9-12: G/5 d0; Sat 6-8p. Parking: Free at BoA, streets, & basement. Info: 310/795-5710 or JUNE 15-17 OR 16-17, 7th annual Continental Class
Bughouse (G/5 d0) Fri 6-8p. EF by 3/20: 1-day $53, 2-day $67. Playup www.LAChessClub.com. Championships (VA)
(by grade): +20, Late Fee: +10 after 3/20, +20 after 3/25, 4/3 &
MAR. 4, 11, 25, LACC Sunday G/60 See Grand Prix.
Onsite +$40. Change Fee: $10 after 3/25, $20 after 4/3, $30 onsite. 4 separate events- 1 open section, 6SS, G/60 d5. 11514 Santa Monica
Blitz/Bughouse: $12. Register: Online: until Friday 4/6 noon! Onsite Blvd., LA 90025, 2nd fl. EF: $30/ ($20 LACC memb; No prizes 1/2 EF).
7:30-8am! No on-site Registration after 8AM. CalChess & USCF mem-
bership reqrd. Apr 18 Supp & TD disc to place players. Info/Reg:
Reg.: 11-12 noon. Rds.: 12, 2, 4 pm each day. Prizes: 1/2 collections. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Parking: Free at BoA, streets, & basement. Info: 310/795-5710 or MAY 4-6 OR 5-6, 64th Annual Maryland Open (MD)
bayareachess.com/states. Quest: ask@BayAreaChess.com. W. www.LAChessClub.com See Grand Prix.
APR. 21-22, 2018 Annual Frank Doyle Open MAR. 17-18, 2018 Smyslov Memorial - U1800 only
See Grand Prix. MAY 25-28 OR 26-28, 6th Cherry Blossom Classic (VA)
(A sponsored event) 1 open Section. 6SS, G/60 d5. 11514 Santa Monica
See Grand Prix.
MAY 5-6, 13th Susan Polgar Foundation National Open for Boys Blvd., LA 90025, 2nd fl. EF: $75; $55 LACC members; No-prize players,
and Girls spouses/siblings, new members 1/2 EF. Reg.: Sat 10-11:45. Rds.: 12, MAY 25-28, 26-28, East Coast Open (PA)
Livermore Community Center, 4444 East Ave., Livermore, CA 94550. 10 2, 4 pm each day. Byes: Up to three 1/2-point byes. Last Rd. bye before See Grand Prix.
Championship sections based on age and gender: Under8, Under10, Rd. 5. 1-Day option I: Play 1 day- no 1/2 pt byes- 1/2 EF. 1-Day option JUNE 15-17 OR 16-17, 7th annual Continental Class
Under12, Under14, Under 16 &18 separate sections for Girls & Boys. II: Play 1 day & get three 1/2 pt byes- Full EF. Prizes: $$1,000 (b/40) Championships (VA)
Individual Trophies: Top 15 players. “Super Performance” trophies to $500 Gtd. U1800: $200-100-$25; U1600: $200-100-25; U1400: $150-
75-25; U1200: $50 in book prizes. Best attack: $25; Biggest upset: $25. See Grand Prix.
players tied for last place with a trophy award and the top player(s) in
each rating class who did not get a place trophy. Commemorative partic- Info: (310) 795-5710; Mick@LAChessClub.com or www.LAChessClub.com.
ipation medals to all others. Team Trophies: Top 3 Schools and Clubs in Parking: Free on streets, BoA, or basement. FLORIDA
each sections. Time control: G/60 d5. Schedule: Onsite Registration: MAY 5-6, 13th Susan Polgar Foundation National Open for Boys
Saturday 8-8:30am. Rounds: Saturday 9:30am, 12:30pm, 3:30pm, and Boca Raton Chess Club
and Girls (CA-N) Friday night tournament games, one game a week for 4 weeks.
Sun 9:30am, 12pm, 2:30pm. Byes: Rds. 4&5 byes must be requested See California, Northern.
before Rd. 1. Entry Fee for 2-day event by 4/22: $54, Add $15 (4/23- www.bocachess.com, 561-302-4377.
5/1), Add $30 (5/2-4), Add $40 for onsite. Side Events: 2 sections based JUNE 20-21, 2018 U.S. Women’s Open (NV) MAR. 16-18 OR 17-18, 16th annual Southern Class
on grade and rating: K-Grade4 under500, K-Grade8 under800. Individual See Nationals. Championships
Trophies: Top 10 players, medals to all others. Team Trophies: Top 3 JUNE 21, Walter Browne Memorial National Open Blitz See Grand Prix.
Schools and Clubs in each sections. Time control: G/30 d5. Schedule: Championship (BLZ) (NV)
Onsite Registration: Saturday 8-8:30am. Rounds: Saturday only: 9:30am, MAR. 16-18 OR 17-18, Lone Star Open (TX)
See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix.
11am, 12:30pm, 2pm, 3:30pm. Entry Fee for side event by 4/22: $47,
Add $15 (4/23-5/1), Add $30 (5/2-4), Add $40 for onsite. Other Special JUNE 21-24, 22-24 OR 23-24, 2018 National Open (NV) MAR. 24, Village Quads
Side Events: Q&A & 25-board Simul, Puzzle Solving Competition, Blitz See Nationals. Open to all*. 3 round Quad G/60 d5. Captiva Rec Center, 658 Pinellas Pl.,
Championship. May 2018 supplemental for all sections. Change fee equal JUNE 23-24, International Youth Championship (NV) The Villages, FL 32163. Rds.: 10AM, 1PM, 3:15PM. EF: $5, prizes based
to the late fee will apply for any changes, other than bye requests with See Nevada. on entries. Unrateds free. Booster: $12, Prize 1-year membership in USCF,
less than one week before the tournament. Out of state entries 20% off JULY 6-8, Pacific Southwest Open nonrated. Reg.: 9AM at site. Adv. Reg.: online at: https://www.chess-
(mail entry or email ask@bayareachess.com with USCF ID for online See Grand Prix. register.com or mail to Herbert Menendez, 3133 Jemima Ave., The Villages,
entry coupon code). Chief Organizer: J. Sztaray. Organizers/TDs:, T. Lang- FL 32163. Email: TheVillagesChessClub@outlook.com. Note: * Lake, Sumter
land, J. McCumiskey. Sponsored by Susan Polgar Foundation. More info and Marion county residents must reside in The Villages.
& flyer: www.spfno.com. Register online at www.spfno.com/registration. COLORADO APR. 27-29 OR 28-29, 25th Space Coast Open
Mail entries to Bay Area Chess, 2050 Concourse Drive #42, San Jose, See Grand Prix.
CA 95131. Register early to save. Questions: ask@BayAreaChess.com, JUNE 20-21, 2018 U.S. Women’s Open (NV)
408-409-6596. W. See Nationals. MAY 24-28, 25-28, 26-28 OR 27-28, 27th annual Chicago
JUNE 21-24, 22-24 OR 23-24, 2018 National Open (NV) Open (IL)
JUNE 20-21, 2018 U.S. Women’s Open (NV) See Grand Prix.
See Nationals. See Nationals.
JUNE 23-24, International Youth Championship (NV) MAY 25-28 OR 26-28, 6th Cherry Blossom Classic (VA)
JUNE 21, Walter Browne Memorial National Open Blitz See Nevada. See Grand Prix.
Championship (BLZ) (NV)
See Grand Prix.
JUNE 21-24, 22-24 OR 23-24, 2018 National Open (NV) CONNECTICUT GEORGIA
See Nationals. MAR. 10-11, 51st annual New York State Scholastic MAR. 16-18 OR 17-18, 16th annual Southern Class
JUNE 23-24, International Youth Championship (NV) Championships (out of state welcome) (NY) Championships (FL)
See Nevada. See New York. See Grand Prix.
www.uschess.org 61
Tournament Life / March
MAR. 16-18 OR 17-18, Lone Star Open (TX) MAY 5-6, Chicago Chess Center 2nd Haymarket Memorial online at “louisvillechess.wix.com/play” (see calendar page) or mail to
See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. the chess center, attn: Richard Williams.
MAR. 31-APR. 1, 1st Annual Ron Finegold Memorial MAY 24-28, 25-28, 26-28 OR 27-28, 27th annual Chicago Open MAY 24-28, 25-28, 26-28 OR 27-28, 27th annual Chicago
See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. Open (IL)
APR. 6-8, 2018 National Junior High School (K-9) Championship MAY 25-28 OR 26-28, 6th Cherry Blossom Classic (VA) See Grand Prix.
See Nationals. See Grand Prix. MAY 25-28 OR 26-28, 6th Cherry Blossom Classic (VA)
APR. 27-29 OR 28-29, 25th Space Coast Open (FL) MAY 27, 7th annual Chicago Open Blitz (BLZ) See Grand Prix.
See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix.
MAY 12, GrayKnight May 2018 Scholastic LOUISIANA
5SS, G/30 d0. Frederica Academy, 200 Murray Way, St. Simons Island,
GA 31522. Prizes: Trophies to 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Team, & Upset in each of
INDIANA MAR. 16-18 OR 17-18, 16th annual Southern Class
the four sections: Section #1 – Primary – K-3; Section #2 – Elementary MAR. 23-25 OR 24-25, 22nd annual Mid-America Open (MO) Championships (FL)
– 4-5; Section #3 – Middle School – 6-8; Section #4 – High School 9- See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix.
12. USCF Membership Required. Other States Ok. Entry Fee: $18 If APR. 20-22 OR 21-22, 77th Annual Indiana State Chess MAR. 16-18 OR 17-18, Lone Star Open (TX)
before 05/10/18, $20 the day of the tournament. Registration: 8:30- Championship See Grand Prix.
9:30a.m. Round 1 starts at 10:15a.m then each following round starts
25 minutes after the previous round ends. Pre-Register to: Donny See Grand Prix.
Gray, 8601 Beach Blvd. #923, Jacksonville, FL 32216, (706) 589-8131, A State Championship Event! MAINE
donny@grayknight.net. APR. 21, Indiana State Blitz Championship (BLZ)
Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Airport, 2501 S. High School Rd., Indianapolis, MAR. 17-18, Saco Open
MAY 25-28 OR 26-28, 6th Cherry Blossom Classic (VA) See Grand Prix.
See Grand Prix. IN 46241. 7/SS, G/3+2s incr. PRIZES: $$600 (b/32), $200, $100, U2000,
U1700, U1400 $100 ea. EF: $25 by 4/13 at indianachess.org OR by mail APR. 27-29 OR 28-29, 27th annual Eastern Class
(Mathew Leach, 4010 Parkwood Circle, Apt. 2A, Mishawaka, IN 46545), Championships (MA)
IDAHO $30 onsite until 8:30PM Sat., $5 discount to ISCA members. Rd.1 9PM, See Grand Prix.
following rds. ASAP.
JUNE 20-21, 2018 U.S. Women’s Open (NV)
See Nationals. APR. 27-29 OR 28-29, 15th Annual Great Lakes Open (MI)
See Grand Prix.
MARYLAND
JUNE 21-24, 22-24 OR 23-24, 2018 National Open (NV) MARYLAND CHESS TOURNAMENTS
See Nationals. MAY 24-28, 25-28, 26-28 OR 27-28, 27th annual Chicago
Open (IL) MD Chess runs scholastic tournaments 2 Saturdays per month
See Grand Prix. from September through June & open tournaments 2 Saturdays
ILLINOIS MAY 27, 7th annual Chicago Open Blitz (BLZ) (IL)
or weekends per month throughout the year. Visit www.MD
Chess.org to find tournament announcements, tutors, coaches,
MAR. 23-25 OR 24-25, 22nd annual Mid-America Open (MO) See Grand Prix. & camps; register online for tournaments; & subscribe to
See Grand Prix. scholastic and/or open e-newsletters. MD scholastic players
MAR. 30-APR. 1, Midwest Holiday Class IOWA who compete in the Varsity section (exclusively for players
See Grand Prix. rated 1600+) of a MD-Sweet-16 Qualifier can qualify for the
US Chess Junior Grand Prix! $45,000 scholarship to UMBC awarded annually. The Uni-
US Chess Junior Grand Prix! MAR. 17, 2018 Iowa Class Championships versity of Maryland, Baltimore County’s chess team is a
APR. 7, Chicago Chess Center Plus-Score #19 4-SS, Divided into Classes: M-X-A, B, C, & D and under. Players may perennial top-10 contender for the national championship.
4SS, G/65 d5. Student Center East, Univ. of Illinois at Chicago, 750 S. play up one class. Some sections may be combined. G/75 d5. Where:
Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60607. Two sections: OPEN: Each player with 4 Physician Clinic of Iowa, Community Room, 202 10th Street SE, 3rd MAR. 10-11, Delaware State Open Chess Championship (DE)
points wins $240, 3½ = $120, 3 = $60, 2½ = $30. UNDER 1800: Open Floor, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402. Reg.: 8:15 to 9:00 am. On-line registration See Grand Prix.
to 1799 & under or unrated. Each player with 4 points wins $160, 3½ = at www.onlineregistration.cc Rounds: M-X-A, B, C, & D, 9:30 am- MAR. 28-APR. 1, MAR. 29-APR. 1, MAR. 30-APR. 1 OR MAR.
