W O R L D YO U T H & W O R L D C A D E T T E A M S S H O W T H E I R F I G H T I N G S P I R I T S

FACE
OFF
MAGNUS
VS. FABI
First American
world championship
contender in
decades loses
a heartbreaker
to Carlsen.

February 2019 | USChess.org

 13th annual

OPEN at FOXWOODS
April 17-21 (Open), 18-21 or 19-21 (other sections)
EASTER WEEKEND - RETURNING AFTER 5 YEARS!
Open: 9 rounds, GM & IM norms possible! Lower sections: 7 rounds
At the elegant, ultra modern FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO
In the Connecticut woods, 1½ hours from Boston, 2½ hours from New York

Prizes $100,000 based on 650 paid entries, $75,000 minimum guaranteed!

A SPECTACULAR SITE! Foxwoods Resort Casino, in
the woods of Southeastern Connecticut near the Mystic
coast. 35 restaurants, 250 gaming tables, 5500 slot
machines, non-smoking casino, entertainment, shopping,
world’s largest Native American museum.
Open Section, April 17-21: 9SS, 40/2, SD/30 d10. FIDE
rated, GM & IM norms possible.
Other Sections, April 18-21 or 19-21: 7SS, 40/2, SD/30
d10 (3-day option, rds 1-2 G/60 d10).
In 7 sections. Prizes based on 650 entries, else
proportional; minimum guarantee 75% each prize. Seniors,
re-entries, GMs, IMs, WGMs, foreign FIDE rated, & U1100
Section count as half entries toward prize fund.
Open: $10000-5000-2500-1500-1000-700-600-500-400-
400, clear/tiebreak 1st $200 bonus, FIDE 2250-2399 $3000-
1500, FIDE U2250/Unr $3000-1500. 200 GPP. FIDE rated,
FIDE ratings used in this section.
U2200/Unr, U2000/Unr, U1800: Each $5000-3000-1600-
1000-700-600-500-400-300-300. Unr limit in U2000, $2000.
U1600: $4000-2000-1300-900-600-500-400-400-300-300.
U1400: $3000-1800-1000-800-600-500-400-400-300-300.
U1100/Unr: $1500-800-600-500-400-300-300-200-200-
200; unrated limit $400.
Prize limits: 1) Under 26 games rated as of April 2019
official, $800 in U1100, $1500 U1400, $2500 U1600 or
U1800. 2) If post-event rating posted 4/15/18-4/15/19 was
more than 30 pts over section maximum, limit $1500.
Mixed doubles: $1200-800-600-400-200 projected.
Male/female teams, must average under 2200, only rounds
1-7 of Open count, register before both begin round 2.
Schedules: 5-DAY (Open only): Late reg. ends Wed.
6 pm, rds Wed 7, Thu 12 & 7, Fri/Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:15.
4-DAY: Late reg. ends Thu 6 pm, rds. Thu 7, Fri/Sat 11 & 6,
Sun 10 & 4:15. 3-DAY: Late reg. ends Fri 10 am, rds. Fri
11 & 2:30, merges with 4-day Fri at 6 pm.
Half point byes OK all rounds, limit 4 (limit 2 in last 4
rds.). Open must commit before rd 3, others before rd 4.
Hotel rates: Grand Pequot Tower (closest, very
luxurious): Fri/Sat $205, others $149. Fox Tower (5-7
minute walk in connected building): Fri/ Sat $175, others
$119. Two Trees Inn (15-20 minute walk, free shuttle):
Fri/Sat, $145, others $99. All: $4.95 resort fee. Includes
wired internet, fitness center, pool, spa, in room coffee, etc.
Reservations: link at chesstour.com or 1-800-
FOXWOOD; must reserve by April 4 or rate will increase.
Entry fees, titled player minimum prizes, other
details: See TLA or www.chesstour.com.
www.uschess.org 1
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Correspondence Chess
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and OTB Ratings cchess@uschess.org
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2 February 2019 | Chess Life

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www.uschess.org 3
 PHOTO: IM ERIC ROSEN
Chess Life
FEBRUARY
COLUMNS

FEATURED:
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

14 CHESS TO ENJOY / ENTERTAINMENT

Evolve
By GM Andy Soltis

16 BACK TO BASICS /
READER ANNOTATIONS
Beyond Their Years
By GM Lev Alburt

18 IN THE ARENA / 22 COVER STORY / WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

2018 World Championship, London Variation
PLAYER OF THE MONTH
BY GM IAN ROGERS
Anything but Dull
By GM Robert Hess GM Magnus Carlsen Retains World Championship after a bruising
battle with GM Fabiano Caruana.
20 BOOKS AND BEYOND /
SHOULD I BUY IT?
Instant Gratification
By John Hartmann
38 IN MEMORIAM / RUTH HARING
Remembering Ruth
BY FRANCISCO GUADALUPE

46 SOLITAIRE CHESS / INSTRUCTION Former US Chess Executive Board president devoted her time,
America’s Rising Star energy, and talent to all aspects of chess.
By Bruce Pandolfini

40 INTERNATIONAL / WORLD YOUTH

AND WORLD CADET
48 THE PRACTICAL ENDGAME / INSTRUCTION
Procrastinate at Your Own Risk The Next Generation
By GM Daniel Naroditsky BY IM KOSTYA KAVUTSKIY (WORLD CADET)
AND FM AVIV FRIEDMAN (WORLD YOUTH)
The United States was well-represented at the World Youth
DEPARTMENTS and World Cadet tournaments.

6 FEBRUARY PREVIEW /
THIS MONTH IN CHESS LIFE AND CHESS
LIFE ONLINE

8 COUNTERPLAY / READERS RESPOND US CHESS TURNS 80 THIS DECEMBER!

Chess Life is turning this milestone birthday into a
9 US CHESS AFFAIRS /
NEWS FOR OUR MEMBERS year-long celebration. Throughout the year, look
for fun facts on our infographics page as well as
10 FIRST MOVES /
features and tidbits that revisit our organization’s
CHESS NEWS FROM AROUND THE U.S.
rich history. Want to join in the fun? Send your best
11 FACES ACROSS THE BOARD / memories, stories, and photos to letters@uschess.org.
BY AL LAWRENCE Your story may appear in our December issue!
52 TOURNAMENT LIFE / FEBRUARY

71 CLASSIFIEDS / FEBRUARY
ON THE COVER
71 SOLUTIONS / FEBRUARY Contenders for the unified World Championship, GM Magnus Carlsen
and GM Fabiano Caruana, display the determination and focus that
72 MY BEST MOVE / PERSONALITIES
resulted in 12 drawn games. COVER PHOTOS: ERIC ROSEN
THIS MONTH: POLLY WRIGHT

4 February 2019 | Chess Life

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 CHESS LIFE ONLINE

FEBRUARY PREVIEW
CAIRNS CUP
A brand new event, the Cairns Cup, heads to St. Louis from
February 5-16. This prestigious women’s event, named after Saint
Louis Chess Club co-founder Dr. Jeanne Sinquefield (nee Cairns)
will feature 10 of the top women chessplayers in the world. Look
for updates from Jennifer Shahade, who will be commenting live
on the event, and who also will be recording an episode of her new
podcast, “Ladies Knight,” from the scene.
LISTEN TO OUR MONTHLY PODCAST LINEUP!
Cover Stories with Chess Life: For the February edition of Cover Stories,
available on the first Tuesday of each month, Senior Director of Strategic
Communication Dan Lucas will feature the World Championship. In the
regular “Checking in with Jen” segment, Senior Digital Editor Jennifer
Shahade discusses what is coming up on Chess Life Online at uschess.org and
on our social media networks. And don’t miss the “Best Question” contest
sponsored by USCFSales.com and your chance to win a $50 gift certificate!
Send your questions to podcast@uschess.org and put “Cover Stories with
Chess Life” in the subject line.

CHESS PARTY WEEKEND
Follow our coverage of the U.S. Amateur Team
Championships—from the East in Parsippany, New Jersey, to the
West in Santa Clara, California, and the North in Schaumburg,
Illinois—all held over President’s Day weekend. The U.S.
Amateur Team South will be held in Boca Raton, Florida, a week
prior from February 8-10. Use #USATChess to join the
conversation and tweet about or from the events.
PRO CHESS LEAGUE
This year’s PRO Chess League (January 8-March 14) features
World Champion GM Magnus Carlsen and all five members of
our 2018 Olympic team: GMs Fabiano Caruana and Wesley So of
the Saint Louis Archbishops; U.S. Champion GM Sam Shankland
of the San Francisco Mechanics; Grand Chess Tour Champion
GM Hikaru Nakamura of the Seattle Sluggers; and GM Ray
Robson of the Webster Windmills. Look for updates and key
tactical moments from the star-studded league on CLO at
uschess.org/clo.
One Move at a Time: In February, our podcast that highlights people who
are advancing our mission statement of “Empowering people through
chess, one move at a time” will feature coach, author, and teacher David
MacEnulty. One Move is available the second Tuesday of every month.
And listen for your chance to win a $50 gift certificate to USCFSales.com!
Ladies Knight: The latest entry to our growing podcast family drops on the
third Tuesday of each month. Hosted by Women’s Program Director
Jennifer Shahade, Ladies Knight features people who are helping to
promote women in chess.
Find all of our podcasts on our website at new.uschess.org/category/podcast/.
SOCIALIZE
Join us on Instagram @US_Chess, Twitter @USChess as well as our
accounts at @USChess Women. Also be sure to bookmark and visit
uschess.org/clo to ensure you catch all the latest news, podcasts, and
blogs on the US Chess digital presence.

CONTRIBUTORS FM ALISA MELEKHINA and international organizer. He was the zonal

GM IAN ROGERS
(World Championship) of Australia covers
international events for Chess Life.
AVIV FRIEDMAN
(World Youth) is based in New Jersey and is a
globe-trotting chess coach/consultant/lecturer,
and an occasional writer. For more than two
decades, he has been leading/coaching for the
U.S. youth teams in world events. He is a huge
soccer fan, and a grandmaster of food—
especially carbohydrates!
(First Moves, NYCCL) is a long-time
competitor in U.S. open tournaments and in
women’s national and world team invitational
events. She graduated from the University of
Pennsylvania Law School in May 2014 and is
currently practicing as a corporate attorney in
New York City. She is the author of Reality
Check: What the Ancient Game of Chess Can Teach
You About Success in Modern Competitive Settings.
FRANCISCO GUADALUPE
(Ruth Haring) is a US Chess national
tournament director, FIDE international arbiter,
president for USA from October 2010 until
August 2016. Franc also performed duties as
interim US Chess Executive Director from June-
October 2013, and was the US Chess Director of
Events from June 2014 until his retirement on
December 31, 2017.
IM KOSTYA KAVUTSKIY
(World Cadet) is a professional chess player,
writer, and coach currently living in
Mountain View, California, with aims of
earning the grandmaster title.