$80, 3 = $40, 2½ = $20. ALL: EF: $36 by 4/1, $42 by 4/6, $49 onsite. 2:30-5:00-7:30 pm. Entry Fee: $25 if postmarked by March 12th, $30 31-APR. 1, 12th annual Philadelphia Open (PA)
$15 play-up for under 1700 in Open. 20% discount for CCC members. on site. On-site available. IASCA membership required, $10.00. Prize See Grand Prix.
Rds.: 10-1-3:30-6. Accelerated possible. ENT: www.chichess.org/events Info: Class prizes, 1st place $50 + trophy, 2nd place $30 US Chess
or mail to Chicago Chess Center NFP Inc., P.O. Box 180095, Chicago, IL Federation (USCF) membership required. On Site Available. IASCA MAY 4-6 OR 5-6, 64th Annual Maryland Open
60618. REG.: 9-9:30 a.m. No phone entries. 1/2-pt. bye any round: membership required, $15, $10 Jr. or Sr. On-Site Available. Send See Grand Prix.
request before rd. 2. INFO: 773-294-1709, info@chichess.org. Sets & Entry Fee to: Checks payable to Eric Vigil, 445 Galway Dr., Iowa City, MAY 25-28 OR 26-28, 6th Cherry Blossom Classic (VA)
clocks provided. All-day parking at 760 W. Taylor available for $7. W. IA 52246. Include name, USCF ID, Section, phone #, email address. See Grand Prix.
APR. 7, Chicago Chess Center Rated Beginners’ Open #16 Additional Info: Annual meeting at 1 pm. March 17, 2017. MAY 25-28, 26-28, East Coast Open (PA)
5-SS. G/30 d5. Student Center East, Univ. of Illinois at Chicago, 750 S. APR. 21-23, 12th Annual Okoboji Open (IASCA GP Qualifier) See Grand Prix.
Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60607. Two Sections: Under 1200 & Unrated , See Grand Prix.
Under 800 & Unrated. EF: $22 by 3/31, $28 by 4/6, $35 onsite. Prizes: JUNE 15-17 OR 16-17, 7th annual Continental Class
First place (or all scoring 4½ points or more): chess clock and book, US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Championships (VA)
3½ points or more: two books. All players who compete the event will APR. 21-23 OR 22-23, 12th Annual Okoboji Reserve U1600 See Grand Prix.
receive a book! Free entry & US Chess membership available to a limited 1405 Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center. 1405 Highway 71 S.
Okaboji, IA 51355. 5 Rd. Swiss, G/120 d5 in 3-day option. Rds.: Friday JUNE 27-JULY 1 OR JUNE 29-JULY 1, 8th annual World Open
number of City of Chicago scholastic players with financial need (honor Senior Amateur (PA)
system). info@chichess.org for details. ENT: www.chichess.org/events/. 6:00 PM; Saturday 10:00 AM, 4:30 PM; Sunday 9:00 AM, 2:30 PM. 2-
day option has G/90 d5 for rds. 1 and 2. Sections merge at Rd. 3. On See Pennsylvania.
REG.: 9-9:30 a.m. No phone entries. Rds.: 10-11:15-1:15-2:30-3:45.
1/2-pt. bye any round: request before rd. 2. INFO: 773-294-1709 or site reg: 5:00-5:45 PM on 4-21 (3-day option) Rds.: 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM JUNE 28-JULY 2, 12th annual Philadelphia International (PA)
info@chichess.org. Sets & clocks provided. All-day parking at 760 W. 4:30 PM; Sunday 9:00 AM, 2:30 PM. Entry fee: $35, if received by April See Grand Prix.
Taylor available for $7. W. 13, 2018. On site: $45 cash or $50 check. Prize info: Top 3 (guaranteed) JUNE 30-JULY 1, World Open Warmup (PA)
$300 + Trophy, $100 & $50. U1400, U1250 $80. U1000 $50 (b/20). See Pennsylvania.
APR. 7-8, 54th Greater Peoria Open Make checks payable: Sibley Chess Club. 934 6th St., Sibley, IA 51249,
See Grand Prix. (712) 330-8254 or email jodene77@yahoo.com or pay on-line by April JULY 2-3, 7th annual World Open Women’s Championship (PA)
US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 15. Additional info: $79 Hotel rate, if reserved by March 21, call 1-800- See Grand Prix.
APR. 15, Chicago Chess Center Plus-Score #20 727-4561. Onlineregistration.cc JULY 3, 6th annual World Open Action Championship (PA)
4SS, G/65 d5. Student Center East, Univ. of Illinois at Chicago, 750 S. MAY 24-28, 25-28, 26-28 OR 27-28, 27th annual Chicago See Grand Prix.
Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60607. Two sections: OPEN: Each player with 4 Open (IL) JULY 3-8, 4-8, 5-8 OR 6-8, 46th Annual World Open (PA)
points wins $240, 3½ = $120, 3 = $60, 2½ = $30. UNDER 1600: See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix.
Open to 1599 & under or unrated. $$ Each player with 4 points wins
$160, 3½ = $80, 3 = $40, 2½ = $20. ALL: EF: $35 by 4/8, $42 by
4/14, $49 onsite. 20% discount for CCC members. $15 play-up for under KANSAS MASSACHUSETTS
1700 in Open. Rounds: 10-1-3:30-6. Accelerated possible. ENT:
www.chichess.org/events/ or mail to Chicago Chess Center NFP Inc., MAR. 23-25 OR 24-25, 22nd annual Mid-America Open (MO) MAR. 10-11, 51st annual New York State Scholastic
P.O. Box 180095, Chicago, IL 60618. REG.: 9-9:30 a.m. No phone entries. See Grand Prix. Championships (out of state welcome) (NY)
1/2-pt. bye any round: request before rd. 2. INFO: Bill Brock, 773-294- MAY 24-28, 25-28, 26-28 OR 27-28, 27th annual Chicago See New York.
1709, info@chichess.org. Sets & clocks provided. All-day parking at Open (IL) US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
760 W. Taylor available for $7. W. See Grand Prix. MAR. 14, 21, 28, APR. 4, 11, Evert Siiskonen Memorial
APR. 15, Chicago Chess Center Rated Beginners’ Open #17 MAY 25-28 OR 26-28, 6th Cherry Blossom Classic (VA) 5SS, G/100 d5. Wachusett CC, McKay Complex, Room C159, Fitchburg
5-SS. G/30 d5. Student Center East, Univ. of Illinois at Chicago, 750 S. See Grand Prix. State University, 67 Rindge Rd., Fitchburg, MA 01420. EF: $20 annual club
Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60607. Two Sections: Under 1200 & Unrated , dues or $1 per game. Reg.: 6:30-7 p.m. Rds.: 7:15 p.m. each Wed. Byes:
Under 800 & Unrated. ALL: EF: $20 by 4/8, $27 by 4/14, $35 onsite. 1-4, limit two. Prizes: chess books to 1st-2nd, top U1900, U1700, U1500,
Prizes: First place (or all scoring at or above 4½ points): chess clock KENTUCKY U1300. Info: George Mirijanian, 176 Oak Hill Rd., Fitchburg, MA 01420,
and book, 3½ points: two books. All players who compete the event miriling2@aol.com, 978-345-5011. Website: www.wachusettchess.org.
will receive a book! Free entry & US Chess membership available to a APR. 14, 2018 Green Grass WEB: 3/14. Free parking. W. Cafe facilities. WiFi.
limited number of City of Chicago scholastic players with financial need College Park Annex Building, 30 Wheeler Ave., Winchester, KY 40391.
In 2 Sections, Open: 4SS, G/45 d5, EF: $10. Unr: FREE. $$90% Rtd. MAR. 17, Boylston Chess Foundation
(honor system): info@chichess.org for details. ENT: www.chichess.org/ See Grand Prix.
events. REG.: 9-9:30 AM. INFO: info@chichess.org or 773-294-1709. 60% 1st,40% 2nd. Reg.: 9:15. Rds.: R1 9:45 am. Scholastic (Winchester
Rds.: 10-11:15-1:15-2:30-3:45. Sets & clocks provided. All-day parking Scholastic Chess League): 5SS, G/30 d5, EF: $5 cash. Prizes: Trophies MAR. 24, 2018 Greater New Haven Championships! (CT)
at 760 W. Taylor available for $7. W. to Scholastic 1st-3rd place in each section: K3, K5, K12. Reg.: 8:30. See Grand Prix.
Rds.: 9:15. Season end; Grand Trophies to teams and individuals. Ent:
APR. 20-22, 2018 All-Girls National Championships presented Frank Walls register@winchesster.com. www.Winchesster.com. MAR. 28-APR. 1, MAR. 29-APR. 1, MAR. 30-APR. 1 OR MAR.
by the Kasparov Chess Foundation in association with the 31-APR. 1, 12th annual Philadelphia Open (PA)
APR. 21, 3rd Greater Louisville Open
Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation & US Chess See Grand Prix.
4-SS, G/60 d5. Yussman Chess Center, 173 Sears Ave., Louisville, KY
See Nationals. 40207. Entry Fee: $30 (by 4/18), $40 at site. Prize Fund: $800, based MAR. 31, WN Winter 2018 RBO
APR. 27-29 OR 28-29, 15th Annual Great Lakes Open (MI) on 40 entries;1st $180, 2nd $140; A, B, C, D/E each $75, $45. Regis- No refreshments available onsite. Bring your own snacks. Map for dining
See Grand Prix. tration: 8:00-8:45 a.m., rounds at 9:00, 12:00, 2:30, 5:00. Entries: pay provided. 5SS, G/30 d5. West Newbury Town Hall Annex, 381 Main St.,
West Newbury, MA 01985. Open to under 1200 or unrated. EF: $20 by 24 MAY 25-28 OR 26-28, 6th Cherry Blossom Classic (VA) bye if requested before round 3 Ent: martin.stahl@joplinchess.org with
March, $25 on site. Prizes: Trophies for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, U900, U600, U300 See Grand Prix. cash on-site or mailed to Joplin Chess Club, 2609 New Hampshire,
and top unrated. Reg.: 9:15-9:45. Rds.: 10-11:15-1:15-2:30-3:45. 1 1/2 Joplin, MO 64804. Checks payable to Martin Stahl. Parking: See www.mis-
point bye rounds 1-4, must request by round 3. ENT: Alex Relyea, 49 souristate.edu/visitors/parking.htm or contact TD. Info: joplinchess.org,
Technology Dr. #89, Bedford, NH 03110. INFO: relyea@operamail.com. MINNESOTA martin.stahl@joplinchess.org, 417-483-1554
www.relyeachess.com. APR. 28, The Kansas City Chess Club Championship
MAY 24-28, 25-28, 26-28 OR 27-28, 27th annual Chicago
APR. 7, Chess Fool’s Day Open Open (IL) Liberty United Methodist Church, 2 S. Water St., Liberty, MO 64068.
4SS, G/60 d5. The Alumni House - Amherst College, 75 Churchill St., See Grand Prix. (Free Parking) 3SS. G/60 d5. EF: $25 at Reg4Chess.com. $35 onsite.
Amherst, MA 01002. EF: $30 on-site; $25 if postmarked by 4/2/2018; Reg.: 10AM. Rd. 1 @10:30AM. USCF & KCCA Memb Req. Info: Ken at
$2 WMCA discount; Unrated FREE; USCF membership required. kcchess@gmail.com. Free Entry For ALL New and Unrated Players USCF
$$450b/30 paying entries. Open 1st: $100; Top A: $90; Top B: $80; Top MISSISSIPPI Players!
C: $70; Top Under 1400: $60; Top Unrated: $50. REG.: 8:30-9:15am
Saturday 4/7/2018. RNDS.: 9:30am, 12:30pm, 3:00, 5:30. ENT: WMCA, MAR. 16-18 OR 17-18, 16th annual Southern Class MAY 24-28, 25-28, 26-28 OR 27-28, 27th annual Chicago
c/o Ed Kostreba, 45 Fairview, Palmer, MA 01069. INFO: Ron Gist (413) Championships (FL) Open (IL)
695-7689 RonGist@ComCast.net. USCF Membership required. Please See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix.
bring set and clock. W. MAR. 16-18 OR 17-18, Lone Star Open (TX)
APR. 7, CT State Quick Championships! (QC) (CT) See Grand Prix. MONTANA
See Grand Prix.
A Heritage Event!
APR. 7-8, 2nd annual Bill Little Memorial (NY) MISSOURI US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
See Grand Prix.
Friday Improve Your USCF Rating Night APR. 7-8, 83rd Montana Open
APR. 8, CT State Rapid Championships! (QC) (CT) The Kansas City Chess Club, 2 S. Water St., Liberty, MO 64068. 3SS, DoubleTree, Billings, MT. 5SS, G/105 d5. $$$ based on entries. Details
See Grand Prix. G/30 d5 at 7PM - every Friday evening. Free Parking! Free Coffee! EF: at www.MontanaChess.org or mca@montanachess.org.
APR. 15, 28th Massachusetts G/60 Championship $10. Flyer at: www.kansascitychessclub.com. JUNE 20-21, 2018 U.S. Women’s Open (NV)
See Grand Prix. MAR. 16-18 OR 17-18, Lone Star Open (TX) See Nationals.
APR. 27-29 OR 28-29, 27th annual Eastern Class Championships See Grand Prix. JUNE 21-24, 22-24 OR 23-24, 2018 National Open (NV)
See Grand Prix. MAR. 17, Saint Patrick’s Day G/60 Play for Rating Event! See Nationals.