6 February 2019 | Chess Life

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www.uschess.org 7
Counterplay / Readers Respond
LETTERS: READERS PAST AND PRESENT
HOLIDAY CHEER
I am on a mad search for a Christmas present for my son, Sho, and
thought you might be able to offer assistance.
He used to be taught by Timur Gareyev, and we both loved the
skydiving photo on the cover of the November Chess Life. My idea was
to make Sho a little poster from that photo. Is there any way a high
resolution of the photo might be available, so that I could print an
enlargement? Thanks for any help you might be able to offer.
Alex Glashausser
via email
Although we couldn’t provide the actual image, we were happy to send a high
resolution photo of the cover to Alex. We were pleased to receive this post-holiday
photo of Sho holding his poster-sized version of one of our most popular covers.
~ed.
A DEDICATED MEMBER
[In late June], my beloved chess-playing 87-year-old husband of 25
years, Igor Jaworowsky, took his final breath. He struggled for five
months with various health challenges and although his world shrunk
to a very small area, he was always able to muster enough strength and
presence of mind to enjoy the latest issue of Chess Life. Dementia began
to intrude several years ago, but he had remained a demon player and
won nearly all of his games.
One of the things he was most grateful for in his life was his monthly
gratis issue of Chess Life, which he read from cover to cover. He fully
appreciated being on the receiving end of your generosity and when
Send your letters to letters@uschess.org. Letters are subject to editing for style, length, and content.
8 February 2019 | Chess Life
the magazine arrived, all else stopped while he devoured it. But the
time has come to remove his name from your subscription list. On
behalf of Igor, I thank you for all of the joy you brought to him via the
magazine over so many years.
Sue Speck
via email
Thank you for sharing Igor’s love of chess and Chess Life magazine with us.
On behalf of US Chess, our condolences to you and your family. ~ed.
REMEMBERING ALLEN HINSHAW
Sadly, on November 25, 2018, Allen Hinshaw of Virginia, died. He
was 77. Allen was a past president of the Virginia Chess Federation
and a frequent delegate to US Chess in delegate meetings in the 1970s
through the 2000s. He frequently organized and directed chess events
in Virginia during much of that time and was a primary organizer of
the successful U.S. Open tournaments in 1976 in Fairfax and in 1996
in Alexandria. He was presented an award at the U.S. Open in Norfolk
in 2017 for career achievement in chess.
Allen was a great friend to chess and to many of us whom he taught
to organize and direct. He could find solutions to most any challenge,
always with a pithy comment to go with it. He leaves behind his wife of
47 years, Helen, and their daughter Melissa. He will be missed, but
fondly remembered by many of us in Virginia and throughout US Chess.
Woodrow Harris
via email
US Chess appreciates all that Allen did to promote chess, and we offer our
condolences to Allen’s friends and family. ~ed.
KEN CLAYTON MEMORIES
My friend told me back in 1981 that Banneker Recreation has a chess
club there on Mondays. I went there to find people to play chess and
saw Mr. Clayton playing some of the club members. He told me his
name and I played him a couple of times myself. I found out that he was
one of the first black masters. I heard about Frank Street also. He
[Clayton] told me my play was erratic and advised me to study some
solid opening books. Over the years, I studied some openings and played
speed chess to memorize them. I got better; my rating peaked at 1808
and settled down to around the mid 1700. I am sorry to hear of his
passing and when I pass by the recreation center, I think of him playing
the young people there. He was one of the best in our area, and he will
be sorely missed.
Larry Steele
via email
CORRECTION: Sandeep Sethuram was omitted from the
All America Team list, Age 10, published in the January
2019 issue of Chess Life. Congratulations to Sandeep!
 US Chess Affairs / News for our Members

USCHESS AFFAIRS

GM LEINIER DOMINGUEZ JOINS US and will now play under the United States flag. Domínguez says, “I am
very excited about this new stage in my career and I am really looking
CHESS FEDERATION forward to joining US Chess. It is great to see the tremendous level that
the game has acquired in the U.S. and I definitely want to be a part of it.”
The 35-year-old was born in Havana, Cuba and became a grandmaster
in 2001, going on to win the Cuban national championship five times
between 2002 and 2016. He currently carries a rating of 2739, ranking
him 20th in a world that includes well over 1,000 grandmasters. He
instantly becomes one of the top players for the United States, joining
recent world-championship competitor GM Fabiano Caruana (2828)
and the rest of the “super” grandmasters from the U.S.: Wesley So (2765),
Hikaru Nakamura (2749), and Sam Shankland (2725).
Grant Oen, the FIDE Events Manager at US Chess, boils the complicated
process of transferring federations down to, “It requires a player and the
new federation to file an application, submit documentation demonstrating
residency, notify the former federation, and pay transfer fees.”
US Chess Executive Board Vice President Randy Bauer enthuses,
“Grandmaster Domínguez is a strong addition to the US Chess roster
of world-class players. Leinier has achieved notable successes as a chess
PHOTOS: TOP, LENNART OOTES, COURTESY OF SAINT LOUIS CHESS CLUB; BOTTOM, COURTESY OF SUBJECT

player, trainer, and author. But perhaps most importantly for our organi-
US Chess is pleased to announce that Grandmaster (GM) Leinier zation’s goals, he is an outstanding ambassador for chess worldwide,
Domínguez, originally from Cuba and currently living in Miami, Florida, and we look forward to his adding to the already rich and diverse U.S.
has successfully switched federations from the Cuban Chess Federation chess culture.”

CHAPTERS FROM THE

7TH EDITION RULE BOOK
AVAILABLE FOR
DOWNLOAD
At the 2018 Delegates Meeting in Middleton,
Wisconsin, a motion passed to make portions of the 7th
Edition of the US Chess Federation’s Official Rules of Chess
(edited by Tim Just) available online in a free,
downloadable format. The most utilized chapters in past
rulebooks were: Chapter 1 (Official Rules of Chess),
TIM JUST, RULEBOOK EDITOR
Chapter 2 (Tournament Section), and Chapter 11 (Blitz
Chess). Those three 7th edition chapters are now available,
individually or packaged together, for viewing and downloading at no cost. To access the
three chapters, visit uschess.org, click on “Play,” and select “Official Rules” from the drop-
**"*
down menu.
With a simple point and click within the Table of Contents and on cross-referenced
items, the rules become easily accessible. You can also do a text search within the PDF. Easy
access to these online chapters makes excellent reference material for both the tournament
director (TD) and player alike. TDs are encouraged to compare the online material to any
89TH FIDE CONGRESS
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
At the 89th FIDE Congress General
Assembly, held October 3-5, 2018, in
Batumi, Georgia, the following US Chess
representatives were elected to serve:
&* #)'*! )$!
%*"*FIDE Vice
President and Presidential Board member
&*)$*)'$%*"*FIDE Constitutional
committee
&*'(*$#'%*"*FIDE Verification
committee
&**)$#(* '')%' *%''*
FIDE Ethics committee
The following titles also were awarded at the
General Assembly:
&*$)( !(*)!%!(*– international master
printed material presented to them by players before making any rulings.
The full, unabridged paperback and e-book versions of the 7th edition is scheduled for &*)(%*#')((*– international master
release in the first quarter of 2019. These versions will contain pairing rules, prize fund &*)$!(*$)#(%*"*international master,
distribution rules, equipment standards, code of ethics, rating information, correspondence conditional on rating
rules, round robin tables, tournament director certification regulations, an index, and much &*'(*
#*"*international master, conditional
more. All chapters will cross reference rules for the entire book. All TDs should have a complete on rating
copy of the 7th edition of the rulebook either as an e-version copy or paperback copy. &*#)(#*)(*"*international master,
The initial uploaded files are labeled 7.0. Should it become necessary to update the document conditional on rating
for any reason, they will be renamed as 7.1, 7.2, etc. If you note any typos or other mistakes,
please send them to letters@uschess.org and put “Rulebook” in the subject line.

www.uschess.org 9
First Moves / Chess news from around the U.S.
The NYC Corporate
Chess League
FM Alisa Melekhina shares insights in her capacity as an organizer
and board one player in the inaugural season of the NYCCL.
By FM ALISA MELEKHINA
T
he idea of a New York City Corporate
Chess League (NYCCL) seemed obvious.
Chess players are hidden at investment
banks, tech companies, hedge funds, and even
law firms. Chess undoubtedly got us here—the
critical thinking, problem-solving, and attention-
to-detail lessons from chess breed the type-A
personalities inclined to the corporate world.
But the path that led us here reaches a termina-
tion point once the prospect of a non-chess
career becomes the foremost priority.
Yet we can’t ever truly escape chess. Com-
panies are full of casual chess players and enthu-
siasts at all levels. Chess forms an instant bond
that shatters the embedded hierarchy within
corporations. Subordinates and supervisors
become equal when sitting across the chessboard.
Enter the NYCCL. The intent of the NYCCL
is to bring together chess players employed at
various firms and corporations with offices in
New York City. Perhaps surprisingly, the fruition
10 February 2019 | Chess Life
of the league was not so simple. It took over six
months to stage the format for its September
13th kick-off and was a concerted effort among
the three organizers—WIM Yuanling Yuan
(analyst at Blackstone), Alex Wiener (analyst
at Goldman Sachs), and me.
For its inaugural format, the league was
comprised of three-player teams. The games
were unrated and there were no monetary prizes
at stake. The players participated due to an
almost-forgotten motivation: the love of the
game! (And occasionally, for pride.)
The matches were played on a bi-weekly
Thursday evening schedule in a double-rapid
(Game/10 minutes + three seconds delay) time
control, with each of the team’s three boards
playing white and black against their respective
opponent. The time control facilitated the busy
schedules of the players, making the games
engaging yet competitive enough, without unduly
encroaching on an already busy day.
The inaugural season concluded on November
15, 2018. The season, consisting of six matches
spanning two months, was hosted at the offices
of Debevoise & Plimpton LLP in midtown
Manhattan, where I currently practice as a fifth-
year litigation associate. I played as board one
for the Debevoise home team. The other three-
player teams hailed from Blackstone, Goldman
Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, Deutsche Bank, Bank
of America Merrill Lynch, Jefferies, RBC Capital
Markets, AlixPartners, Google, Two Sigma
(sponsors of the U.S. World Youth & Cadet
teams), and Bloomberg.
The Deutsche Bank team had been a power-
house throughout the season, stacked with inter-
nationally ranked masters and national team
veterans. FM Igor Schneider led the charge on
board one, while boards two and three fielded
former U.S. women’s champions: IM Rusudan
(“Rusa”) Goletiani on board two, and WIM Elina
Cotler (née Groberman) on board three.

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF NYCCL SEASON 1, HOSTED AT THE OFFICES OF DEBEVOISE & PLIMPTON LLP
In the final match, Deutsche Bank beat home
team Debevoise, securing a perfect 6/6 score
for a first-place finish.
RBC Capital Markets, led by team captain
FM Kyron Griffith, finished in second place
with 4½/6 after drawing with Two Sigma in
the final match.
Goldman Sachs, led by co-organizer and
team captain Alex Wiener, finished in third
place after coming out ahead on tiebreaks
based on total game points scored throughout
the season.
After the final match concluded, the closing
ceremony festivities kicked off with the cutting
of the chess cake.
The closing ceremony featured a grand-
master tandem exhibition match, with teams
led by GMs Marc Arnold and Vladimir
Romanenko. GM Irina Krush, who arrived
back in NYC just a few days after playing in
the Women’s World Championship in Khanty
First Moves / Chess news from around the U.S.
Mansiysk, Russia, served as a commentator
along with co-organizer WIM Yuanling Yuan.
We also owe a big thank you to the grand-
master guests who participated throughout
the season. In addition to GMs Robert Hess
and Marc Arnold, other guest tournament
directors included GMs Pascal Charbonneau
and Anatoly Bykhovsky.
It would have been impossible to host the
event without the dedicated Debevoise &
Plimpton staff working behind the scenes to
ensure each match ran smoothly. The event
looped in multiple members from various
departments—it was a true team effort.
LEFT PAGE, L-R: THE THIRD PLACE GOLDMAN
SACHS TEAM; CHESS-THEMED SNACKS; NYCCL
CO-FOUNDERS (L-R): FM ALISA MELEKHINA,
ALEX WIENER, WIM YUANLING YUAN. THIS
PAGE: TOP, CAKE AT CLOSING CEREMONIES;
BOTTOM, WIM YUANLING YANG CALLS MOVES
FOR BLINDFOLDED GM ROBERT HESS.
FACES
ACROSS
THE BOARD
By AL LAWRENCE
ULYSSES
DAWKINS
ST. LOUIS,
MISSOURI
“Chess Odyssey”
Ulysses Dawkins hasn’t blinded a Cyclops or
crouched inside a Trojan Horse like his ancient
Greek namesake, but he’s had a boatload of his
own adventures.
He’s a charter member and a regular at the Saint
Louis Chess Club that’s celebrating its 10th
anniversary this year. But Ulysses had journeyed
there first. Forty years ago, he organized the first
“Central West Chess Association,” playing on
sidewalk tables at restaurants only blocks away.
“Fast Eddie,” one of his old gang, meets him for
games at the posh new chess digs—but still
brings along the old street-side trash talk.
Ulysses learned to play chess at Sumner, the last
legally segregated public school in St. Louis. The
school had been the first high school for African-
American students west of the Mississippi River.
Alumni include rock-and-roll legend Chuck Berry
and tennis champion Arthur Ashe. “There were
only three public schools for African-Americans
in St. Louis back then, and we had to pay our own
transportation!” Dawkins said. But once the
momentous 1954 Supreme Court case Brown v.
Board of Education proclaimed segregation illegal,
Ulysses had only a short walk to Soldan High
School, where he saw with his own eyes that such
schools hadn’t been “separate but equal.” “Soldan
offered much better equipment!” Ulysses soon
became president of the new bi-racial school
chess club.
A family and a 40-year career as a fine-jeweler—
at a time when there were very few such
African-American artists—didn’t leave much time
for chess. But after retirement, Ulysses returned
to the game. He totes a prized folding wooden
board, signed on both sides by the famous champs
he’s met at the club, like GMs Garry Kasparov,
Magnus Carlsen, and Fabiano Caruana. But the
teacher and writer he admires most is Bruce
Pandolfini. “Someday I’ll go to New York and get
his autograph,” he says. There’s always a new
journey for Ulysses.
Write to faces@uschess.org.
www.uschess.org 11
FROM PRODIGY TO
CHALLENGER
YOUTH CHAMPIONS WHO CONTENDED FOR THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP

started officially in 1951 and has had 57
champions since, five of whom
participated in a World Chess
Championship.
A. SHIROV* (WC)
U-16, 1988 B. SPASSKY** (WC)
V.
V. TOPALOV (FIDE) AKOPIAN* 1955
U-14, 1989
is the only World A. KARPOV** (WC/FIDE)
V. KRAMNIK (PCA/WC)
Champion contender 1969
U-18, 1991
to win both a World Junior
LEKO* (WC) championship (1991) and a
U-16, 1994 World Youth championship, G. KASPAROV (WC/PCA)
as well as the only one to 1980
R. PONOMARIOV (FIDE) win in two World Youth
U-18, 1997 sections: U-16 in 1986
and U-18 in 1989. V. ANAND (FIDE & WC)
S. KARJAKIN* (WC) 1987
U-12, 2001

WORLD YOUTH AND CADET

CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Cadet Championship started unofficially
in 1974 and underwent many changes over
the years. The current format—World Youth
Chess Championship (U8, U10, and U12) and
World Cadet Chess Championship (U14, U16,
and U18)—started in 2015. Seven World Youth
champions have participated in a World
Chess Championship.
*Challenged for the championship
**Not eligible (by age) to play in
the World Youth events
HISTORY OF THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
From 1886-1993, there was one unified World Championship (WC)
event. From 1993-2005 the title was split as two organizations—
FIDE and the Professional Chess Association (PCA)—held their
own events. In 2006, the World Championship (WC) reunified and
remains one event today.

U.S. CHAMPIONS
By the numbers: Gold medals won by the U.S. Check this page
throughout 2019
WORLD YOUTH U-10 Open: 5 WORLD JUNIOR
for fun facts
U-18 Open: 1 U-8 Open: 4 U-20: 7
about US Chess
U-16 Open: 1 U-16 Girls: 1 as we celebrate
U-14 Open: 2 U-12 Girls: 2 our 80th
U-12 Open: 4 U-10 Girls: 2 anniversary.

12 February 2019 | Chess Life

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and links to all of our national events. Nashville, TN 37214

www.uschess.org 13
Chess to Enjoy / Entertainment
Evolve
It could be the Match of the Century—but which century?
By GM ANDY SOLTIS
ALL RIGHT, LET’S POSE A QUESTION THAT
many fans, even Fabianistas, are asking in the
wake of the World Championship match:
Magnus Carlsen versus Garry Kasparov (in
his prime). Who would win a match between
the two greatest champions alive?
You can make a good case for either player.
But before we play a hypothetical match, we
have to agree on the key condition.
Is it played in 2019—or in the past? There’s
a big difference. Here’s why:
A world champion has the best set of chess
skills for his era. But the optimum skills tend
to change from era to era.
Folks who follow pro sports know this. The
NBA players who are deadly three-point
shooters are superstars today. But 30 years ago
they weren’t appreciated nearly as much. You
might argue the same for the best Major League
Baseball relief pitchers and the finest NFL
defensive backs of today.
What about chess? We have our own shifting
set of best skills. Consider the case of Mikhail
Botvinnik.
A major reason he was world champion off
and on for 13 years was his superiority in
analyzing an adjourned game. He saved his title
in a 1951 match when he won three adjourned
endgames that should have been drawn. Here’s
an example of why he stood out.
OVERNIGHT ANALYSIS
Mikhail Botvinnik
Efim Geller
Training Match Tournament, USSR, 1952
(see diagram top of next column)
Black’s extra pawn gives him excellent win-
ning chances. Botvinnik sealed 41. Rc7+ and
14 February 2019 | Chess Life
AFTER 40. ... Nc4
could count on 41. ... Kf6 since 41. ... Rd7
allows 42. f6+! gxf6 43. Rxd7+ Kxd7 44. h6
(touchdown).
His opponent must have looked in his
overnight analysis at 42. Rxb7 Ra6 and con-
cluded the game would end soon after ... a3.
He probably concentrated on 42. Be2 and 43.
Bxc4 instead.
But when play resumed it went 42. Rxb7!?
Ra6? (42. ... Rb6 should win) 43. Kd3! Nb6
44. Rc7!.
Suddenly Black realized that he might even
lose, after 44. ... a3 45. Rc6+ Kxf5 46. Bxd5!
and 46. ... a2 47. Bxa2 Rxa2 48. Rxb6.
He found 44. ... Na8! but his win was gone
after 45. Rd7! a3 46. Bxd5 a2 47 Rxf7+.
Of course, chess was not just about adjourn-
ments in Botvinnik’s day. If we put him in a
time machine and transported him to 2019 he
would certainly be one of the world’s elite
players. Top ten? Probably. But number one?
No way.
Another example of changing skill sets
concerns Botvinnik’s bitter rival, David
Bronstein. He also had many talents. But one
stood out: his ability to come up with disori-
enting ideas in the opening. His mentor titled
the first major Bronstein game collection
“Chess Improviser.” He improvised as early
as move six.
CARO-KANN DEFENSE,
MODERN LINE (B17)
David Bronstein
Alexander Kotov
Moscow Championship (3), Moscow, Russia
01.1946
1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Nd7
5. Nf3 Ngf6 6. Nc3!
The vastly more popular book moves are 6.
Nxf6+, 6. Ng3 and 6. Bd3. Black, a world-class
player, proceeds as if 6. Ng3 had been played.
6. ... e6 7. Bd3 Be7 8. 0-0 c5 9. Qe2 cxd4
10. Nxd4 0-0 11. Bg5 Nc5 12. Rad1 Nxd3?
Not 12. ... Qxd4?? 13. Bxh7+. Unlike the
comparable position with 6. Ng3, White’s rook
can shift to g3 now, while his knights harass
the black queen.
13. Rxd3 Qc7 14. Ndb5! Qc6 15. Rfd1
Even better was 15. Ne4! and 15. ... Nxe4
16. Bxe7 Re8 17. Nd4.
15. ... b6! 16. Nd4 Qc7 17. Rg3 Kh8 18.
Ncb5! Qb7 19. Qe5
A sneakier tactical trick was 19. Rc3 so that
19. ... Ne8 20. Rc7! Nxc7 21. Bxe7 wins after
21. ... Rg8? (although 21. ... Nxb5 may offer
some drawing chances) 22. Nd6!.
19. ... a6 20. Nc3 Nd7? 21. Bh6!!, Black
resigned.

2018 World
Chess Olympiad
The defending champion United
States team tied once again for
first place in the Olympiad but this
time the Americans’ tie breaking
points were worth only second
place. China was awarded the gold
medals in the 2018 tournament in
Batumi, while the U.S. squad had
to settle for silver. This month’s
quiz features six positions from
the Olympiad. In each diagram you
are asked to find the fastest
winning line of play. This will usually
mean the forced win of a decisive
amount of material, such as a minor
piece. For solutions, see page 71.
It is mate in one after 21. ... Nxe5 22. Bxg7+
Kg8 23. Bxe5+.
But improvising in the opening is a dinosaur
policy today. A new opening move occurs more
often at move 16 than at move six in a game of
world class players.
Could a Bronstein-in-his-prime be great
today? Great, yes. World championship caliber?
Not a chance.
That brings us to Magnus Carlsen. He—and
Fabiano Caruana—are the best in the business
today because their skills work superbly in today’s
playing formats, like the 12-game Championship
match, with time increments, and often six-hour
playing sessions, plus speed tiebreakers.
Carlsen plays a kind of baseline chess, like a
tennis player who hits the ball across the net
500 times and waits for an unforced error.
Carlsen doesn’t try to overwhelm his opponent
PROBLEM I PROBLEM II
GM Aryan Tari
GM Mikheil Mchedlishvili
GM Etienne Bacrot
IM Basheer Al Qudaimi
WHITE TO PLAY WHITE TO PLAY
PROBLEM IV PROBLEM V
Luis Barros FM Viresh Giasi
FM Daniel Pinto GM Milos Roganovic
BLACK TO PLAY BLACK TO PLAY
by finding 30 absolutely best moves, as Kasparov
did. If he can play 60 merely good moves, he
will probably win. Better yet, 80.
Some statistics, based on the Chessgames.com
database:
Since 2007, Carlsen has played a staggering
101 games that lasted 80 or more moves. Of those
he won 32 and lost 16. That helps explain why
world-class chess is a stamina-driven game today.
In contrast, Kasparov played only 26 games
of that length in his entire career.
And it’s not a matter of Carlsen just winning
a pawn in the middlegame and grinding away.
No one in chess history has won as many games
that were roughly even for the first 50 moves.
BASELINE CHESS
GM Teimor Radjabov (FIDE 2793, AZE)
GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2872, NOR)
World Championship Candidates (13),
London, England, 03.31.2013
(see diagram top of next column)
Black has been better for some time but didn’t
win a pawn until move 73. Careful defense,
80. Kd4 Nc6+ 81. Kc5, should draw.
Instead, he tried to force matters with 80.
Nc4? and was surprised by 80. ... Nd3+! 81.
Kd4 Nc1! 82. Bf1 Bb5!
White’s pieces are tied up and the a-pawn is
ready to march. He resigned after 83. Nxa5
Chess to Enjoy / Entertainment
PROBLEM III
GM Ferenc Berkes
FM Franc Ashiku
WHITE TO PLAY
PROBLEM VI
GM Alexandr Fier
IM Robert Aloma Vidal
WHITE TO PLAY
AFTER 79. ... Ne5
Bxf1 84. Nc6+ Kb6 85. Ne7 Nd3 86. Nxg6
Kc7 87. Ne7 Bh3 88. Nd5+ Kd6 89. Nf6 Bg4.
So, here’s the problem with our hypothetical
match: If our time machine sent Magnus back
to, say 1992, he wouldn’t be able to maximize
the skills that are most rewarded today.
Why? “It’s a brand new game,” Kasparov
said in 2005, when asked how chess had
changed. For one thing, during Kasparov’s
reign, world championship matches were played
at a much more leisurely pace. Plus time-
machine Magnus couldn’t rely on today’s
anti-computer openings.
Bottom line: If Kasparov played time-
machine Carlsen in 1992, the smart money
would be on Kasparov.
But if the time machine went into reverse
and sent the 1992 edition of Kasparov to play
today, Carlsen would likely win.
www.uschess.org 15
Back to Basics / Reader annotations
Beyond Their Years
Young players prove that solid play has nothing to do with age.
By GM LEV ALBURT
TWO LAST WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
have been contested by players both well under
30, a record. The game below was played by
players even much younger! The winner of
this month’s award is Thadyn Conner, 14, rated
“only” 1032 when this game was played. His
opponent, a full eight-years-old, was already
an A-player.
Thadyn lost that game and still submitted it
to me, accompanied by excellent comments—
double kudos to him!
I expect Thadyn to become an A-player
himself, and soon. As far as Rachael is con-
cerned: I learned chess at five, loved and
practiced the game, but I doubt that at eight I
was even close to 1800 (1600, more likely).
This game looks as if it was played by two
tough, mature players. No, beginner-like, he
who blunders next-to-last, wins. No, classical:
small edge for White, pressure, White wins a
pawn, better endgame—always clear who’s in
charge. In Conner-Li, the game remains, most
of the time, “unclear,” or with favoring (a bit)
now White, then Black, then White again—
quite typical for positions with unusual material
balance.
A tough test for both players that they both
passed. (In the end, the higher-rated prevailed).
Quoting Thadyn, the game is quite instructive.
Writes Thadyn (my further notes are in italics):
Hi! My name is Thadyn Conner and I am
14 years old. I enjoy playing and studying chess
in my free time. The game I am sending in is
from the 2018 U.S. Open against the eight-
year-old chess prodigy Rachael Li. I had no
idea who Rachael Li was at the time, so it was
quite a surprise to me when I learned of my
opponent’s fame. I hope you find my game
interesting and instructive.
16 February 2019 | Chess Life
SICILIAN DEFENSE, 14. Bh3 0-0?
NAJDORF VARIATION (B99)
Thadyn Conner (1032)
Rachael Li (1801)
119th U.S. Open Championship (4),
Middleton, Wisconsin, 08.02.2018
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6
5. Nc3 a6 6. Bg5 Nbd7 7. f4
Another common move is 7. Bc4, trying to
take advantage of the somewhat awkward
development of the queen’s knight.
7. ... Qc7 8. Qf3 e6
Castling into the attack is a mistake. The
pawn mass is headed towards Black’s king.
True. Better 14. ... Nc5 or 14. ... g6.
15. Bxe6!
Stronger here is 15. g6 hxg6 16. Nxe6.
15. ... fxe6 16. Nxe6 Qb6
After the best reply, 16. ... Qc4, Black is a bit
better. After all, two bishops are stronger than a
rook and two pawns, even in the endgame, and
much stronger—in the middlegame. More concretely,
9. 0-0-0 Be7 10. g4 b5 11. Bxf6 Nxf6 after 16. ... Qc4 17. Nxf8 Bxf8 and then ... Re8, the
e4-pawn is a serious problem for White.
If 11. ... Bxf6 then 12. Bxb5! axb5 13. Ndxb5
Qa5 14. Nxd6+ with an initiative for White. 17. Nxf8 Rxf8 18. Qg3
12. g5 Nd7 13. a3?! Too passive. 18. h4! and the pawns are
unstoppable: 18. ... Ne5 19. Qg3 Nc4 20. f5!
The move 13. f5! is much sharper and stronger.
with the threat of 21. f6!!
After 13. ... Bxg5+ (13. ... b4 is met by the simple
Perhaps, but after the straightforward 18. ... b4!
14. fxe6!) 14. Kb1 Ne5 15. Qh5 Qe7 16. fxe6!
Black’s attack has more bite.
and White wins back the pawn with attack.
Still, after 16. ... g6 17. exf7+ Kxf7, Black equalizes. 18. ... Nc5
13. ... Bb7 Again, 18. ... b4 is Black’s best, and gives him
A more popular line is 13. ... Rb8, with a sharp, here a serious edge.
and more or less equal, game. (I would prefer Black.) 19. Rhe1!
 Back to Basics / Reader annotations

This just makes defending more complicated.

Again, 26. h4! was the way to go, answering
26. ... bxa3 with 27. Qxa3 and 26. ... b3 with
27. c3.
True. White’s 26. axb4 allows Black to open the
a-file and to use it for attack.
26. ... axb4 27. Qd2

The best defense was to open the center: 27. e5!

27. ... b3!!

A strong move, but 27. ... Qa7 seems even stronger.

19. ... Qc7 28. cxb3?? 38. ... Bd8 39. b4 Bb6+ 40. Kc4 Be3 41.
b5 Bxf4 42. b6 Ke5
Black misses one more chance to play ... b5-b4, The losing blunder. I had calculated 28. ...
here with only a small edge. Nxb3 29. Qb4 Qxb4 30. Rxb4 Nc5 with a
20. Nd5!? better endgame for me. However, if Black
plays 30. ... Nxd2+!! it’s mate after 31. Ka1
Trading off one of Black’s two bishops. Still, Ra8+. The move 28. Rc4!! was the only way
20. h4! was stronger. to avoid a loss.
White is better in both cases. I’d prefer 20. Nd5. I agree with Thadyn’s analysis above, but prefer
20. ... Bxd5 21. Rxd5 to defend with 28. Qc3 (rather than 28. Rc4).
Or 21. exd5. 28. ... Nxb3 29. Qb4??

21. ... Rc8!

Creating dangerous 22. ... Nxe4 threats.

Stronger was 21. ... Ne6, forcing 22. Rf5. At first I thought this was a losing blunder,
but then I saw that 43. b7 is answered by 43. ...
22. Qc3 Kxe4!! when 44. b8=Q is met by 44. ... d5+
Threatening 23. b4! and simplification into after which the bishop captures the queen.
a better endgame. 43. Kd3 d5 44. exd5 Kxd5 45. b7 Bb8 46.
Ke3 Ke5 47. Kf3 Kf5, and Black won on
22. ... Qb7
move 57.
Better was 22. ... Ne6! I found this game quite instructive. White
23. Rd4?! achieved an opening advantage, but played
29. ... Qa7?! passively, and Black seized the initiative. The
Planning to answer 23. ... Nxe4 with 24. Qf3!
moral of this game is to avoid passivity. As they
23. ... Kh8 Still winning, but 29. ... Qxb4!! was much say, attack is the best defense.
better. I think this summary, while overall correct, is a
How true. Both sides overlooked that simple bit over-simplified. As you saw, the initiative, and
checkmate theme. indeed the advantage, did change hands several
30. Qxb3 Qxd4 31. Qe3 times—many times—during this game. But in most
cases avoiding passivity is good, and often (counter)
White is clearly lost, but I thought I might attack is the best defense, as Thadyn stated.
have drawing chances after a queen exchange.
31. ... Qc4

If Black doesn’t want to trade, 31. ... Qa4 is the Send in your games!
answer. Most grandmasters would prefer here 31. If you are unrated or rated 1799 or be-
... Qxe3 32. Rxe3 Rf8, winning a pawn and [easily] low, then GM Lev Alburt invites you to
A great prophylactic move taking the sting the game. send your most instructive game with
out of Qb3. 32. Rc1 Qxc1+ 33. Qxc1 Rxc1+ 34. Kxc1 notes to:
24. Qe3 Back to Basics, c/o Chess Life
(see diagram top of next column)
Better was 24. Qh3, controlling the e6- and c8- PO Box 3967 Crossville, TN
squares. 34. ... Kg8 35. Kc2 38557-3967
24. ... a5 25. Kb1?! Or 35. h4 Kf7 36. f5 h6!, and Black wins. Or e-mail your material to
backtobasics@uschess.org
Much better was 25. h4!, finally starting my 35. ... Kf7 36. Kd3 Ke6 37. Kd4 g6 38. h4
kingside attack. If White, to stop the following bishop’s maneuver, www.ChessWithLev.com
25. ... b4 26. axb4?? plays 38. Kc4 Bd8 39. Kb5, then 39. ... d5! is decisive.

www.uschess.org 17
In The Arena / Player of the Month
Anything But Dull
Both contenders for the World Championship show grit,
creativity, and resourcefulness.
By GM ROBERT HESS
NOT MUCH NEEDS TO BE SAID ABOUT
the World Championship match between GMs
Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana. On the
surface, 12 draws in 12 classical games sounds
like a dull match. Yet it was anything but, with
both players jockeying for the upper hand,
defending tough positions, and squandering
winning chances. Game nine is likely to have
escaped the attention of many, but it was a
good demonstration of creative opening play
and impressive defensive resourcefulness.
ENGLISH OPENING,
FOUR KNIGHTS VARIATION (A29)
GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2835, NOR)
GM Fabiano Caruana (FIDE 2832, NOR)
World Championship Match 2018 (9),
London, England, 11.21.2018
1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. g3 d5 5.
cxd5 Nxd5 6. Bg2 Bc5 7. 0-0
The pawn isn’t worth the pressure that ensues
after 7. Nxe5 Nxc3 8. Bxc6+ bxc6 9. bxc3 (Black
is extremely happy with 9. dxc3 Qxd1+ 10. Kxd1
Bxf2 11. Rf1 Bc5 12. Rxf7 Bd6 13. Rf3 Bxe5 14.
Re3 0-0 15. Rxe5 Rf1+) 9. ... Qd5 10. Nf3 Bh3.
The light squares are permanently weak and
White’s king will never find safety.
7. ... 0-0 8. d3
Apparently there is an engine-approved se-
quence that results in a double-edged position:
8. Nxd5 Qxd5 9. Ng5 Qd8 10. Nxh7 Re8 (10. ...
Kxh7? 11. Qc2+ Kg8 12. Qxc5 is a clean pawn
up for White.) 11. Ng5 Qxg5 12. d4 (12. Bxc6?!
bxc6 13. d4 Qh5 14. dxc5 Bg4 with ample
compensation for just a pawn.) 12. ... Qh5 13.
dxc5 Rd8 14. Bd2 Nd4 15. f3 e4 is scary for White.
18 February 2019 | Chess Life
8. ... Re8
9. Bg5!
This move earns an exclamation point, not
for its objective value, but because it altered
the course of the game. Carlsen makes Caruana
improve White’s pawn structure and stronghold
over the center.
The continuation 9. Bd2 Nxc3 10. Bxc3 Nd4
11. b4 Bd6 12. Rb1 Nxf3+ 13. Bxf3 is how game
four proceeded.
9. ... Nxc3
The knight trade was a must, since the
immediate 9. ... f6 lost a pawn to 10. Qb3 Be6
11. Qxb7 Ndb4 the queen is one move away
from being trapped, but it escapes with tempo
after 12. Qb5.
10. bxc3 f6 11. Bc1
While undeveloping one’s piece is generally
frowned upon, here it allows the bishop to
switch diagonals and support the vital d3-d4
push.
11. ... Be6 12. Bb2
(see diagram top of next column)
12. ... Bb6
Retreating along the other diagonal with 12.
... Bf8 makes sense, considering this is a standard
setup with a rook on e8. Yet here the b7-pawn
feels a touch more vulnerable and Black has less
control over the center, so Caruana’s choice
seems more in the spirit of the position. The
continuation 12. ... Qe7 13. d4 Rad8 also is
natural, but Black’s rooks are staring into a
protected pawn chain. Black will aim to play ...
Na5 and ... c5 to chisel at the center, but until
then the position feels uncomfortable.
13. d4 Bd5
Carlsen welcomed 13. ... e4 14. Nd2 f5 since
this releases the tension. In most lines White
controls the eventual pawn mobility, for
instance: 15. Qc2 Na5 16. Rfd1 Nc4 17. Nxc4
Bxc4 18. e3 Qd5 19. Bf1 Bxf1 20. Rxf1 with a
minimal advantage, but it’s the type of flexible
position in which Magnus has thrived his entire
career. Heading straight to the c4-square with
13. ... Na5 is far from clear even with the aid
of an engine, and would have been a risky
choice against the well-prepared world champi-
on. 14. dxe5 (14. Qc2 is the restrained move,