MAY 18-20 OR 19-20, 26th annual New York State Open and The Kansas City Chess Club, 2 S. Water St., Liberty, MO 64068. (Free
Parking) 3SS. G/60 d5. EF: $25 at Reg4Chess.com. $35 onsite. Reg.:
Senior (NY)
See Grand Prix. 10AM. Rd. 1 @10:30AM. USCF & KCCA Memb Req. Info: Ken at NEBRASKA
kcchess@gmail.com. Free Entry For ALL New and Unrated Players USCF MAY 24-28, 25-28, 26-28 OR 27-28, 27th annual Chicago
MAY 25-28 OR 26-28, 6th Cherry Blossom Classic (VA) Players!
See Grand Prix. Open (IL)
MAR. 23-25 OR 24-25, 22nd annual Mid-America Open See Grand Prix.
MAY 25-28, 26-28, East Coast Open (PA) See Grand Prix.
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 31, Saturday Night Special (QC)
JUNE 8-10 OR 9-10, 24th Annual Northeast Open (CT) See Grand Prix. NEVADA
See Grand Prix.
APR. 6-8, Bill Wright Saint Louis Open (FIDE Rated) $10K Event A State Championship Event!
JULY 3-8, 4-8, 5-8 OR 6-8, 46th Annual World Open (PA) See Grand Prix. MAR. 10, Nevada State Scholastic Girls’ Championship
See Grand Prix. 5-SS, G/25 d5 round 1-3, G/45 d5 round 4-5. Las Vegas Chess Academy,
US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 2560 Montessouri St., Suite 206, Las Vegas, NV 89117. Open to any
APR. 7-8, 2018 Missouri State University Open
MICHIGAN Co-hosted by the MSU and Joplin Chess Clubs. 5-SS, G/90, +30. Plaster
Nevada school age girl. Trophies for top players and teams. Every player
wins a medal! Winner represents Nevada in National Tournaments of
APR. 27-29 OR 28-29, 15th Annual Great Lakes Open Student Union Room 315, 1110 E. Madison St., Springfield, MO 65897. 1 Champions. EF $30 if received by 3/5, $40 later. Reg.: Address above or
See Grand Prix. Section, Open: $200-150, Class A, B, C, D, U1200/UNR $100 each. www.lasvegaschesscenter.com. On site by 8:30. Late registrants may
5.0 Bonus: $40. Prizes: b/25 non-scholastic entries. EF: $30 by 4/6, not be paired in round 1. Round 1 at 9:30. INFO: td0318@nevadachess.org.
MAY 24-28, 25-28, 26-28 OR 27-28, 27th annual Chicago $40 at door. Scholastic (rating only) $15 by 4/6, $25 at door. Email
Open (IL) entry accepted for lower rate. MCA membership required, OSA Reg.: A State Championship Event!
See Grand Prix. 8-9:30. Rounds: Sat 10, 2:30, 7; Sun 9:30, 2:30. Byes: One 1/2 point MAR. 17, Nevada State Scholastic Championship
www.uschess.org 63
Tournament Life / March
K-3 and K5: 6-SS, G/25 d5. K-8 and K-12: 5-SS, G/25 d5 round 1-2, 1st - 3rd $200, $150, $100, TU1400 $50, TU1200 $50, Call 201 797- fieldchessclub.org/Events.html.
G/45 d5 round 3-5. Las Vegas Day School, 3275 Red Rock, Las Vegas. 0330, email chessdirector@icanj.net or visit icanj.net for more info. APR. 14, Princeton Charter School
Open to any Nevada school age resident. Trophies for top players, top ADV EF (pmk by Mar 5th): $40. At Site $45. Reg ends 1/2 hr before TOURNAMENT LOCATION: Princeton Charter School at:100 Bunn Dr.,
teams, and more. Every player wins a medal! Winners of K-8 and K-12 1st rd. Late entrants will receive a 1/2 pt bye for rd. 1. Rds.: 9:30 AM, Princeton, NJ 08540. TIME CONTROL: G/30 d0; Swiss to 4 rounds. SEC-
represent Nevada in National Tournaments of Champions. EF $40 11:45 AM, 2:00 PM, 4:30 PM. Enter online at: http://www.icanj.net/ TIONS: Open above 1000; U1000; U700; U300/Unrated. (sections will
received by 3/5, $50 by 3/16, $70 on site. Reg.: Las Vegas Chess Acad- chess_class_in_nj/ica_chess_tournaments or mail to: Diana Tulman, be combined. Awards will be given to the top 3 in each section) Parental
emy, 2560 Montessouri St., Suite 206, Las Vegas, NV 89117 or 28 Canterbury Ln., New Milford, NJ 07646. Make checks payable to: Supervision Required: The parents or another adult must be designated
www.nevadachess.org. On site by 8:30. Late registrants may not be International Chess Academy. W. to supervise the student player between rounds. Schedule (will be
paired in round 1. Round 1 at 9:30. INFO: td0318@nevadachess.org. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! accelerated if possible) First Round: 12:01 PM. Second Round: ASAP.
MAR. 30-APR. 1 OR MAR. 31-APR. 1, 7th Annual Reno Larry MAR. 15, 22, 29, APR. 5, Kenilworth Spring Swiss Third Round: ASAP. Fourth Round: ASAP. Award Ceremony: ASAP
Evans Memorial - FIDE 4-SS. G/61 d5. Kenilworth Recreation Center, 575 Boulevard, Kenilworth, (4:05 the latest). Schedule will be accelerated if possible. (*) Online
See Grand Prix. NJ 07033. EF: $12, $10 Kenilworth CC members. Prizes, b/16: $50-40, Registration $30 Only if register one week before: www.ChessKid-
U1900 $30, U1600 $20. Reg.: 8:00-8:25 p.m. Rds.: 8:30 p.m. on 3/15, sNY.com/PCSChessProgram.htm. (*) Fee will increase automatically
MAY 5-6, 13th Susan Polgar Foundation National Open for Boys 3/22, 3/29 & 4/5. Byes: 1 allowed, any round. Info: kenilworthchess- to $35 if register later. On site registration the date of the event:
and Girls (CA-N) club@gmail.com. $40 from 11:45 am to 12:00 noon. Information: email to Miguel Iniguez
See California, Northern. at: migini@gmail.com Results will be posted online the same day
MAR. 17, ICA Super Saturday Quads of the event!
JUNE 20-21, 2018 U.S. Women’s Open 354 Rock Rd., Glen Rock, NJ 07452 (Education building, 2nd floor). 3SS,
See Nationals. G/45 d5. Registration: On site before 1:20 PM at the day of the tour- APR. 14, Saint Joseph Spring Scholastic
JUNE 21, Walter Browne Memorial National Open Blitz nament. Entry Fee: $25 all sections. Rounds: 1:30 and ASAP. Prize: St. Joseph HS, 145 Plainfield Rd., Metuchen. Drive to cafeteria in rear
Championship (BLZ) $60 1st place (each quad). Call 201-797-0330 or email chessdirector@ of school. K-8 (Current SJHS Students are eligible to play but not eligible
See Grand Prix. icanj.net for more information. for prizes) 2 Sections: Open, Novice. Open: USCF Membership Required.
Novice: USCF Membership Not Required – perfect for newer players.
JUNE 21-24, 22-24 OR 23-24, 2018 National Open MAR. 18, Westfield G/50 Quads Time Control: 5-SS, G/25 d5. Rounds: 1st Round 10:00 then immediately
See Nationals. 3-RR. G/45 d5. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. EF: $25, following. EF: $20. Prizes: Trophies to Top 3 players in each section.
$20 Members. Prizes: $60 to first in each section. Register: 12:45- Tiebreaks used. USCF Rule 34E. Register: 9:30 – 9:50. Lunch provided
JUNE 23-24, International Youth Championship 1:20 p.m. Those registering after 1:20 will be charged $5 extra. Rounds:
6-SS, G/60 +5. Westgate Las Vegas Resort, 3000 Paradise Road, 89109. on site for parents/students (included in reg. fee). Information:
1:30, 3:25, 5:20 p.m. Info: westfieldchessclub@gmail.com, www.west- jarrett_dewelde@hotmail.com. PLEASE BRING EQUIPMENT!
In 4 Sections by age: 14 & Under Open, 14 & Under Reserve (under fieldchessclub.org/Events.html
1000), 9 & Under Open, 9 & Under Reserve (under 800). Trophies to APR. 15, Westfield Spring Scholastic
top 10 in each section plus class and team trophies. 1st Place in each MAR. 24, 90th Central Jersey Chess Tournament Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. K-12. 3 Sections: Open,
section wins a Computer loaded with valuable Chess Software and Princeton Academy, 1128 Great Road, Princeton. 3 rated sections – U1250, U750. Open: 3-SS. G/40 d5. Rounds: 2:00, 3:45, 5:30 p.m. U1250
hundreds of Videos, 2nd-4th win chess prizes valued at 250-150-100. Open, U1000, U600 – each K-12, 4 rounds, G/25 d5. 2 unrated sections & U750: 4-SS. G/25 d5. Rounds: 2:00, 3:15, 4:30, 5:45 p.m. Prizes:
Unrated players may not win 1st in Reserve sections. EF $89 by 5/31, – Intermediate (K-8), Beginners (K-2): 4 rounds. Trophies to 1st-3rd Trophies to Top 5 in each section. Tiebreaks used. See USCF Rule 34E.
$99 by 6/20, $120 later. Half point bye in any round (limit 2) if requested & top team per section, medals to all! $35 pre-reg online by 3/22. $45 EF: $25, $20 members. Register: 1:15-1:50 p.m. Info: westfieldchess-
in advance. Reg.: 8:30-9 a.m. Rds.: 10-1-3:30, 10-1-3:30. Youth Blitz: on-site 1:15-1:45. Round 1 begins at 2:00pm. Register online: club@gmail.com, www.westfieldchessclub.org/Events.html
6/22 6:30 p.m. ($20 by 5/31 $25 later). HR: $69, $92 Friday and Saturday www.njchess.com, Info: Grant Oen, newjerseychess@gmail.com.
(800) 732-7117 Cutoff for special hotel rate is May 31; after that APR. 22, Westfield Grand Prix
MAR. 24, ICA Super Saturday Quads See Grand Prix.
rates will increase significantly and there may not be any rooms 354 Rock Rd., Glen Rock, NJ 07452 (Education building, 2nd floor). 3SS,
available. ENT: Vegas Chess Festivals, PO Box 90925, Henderson, NV G/45 d5. Registration: On site before 1:20 PM at the day of the tour- APR. 27-29 OR 28-29, 27th annual Eastern Class
89009-0925 or www.VegasChessFestival.com. nament. Entry Fee: $25 all sections. Rounds: 1:30 and ASAP. Prize: Championships (MA)
$60 1st place (each quad). Call 201-797-0330 or email chessdirector@ See Grand Prix.
icanj.net for more information.
NEW HAMPSHIRE APR. 29, Westfield G/45 Quads
MAR. 25, Westfield G/60 Quads 3-RR. G/40 d5. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. EF: $25,
MAR. 17, Middlebury Quick Chess for U1810 (QC) (VT) 3-RR. G/55 d5. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. EF: $25, $20 Members. Prizes: $60 to first in each section. Register: 1:15-1:50
See Vermont. $20 members. Prizes: $60 to first in each section. Register: 11:45 p.m. Those registering after 1:50 will be charged $5 extra. Rounds:
MAR. 24, New Hampshire Quick Chess Championship (QC) a.m.-12:20 p.m. Those registering after 12:20 will be charged $5 extra. 2:00, 3:45, 5:30 p.m. Info: westfieldchessclub@gmail.com, www.west-
See Grand Prix. Rounds: 12:30, 2:45, 5:00 p.m. Info: westfieldchessclub@gmail.com, fieldchessclub.org/Events.html
www.westfieldchessclub.org/Events.html. Note: 3/18 event TBA. We’re MAY 4-6 OR 5-6, 64th Annual Maryland Open (MD)
APR. 27-29 OR 28-29, 27th annual Eastern Class closed on 4/1.
Championships (MA) See Grand Prix.
See Grand Prix. MAR. 28-APR. 1, MAR. 29-APR. 1, MAR. 30-APR. 1 OR MAR. MAY 6, Westfield G/45 Quads
31-APR. 1, 12th annual Philadelphia Open (PA) 3-RR. G/40 d5. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. EF: $25,
MAY 25-28 OR 26-28, 6th Cherry Blossom Classic (VA) See Grand Prix.
See Grand Prix. $20 Members. Prizes: $60 to first in each section. Register: 1:15-1:50
MAR. 31, Hamilton Chess Club Quads p.m. Those registering after 1:50 will be charged $5 extra. Rounds:
3RR, 40/80 15/30 15/30 d0. Full K. McManimon Hall, 320 Scully Ave., 2:00, 3:45, 5:30 p.m. Info: westfieldchessclub@gmail.com, www.west-
NEW JERSEY Hamilton Twp., NJ 08610. Quads open to all. EF: $10. Prizes: $25 per fieldchessclub.org/Events.html
MAR. 3, ICA Super Saturday Quads Quad. Reg.: 9-10:30am. Rds.: 10:30am-1:30pm-4:30pm. OSA. More MAY 13, Mother’s Day Blitz (BLZ)
354 Rock Rd., Glen Rock, NJ 07452 (Education building, 2nd floor). 3SS, information: hamiltonchessclub.com or 609-758-2326 leave message G/5 d2. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. 2 Sections:
G/45 d5. Registration: On site before 1:20 PM at the day of the tour- or text 609-351-2437. W. Premier (8 highest-rated players), Quads (all others). Premier: 7-RR.
nament. Entry Fee: $25 all sections. Rounds: 1:30 and ASAP. Prize: MAR. 31, ICA Super Saturday Quads Prizes: $50-30-20. Quads: DRR (6 games). Prizes: $50 to 1st in each
$60 1st place (each quad). Call 201-797-0330 or email chessdirector@ 354 Rock Rd., Glen Rock, NJ 07452 (Education building, 2nd floor). 3SS, section. Register: 1:15-1:50 p.m. EF: $21, $16 members. Rounds: All
icanj.net for more information. G/45 d5. Registration: On site before 1:20 PM at the day of the tour- sections 2:00, 2:20, 2:40, 3:00, 3:20 & 3:40 p.m. Final round of Premier
nament. Entry Fee: $25 all sections. Rounds: 1:30 and ASAP. Prize: 4:00 p.m. Info: http://www.westfieldchessclub.org/Events.html
MAR. 10, ICA Super Saturday Quads
354 Rock Rd., Glen Rock, NJ 07452 (Education building, 2nd floor). 3SS, $60 1st place (each quad). Call 201-797-0330 or email chessdirector@ MAY 18-20 OR 19-20, 26th annual New York State Open and
G/45 d5. Registration: On site before 1:20 PM at the day of the tour- icanj.net for more information. Senior (NY)
nament. Entry Fee: $25 all sections. Rounds: 1:30 and ASAP. Prize: APR. 1, NJ Children’s Chess School Open See Grand Prix.
$60 1st place (each quad). Call 201-797-0330 or email chessdirector@ New Jersey Children’s Chess School, 862 Degraw Ave., Forest Hill MAY 25-28, 26-28, East Coast Open (PA)
icanj.net for more information. (Newark), NJ 07104. 3-RR, G/45 d0, K-6, Reg.: 2-2:50PM. Awards: Tro- See Grand Prix.
phies to ALL. EF: $25 for registration by mail one week in advance, $30
MAR. 10-11, 51st annual New York State Scholastic at door Chess classes meet every Sunday 3-5:30PM. Info: Arkady Geller MAY 25-28 OR 26-28, 6th Cherry Blossom Classic (VA)
Championships (out of state welcome) (NY) 973-483-7927 or chesscamp1@yahoo.com. Website: www.chesskidsnj.com. See Grand Prix.
See New York. First round begins at 3:00PM. JUNE 8-10 OR 9-10, 24th Annual Northeast Open (CT)
MAR. 10-11, Delaware State Open Chess Championship (DE) APR. 7, ICA Super Saturday Quads See Grand Prix.
See Grand Prix. 354 Rock Rd., Glen Rock, NJ 07452 (Education building, 2nd floor). 3SS, JUNE 15-17 OR 16-17, 7th annual Continental Class
MAR. 11, Dr. David Ostfeld Memorial ICA Championship in 5 G/45 d5. Registration: On site before 1:20 PM at the day of the tour- Championships (VA)
Sections nament. Entry Fee: $25 all sections. Rounds: 1:30 and ASAP. Prize: See Grand Prix.
4SS. Bergen Academy, 200 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, NJ 07601. All $60 1st place (each quad). Call 201-797-0330 or email chessdirector@
icanj.net for more information. JUNE 27-JULY 1 OR JUNE 29-JULY 1, 8th annual World Open
players with 2.5 points or more will receive a trophy! USCF Memb Req’d Senior Amateur (PA)
For Sections 3, 4 AND 5. For info, call 201 797 0330, email APR. 7, Princeton Day School
chessdirector@icanj.net or visit icanj.net. ADV EF (pmk by Mar 5th) $35 At See Pennsylvania.
650 The Great Road. Sections for OVER 1000 rated players begin at
Site $40. Reg ends 1/2 hr before 1st rd. Late entrants will receive a 1/2 pt 10:15 and must preregister: 3 rds. G/55 d5: ALL AFTERNOON SECTIONS JUNE 28-JULY 2, 12th annual Philadelphia International (PA)
bye for rd. 1. In 5 Sections: Section 1 Junior Novice (not USCF rated): for unrated to 1000 rated players: G/25 d5 4 rds, beginning at 12:00 See Grand Prix.
Open to unr players K thru 2nd grade. Rds.: First Round 10:15 AM then noon (round times will be accelerated if possible): OPEN (Players K-12 JUNE 30-JULY 1, World Open Warmup (PA)
ASAP. Section 2 Novice (not USCF rated): Open to unr players K thru 4th U-1000), RESERVE (K-12 U-800), NOVICE II (K-8 U-600), NOVICE I See Pennsylvania.
grade. Rds.: First Round 10:00 AM then ASAP. Section 3 G/45 d5 U800: (unrated K-8), K-1 (unrated) NO SCORE K-1 (beginner). MORNING
Open to players rated below 800 and unrated players K thru 12th grade. JULY 2-3, 7th annual World Open Women’s Championship (PA)
SECTIONS are for OVER 1000 rated players, begin at 10:15 and must See Grand Prix.
Rds.: 9:45 AM, 11:30, 1:15, 3:00 PM. Section 4 G/45 d5 U1200: Open to preregister: 3 rds. G/55 d5: NEAR MASTERS (K-12 OVER 1400), FUTURE
players rated below 1200 and unrated players K thru 12th grade. Rds.: MASTERS (K-12 1200-1400), CLOSED (K-12 1000-1200). PARENTS OF JULY 2-3, 10th annual World Open Under 13 Championship (PA)
9:45 AM, 11:30, 1:15, 3:00 PM. Section 5 G/60 d5 U1400: Open to All PLAYERS rated G/25 d5 3rds. Parents play free. Plaques to top 3 school See Pennsylvania.
Ages rated below 1400 or unrated. Rds.: 9:30 AM, 11:45, 2:00, 4:30 PM. teams and top 8 in each section under 1000, top 3 over 1000. Medals to
Enter online at: http://www.icanj.net/chess_class_in_nj/ica_chess_tour- JULY 3, 6th annual World Open Action Championship (PA)
all players. Pre-registration online, $35 pay at the door: www.pds.org/ See Grand Prix.
naments/ or mail checks to Diana Tulman, 28 Canterbury Ln., New Milford, chess. On site registration $45. Inquiries to Bonnie Waitzkin Chessteach@
NJ 07646. Make checks payable to: International Chess Academy. W. gmail.com. JULY 3-8, 4-8, 5-8 OR 6-8, 46th Annual World Open (PA)
MAR. 11, Dr. David Ostfeld Memorial ICA Open Championship See Grand Prix.
APR. 8, Westfield G/50 Quads
See Grand Prix. 3-RR. G/45 d5. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. EF: $25, JULY 4, 7th annual World Open Game/7 Championship (BLZ) (PA)
MAR. 11, Dr. David Ostfeld Memorial ICA U1600 Championship $20 members. Prizes: $60 to first in each section. Register: 12:45- See Grand Prix.
4SS, G/60 d5. Bergen Academy, 200 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, NJ 1:20 p.m. Those registering after 1:20 will be charged $5 extra. Rounds: JULY 7, World Open G/10 Championship (QC) (PA)
07601. Open to all ages with rating below 1600. Prize Fund ($$ b/25): 1:30, 3:25, 5:20 p.m. Info: westfieldchessclub@gmail.com, www.west- See Grand Prix.
JULY 8, World Open Blitz Championship (BLZ) (PA) An American Classic! extra fee; enter at Marriott by Sat 2 pm. Schedule: Reg. ends Sat 10 am,
See Grand Prix. A Heritage Event! rds Sat 11, 2, 5, Sun 9, 12, 3. Awards 5:30 pm. Half point byes OK all,
US Chess Junior Grand Prix! limit 2, must commit before rd. 2. HR: $135-135 at Hilton, two nights min-
A State Championship Event! imum, 888-999-4711, 518-584-4000, or use link at chesstour.com. Backup
NEW MEXICO MAR. 10-11, 51st annual New York State Scholastic hotel: Courtyard by Marriott, two nights minimum, $135-135, 866-210-
JUNE 20-21, 2018 U.S. Women’s Open (NV) Championships (out of state welcome) 9325 or use link at chesstour.com. 7 days notice required for room
See Nationals. 6SS, G/60 d10, open to grades K-12; top NYS player & team each section cancellations. Both hotels are likely to sell out 3-4 months before the
are NY champions. In 14 sections. High School Sections at Courtyard tournament, but may again have availability in the final week before the
JUNE 21-24, 22-24 OR 23-24, 2018 National Open (NV) by Marriott, 11 Excelsior Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (2/5 mile from event due to late cancellations. For other backup hotels see chesstour.com.
See Nationals. Saratoga Hilton). Other 11 sections at Saratoga Hilton and adjacent Free parking at Courtyard; free parking for overnight guests at Hilton. 7
JUNE 23-24, International Youth Championship (NV) Saratoga City Center (connected by indoor walkway), 534 Broadway (I- days notice required for room cancellation at both. Special car rentals:
See Nevada. 87 Exit 13-N, 4 miles north on US 9), Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Sections Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #657633. Online entry: www.chess
at Hilton/City Center are limited to a total of 1100 players, sections at action.com. Mail entry: Continental Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills,
Marriott 300 players. Team prizes based on top 4 scores from same NY 12577. Include name, rating, USCF ID, USCF expiration (non-members
NEW YORK school; no combined school teams allowed even if one school “feeds” include dues), section, school, grade, birth date, address of each player.
OCT. 15, NOV. 19, DEC. 17, JAN. 28, FEB. 11, MAR. 4 another. Teams of 2 or 3 players allowed, but are at a disadvantage. Checks payable to Continental Chess. $15 per player service charge for
(MAKEUP DATE: MAY 6), 5th Annual Magnus High School and Online entry fee at chessaction.com, all sections: $59 by 2/15, $69 refunds. $10 extra to switch sections, all substitutions from advance
Junior High Chess League 2/16-3/2, $90 3/3 to 3/9. Entry fee at site, all sections: $90. High list charged $90. Questions: director@chess.us, 347-201-2269 (leave
School Championship (all K-12 born after 9/1/98): EF $65.30 mailed message, email is better). Bring clock if possible- none supplied. Bring
Columbia Grammar and Prep. High School Cafeteria, 36 W. 93rd St.
(bet. Central Park West & Columbus Ave., near 96th St. subways), NYC. by 2/15. Top NYS grade 9-12 qualifies for Denker Tournament of HS set & board for HS sections; set & board supplied for other sections, but
12-SS, G/60 d10, open to grades 7-12 born after 3/4/98. 3 sections: 1. Champions. High School Intermediate (K-12 under 1800/unr): EF not for skittles. March official ratings used (except unofficial web
Premier (over 1799), 2. Under 1800, 3. Under 1200. Plaques to top 3 $65.20 mailed by 2/15. High School Reserve (K-12 under 1200/unr): ratings usually used if otherwise unrated). TD reserves right to assign
each section, top U1900 (Premier), top U1500 (Sec. 2), top U800, Unr. (Sec. EF $65.10 mailed by 2/15. Junior High Championship (all K-9): EF $65 estimated rating to players with non-USCF ratings.
3). May be limited to 1st 60 players to register for each date. Individual mailed by 2/15. Top NYS grade K-8 born after 9/1/02 qualifies for Barber MAR. 15, Marshall Thursday Action
free entry prizes: free entry to 2 specified Continental Chess tmts. thru tournament of K-8 Champions. Middle School Intermediate (K-8 under 4-SS, G/25 d5. ($375 b/25): $150-100; U2200: $75; U1900: $50. EF:
12/31/18 to 1st each section. Team prizes: free entry to 1 CCA tmt. thru 1600/unr): EF $64.90 mailed by 2/15.Middle School Reserve (K-8 $25; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg
12/31/18 to the 4-top-scoring players from same school across all 3 sec- under 1000/unr): EF $64.80 mailed by 2/15. Elementary Championship hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. Max one bye,
tions, plaques to top 3 overall team scores, limit 2 teams per school. Mixed (all K-6): EF $64.70 mailed by 2/15. Elementary Intermediate (K-6 for Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: www.marshallchess
Doubles (2-player male/female team, avg. rating U2200, may be in different under 1400/unr): EF $64.60 mailed by 2/15. K-5 Intermediate (K-5 club.org/register.
sections and from different schools, must sign-up before 1/28) Bonus under 1100/unr): EF $64.50 mailed by 2/15. K-5 Reserve (K-5 under
Prize: free entry to 1 CCA tmt. thru 12/31/18 to 1st Mixed Doubles team, 800/unr): EF $64.40 mailed by 2/15. Primary Championship (all K-3): US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
chess sets to top 3 overall Mixed Doubles. Free entries courtesy of EF $64 mailed by 2/15. Primary Reserve (K-3 under 600/unr): EF: MAR. 15, 22, 29, APR. 5, 12, 10th Long Island CC March Open
Continental Chess and are valid for CCA tmts. with 100% guaranteed prizes; $63.90 mailed by 2/15. K-1 Championship (all K-1): EF $63.80 mailed 5SS, G/90 d5. United Methodist Church, 470 East Meadow Ave., East
see www.magnusleague.org, www.chesscenter.cc or www.chesstour.com by 2/15. K-1 Reserve (K-1 under 400/unr): EF $63.70 mailed by 2/15. Meadow, NY 11554. Open to all. $(b/20 pd. ent.): $110-90. Top U-
for details and restrictions. Rds.: 10 am-12:30 pm (earlier if feasible) each Postmarked 2/16-27: All EF $10 more. Do not mail entry after 2/27. 2000, U-1500/unr. $60 ea. EF(cash only): $35. Non-LICC members
date. Ent: Applications and EF accepted online, may be paid by school. All: Special 1 year USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry. Online at +$10. UNRATED FREE! Reg.: 6:45 - 7:15 PM, no adv. ent., Rds.: 7:30
Each date’s games submitted for rating prior to next date’s games. Players chessaction.com, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or paid at site, PM ea. Thursday. 2 byes 1-5. Info: www.lichessclub.com.