putting the burden back on Black to deal with
the captures.) 14. ... Qxd1 15. Rfxd1 Nc4 16.
Bc1 Rad8 17. Rxd8 Rxd8 18. Nd4 Bxd4 19. cxd4
Rxd4 20. Bxb7 Rd1+ 21. Kg2 Nxe5 is equal,
but who is on the better side of that equality is
up for debate. When visualizing this endgame,
the two bishops would seem to offset Black’s
activity.
14. Qc2 exd4
Black again could have clogged the center
with 14. ... e4 but it would have been difficult
to evaluate this position. Considering Caruana
had spent 30 minutes to make his prior two
moves, choosing such a complex variation would
have been impractical. A likely continuation is
15. Nh4 (15. Nd2 e3 is appealing for Black, who
has a new target along the e-file. 16. Bxd5+
Qxd5 17. Qb3 Qxb3 18. Nxb3 exf2+ 19. Rxf2
and the big center is immobilized.) 15. ... Na5
16. Nf5 c5 (16. ... Nc4 17. Ne3 Nxe3 18. fxe3
looks like it ruins White’s pawn structure, but
in reality it strengthens his center. Now that
d4 is overprotected, c3-c4 is on the agenda.
Meanwhile, the pawn on e4 is a target.) 17. Ne3
but, is very double-edged.
15. cxd4 Be4
Immediately capturing on f3 gives White
alternatives unavailable in the game. For
instance 15. ... Bxf3 16. Bxf3 Nxd4 17. Qc4+
(17. Bxd4 Qxd4 18. e3 Qe5 19. Bxb7 Rab8
White can throw in a check or save it for later.)
17. ... Kh8 18. Bxb7 deserves attention. White
already is better and, given his time advantage,
Carlsen would have been thrilled here.
16. Qb3+ Bd5 17. Qd1
17. ... Bxf3!?
One of the more important moments in the
entire match, but one that will be forgotten in
the annals of world championship history. In
the post-mortem, Caruana stressed his discom-
fort in the position. His choice was criticized
by some—including me—who believed this
handed Carlsen the type of one-sided game
that he is accustomed to converting into a win.
On the other hand, many grandmasters praised
Caruana for making a practical decision that
gave him a clear path to survival.
Less committal was 17. ... Qd7 18. e3 Na5
19. Bc3 Nc4 20. a4 Ba5 (The instinctive response
might be 20. ... a5 which cements a4 as a target.
White remains for choice because the semi-
open files on the queenside are more navigable
than those in the center; White’s rooks control
more space.) 21. Rc1 is approximately level,
but the asymmetry can be confusing. Black
wants to play ... c7-c5 and exchange pawns,
though that is hard to accomplish. If Black is
unable to push forward he will be slightly worse
because his base pawns are easier to target.
18. Qb3+
The intermezzo forces the king into the
corner. In this particular position the move
order is not of great consequence, but it’s a
good lesson to keep in mind.
The immediate recapture 18. Bxf3 Nxd4 19.
Bxd4 Qxd4 20. Qb3+ allowed 20. ... Kf8?! A
more centralized king is easier to attack but
also can come in handy in the endgame.
18. ... Kh8 19. Bxf3 Nxd4 20. Bxd4 Qxd4
21. e3 Qe5
Ideally Black’s queen could have stayed off
the e-file, so that the discovery ... Bxe3 could
be unleashed.
However, in the following line 21. ... Qd6 22.
Bxb7 (Moving the rook first would have been
imprecise since 22. Rad1 Qe6 offers an exchange
of queens, which can’t be avoided if White is to
recoup his pawn.) 22. ... Rab8 23. Rad1 Qf8 24.
Bc6 Bxe3 isn’t a free pawn since 25. Qc4 wins
material with the rook hanging on e8.
22. Bxb7 Rad8 23. Rad1
White is better in this risk-free ending thanks
to a superior bishop and an intact pawn struc-
ture. The light squares offer several diagonals
to operate from whereas White’s pawn chain
blunts the bishop on the dark squares. King
safety is paramount in positions with bishops
of opposite color. A second weakness needed
to be created for him to play for a win.
23. ... Qe7 24. h4
Carlsen criticized his move, suggesting that
either 24. Bf3 or 24. Kg2 were more precise.
The move itself is strong, intending to put a
dent in Black’s kingside. An ideal setup would
In The Arena / Player of the Month
be to place the pawn on h5 and form a battery
on the b1-h7 diagonal, but it’s asking for a lot.
24. ... g6 25. h5
On the Chess.com broadcast, Hikaru Nakamura
discussed how Black actually wants to put his
pawns on light squares. This sounds somewhat
counterintuitive given that Black’s bishop would
not be able to defend the pawns, but it is a kind
of fortress with the base pawn being hard to
attack: 25. Kg2 h5 26. Bc6 Rf8 27. Qc2 f5.
25. ... gxh5
This capture completely shatters Black’s pawn
structure. If White can take h5 with a piece,
Black’s position is in shambles.
26. Qc4 f5!
Caruana finds an extremely important idea
that renews the possibility of Black playing ...
h5-h4. If not for this move, Carlsen’s advantage
would surely have increased.
If Black became worried about a piece
capturing on h5 (say, after Kg2, Rh1), then
sacrificing the toothless bishop to open White’s
king would have been a consideration. Yet
White is totally safe after 26. ... Rxd1 27. Rxd1
Bxe3 28. fxe3 Qxe3+ when Black faces a tough
task to secure a draw.
27. Bf3 h4
After this, the result was never in doubt.
Caruana has neutralized Carlsen’s plan and
liquidation is forced.
28. Rxd8 Rxd8 29. gxh4 Rg8+ 30. Kh1 Qf6
31. Qf4 Bc5 32. Rg1 Rxg1+ 33. Kxg1 Bd6
34. Qa4 f4 35. Qxa7 fxe3 36. Qxe3 Qxh4
It wasn’t too late to blunder with 36. ... Qa1+
37. Kg2 Qxa2 38. Qd4+ Kg8 39. Bd5+.
37. a4
It looks a bit scary but 37. Qc3+ Kg8 38. Bd5+
Kf8 39. Qh8+ Ke7 40. Qg7+ Kd8 is simply equal.
37. ... Qf6 38. Bd1 Qe5 39. Qxe5+ Bxe5
40. a5 Kg7 41. a6 Bd4 42. Kg2 Kf6 43. f4
Bb6 44. Kf3 h6 45. Ke4 Ba7 46. Bg4 Bg1
47. Kd5 Bb6 48. Kc6 Be3 49. Kb7
Offering a trade of pawns, since f4 falls with
check after 49. Kxc7 Bxf4+.
49. ... Bb6
Proving the draw with ease, as White does
not have enough pawns remaining.
50. Bh3
The line 50. a7 Bxa7 51. Kxa7 c5 forces White
to stop the c-pawn with the bishop, when
Black’s king takes the lone remaining pawn.
50. ... Be3 51. Kc6 Bb6 52. Kd5 Ba7 53.
Ke4 Bb6 54. Bf1 Ke6 55. Bc4+ Kf6 56.
Bd3 Ke6, Draw agreed.
www.uschess.org 19
Books and Beyond / Should I Buy It?

Instant Gratification
With the arrival of chess as an e-sport, “hot takes” are a quick and
easy way to disseminate information, but real perspective requires
time and critical distance.
By JOHN HARTMANN

WHAT WILL CHESS HISTORIANS REMEMBER MOST ABOUT early reports of website instability and login problems spooked me. So
the 2018 World Championship match? The smart money would appear I ended up flipping between the chess.com, chess24.com, and Saint Louis
to be on “the draws.” streams on my Roku player.
But perhaps the real story of the 2018 match will be the full arrival of With competition comes choice, and I felt that the three free streams
chess as an e-sport. Today an ever-increasing number of major were aimed at somewhat different audiences. Chess.com pitched its
tournaments are streamed on YouTube and Twitch, including the U.S. coverage towards gamers and enthusiasts. Chess24.com tried to capture
Open; some competitions (like the PRO Chess League) are now contested more serious players and students of the game. Saint Louis was the
entirely online. natural destination for American fans and a broadly pro-Caruana
At least four major chess media outlets—chess.com, chess24.com, the audience.
Saint Louis Chess Club, and Agon/Worldchess—offered real-time Most of my time was spent with chess24.com, and in no small part
English language streaming commentary on the GM Magnus Carlsen- because of their general no-engine policy. Watching vastly strong players
GM Fabiano Caruana match. Others, including chessbase.com, chessclub. analyze, and seeing how Giri, Grischuk, and Svidler worked through
com, and uschess.org, offered post-game wrap-ups and analysis. It’s worth difficult positions together was a most welcome treat.
spending a bit of time discussing the four competing live video streams, If the various streams had a common weakness, it was a certain
both to understand the novelty of their coverage as well as their modicum of perspective due to the real-time nature of the medium.
limitations. “Hot takes” are quick and easy, but perspective requires time and critical
IM Danny Rensch and fellow Chess Life columnist GM Robert Hess distance, as no less than Garry Kasparov learned when he tapped out
hosted the chess.com coverage. Multiple guests appeared on the livestream, this ill-fated Tweet
after game 12. Full disclosure: I may have enthusi-
including GMs Levon Aronian, Hikaru Nakamura, Sam Shankland, astically retweeted this.
Wesley So, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, and Hou Yifan. Shankland provided
the majority of the post-game annotations for chess.com viewers, and
everyone’s favorite GM Alex “Uncle Yermo” Yermolinsky recorded the
post-game video wrap-ups.
Chess fans were treated to a veritable Murderer’s Row of chess
commentators at chess24.com. GMs Peter Svidler and Alexander Grischuk
were joined by IM Sopiko Guramishvili (Games 1-8) and GM Anish
Giri (Games 9-12 and tiebreaks) for the live analysis, and Svidler recorded
the post-game summary videos.
The Saint Louis Chess Club’s “A-Team” of GM Maurice Ashley, GM
Yasser Seirawan, and US Chess Senior Digital Editor WGM Jennifer
Shahade returned to helm the Saint Louis coverage. Here, too, guests
added spice to the proceedings, including GMs Viswanathan Anand,
Vladimir Kramnik, and Garry Kasparov. Frequent STLCC broadcaster
and Caruana second GM Cristian Chirila also checked in from London.
All three of these streaming platforms provided their video to viewers
on YouTube or twitch.tv free of charge. None were permitted to use live
footage from London. Another option—worldchess.com, the paid broadcast It’s vitally important, today more than ever, to resist the equation of
arm of match organizers Agon—offered exclusive video of the players instant analysis with veritable truth. There’s a reason that good writing
along with commentary from GM Judit Polgar, IM Anna Rudolf, and and commentary take time, particularly in chess. Engines provide the
on-site guests like Demis Hassabis, one of the creators of Alpha Zero. illusion of accuracy and understanding, but authors can only begin to
While the cost to view the Worldchess stream was a reasonable $20, peel back the surface of events by standing back from them.