must re-register before each date; official USCF rating list in effect on Young Adult $25, Scholastic $17. Trophies to top 10 players and top 7
teams each section, top 2 unrated in each reserve section, and top 2 US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
each date used for that date (unofficial ratings usually used if otherwise MAR. 15, 22, 29, APR. 5, 12, 19, Marshall Thursday Open
unrated or if requesting to play in Premier). Unr. may enter section 2 or 3 each U1900, U1700 (HS), U1600, U1400 (HS Intermediate), U1000, U800,
U600 (HS Reserve), U1800, U1600, U1400 (JHS), U1400, U1200 (MS Inter- 6-SS, G/90 +30. ($600 b/25): $250-150-$75; U1900: $125. EF: $40;
(or Premier by TD permission). Limit 6 byes (2 byes max. rds. 9-12), commit
mediate), U800, U600, U400 (MS Reserve), U1700, U1500 (Elem), U1200, NonMCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour
before Jan. 28. Teammate pairings avoided but possible. Ties for free
entries decided by tiebreak except playoff May 6 between top 2 on tiebreak U1000 (K-6 Intermediate), U900, U800 (K-5 Intermediate), U700, U600, before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7pm each Thurs. Max two byes; request
(may be fast game). Special Bonus Points may be awarded each date! U500, U400, U300 (Elem Reserve), U1400, U1200, U1000 (Primary), U500, by Rd. 4. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
Bring clocks! Info: director@magnusleague.org, chesscentr@ gmail.com, U400, U300, U200 (Primary Reserve), U800, U600, U400 (K-1), U300, MAR. 16, Marshall Quick Chess (QC)
online entry thru 4 pm the day before each rd. at Magnus League U200 (K-1 Reserve). Speed playoff if perfect score tie. Free entry to NY 6-SS, G/10 +3. ($250 b/25): $125-75; U1700: $50. EF: $15; Non-MCC
website: www.magnusleague.org. Reg. on-site by 9:30 am. Make school State Championship, Labor Day weekend 2018 (Albany), to top player Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before
purchase orders payable to: Chess Center of NY, PO Box 4615, New each section, if not already qualified for free entry from another event. Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-7:30-8:00-8:45-9:15-9:45pm. Max two byes;
Windsor, NY 12553. W. Mixed doubles prizes (chess sets) for three HS sections combined; no request at entry. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
www.uschess.org 65
Tournament Life / March
US Chess Junior Grand Prix! MAR. 22, Marshall Thursday Action APR. 2, 9, 16, 23, 111th Nassau Grand Prix
MAR. 16-18 OR 18, Marshall Monthly U2400 - 3-Day 4-SS, G/25 d5. ($375 b/25): $150-100; U2200: $75; U1900: $50. EF: See Grand Prix.
5-SS, G/90 +30. Open to players rated below 2400 USCF. $1,000 GTD: $25; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg
hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. Max one bye, APR. 4, 11, 18, 25, Community Chess Club of Rochester Wed
$500-200; U2100: $150; U1800: $150. EF: $50; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional Night Chess!
$25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: 3- for Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: www.marshall
day: Fri. 6pm, Sat. & Sun. 12:30 & 5:30pm. 1-day: Sun. 9-10-11am (G/25 chessclub.org/register. Note: 1 game rated per night, G/80 d5. Rochester Chess Center, 221
d5) then merge in round 4. Max two byes; request at entry. Register Norris Dr., Rochester, NY 14610. 585-442-2430. EF: $5, CCCR members
MAR. 23, Marshall $500 FIDE Blitz (BLZ) $3. Reg.: 6:30-7:20 pm. Rd.: 7:30pm. www.rochesterchessclub.org.
Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. See Grand Prix.
MAR. 17, 19th Annual Bruce Bowyer Memorial APR. 5, Marshall Guaranteed Action!
MAR. 24, Marshall G/50 (Open & U1800) 4-SS, G/25 d5. $350 GTD: $125-75; U2200, U1900: $75. EF: $15; NonMCC
See Grand Prix. 4-SS, G/45 d5. Two Sections: Open: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U2200: Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before
MAR. 17, Marshall G/50 (U1700) $75. U1800: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1600: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. Max one bye, for Rd. 1 or
4-SS, G/45 d5. ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1500: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/
Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 12-2-4-6pm. Max one bye; request at entry. register.
Rd. 1.) Rds.: 12-2-4-6pm. Max one bye; request at entry. Register Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. MAR. 24, 2018 Greater New Haven Championships! (CT)
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
See Grand Prix. APR. 6-8, Marshall PREMIER FIDE OPEN
MAR. 17, Middlebury Quick Chess for U1810 (QC) (VT) 5-SS, G/90 +30.Two Sections: FIDE: FIDE Rated. Only open to players
See Vermont. MAR. 25, Marshall G/50 (Open & U1500) with a current published rating 2000+ (USCF or FIDE); NO exceptions.
MAR. 17-18, 40th Annual Marchand Open 4-SS, G/45 d5. Two Sections: Open: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1900: Limited to 30 players. $1,750 GTD: $1,000-500. U2300: $250. EF: $100;
See Grand Prix. $75. U1500: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1300: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $50 Mbr + service fee. ($5 service fee for in-
Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before person reg hour before Rd. 1.) First 5 GMs Free. U2000: Limited to 40
MAR. 18, 19th Annual Bruce Bowyer Memorial SCHOLASTIC Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 12-2-4-6pm. Max one bye; request at entry.
5SS, G/30 d10. Open to all students thru grade 12. EF: $10. *** ESTON- players. ($1,000 b/40): $500-200; U1750: $150, U1500: $150. EF: $50;
Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 service fee for in-person
IAN HOUSE, 243 East 34th Street between Second and Third Avenues.
212.684.0336. Note: Saturday Grand Prix and Sunday Scholastic. MAR. 25, Marshall Rated Beginner (3 Rounds) reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: Fri. 6pm, Sat. & Sun. 12:30 & 5:30pm.
Info@Facebook: Bruce Bowyer Foundation or (Pat Bowyer) 516.641.4521. 3-SS, G/25 d5. Only open to players without a rating or rated U1200. Max two byes; request at entry. Register Online: www.marshallchess
$$G: $200-$125-$75, U1800 $50, U1600 $40, U1400 $30, U1200 $25. ($225 b/25): $150-75. EF: $15; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. club.org/register.
New: Mixed Doubles Bonus Prize: best male/female 2-player team com- ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: Begin at 9am &
continue ASAP. No byes. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/ US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
bined score: $50. Team must average U2200; register (no extra fee) APR. 6, 13, 20, 27, 18th Annual Queens Team Championship
onsite by 1 pm; teammate pairings avoided but possible. Speed playoff register.
4-SS, G/120 d5. All Saints Lutheran Church, 164-02 Goethals Ave.,
for 5-0. Reg.: 10:15-10:45. Rds.: 11am-1pm-2:30-4pm-5:30. Limit 2 MAR. 28-APR. 1, MAR. 29-APR. 1, MAR. 30-APR. 1 OR MAR. Jamaica, NY 11432. Open to two player teams with April ratings averaging
byes, commit by 1PM. Ck/MO payable to Pat Bowyer (be sure to specify 31-APR. 1, 12th annual Philadelphia Open (PA) under 2000. $100-$50 to top 2 teams, $60 each to top U1700 team, top
Scholastic) c/o APS, 3500 North State Road 7, Ste 400, Lauderdale See Grand Prix. mixed doubles or all female team, top scorer Board 1, top scorer Board
Lakes, FL 33319. Note: Limit 60 players, no door ents. Payment$/Entries MAR. 29, Marshall Thursday Action 2 (based on 10 paid teams (prizes raised/lowered proportionally)). One
must be received by MAR 13 latest. Provide name,school, USCF rating, 4-SS, G/25 d5. ($375 b/25): $150-100; U2200: $75; U1900: $50. EF: 1/2 point team bye permitted, which must be requested at entry. If one
ID#, & exp date. Note: You *MUST* bring clocks and sets, none will $25; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg player on team is unavailable, replacement player must be rated lower
be provided. hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. Max one bye, and occupy board of player replaced. EF: $35 per player, $25 QCC mem-
MAR. 20, Marshall Masters for Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: www.marshall bers. Reg.: 7:00-7:30 pm. Rds.: 7:45 each Friday. Mail advance entries
See Grand Prix. chessclub.org/register. by 3/31/18 to Joseph Felber, 76 Union Ave. #1W, Amityville, NY 11701.
APR. 7, CT State Quick Championships! (QC) (CT) charge per player after 4/12. $15 service charge for each player refund. Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. Max one bye, for Rd. 1 or
See Grand Prix. TD reserves right to reassign sections for advance entries with incorrect 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/
APR. 7-8, 2nd annual Bill Little Memorial or unclear registrations. Limit 2 byes, commit before rd. 3. HR: see travel register.
See Grand Prix. websites for nearby hotels in NYC. Info, help with entries, parking, etc:
www.chessgirls.win. Questions: director@chessgirls.win, chess-
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
APR. 7, 14, 21, 28, Rochester Chess Center Saturday Tourna- centr@gmail.com or 646-232-3155 (or 347-201-2269: leave message, MAY 4-6, Marshall PREMIER
ments! email is better). Team rooms: teamrooms@chessgirls.win. Sets provided 5-SS, G/90 +30.Two Sections: FIDE: FIDE Rated. Only open to players
3-SS, G/60 d5. Rochester CC, 221 Norris Dr., Rochester, NY 14610. 585- by Little House of Chess— bring clocks! School purchase orders payable with a current published rating 2000+ (USCF or FIDE); NO exceptions.
442-2430. Prizes based on entries. EF: $15, RCC members $13. $2 less to:Chess Center of NY, PO Box 4615, New Windsor, NY 12553. (Note: Limited to 30 players. $1,750 GTD: $1,000-500. U2300: $250. EF: $100;
for HS and Pre-HS. Reg.: 1-1:45 pm. Rds.: 2-4-6. One bye available, US Chess Junior Grand Prix for Top 3 Championship Sections only.) Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $50 Mbr + service fee. ($5 service fee for in-
request at entry. www.nychess.org. Also, Youth tournament, G/30 d5, person reg hour before Rd. 1.) First 5 GMs Free. U2000: Limited to 40
APR. 15, Marshall G/50 (Open & U1600) players. ($1,000 b/40): $500-200; U1750: $150, U1500: $150. EF: $50;
every Saturday morning 10am-1pm, trophies and prizes. EF: $5. 4-SS, G/45 d5. Two Sections: Open: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U2000: Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 service fee for in-person
APR. 8, Marshall Rated Beginner (3 Rounds) $75. U1600: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1400: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: Fri. 6pm, Sat. & Sun. 12:30 & 5:30pm.
3-SS, G/25 d5. Only open to players without a rating or rated U1200. Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Max two byes; request at entry. Register Online: www.marshallchess
($225 b/25): $150-75. EF: $15; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 12-2-4-6pm. Max one bye; request at entry. club.org/register.
($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: Begin at 9am & Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
continue ASAP. No byes. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/ MAY 4-6 OR 5-6, 64th Annual Maryland Open (MD)
APR. 17, Marshall Masters See Grand Prix.
register. See Grand Prix.
APR. 8, TRM232 MAY 10, Marshall Thursday Action
APR. 19, Marshall Thursday Action 4-SS, G/25 d5. ($375 b/25): $150-100; U2200: $75; U1900: $50. EF:
Riverbank State Park Theater, 145th St. & Riverside Dr., NYC 10025. 4-SS, G/25 d5. ($375 b/25): $150-100; U2200: $75; U1900: $50. EF:
Preregister www.chesstrm.org/NYC/ 4/SS, G/30 d5. Check in by 9:15. $25; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg
$25; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. Max one bye,
APR. 8, CT State Rapid Championships! (QC) (CT) hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. Max one bye, for Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: www.mar-
See Grand Prix. for Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: www.marshall shallchessclub.org/register.
chessclub.org/register.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix! MAY 11, Marshall Friday Night Blitz (BLZ)
APR. 11, 18, 25, MAY 2, 9, 16, Marshall Weekly Wednesday APR. 19, 26, MAY 3, 10, 17, 24, 3rd Annual LI Chess Club Ilan 9-SS, G/3 +2. USCF regular rating used for pairings & prizes. ($500
6-SS, G/90 +30. Two Sections: U2000: ($600 b/25) $250-150-100; Kreitner Memorial b/35): $200-100; U2400/unr, U2200, U2000, U1800: $50. EF: $20; Non-
U1700: $100. U1400: ($600 b/25) $250-150-100; U1100: $100. EF: $40; See Grand Prix. MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour
NonMCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour APR. 20, Marshall Quick Chess (QC) before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: Begin at 7pm and continue ASAP. Max
before Rd. 1.) Rds.: 7pm each Wed. Max two byes; request by Rd. 4. 6-SS, G/10 +3. ($250 b/25): $125-75; U1700: $50. EF: $15; Non-MCC three byes; request at entry. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/
Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before register.
APR. 12, Marshall Thursday Action Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-7:30-8:00-8:45-9:15-9:45pm. Max two byes; MAY 12, Marshall G/50 Open
4-SS, G/25 d5. ($375 b/25): $150-100; U2200: $75; U1900: $50. EF: request at entry. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. 4-SS, G/45 d5. ($325 b/25): $150-100; U2100: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC
$25; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before
hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. Max one bye, US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
APR. 20-22, Marshall Monthly U2400 Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 12-2-4-6pm. Max one bye; request at entry.
for Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: www.mar- Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
shallchessclub.org/register. 5-SS, G/90 +30. Open to players rated below 2400 USCF. $1,000 GTD:
$500-200; U2100: $150; U1800: $150. EF: $50; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional MAY 12, Marshall U1900 Morning Action
APR. 13, Marshall Friday Night Blitz (BLZ) $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: 3- 4-SS, G/25 d5. ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1700: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC
9-SS, G/3 +2. USCF regular rating used for pairings & prizes. ($500 day: Fri. 6pm, Sat. & Sun. 12:30 & 5:30pm. 1-day: Sun. 9-10-11am (G/25 Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before
b/35): $200-100; U2400/unr, U2200, U2000, U1800: $50. EF: $20; Non- d5) then merge in round 4. Max two byes; request at entry. Register Rd. 1.) Rds.: 9-10-11am-12:15pm. Max one bye; request at entry.
MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register
before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: Begin at 7pm and continue ASAP. Max
three byes; request at entry. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/ APR. 21, Marshall G/50 (U1700) MAY 13, Marshall G/50 (Open & U1600)
register. 4-SS, G/45 d5. ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1500: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC 4-SS, G/45 d5. Two Sections: Open: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U2000:
Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before $75. U1600: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1400: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC
APR. 14, Marshall G/50 Open Rd. 1.) Rds.: 12-2-4-6pm. Max one bye; request at entry. Register Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before
4-SS, G/45 d5. ($325 b/25): $150-100; U2100: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 12-2-4-6pm. Max one bye; request at entry.
Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 12-2-4-6pm. Max one bye; request at entry. US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. APR. 23, 30, MAY 7, 14, 21, 28, Marshall FIDE Monday/U1800 MAY 15, Marshall Masters
6-SS, G/90 +30. Two Sections: Open: Open to all players 1600+. FIDE See Grand Prix.
APR. 14, Marshall U1900 Morning Action Rated. ($600 b/25) $200-150-100; U2000: $100-50. U1800: ($600 b/25)
4-SS, G/25 d5. ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1700: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC $200-150-100; U1500: $100-50. EF: $40; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 MAY 18-20 OR 19-20, 26th annual New York State Open and
Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: Senior
Rd. 1.) Rds.: 9-10-11am-12:15pm. Max one bye; request at entry. 7pm each Mon. Max two byes; request by Rd. 4. Register Online: See Grand Prix.
Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. www.marshallchessclub.org/register. MAY 20, 1st Annual Grace Church School Scholastic Tourna-
APR. 14 NOT APRIL 7, TRM124 APR. 26, Marshall Thursday Action ment
ML King MS, 918 Stanley St., Schenectady 12307. Free. Preregister 4-SS, G/25 d5. ($375 b/25): $150-100; U2200: $75; U1900: $50. EF: Format: 4-SS, G/40 d5. Sections: Rookie- Pre K- 1 (unrated, no clock),
www.chesstrm.org. 4/SS, G/30 d5. Rd. 1 10:00. $25; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg Primary- K-3 U600, Elementary- K-6 U1000, Championship- K-12
US Chess Junior Grand Prix! hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. Max one bye, EF: $40 postmarked by May 1, $50 if postmarked by May 13 $50 by
A State Championship Event! for Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: www.marshall 12:00 PM on May 19th or onsite, Time: 2:00 PM-6:00 PM. Trophies to
APR. 14-15 OR 15, 2nd Annual NY State Girls Championship! chessclub.org/register. top 10 individuals and one team in each section. Grace Church High
Open to all girls, out of state welcome, the NEST+m School, 111 Columbia School, 46 Cooper Sq., New York, NY 10003. www.premierchess.com,
US Chess Junior Grand Prix! www.facebook.com/premierchess. Inquiries to Evan Rabin at erabin66@
Street (between Delancey and E. Houston St), NYC. Subways: Delancey APR. 26, MAY 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, Marshall Thursday Open
Street (F train), 2nd Ave. Station (F, M trains). Online entries at gmail.com.
6-SS, G/90 +30. ($600 b/25): $250-150-$75; U1900: $125. EF: $40;
www.chessgirls.win: $55 thru 4/9/18, $65 4/10-12, $80 later or at site, NonMCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour MAY 24-28, 25-28, 26-28 OR 27-28, 27th annual Chicago
at least 1 hour before game ($5 less per player if 3 or more from same before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7pm each Thurs. Max two byes; request Open (IL)
school enter together online by 4/9). For details on mail or phone by Rd. 4. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. See Grand Prix.
entries see www.chessgirls.win or www.chesscenter.cc. In 7 sections.
APR. 27, Marshall $500 FIDE Blitz (BLZ) MAY 25-28, 26-28, East Coast Open (PA)
Each section has its own age, (grade) and rating requirements (Championship
See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix.
sections open to all who are under age (and grade) limits; unrated allowed
all sections). Open Championship, open to all girls born after 4/15/98 APR. 27-29 OR 28-29, 25th Space Coast Open (FL) MAY 25-28 OR 26-28, 6th Cherry Blossom Classic (VA)
(top NYS K-12 girl qualifies for National Girls Tournament of Champions in See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix.
Wisconsin), K-6 Championship and K-3 Championship are each 2- JUNE 8-10 OR 9-10, 24th Annual Northeast Open (CT)
days: 6-SS, G/60 d10. Rounds: 10 am-1-4 pm each day. K-12 Under APR. 27-29 OR 28-29, 27th annual Eastern Class
Championships (MA) See Grand Prix.
1200, K-6 Under 900, K-3 Under 600 and K-1 Championship are each
5-SS, G/30 d5. Rounds: 10 am-12-1:30-3-4:45 pm Sunday. K-1 open to See Grand Prix. JUNE 15-17 OR 16-17, 7th annual Continental Class
grades 1/below born after 4/15/10. Both K-3 sections open to grades APR. 28, Marshall G/50 (Open & U1800) Championships (VA)
3/below born after 4/15/08. Both K-6 sections open to grades 6/below 4-SS, G/45 d5. Two Sections: Open: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U2200: See Grand Prix.
born after 4/15/05. K-12 Under 1200 section open to grades 12/below $75. U1800: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1600: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC JUNE 27-JULY 1 OR JUNE 29-JULY 1, 8th annual World Open
born after 4/15/98. Trophies to top 12 each section and top 3 Unr. in Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Senior Amateur (PA)
each 1-Day section. Grade plaques: top 3 K/below in K-1 section, top 3 Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 12-2-4-6pm. Max one bye; request at entry. See Pennsylvania.
scorers below 9th Grade in K-12 U1200, top 3 below 4th grade in K-6 Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
U900, and top 3 below 2nd grade in K-3 U600 (you can win both plaque + JUNE 28-JULY 2, 12th annual Philadelphia International (PA)
APR. 29, Marshall G/50 (Open & U1500) See Grand Prix.
trophy). All players scoring 4 or more (5 or more in 2-Day sections) who 4-SS, G/45 d5. Two Sections: Open: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1900:
don’t win a trophy receive a medal! Speed playoff for 5-0 or 6-0. Plaques $75. U1500: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1300: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC JUNE 30-JULY 1, World Open Warmup (PA)
also to top 4 teams each section (top 3 scorers from same school = Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before See Pennsylvania.
team, all on team must attend same school: no combined teams, even if Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 12-2-4-6pm. Max one bye; request at entry.
one school “feeds” another). Individual free entry prizes (in each 2-Day JULY 2-3, 7th annual World Open Women’s Championship (PA)
Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. See Grand Prix.
Championship section): Free entry to 2 specified Continental Chess tour-
naments thru 12/31/18 to 1st! Free entries courtesy of Continental Chess APR. 29, Marshall Rated Beginner (3 Rounds) JULY 2-3, 10th annual World Open Under 13 Championship (PA)
and are valid for CCA tmts. with 100% unconditionally guaranteed prize 3-SS, G/25 d5. Only open to players without a rating or rated U1200. See Pennsylvania.
funds. Free entries do not include NYS Scholastics in Saratoga. See ($225 b/25): $150-75. EF: $15; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee.
($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: Begin at 9am & JULY 3, 6th annual World Open Action Championship (PA)
www.chesscenter.cc for complete details and restrictions. All: Out-of- See Grand Prix.
state eligible for prizes but top NYS player and team each section are NY continue ASAP. No byes. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/
Champions. April 2018 official ratings used, except unofficial ratings at register. JULY 3-8, 4-8, 5-8 OR 6-8, 46th Annual World Open (PA)
uschess.org usually used if otherwise unrated. TD reserves right to assign MAY 3, Marshall Guaranteed Action! See Grand Prix.
estimated ratings to players with non-USCF ratings. All substitutions from 4-SS, G/25 d5. $350 GTD: $125-75; U2200, U1900: $75. EF: $15; NonMCC JULY 4, 7th annual World Open Game/7 Championship (BLZ) (PA)
advance entry list charged late fee. Section switches subject to $10 extra Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before See Grand Prix.
www.uschess.org 67
Tournament Life / March
JULY 7, World Open G/10 Championship (QC) (PA) MAR. 23, DCC Friday Nite Quick (QC) US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
See Grand Prix. 4SS, G/24 d5. Dayton Chess Club, 18 W. 5th St., Dayton, OH. Rds.: MAY 12, Toledo May Swiss
JULY 8, World Open Blitz Championship (BLZ) (PA) 7:30/8:30/9:30/10:30. One bye. Prizes: based on entries. EF:$15 ($10 Open, 4SS, Rnd. 1 G/75 d5, Rnds. 2-4 G/85 d5. University of Toledo
See Grand Prix. DCC mbr). Info: DCC.18W5@sbcglobal.net, 937-461-6283. Health Science Campus, Mulford Library Basement Cafe, 3000 Arlington
MAR. 23-25 OR 24-25, 22nd annual Mid-America Open (MO) Ave., Toledo, OH 43614. Can split into multiple sections if enough players.
See Grand Prix. EF: $20 by 5/10, $25 at site. Reg.: 9-10 a.m., Rds.: 10, 1, 4, & 7. Prizes:
NORTH CAROLINA MAR. 24, CWRU March Magnus
$450 b/25, $100-50, Class prizes TBD based on split. Ent: jagz47@hot-
mail.com. 7031 Willowyck Rd., Maumee, OH 43537. 419-367-9450.
MAR. 15, Charlotte Chess Center Third Thursday Triple See Grand Prix.
See Grand Prix. MAY 24-28, 25-28, 26-28 OR 27-28, 27th annual Chicago
US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Open (IL)
MAR. 16-18 OR 17-18, 5th Annual Ron Simpson Memorial MAR. 24-25, MOTCF: Midwest Open Team Chess Festival See Grand Prix.
Tournament 5SS, Rd.1 G/90 +10, Rds. 2-5 are 40/90, SD/30 +10. Four players/team
See Grand Prix. plus one alternate. LIMIT 36 teams. Location: Dayton Chess Club - 18 West MAY 25-28 OR 26-28, 6th Cherry Blossom Classic (VA)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 16-18 OR 17-18, 16th annual Southern Class Fifth St – Dayton, OH 45402. Team (March) ratings for pairings determined
Championships (FL) by average of highest four ratings with imputed ratings for players rated JUNE 15-17 OR 16-17, 7th annual Continental Class
See Grand Prix. more than 400 points below team avg. Reg.: Fri Mar 10, 8pm-11pm & Sat Championships (VA)
Mar 11, 9-10am. Rds.: Sat 10:30, 2:30, 7:00, Sun 10 & 3:30. EF: $272/team See Grand Prix.
APR. 5, Charlotte Chess Center First Thursday FIDE Blitz - if mailed or online prior to Mar 20, then $300/team including Fri/Sat at site.