20 February 2019 | Chess Life


Here is where match books have traditionally been important. The
problem, as I noted in December 2017, is that such efforts are increasingly
rare, and the titles that do appear are often slapped together to make a
fast buck.
There’s nothing intrinsically wrong with such books, but
the results are usually unsatisfying.
Everyman’s Carlsen v Caruana: FIDE World Chess Championship London
2018, released two weeks after the match closing ceremonies, is the
definition of an “instabook.” Everyman editor Byron Jacobs teamed up
with GM Raymond Keene, well known for his proclivity for borrowing
texts both from his previous works and from those of others, to produce
a thoroughly forgettable work.
Game annotations make up the bulk of Carlsen
v Caruana, and while there are some oddities—
playing an unforced Bxc6 in the Rossolimo, for
example, was Chebanenko’s idea and not a
Fischer invention, and Woody Harrelson’s
“accidental” king tip before game one was a
prearranged joke — they are serviceable, if hardly
groundbreaking. The book’s front matter,
however, is another story entirely.
Large chunks of text in Carlsen v Caruana are
recycled from previous Keene writings. The
Introduction, “World Chess Comes to London,”
is a verbatim reprint of his preface to the Summer
2018 issue of Synapsia, the house magazine for
Keene’s Brain Trust Charity, and one of the final
paragraphs reappears in his September 15th
newspaper column. The “History of the World
Championship” section is similarly self-
referential, with many multiple paragraphs taken
directly or closely paraphrased from previous
Keene books, with The Brain Games World
Championship 2000 being just one example.
Reusing one’s own text is not illegal or immoral, but the fact that the
reuse is so blatant, and that Keene has made such a career of it, leaves
something of a bad taste here. Couple this with the editing and spelling
problems—“Kieseritsky,” “Vesselin Topalov,” and World Championship
“Finallist” Nigel Short are but a small sample—and Carlsen v Caruana
must be seen as something of a disappointment, failing to add anything
new to the literature.
World Chess Championship 2018: Fabiano Caruana vs. Magnus Carlsen,
written by Jerzy Konikowski and Uwe Bekemann for the German
publisher Joachim Beyer Verlag, proves that a rapid-response title can
be done competently. The translation is a bit wonky—for some reason
“World Championship” becomes “World Cup,” “and” is occasionally
“und,” etc.—but the authors generally succeed in creating an original,
accessible account of the match.
Konikowski and Bekemann aim to offer readers a “complete picture”
(8) of the players by sketching Carlsen’s and Caruana’s careers and
analyzing a selection of their pre-match encounters. Artur Jussupow
and Karsten Müller provide useful insight into the players, and Müller’s
contribution of 15 annotated games meets his usual standard of analytical
excellence. Only the combination section, featuring 24 positions from
Carlsen’s and Caruana’s practices, seems extraneous.
Notes to the match games make up more than half of World Chess
Championship 2018. There is less “color” here than in Carlsen v Caruana,
and the notes (save the excessive opening citations) tend to be terser.
Konikowski and Bekemann’s book is certainly preferable to Jacobs and
Keene’s, although it, too, left me wanting more. So it is perhaps a sign
of the times that, with no other match books on the horizon, the most
insightful treatment of the Carlsen-Caruana match is—you guessed it—
an online video series.
Books and Beyond / Should I Buy It?
Chess24.com viewers were surprised when GM Jan Gustafsson, the
public face of the website, was absent from the game one coverage.
While Svidler gamely tried to maintain operational security, we learned
only after the match concluded that Gustafsson was holed up in Thailand,
working remotely for Team Carlsen.
Over the course of nearly eleven hours of video, Gustafsson and fellow
Carlsen seconds GMs Peter Heine Nielsen and Laurent Fressinet walk
viewers through the highs and lows of the match in Inside the 2018 World
Championship Match. The result is an embarrassment of riches, and the
series stands as one of the most intimate accounts of a world championship
match ever produced. Only From London to Elista:
The Inside Story of the World Chess Championship
by GM Evgeny Bareev and Ilya Levitov can
compare to it.
Impatient viewers—count me among them—
might want to start with the final “Wrap-up”
video, where they’ll find Team Carlsen discussing
the opening battles, Nakamura’s claim that
Caruana dominated the Classical games, the
question of whether Carlsen’s title was
diminished by winning in tiebreaks, and how
different team members worked during the
match. Still, fascinating as the reflections on the
match metagame were, the individual game
analyses were better.
Take the coverage of game 10. Gustafsson,
Fressinet and Nielsen describe quite frankly how
they missed 12. b4 in their preparation, discussing
typical plans for both sides and citing Alpha Zero
analysis. They speculate on the psychology of the
moves leading up to the critical position after
move 23, and Nielsen borrows a line from an
Anand video to help us understand Caruana’s all-
too-human 24. g3. The positions after 24. Bxb5, he says, are the sort where
if the computer told you either white or black were +1.5, you’d believe it.
This is an important insight, and the emphasis on the human factor in the
match is a key theme in the series.
Comparing books and videos is a bit of an apples and oranges endeavor.
Books take longer to write—in most cases, anyway!—and there are
production and distribution costs for print materials that do not exist
for video platforms. Those considerations aside, it’s clear that Inside the
2018 World Championship Match is the best treatment of the Carlsen-
Caruana match, and by some distance. At $14.99 it’s also cheaper than
the Keene / Jacobs and Konikowski / Bekemann books. The series is a
real coup for chess24.com, and I recommend it wholeheartedly.
1. twitter.com/kasparov63/status/1067125702712004609?lang=en
2. It’s worth noting once more, as I did in my December 2017 review, what a
welcome departure from this practice Alburt and Crumiller’s outstanding
book was.
3. www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbN3r71tfPw
4. www.spectator.co.uk/2018/09/caruana-chronicles/
Keene, Raymond & Jacobs, Byron. Carlsen v Caruana: FIDE World
Chess Championship London 2018. Everyman Chess, 2019. ISBN
Paperback: 9781781945131. 204 pages. (Available from uscfsales.com late February
2019, catalog number B0498EM, $24.95)
Gustafsson, Jan; Fressinet, Laurent; & Nielsen, Peter Heine. Inside the 2018 World
Championship Match. 17 videos, 10:50:16 hours. (Available from www.chess24.com
for the series, $14.99)
Konikowski, Jerzy & Bekemann, Uwe. World Chess Championship 2018: Fabiano
Caruana vs. Magnus Carlsen. Beyer Verlag, 2018. Paperback: 180 pages. (Available
from New in Chess, $24.95)
www.uschess.org 21
Cover Story / World Championship

2018 World Championship,

London Variation
GM Magnus Carlsen Retains World Championship
After Bruising Battle with GM Fabiano Caruana.
By GM IAN ROGERS | Photos by IM ERIC ROSEN

GM
Magnus Carlsen has retained
his world title after an epic
battle in London on November
9-28 against challenger GM Fabiano Caruana,
which was decided only by tiebreakers.
Spectators paying up to 600 pounds (approx-
imately $760) for a ticket filled The College in
Holborn for the final day of drama, which saw
Carlsen, having been held 6-6 in the 12 regular
games, show his rapid chess skills and win the
four-game playoff 3-0.
The playoff hung on a single moment in the
first game when Caruana, with a draw in his
grasp after being on the ropes earlier, played a
careless capture in a rook endgame and fell to
defeat. As soon as he rose from the board, Carlsen
reacted by punching the air, a sign of just how
important the first win of the match was to him.
Caruana appeared crushed by that defeat and
the rest of the playoff was one-way traffic.
Caruana, the great calculator, was beaten
tactically in the second game and was unable
to generate anything in the third with black in
his final desperate try.
Carlsen was congratulated on Twitter
immediately after his victory by the Norwegian
Prime Minister Erna Solberg, who has been in
power for all four of Carlsen’s world champi-
onship victories. (Given that more than half
of Norway’s population of five million watched
the match on television at some point and 15
percent of Norway watched the final games,
supporting chess is obviously a good move for
any Norwegian politician.)

22 February 2019 | Chess Life

Cover Story / World Championship

www.uschess.org 23
Cover Story / World Championship
DESPITE CONSTANT MEDIA ATTENTION, BOTH CONTENDERS KEPT THEIR FOCUS ON THE GAME.
The 12 classical games had all been draws,
with both players seemingly lacking the finishing
touch when holding the advantage. Carlsen was
the only player to miss a relatively trivial win—
34. ... Qe5 in game one, which turned into a
115-move draw—though under different
circumstances one would have expected him to
convert his advantage in game 12. (Notably,
both of these games saw Carlsen as black.)
Caruana could consider himself unlucky to
have not won game six, a game in which he
comprehensively outplayed Carlsen with black
but was stymied by an amazing piece-down
fortress. The American also created great
chances in game eight but failed to find the
knockout blow.
Indeed, in some ways game eight could be
seen as a turning point in the match. Whether
it was Carlsen’s brush with disaster or his
football injury on the following rest day (which
resulted in a black eye and stitching above his
eye), the Norwegian seemed to be a different
person during the final four classical games.
During the first two thirds of the match,
Carlsen was in good humor, often providing
great one-liners at the press conferences. (The
press conferences after games four and five,
which may be viewed on YouTube, are classics:
zany and funny, and not just because of Carlsen.)
However, in the final phase of the match,
Carlsen returned to the surly persona that the
chess world knows so well. He made it clear
24 February 2019 | Chess Life
that he would prefer to be anywhere but at the
press conference and treated questions as
inconveniences to be dealt with as quickly as
possible. (In games 11 and 12 he also made it
clear through his moves that he just wanted to
draw and reach the tiebreakers as soon as
possible, even when he had excellent chances
to win game 12.)
“The American
also created
great chances in
game eight but
failed to find the
knockout blow.”
Some attributed Carlsen’s lack of fight as a
crisis of self-confidence, but, given the timing
of his change in demeanor, it is also possible
that the eye injury inconvenienced him much
more than he admitted.
One notable feature of the classical games
was Carlsen’s mediocre opening preparation
with white. With the exception of game nine,
where he secured a small edge with a new idea
in the English Opening, Carlsen showed
nothing to indicate that he was even trying to
beat Caruana’s main lines. Carlsen’s choices
against Caruana’s main lines ranged from insipid
to pathetic, notably 4. Nd3 against the Petroff
in game six—the first of two consecutive wasted
whites in games six and seven.
Carlsen may have felt he was generating
enough chances with black in any case. Caruana
stuck to 1. e4 throughout the match and Carlsen
was ready with the Pelikan Sicilian variation
that had served GM Boris Gelfand so well in
his 2012 title match against GM Viswanathan
Anand.
Caruana avoided taking on the main line in
the first half of the match, using 3. Bb5—as
Anand had done in the last part of his match
against Gelfand—but he only began generating
chances for himself when he took on the Pelikan
main line.
Unfortunately for Caruana, those lines also
offer chances for Black, and in the second rapid
game Carlsen managed to break free and end
Caruana’s title hopes.
So, for his second consecutive title defense,
Carlsen has held on to his world champion title
through his skills in rapid chess. Carlsen remains
world champion for the next two years but it
is clear that the pack—Caruana, GM Shakhriyar
Mamedyarov, GM Liren Ding—are closing in
on him. (Carlsen himself admitted that Caruana
was currently his equal at classical chess.)