Marnzell Hand Memorial (BLZ) Prizes (b/24 teams): 1st $1,600, 2nd $1,200, U2000: $1100, U1800: $1000,
See Grand Prix. U1600 $900. Top boards (1-4) $100. Hotel: TBD. Registration Form: Include OKLAHOMA
MAY 4-6 OR 5-6, 64th Annual Maryland Open (MD) all team members, ratings, ID numbers, and board order (switches limited MAR. 16-18 OR 17-18, Lone Star Open (TX)
See Grand Prix. to 50 rating points), please use online entry form at DaytonChessClub.com See Grand Prix.
if mailing entry. If registering at www.DaytonChessClub.com use online
MAY 25-28 OR 26-28, 6th Cherry Blossom Classic (VA) entry form provided. MC/V online and at site, no cks at site. Individuals may
See Grand Prix. sign up for “ad hoc” teams. Information call 937.461.6283 or email OREGON
JUNE 15-17 OR 16-17, 7th annual Continental Class DCC.18W5@sbcglobal.net or check www.DaytonChessClub.com. MAR. 18, Portland Chess Club Sunday Quads
Championships (VA) MAR. 30, DCC Friday Nite Quick (QC) PCC, 8205 SW 24th Ave., Portland, OR 97219. The live regular ratings
See Grand Prix. 4SS, G/24 d5. Dayton Chess Club, 18 W. 5th St., Dayton, OH. Rds.: are usually used. G/50;inc15. EF: 15, 5 discount for PCC members and
7:30/8:30/9:30/10:30. One bye. Prizes: based on entries. EF:$15 ($10 each extra family member in the same household, free entry if it’s your
NORTH DAKOTA DCC mbr). Info: DCC.18W5@sbcglobal.net, 937-461-6283. first US Chess rated tournament (must pay for US Chess membership).
US Chess membership required. Prizes: discounted entries, books, and
APR. 6, DCC Friday Nite Quick (QC)
MAY 24-28, 25-28, 26-28 OR 27-28, 27th annual Chicago 4SS, G/24 d5. Dayton Chess Club, 18 W. 5th St., Dayton, OH. Rds.: bonus trophy or medal for scholastics. Reg.: 9-9:45am. Rds.: 10am,
Open (IL) 7:30/8:30/9:30/10:30. One bye. Prizes: based on entries. EF:$15 ($10 12: 30pm, 3pm. See more info. and rule variations used at pdxchess.org.
See Grand Prix. DCC mbr). Info: DCC.18W5@sbcglobal.net, 937-461-6283. APR. 7, Southern Oregon Chess Tournament
APR. 6-8 OR 7-8, 54th Cincinnati Open Entry Fee: $25 if received in advance; $35 if registered on site (must
OHIO See Grand Prix. register at least 10 minutes prior to round 1). Prizes: 1st: $100-$50
and 2d $75-$25; under 1800 $50-$25 (prize winnings based on the
MAR. 2, DCC Friday Nite Quick (QC) US Chess Junior Grand Prix! number of players) Schedule and Time Control: 3 Rounds/Game in
4SS, G/24 d5. Dayton Chess Club, 18 W. 5th St., Dayton, OH. Rds.: APR. 20-21 & 27-28, Dayton Chess Club’s 58th Championship 60 (5 second delay) 9:30am, 12pm, 2:30pm Please bring your own clock
7:30/8:30/9:30/10:30. One bye. Prizes: based on entries. EF:$15 ($10 6SS, 40/90, SD/60 +30. USCF/FIDE rated Open Tournament. Reg.: and board Tournament Location: Diamond Medical Maintenance, 1020
DCC mbr). Info: DCC.18W5@sbcglobal.net, 937-461-6283. Ends Apr 20, 7:45 p.m. EF: $40 adv/$60 after Apr 18th. Rds.: 1-3: Apr Knutson, Medford, OR. Registration: US Chess Membership Required
MAR. 9, DCC Friday Nite Quick (QC) 20/21 – 8pm Fri, 10:30am, 5:30pm Sat.. Apr 27/28 Rds.: 4-6: 8pm Fri, Send entrance fees, USCF ID, rating, full name to: Ed Battistella, PO
4SS, G/24 d5. Dayton Chess Club, 18 W. 5th St., Dayton, OH. Rds.: 10:30am, 5:30pm Sat. Must be registered DCC member for minimum of Box 1081, Ashland, OR 97520. For more information contact Ed Battistella
7:30/8:30/9:30/10:30. One bye. Prizes: based on entries. EF:$15 ($10 3+ months. Prizes (b/20):1st $200, 2nd $160; u2000 $140; u1600:$100. at 541-552-0743 and edbattistella@gmail.com
DCC mbr). Info: DCC.18W5@sbcglobal.net, 937-461-6283. Register online today! (Under REGISTRATION tab)
MAY 5-6, 13th Susan Polgar Foundation National Open for Boys
MAR. 16, DCC Friday Nite Quick (QC) APR. 27-29, 2018 National High School (K-12) Championship and Girls (CA-N)
4SS, G/24 d5. Dayton Chess Club, 18 W. 5th St., Dayton, OH. Rds.: See Nationals. See California, Northern.
7:30/8:30/9:30/10:30. One bye. Prizes: based on entries. EF:$15 ($10 APR. 27-29 OR 28-29, 15th Annual Great Lakes Open (MI) JUNE 20-21, 2018 U.S. Women’s Open (NV)
DCC mbr). Info: DCC.18W5@sbcglobal.net, 937-461-6283. See Grand Prix. See Nationals.
JUNE 21-24, 22-24 OR 23-24, 2018 National Open (NV) US Chess Junior Grand Prix! MAY 24-28, 25-28, 26-28 OR 27-28, 27th annual Chicago
See Nationals. JULY 2-3, 10th annual World Open Under 13 Championship Open (IL)
JUNE 23-24, International Youth Championship (NV) 6SS, G/60 d10. Philadelphia Marriott Downtown (see World Open for See Grand Prix.
See Nevada. location, rates). Open to all born after 7/3/05. In 4 sections. Open
Section: Trophies to top 7, top 2 Under 1600/Unr; free entry in all CCA MAY 25-28 OR 26-28, 73rd Annual Texas State and Amateur
tournaments 7/13/18-12/31/18 to 1st. Under 1400 Section: Trophies Championships
PENNSYLVANIA to top 7, top 2 Under 1200, free entry in all CCA tournaments 7/13/18- See Grand Prix.
9/30/18 to 1st. Under 1000 Section: Trophies to top 7, top 2 Under JUNE 20-21, 2018 U.S. Women’s Open (NV)
North Penn Chess Club 800, free entry in all CCA tournaments 7/13/18-9/30/18 to 1st. Under
Main & Richardson, Lansdale, PA. See www.northpennchessclub.org See Nationals.
600 Section: Trophies to top 7, top 2 Under 400, top Unrated; free
for schedules & info or 215-699-8418. entry in all CCA tournaments 7/13/18-9/30/18 to 1st. EF: $48 online at JUNE 21-24, 22-24 OR 23-24, 2018 National Open (NV)
MAR. 10-11, Delaware State Open Chess Championship (DE) chessaction.com by 6/30, $51 mailed by 6/15, $60 at site. Late reg. See Nationals.
See Grand Prix. 7/2 to 10 am, rds. Mon 11-2-5, Tue 10-1-4. Up to 2 half point byes JUNE 23-24, International Youth Championship (NV)
MAR. 18, PCL March Quick Quads (QC) allowed, must commit before rd. 3. Ent: chessaction.com or Continental See Nevada.
3RR, G/15 d3. Wm. Pitt Union, Univ. of Pittsburgh, 5th Ave. & Bigelow Chess, PO Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. Questions: chesstour.com,
Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15213. EF: $10, $7 Jrs. $20 to 1st/quad. Reg.: 11- chesstour.info, DirectorAtChess.US, 347-201-2269. $15 service charge
11:15am. Info: martinak_tom_m@hotmail.com, 412-908-0286. W. for refunds. UTAH
MAR. 24, 17th Horizons for Youth Spring Scholastic RBO JULY 3, 6th annual World Open Action Championship MAY 5-6, 13th Susan Polgar Foundation National Open for Boys
See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. and Girls (CA-N)
MAR. 24, 2018 PA State Game/29 Championship (QC) JULY 3-8, 4-8, 5-8 OR 6-8, 46th Annual World Open See California, Northern.
See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. JUNE 20-21, 2018 U.S. Women’s Open (NV)
JULY 4, 7th annual World Open Game/7 Championship (BLZ) See Nationals.
MAR. 28-APR. 1, MAR. 29-APR. 1, MAR. 30-APR. 1 OR MAR.
31-APR. 1, 12th annual Philadelphia Open See Grand Prix.
JUNE 21, Walter Browne Memorial National Open Blitz
See Grand Prix. JULY 5, 6, 7, 8, World Open Daily 2 pm Blitz (BLZ) Championship (BLZ) (NV)
4 separate tournaments at Marriott Philadelphia Downtown (see World See Grand Prix.
APR. 7, W. Chester 1st Sat Quads Open). Each is a 4-SS, double round (8 games), G/5 d0. Prizes $$300
Our 29th year! 3RR, Game/80 d5. 2nd Presbyterian Church, 114 S. Walnut guaranteed: $100-50, U2100 $60, U1800 $50, U1500/Unr $40. EF: $20, JUNE 21-24, 22-24 OR 23-24, 2018 National Open (NV)
St., West Chester, PA. EF: $20; $40, $50 for 3-0. Reg.: 9am. Rds.: 9:40, at site only, no checks. Reg. ends 1:45 pm, rds. 2, 2:45, 3:15, 3:45. One See Nationals.
1:00, 4:00. Info: WCCC1975@gmail.com pair of 1/2 pt byes available, must commit before rd. 2. Blitz rated (will JUNE 23-24, International Youth Championship (NV)
APR. 14, MasterMinds CC Swiss/Quads not affect regular ratings), but higher of regular or blitz used for pairings See Nevada.
Esperanza Academy, 421 W. Bristol St., Phila., PA 19140. Quads: 3RR, & prizes. $10 service charge for refunds.
G/85 d5. EF: $30 cash; winner $100. Reg. ends 9AM. Rds.: 9:30, 1, 4. JULY 7, World Open G/10 Championship (QC)
Scholastic: 4SS K-12 Open, K-8 U1100, K-6 U800, K-3 U500 G/40 d5, EF See Grand Prix. VERMONT
$10 rec’d by Thurs. before, $25 on site. Reg. ends 9AM. Rd. 1 10AM then
asap. Mail Ent: payable to MasterMinds CC, 36 E. Hortter St., Philadelphia, JULY 8, World Open Blitz Championship (BLZ) MAR. 10-11, 51st annual New York State Scholastic
PA 19119. Info: mastermindschess.org or brad@master mindschess.org. See Grand Prix. Championships (out of state welcome) (NY)
See New York.
APR. 15, PCL April Quick Quads (QC)
3RR, G/15 d3. O’Hara Student Center, Univ. of Pitt., 4024 O’Hara St., RHODE ISLAND MAR. 17, Middlebury Quick Chess for U1810 (QC)
6SS, G/25 d3. Recreation Center, 154 Creek Rd., Middlebury, VT 05753.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213. EF: $10, $7 Jrs. $20 to 1st/quad. Reg.: 11-
11:15am. Info: martinak_tom_m@hotmail.com, 412-908-0286. W. MAR. 24, 2018 Greater New Haven Championships! (CT) Open to U1810/Unr. (Quick) except if Regular rating is above 1949. EF:
See Grand Prix. $29 if rec’d by 3/15 or $35 at site; both $12 less for non-Vermonter or
APR. 21, 4th Annual LVCA Bruce Alberston Memorial $1500 new USCF member. $$ b/32: 200-130, U1610 120, U1410 100, U1160
Gtd-RBO APR. 7, CT State Quick Championships! (QC) (CT)
See Grand Prix. 80, U910 70. Reg.: 9-9:45 a.m., Rds.: 10:10-11:40-1:40-3:00-4:30-5:50.
See Grand Prix. H-bye OK if requested by 1:15. Ent: Parker Montgomery, PO Box 831,
APR. 27-29 OR 28-29, 15th Annual Great Lakes Open (MI) APR. 8, CT State Rapid Championships! (QC) (CT) Middlebury, VT 05753-0831; vermonty64@earthlink.net, mobile 802-
See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. 349-7739.
APR. 27-29 OR 28-29, 27th annual Eastern Class APR. 27-29 OR 28-29, 27th annual Eastern Class APR. 7-8, 2nd annual Bill Little Memorial (NY)
Championships (MA) Championships (MA) See Grand Prix.
See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix.
MAY 4-6 OR 5-6, 64th Annual Maryland Open (MD)
See Grand Prix. SOUTH CAROLINA
MAY 24-28, 25-28, 26-28 OR 27-28, 27th annual Chicago MAR. 16-18 OR 17-18, 16th annual Southern Class NO TOURNAMENTS IN
YOUR AREA?
Open (IL) Championships (FL)
See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix.
MAY 25-28, 26-28, East Coast Open
See Grand Prix.
MAY 25-28 OR 26-28, 6th Cherry Blossom Classic (VA)
See Grand Prix. WHY NOT ORGANIZE
MAY 25-28 OR 26-28, 6th Cherry Blossom Classic (VA)
See Grand Prix.
SOUTH DAKOTA
ONE?
JUNE 8-10 OR 9-10, 24th Annual Northeast Open (CT) Do you need to go out of town for tournament
See Grand Prix. MAY 24-28, 25-28, 26-28 OR 27-28, 27th annual Chicago
Open (IL) play? Would you and others in your area like
JUNE 15-17 OR 16-17, 7th annual Continental Class See Grand Prix.
Championships (VA) the convenience of an occasional event closer
See Grand Prix. to home? Organize one!
JUNE 27-JULY 1 OR JUNE 29-JULY 1, 8th annual World Open TENNESSEE
Senior Amateur MAR. 16-18 OR 17-18, 16th annual Southern Class
It’s not much work to hold a small tournament,
6SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10. Marriott Philadelphia Downtown (see World Championships (FL) and there is little risk if you use a low-cost site
Open for location, rates, parking). Open to all born before 7/1/68 and See Grand Prix.
rated under 2210 or unrated. $3000 guaranteed prizes. In 2 sections. and avoid guaranteed prizes. You might even
Under 2210/Unr: $600-300-200, top U2010/Unr $350-200. Under MAR. 16-18 OR 17-18, Lone Star Open (TX)
See Grand Prix.
make a profit! Either a based-on Swiss with pro-
1810/Unr: $500-250-150, top U1610 (no unr) $300-150, unr limit $200.
EF: $88 online at chessaction.com by 6/25, $93 mailed by 6/15, $100 MAR. 23-25 OR 24-25, 22nd annual Mid-America Open (MO) jected prizes up to $500, a Quad format, or a
at site, or online until 2 hours before rd. 1. 5-day reg. ends 6 pm 6/27, See Grand Prix. trophy tournament will virtually guarantee taking
rds. Wed-Fri 7 pm, Sat 5 pm, Sun 10 & 3:15. 3-day reg. ends 12 noon
6/29, rds. Fri. 1 & 7 pm, Sat 11 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:15. Half point byes OK MAY 11-13, 2018 National Elementary (K-6) Championship in more in fees than you pay out in prizes.
all rounds, limit 2 byes, must commit before rd. 3. Special USCF dues: See Nationals.
see World Open. Ent: chessaction.com or Continental Chess, PO Box MAY 19-20, Bluff City Open The affiliation fee is just $40 a year. You will
8482, Pelham, NY 10803. $15 service charge for refunds. Entries posted See Grand Prix.
at chessaction.com (online entries posted instantly). July official USCF receive the annual rating supplement and have
ratings used. MAY 24-28, 25-28, 26-28 OR 27-28, 27th annual Chicago access to the TD/Affiliate area of our website.
Open (IL)
JUNE 28-JULY 2, 12th annual Philadelphia International See Grand Prix.
See Grand Prix. Remember, you can both run and play in a small
MAY 25-28 OR 26-28, 6th Cherry Blossom Classic (VA)
US Chess Junior Grand Prix! See Grand Prix. event. Many of them wouldn’t be held if the
JUNE 30-JULY 1, World Open Warmup organizer/TD couldn’t play.
5SS, G/90 d10. Marriott Philadelphia Downtown (see World Open).
Open to under 2100 or unrated (July official ratings used). Prizes $800 TEXAS Want to know more?
guaranteed: $200-100-50, U1900/Unr $120-60, U1700 $100-50, U1500
$80-40. EF: $40, at site only, no checks. Reg. ends 9 am 6/30, rds. Sat MAR. 16-18 OR 17-18, Lone Star Open
10, 2, 6, Sun 10, 2. One half point bye allowed if under 1700, otherwise See Grand Prix. Contact Joan DuBois at
two byes allowed; must commit before rd. 2. MAR. 23-25 OR 24-25, 22nd annual Mid-America Open (MO)
See Grand Prix. joandubois@uschess.org. We’ll be
JULY 2, World Open Monday Quad
3RR, G/90 d10. Marriott Philadelphia Downtown (see World Open). EF APR. 14-15, 2018 DCC FIDE Open IV glad to help you be part of the
$25 (no checks). $60 1st each section. Reg. ends 9 am, rounds 10, 2, 6. See Grand Prix. promotion of American chess!
JULY 2-3, 7th annual World Open Women’s Championship MAY 5-6, 2018 DCC FIDE Open V
See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix.
www.uschess.org 69
Tournament Life / March
APR. 27-29 OR 28-29, 27th annual Eastern Class MAY 26, 6th Cherry Blossom Classic FIDE Blitz! (BLZ) APR. 27-29 OR 28-29, 15th Annual Great Lakes Open (MI)
Championships (MA) See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix.
See Grand Prix. APR. 28-29, Arpad Elo Open
JUNE 15-17 OR 16-17, 7th annual Continental Class
MAY 18-20 OR 19-20, 26th annual New York State Open and Championships See Grand Prix.
Senior (NY) See Grand Prix. MAY 24-28, 25-28, 26-28 OR 27-28, 27th annual Chicago
See Grand Prix. Open (IL)
JUNE 27-JULY 1 OR JUNE 29-JULY 1, 8th annual World Open
Senior Amateur (PA) See Grand Prix.
VIRGINIA See Pennsylvania. MAY 27, 7th annual Chicago Open Blitz (BLZ) (IL)
MAR. 18, Dulles Mar 2018 FIDE Rapid/USCF Quick Rated (QC) & JUNE 28-JULY 2, 12th annual Philadelphia International (PA) See Grand Prix.
U1400 Scholastic Quads See Grand Prix. JULY 28-29, 2018 U.S. Open Weekend Swiss
See Grand Prix. JUNE 30-JULY 1, World Open Warmup (PA) See Grand Prix.
MAR. 23-25, 51st Virginia Open See Pennsylvania.
JULY 28-AUG. 5, JULY 31-AUG. 5 OR AUG. 2-5, 119th Annual
See Grand Prix. JULY 2-3, 7th annual World Open Women’s Championship (PA) U.S. Open
MAR. 28-APR. 1, MAR. 29-APR. 1, MAR. 30-APR. 1 OR MAR. See Grand Prix. See Nationals.
31-APR. 1, 12th annual Philadelphia Open (PA) JULY 2-3, 10th annual World Open Under 13 Championship (PA) JULY 29, 2018 U.S. Open Scholastic Championships
See Grand Prix. See Pennsylvania. Open to all US Chess members entering Grade 12 and below [includ-
APR. 29, Dulles Apr 2018 FIDE Rapid/USCF Quick Rated (QC) & JULY 3, 6th annual World Open Action Championship (PA) ing new members]. 4 Round Swiss in Four Sections: Junior
U1600 Open Quads See Grand Prix. High - High School Championship: Open to players entering
See Grand Prix. Kindergarten through the 12th Grade in the fall. Open to all ratings.
JULY 3-8, 4-8, 5-8 OR 6-8, 46th Annual World Open (PA)
See Grand Prix. Junior High - High School Under 1200: Open to players entering
MAY 4-6 OR 5-6, 64th Annual Maryland Open (MD) Kindergarten through the 12th Grade in the fall. Open to players
See Grand Prix.
rated below 1200. No Unrateds! Elementary Championship: Open
MAY 25, 6th Cherry Blossom Classic Rapid! (QC) WASHINGTON to players entering Kindergarten through the 6th Grade in the fall.
Side Event to the 6th Cherry Blossom Classic (May 25-28). Wash- Open to all ratings. Elementary Under 1000: Open to players enter-
ington Dulles Airport Marriott, 45020 Aviation Dr., Dulles, VA 20166. MAY 5-6, 13th Susan Polgar Foundation National Open for Boys ing Kindergarten through the 6th Grade in the fall. Open to players
One Section - Open: 5-SS, G/15 d10. $400 b/25 $180-90-50 TopU1400/ and Girls (CA-N) rated below 1000. No Unrateds! If the sections are larger than
TopU1200 $40 each. EF: $20 by May 24th online, Onsite $25 by 7pm. See California, Northern. expected, they may be split into multiple sections. Prizes: Trophies
Rounds start 8pm and ASAP. Max 1 byes allowed at entry. More infor- JUNE 20-21, 2018 U.S. Women’s Open (NV) to the Top 3 in each section. The number of trophies may increase
mation/Online registration: www.cherryblossomchess.com. Mail checks See Nationals. based on the number of entries. Schedule: Championship Sec-
(payable to Capital Area Chess) to Cherry Blossom Classic, Attn. Capital tions:Round One at 12 NOON. Round Two at 1:30 PM. Round Three
Area Chess, PO Box 223582, Chantilly, VA 20151. Email info only: Anand JUNE 21-24, 22-24 OR 23-24, 2018 National Open (NV)
See Nationals. at 3:00 PM. Round Four at 4:30 PM. Awards Ceremony at 6:00 PM.
Dommalapati, cbc2018@capitalareachess.com. Time Control: Game/30 d5. Entry Fee: Online, $25 by 7/9, $35
MAY 25-28, 26-28, East Coast Open (PA) JUNE 23-24, International Youth Championship (NV) after. By mail, $27 postmarked by 7/9; $37 postmarked by 7/16.
See Grand Prix. See Nevada. Do not mail after 7/16 - it will not be received! By phone, $30 by
MAY 25-28 OR 26-28, 6th Cherry Blossom Classic 7/9, $40 after until 7/20 by 5 PM CDT. Onsite, $40 until 7/29 by 10
See Grand Prix. WEST VIRGINIA AM EDT. See http://www.uschess.org/tournaments/ 2018/usopen/
for additional details.
MAY 26, 6th Cherry Blossom Classic Scholastic MAY 25-28 OR 26-28, 6th Cherry Blossom Classic (VA)
Side Event to the 6th Cherry Blossom Classic (May 25-28). Wash- See Grand Prix. AUG. 4, 2018 U.S. Open National Blitz Championship (BLZ)
ington Dulles Airport Marriott, 45020 Aviation Dr., Dulles, VA 20166. See Nationals.
4-or-5-SS. Sections: K-12 Open, K-8 U1000, K-5 U800, K-3 U600. K-12/K- JUNE 15-17 OR 16-17, 7th annual Continental Class
8: 4-SS, G/45 d5; K-5/K-3: 5-SS, G/30 d5. $32 by May 21st, $37 by May Championships (VA)
25th, $45 onsite. Trophies to Top 5, Other Class Trophies and Medals. See Grand Prix. WYOMING
Onsite Reg. closes 9:30am. Rounds 10am and ASAP. More information/ JUNE 20-21, 2018 U.S. Women’s Open (NV)
Online registration: www.cherryblossomchess.com. Mail checks (payable
to Capital Area Chess) to Cherry Blossom Classic, Attn. Capital Area
WISCONSIN See Nationals.
Chess, PO Box 223582, Chantilly, VA 20151. Email info only: Anand Dom- APR. 7, Hales Corners Challenge XXVII JUNE 21-24, 22-24 OR 23-24, 2018 National Open (NV)
malapati, cbc2018@capitalareachess.com. See Grand Prix. See Nationals.
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PHOTO CREDIT: COURTESY OF SUBJECT
GM Elshan
Moradiabadi
2001 Iranian Champion
2017 US Chess
Grand Prix Champion
E
ver since I became a grandmaster (back in
2005) I have been asked about my best
combination, best endgame, or even my
best game. My response to all of these requests
has always been the following: “They are yet to be
played!” My best move, however, has never been
a topic of a discussion before.
I have had a long, but inconsistent, career as a
grandmaster (13 years now!). I have quit chess
three times, but never could I stay away from the
royal game for long. Thus, in search of my best
move ever, I spent a long time reviewing my games
from different periods in my career. Surprisingly,
several of the games I had always considered among
my most memorable and beautiful now seem rather
average or prosaic, while others that I had I have quit chess three times but never could
considered to be simple, clear-cut victories appealed
to me more than before. I stay away from the royal game for long.
I eventually convinced myself that my win from
the 2004 Dubai Open against the strong Russian
GM Mikhail Ulibin includes the best move I have SEEING POSSIBILITIES 27. b4! My Best Move.
ever played. I had just earned my international master IM Elshan Moradiabadi (2436)
title after taking a two-years hiatus from tournaments GM Mikhail Ulybin (2579) 27. ... cxb4 28. d4 Rb8?
in order to pass the entrance exam to my university. Dubai op 6th Dubai (2), 04.20.2004 The last mistake. After 28. ... Kf7 29. c5
I played a dubious opening on the white side of 1. Ke6 30. d5+ Kd7 31. c6+ Kc7 32. Na5 Bc5 33.
Nf3 and Ulibin, who has a narrow but deep Rc1 Bd6 34. Kxf2 and Black may be able to
repertoire, managed to equalize comfortably. save this in theory—but not over the board.
In the ensuing tactical battle we entered a sharp
29. Na5!?
clash where a lot of pieces got traded accurately.
Following the exchanges, an odd endgame arose The knight blocks Black’s counterplay while
where Black had a very active bishop and a nicely White’s pawn will roll with the support of
placed pawn on f2, but all of his pawns were doubled his rook and the knight on a5.
and White’s knight had several good squares and 29. ... Kf7 30. c5 f4 31. c6 Ke7 32. d5?
a target. A draw seemed like the reasonable
outcome, but after 26. ... c5? by Ulibin, I immediately A time-pressure blunder. The d-pawn is
answered with 27. b4!, a positional pawn sacrifice, unstoppable after 32. Nb7.
after which the position was practically winning. AFTER 25. ... Bxe3 32. ... Bc5?
Ulibin collapsed 10 moves after his blunder.
I chose this move due to the fact that I saw this Returns the favor! 32. ... Kd6 33. Nc4+ Kc7
26. Nxb7 c5? and White has a hard time pushing his pawns
possibility before we reached the actual position.
After 26. ... Rb8 27. Na5 c5 28. Rb1 Kf7 29. further.
It always feels great to show that you understand
a position better than a seasoned grandmaster a3 Rb6 30. b4 cxb4 31. axb4 f4 32. b5 h5 the 33. Nb7 Bd6 34. Kxf2 Bc7 35. d6+ Bxd6
when you are not one! position is dynamically balanced. 36. Re1+, Black resigned.