Whether Carlsen can ever return to the stratos-
pheric levels he reached in his early 20s is an
open question; in 2020 it may not be so easy
for the Norwegian to scramble to 6-6 and then
demonstrate his sublime rapid skills.
For Caruana, the disappointment in coming
so close is amplified by the knowledge that,
had he taken his chances at a few critical
moments, it would be he celebrating and not
Carlsen. A second title challenge in two years
is far from out of the question, although the
arduous path through the Candidates tourna-
ment offers few guarantees, even for the top
ranked contender (as Levon Aronian has shown
in the past).
CARLSEN ON THE MATCH
I did feel as if I missed a big chance in game
one and might not get such a chance again—
and I didn’t. If I’d won the first game the match
would have been very different. But given the
safe way he [Caruana] played the first half of
the match I knew that I wouldn’t have too many
[other] opportunities.
After game one, I really didn’t feel as if I was
close to winning a game or therefore the match
and game six was tough.
I didn’t realize just how bad my position was
in game eight—if I had, maybe I would have
been more worried. I just thought it was very
dangerous and that I had to hold on for dear
life, but I didn’t [realize] I was just lost.
There were some games that were kind of
boring but also a lot of games [that] could have
gone either way. Game 10 was huge. I didn’t
necessarily feel that I was losing at any point,
but it was just so complicated and I could barely
hold my nerves during that game.
I felt like playing [hard] in game 11 but I
was surprised in the opening and didn’t want
to [invite] a complicated position when I was
not in my preparation. So I decided to play it
very safe and try to hold the 12th game.
I decided that if I had a slightly favorable
position then I was indeed going to offer a
draw. I understand that’s not the mindset that
everybody wants but I felt that’s what gave me
the best chance to win the match.
During the 12th game I was happy with the
way the game was developing, but I just wanted
to be safe and reach [the tiebreakers]. There
are some things that I had missed during the
game, which made me underestimate my
position. At the point [when I offered the draw],
I made a sporting decision that I felt very
comfortable with at the time, and I would have
believed to be the right one, regardless of the
[final match] result.
I’ve been a chess professional now for many
years and my chess career even dates further
back than that. One of the things I have never
done very well is listen to other people’s advice.
I’ve always gone my own way and that’s what
I did this time as well. I did what I thought was
the best both practical and sporting decisions
and it’s brought me this trophy.
The match went the distance because of very
tough defense by both players in tough
positions, and it just shows how difficult it is
to win games at this level. It was not for the
want of trying— except in the 12th game, when
it was exactly for lack of trying!
As for the [critical] opinion of GMs Garry
Kasparov and Vladimir Kramnik, then they’re
entitled to their stupid opinion! I suppose if I
had lost part of me would have regretted my
approach to the 12th game.
After game 12 I played some training games,
some blitz games, because the thing about rapid
is the need for speed.
I feel that game one of the tiebreakers was
critical for the match. It was very tense and it
was the breakthrough for me. In the second
game playoff I wasn’t so sure about my position,
but after I’d won the first one I felt very calm.
So for me the first game was the key. I felt like
I had a really good day at work; everything
went perfectly.
Fabiano was the strongest opponent I’ve played
so far in a world championship match. In classical
chess Fabiano has just as much right as I do to
call himself the best in the world. I’m very happy
to have overcome this great challenge.
The match shows that my classical game isn’t
too great at the moment—at least it is not better
than Fabiano’s—so clearly I have things to work
on. In general, I felt like I had a very decent
performance in the classical games considering
how I’ve played for a couple of years and I’ll
continue to work to get better. Fabiano is just
a very strong player; I don’t think we’ve seen
the last from Fabiano in this particular context.
I don’t have any great regrets. I’ll celebrate for
the next two years!
CARUANA ON THE MATCH
I have some regrets about the classical
portion, but I can’t be too disappointed because
I missed two big chances while Magnus also
had two: one completely winning position and
one close to winning. So I can’t really say that
I missed more chances than Magnus overall.
Of course, I’m very disappointed. I felt a lot
of pressure—the match comes with a lot of
pressure. I’ve always considered the main goal
was not to play a world championship match
but to become world champion.
(Yet when asked if at the start of the match
he would have accepted one game with white
for the world title, Caruana showed that
winning was not everything to him, saying,
“It’s not a bad situation at all but I would feel
kind of bad missing the first 11 games of the
match. I want to enjoy the process.”)
Cover Story / World Championship
[After game 12’s] draw offer from Magnus,
I was relieved, though I thought the worst was
over. When you feel like you are on the brink
then of course tiebreaks are good.
Nothing really went well for me [in the
playoff]—I didn’t even put up a fight. I was
hoping to play my best chess, but I didn’t even
come close to that. I had a very bad start,
especially the second game. I wasn’t playing
my best chess and Magnus played very well.
He deserves to be world champion. We both
had weak moments, but on the final day, the
tensest day, he showed good chess and I didn’t.
So of course, he deserved to win.
Results show that he is the strongest player
in the world and he is also the world champion,
so it’s fitting. It was a privilege to play Magnus
and a great learning experience; I hope I can
look back at the match and learn a lot from it.
SICILIAN DEFENSE (B31)
GM Fabiano Caruana (FIDE 2832, USA)
GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2835, NOR)
World Championship Match 2018 (1),
London, England, 11.09.2018
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 g6 4. Bxc6
dxc6 5. d3 Bg7 6. h3 Nf6 7. Nc3 Nd7
Both Carlsen and Caruana have played the
standard 7. ... 0-0 this year—and Carlsen beat
Caruana with 7. ... b6 in 2015— but the possible
benefits of delaying castling in this way are also
well known.
8. Be3 e5 9. 0-0
This is not considered as flexible as 9. Qd2
and Carlsen takes advantage by continuing to
keep his king’s final destination a mystery.
9. ... b6 10. Nh2
A standard plan, but this and Caruana’s next
move cost half an hour on the clock.
10. ... Nf8 11. f4 exf4 12. Rxf4 Be6 13. Rf2
13. ... h6!
“I was familiar with the line,” said Caruana,
“but I couldn’t quite remember exactly how I
should play this position. I was trying to find
some sort of idea after 13. ... h6, unsuccessfully.”
www.uschess.org 25
Cover Story / World Championship
14. Qd2 g5 15. Raf1
White is drifting into a position which looks
good but which offers White nothing construc-
tive to do. Here or last move 15. a4 would have
been useful, making Black’s king a little less
safe when it lands on the queenside.
15. ... Qd6 16. Ng4
“I played a bit too directly with 16. Ng4,”
admitted Caruana. “After I played it, I immedi-
ately started to regret it. The knight does
nothing on f6, whereas 16. Nf3 was still roughly
equal.
16. ... 0-0-0 17. Nf6 Nd7! 18. Nh5 Be5 19.
g4
Necessary to keep the kingside closed but
Carlsen simply works around White’s control
of the f5-square.
19. ... f6!
A strange position where White’s hold over
the light squares is not as secure as it seems.
Black does not mind White’s knight reposi-
tioning to f5 via g7 as this would allow Black
to open the h-file with ... h6-h5 later.
20. b3 Bf7 21. Nd1 Nf8!?
Hardly a necessary pawn sacrifice, but with
Caruana well behind on the clock, Carlsen
decides to step up the pressure, with little risk.
22. Nxf6
Caruana took half of his remaining 15
minutes on this (necessary) pawn grab—as
Carlsen had hoped—while the defending cham-
pion remained with 35 minutes.
22. ... Ne6 23. Nh5
The computers found 23. Nd7! Bf4 24. Nf6
with (so they say) equality but a human with
10 minutes left was never likely to investigate
such a path deeply.
23. ... Bxh5 24. gxh5 Nf4 25. Bxf4 gxf4
26. Rg2?!
Played quickly, but the Exchange sacrifice
26. Rxf4! Bxf4 27. Qxf4 offers excellent holding
chances, as the white knight can, sooner or
later, reach f5 or g4. “I didn’t see how Black
could then make real progress,” said commen-
tator Kasparov.
26. ... Rhg8 27. Qe2 Rxg2+ 28. Qxg2 Qe6
29. Nf2 Rg8 30. Ng4 Qe8 31. Qf3 Qxh5
32. Kf2 Bc7 33. Ke2
Kasparov believed it was already time for
Caruana to become desperate and try 33. e5!?
because “if White allows a black queen move
and ... h6-h5, his knight will be dead.”
33. ... Qg5 34. Nh2
A desperate decision, with six seconds left
on the clock.
26 February 2019 | Chess Life
34. ... h5
Best was 34. ... Qe5! with the threats of 35.
... Rg3 and 35. ... Qb2 would have been
impossible to meet.
35. Rf2
Again running it close—four seconds
remaining when Caruana moved.
35. ... Qg1 36. Nf1
Eight seconds to spare this time, but after
this move and Carlsen’s long think, Caruana
began to look rather less downcast. Here a
mobile phone went off in the VIP section of
the audience but the players did not stir; a good
indication that the glass box is well sound-
proofed.
36. ... h4 37. Kd2
Here the computer suggests 37. e5, but from
Caruana’s point of view it would be crazy to
lose the e-pawn and open up his king, e.g. 37.
... Kb7 38. Qxf4 Re8 when the engines claim a
draw for White after 39. Qxh4 but to a human
in time trouble White is asking for trouble.
37. ... Kb7 38. c3
Now Carlsen briefly started biting his nails
before returning to a less revealing thinking
pose. “At this point I felt that I had lost track,”
confessed Carlsen.
38. ... Be5
Having played 36. ... h4, Kasparov believed
that Black should feel obligated to follow with
38. ... Rg3!. After 39. Nxg3 hxg3 40. Re2 Qa1!
41. e5! might look a bit scary for Black but, as
the engines show, Black can take the White
queenside pawns and finish the attack just
before the e-pawn queens.
39. Kc2
39. ... Qg7?!
“Only when Magnus played [this did] I feel
like I might escape,” admitted Caruana. The
queen on g1 was like a nail in Caruana’s knee.
After more patient play, e.g. 39. ... b5!, White
is suffering badly. Carlsen was nervous about
39. ... b5 40. b4!?—“I’m sure it’s not that good,”
he admitted—but if that was a concern then
starting with 39. ... a5 was sensible and also
very strong.
40. Nh2!
“After 40. Nh2 I thought I [might no longer]
be losing,” said Caruana.
40. ... Bxc3?
Played with 12 seconds to spare. From his
countenance over the past four moves, Carlsen
clearly believed that, with the white knight
coming to g4, he had blown his advantage and
now he knew he was also not going to win on
time. Black could still play for a significant
advantage with 40. ... Qg3 with the idea 41.
Ng4 Rxg4! 42. hxg4 h3; Retracting his last move
with 40. ... Qg1 was even stronger, returning
to the winnng path after 41. Nf1 b5.
41. Qxf4 Bd4 42. Qf7+ Ka6 43. Qxg7
Rxg7 44. Re2 Rg3 45. Ng4 Rxh3 46. e5
“[Now] it seems like it objectively should be
a draw,” said Caruana, “[though] there were
many more hours of suffering.”
46. ... Rf3 47. e6 Rf8 48. e7 Re8 49. Nh6
h3 50. Nf5 Bf6 51. a3 b5 52. b4 cxb4 53.
axb4 Bxe7 54. Nxe7 h2 55. Rxh2 Rxe7 56.
Rh6 Kb6
The rest of the game was well summarized
by Carlsen, who said, “I just moved around
hoping to force a blunder, but I didn’t succeed.
Obviously, I’m going to try even though I felt
that the chance had passed. I’m going to try
and squeeze every little drop of water out of
the stone. If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work,
but that’s the way you have to play!”
57. Kc3 Rd7 58. Rg6 Kc7 59. Rh6 Rd6 60.
Rh8 Rg6 61. Ra8 Kb7 62. Rh8 Rg5 63.
Rh7+ Kb6 64. Rh6 Rg1 65. Kc2 Rf1 66.
Rg6 Rh1 67. Rf6 Rh8 68. Kc3 Ra8 69. d4
Caruana had been refraining from this ad-
vance, now confident that Black’s rook will
never reach the c4-square.
69. ... Rd8 70. Rh6 Rd7 71. Rg6 Kc7 72.
Rg5 Rd6 73. Rg8 Rh6 74. Ra8 Rh3+ 75.
Kc2 Ra3 76. Kb2 Ra4 77. Kc3 a6
Carlsen’s best chance lay in 77. ... Ra1 78.
Kb2 Kb7 79. Rd8 Rd1 80. Kc2? (80. Kc3! was
necessary, with the point that 80. ... Rc1+ 81.
Kb3 Rc4 allows 82. d5! c5 83. bxc5 Rxc5 84.
Kb4 with an immediate draw.) 80. ... Kc7! and
Black wins.
78. Rh8 Ra3+ 79. Kb2 Rg3 80. Kc2 Rg5
81. Rh6 Rd5 82. Kc3 Rd6 83. Rh8 Rg6 84.
Kc2 Kb7 85. Kc3 Rg3+ 86. Kc2 Rg1 87.
Rh5 Rg2+ 88. Kc3 Rg3+ 89. Kc2 Rg4 90.
Kc3 Kb6 91. Rh6 Rg5 92. Rf6 Rh5 93. Rg6
Rh3+ 94. Kc2 Rh5 95. Kc3 Rd5 96. Rh6
Kc7 97. Rh7+ Rd7 98. Rh5 Rd6 99. Rh8
Rg6 100. Rf8 Rg3+ 101. Kc2 Ra3 102. Rf7+
Kd6 103. Ra7 Kd5 104. Kb2 Rd3 105. Rxa6
Rxd4 106. Kb3 Re4 107. Kc3 Rc4+ 108.

Kb3 Kd4 109. Rb6 Kd3 110. Ra6 Rc2 111.
Rb6 Rc3+ 112. Kb2 Rc4 113. Kb3 Kd4 114.
Ra6 Kd5 115. Ra8, Draw agreed.
“This was not the most pleasant experience
to defend this extremely long game with
White,” said Caruana. “I am relieved to have
escaped.”
QUEEN’S GAMBIT DECLINED
(D37)
GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2835, NOR)
GM Fabiano Caruana (FIDE 2832, USA)
World Championship Match 2018 (2),
London, England, 11.10.2018
1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 d5 3. c4 e6 4. Nc3 Be7 5.
Bf4
The move of choice against the Queen’s
Gambit at top level nowadays; both Carlsen
and Caruana have used the move this year.
5. ... 0–0 6. e3 c5 7. dxc5 Bxc5 8. Qc2 Nc6
9. a3 Qa5 10. Rd1
10. ... Rd8!?
“I chose a rare move which was played by
some very strong players (e.g. Lutikov, Matanovic
~IR) 40 years ago,” explained Caruana. “What
was I thinking after this move?” asked Carlsen.
“Well, mainly, there are two main moves for
Black, 10. ... Re8 and 10. ... Be7, so it is
unpleasant to face [another] move that is clearly
based on some complicated variations and to
be unprepared. There is a clear parallel between
one of the games between Korchnoi and Karpov
at the World Championship in [Baguio] 1978
where 10. ... Re8 was [unveiled]. There
Korchnoi thought for a long time and almost
refuted the move over the board. The difference
[today] is that I am facing not only the analytical
team of Fabiano and Fabiano himself but also
his computer help and that makes the situation
quite a bit different.”
11. Be2
Played after 17 minutes’ thought. “If White
wants to refute this variation then 11. Nd2 is
the way to do it,” said Caruana, “but it is still
massively complicated.” It is likely that Caruana
had intended 11. ... d4 because the following
brilliant line seems to be fine for Black, i.e. 12.
Nb3 Qb6 13. Na4 Bb4+! 14. axb4 Qxb4+ 15.
Nd2 Qa5! 16. b3 Nb4 17. Qb1 e5 18. Bg5 and
now 18. ... Bf5!! with the point that 19. Qxf5
(19. e4 Nxe4! 20. Bxd8 Rxd8 21. Nxe4 Nc2+
22. Ke2 Bxe4 is also difficult for White.) is met
by 19. ... e4!! 20. Qxa5 Nc2+ 21. Ke2 d3 mate!
11. ... Ne4! 12. 0-0 Nxc3 13. bxc3 h6 14. a4
“I was quite happy with what I had found
instead of 11. Nd2, which is obviously the
critical continuation, but I had underestimated
[his next move],” said Carlsen.
14. ... Ne7! 15. Ne5
The only other way to prevent 15. ... Bd7 is
15. Rb1, but after 15. ... Bd7 16. Rxb7 Qxa4
17. Qxa4 Bxa4 18. Nd4 Rd7 White has nothing.
15. ... Bd6! 16. cxd5
Another 15 minutes gone on this move and
Carlsen was already 40 minutes behind his
opponent.
16. ... Nxd5! 17. Bf3
Heading straight for a slightly worse
endgame, which Carlsen was confident he could
draw. “15. Ne5 was just a miscalculation,” said
Carlsen. “I missed that after 16. ... Nxd5 17.
Nc4 Black has 17. ... Qxc3! I considered 17.
Nxf7!?—I have some instinct for attack, [even
though] I don’t always show it! However at
this point I thought there was way better equity
in playing to secure the draw.”
Caruana added, “I didn’t remember all my
notes but I knew that this position was okay
for Black after 17. ... Kxf7 [whether or not] he
takes on d6 or checks on h5 first.”
17. ... Nxf4 18. exf4 Bxe5 19. Rxd8+ Qxd8
20. fxe5 Qc7
Should Black be able to develop quietly,
White’s weak pawns might be a concern, but
Carlsen makes sure that does not happen.
21. Rb1! Rb8 22. Qd3! Bd7
After 22. ... Qxe5 23. Qd8+ Kh7 24. Qe7!,
White is out of danger.
23. a5 Bc6 24. Qd6
A well-calculated liquidation that guarantees
a drawn rook endgame.
24. ... Qxd6 25. exd6 Bxf3 26. gxf3 Kf8
27. c4 Ke8 28. a6
The continuation 28. c5 Kd7 29. Kg2 should
also lead to a four versus three rook endgame,
but Carlsen prefers to give his opponent fewer
options.
28. ... b6 29. c5 Kd7 30. cxb6 axb6 31. a7
Ra8 32. Rxb6 Rxa7 33. Kg2 e5 34. Rb4 f5
35. Rb6 Ke6 36. d7+ Kxd7 37. Rb5
The move 37. Rg6 looks good at first sight,
Cover Story / World Championship
but 37. ... Ke8! hangs on to the extra pawn.
37. ... Ke6 38. Rb6+ Kf7 39. Rb5
This endgame is a standard draw because
the doubled pawns work well as a shield to
stop the black pawns advancing.
39. ... Kf6 40. Rb6+ Kg5 41. Rb5 Kf4
The line 41. ... Re7 42. Ra5 offers Black no
chance to make progress.
42. Rb4+ e4 43. fxe4 fxe4 44. h3 Ra5 45.
Rb7 Rg5+ 46. Kf1 Rg6 47. Rb4 Rg5 48.
Rb7 Rg6 49. Rb4, Draw agreed.
Unlike Carlsen, Caruana is not interested in
playing on in the hope of a blunder and so ends
his winning tries.
SICILIAN DEFENSE (B31)
GM Fabiano Caruana (FIDE 2832, USA)
GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2835, NOR)
World Championship Match 2018 (5),
London, England, 11.15.2018
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 g6 4. 0-0
Returning to an older line in place of 4. Bxc6,
which Caruana had tried twice.
4. ... Bg7 5. Re1 e5
6. b4!?
“This line is very interesting and if Black is
cooperative it can get very exciting,” said
Caruana. “If we both insist on the same opening,
there are bound to be surprises,” said Carlsen.
The deputy arbiter Nana Alexandria was very
pleased to see this gambit, saying, “I played this
a long time ago [in the Soviet Women’s Champi-
onship in Gori 1969 ~IR] and it was nice when
men of this level also like my move. Actually it
was the idea of my trainer Gurgenidze, after
[whom] I believe 3. Bb5 should be named.”
6. ... Nxb4
Played after five minutes. “Let’s just say that
6. b4 was not new to me,” said Carlsen.
7. Bb2 a6! 8. a3! axb5 9. axb4 Rxa1 10.
Bxa1 d6
The original Alexandria game had continued 10.
... cxb4?! 11. Bxe5 when White had a small edge.
www.uschess.org 27
Cover Story / World Championship
11. bxc5 Ne7 12. Qe2 b4
13. Qc4!?
The first new move, yet it seemed not to
come as much of a surprise to Carlsen.
13. ... Qa5!
“A very direct way to play,” said Caruana,
“though he does have options such as 13. ...
Qc7 and 13. ... Nc6.”
The try 13. ... Qc7 was expected by many,
although White keeps some initiative after 14.
Qxb4 dxc5 15. Qa4+ Bd7 16. Qa8+ Nc8 17.
Nc3. However, Carlsen’s choice, played after
only seven minutes, was met with approval by
the watching supercomputers and indicated
that Carlsen was still in his opening preparation
and not yet needing to think for himself.
“Magnus knew the line quite well and played
in a very logical way,” admitted Caruana after
the game.
14. cxd6
“I was briefly thinking about 14. d4!? but it
is ridiculous and probably losing,” said Caruana.
“But I still spent some time thinking about it
because it was fun!” White’s idea is that 14. ...
Qxa1?! 15. cxd6 is quite dangerous for Black;
e.g., 15. ... Nc6 16. d5 Na7 17. Qxb4 leaves the
black queen in a cage and after 17. ... Qa6 18.
c4 White’s pawn chain may well be worth a
piece. Unfortunately, 14. d4 dxc5!, is simply
good for Black.
14. ... Be6! 15. Qc7
Necessary, since 15. Qd3 Nc6 16. Bb2 0-0 is
ugly for White, with 17. ... Qa2 coming.
15. ... Qxc7 16. dxc7 Nc6
“I felt that only Black should have chances
in this endgame,” said Carlsen.
17. c3
The continuation 17. d4 exd4 18. Rd1 would
offer White a slight edge were it not for 18. ...
d3! 19. Bxg7 dxc2 with a crazy position that
will soon fizzle out to a draw after 20. Rc1
thanks to the bishops running on opposite
colors. Nonetheless, this was safer for Caruana
than the game.
17. ... Kd7 18. cxb4 Ra8!
28 February 2019 | Chess Life
“I was happy to get this position out of the
opening since it’s safer for Black—clearly it was
a success,” said Carlsen who evidently had
reached this position in home analysis. “At least
superficially there might be options [for Black]
to play for more [than equality].”
19. Bc3!
A move that cost Caruana 32 minutes. “I
have a feeling that there was a misjudgment in
the preparation somewhere,” said commentator
Judit Polgar. “I think the endgame is about
equal but this is the moment where I felt I had
to figure out how to play the position,” said
Caruana. “So I came up with this idea of putting
my bishop on d2 and [then] activating my
knight. I thought about 19. Nc3, but I couldn’t
make it work after 19. ... Nxb4 when I can play
20. Rc1 or 20. Rb1 but his knight comes to d3
and nothing ever seems to work out.”
19. ... Kxc7 20. d3 Kb6
“I couldn’t find a way to push him,” said
Carlsen. “I could close the position with 20. ...
b5!? and if 21. Nbd2 Black is very comfortable
[ 21. ... Rd8 22. Rc1 Kb6 23. Ne1 Nd4 is strong ~IR]
but he would play 21. Bd2 and if there is a way
to play for an advantage, the path is very
narrow.”
21. Bd2 Rd8 22. Be3+ Kb5!
The point behind Carlsen’s play, but Caruana
does not need to defend the b-pawn anymore.
23. Nc3+! Kxb4 24. Nd5+! Bxd5 25. exd5
Rxd5 26. Rb1+ Kc3 27. Rxb7 Nd8 28. Rc7+
Kxd3 29. Kf1!
“This was all forced,” said Carlsen, whose
pieces are so uncoordinated that, despite Black’s
extra pawn, he decides to head for a draw
immediately.
29. ... h5 30. h3 Ke4!
Allowing 31. g4 would be asking for trouble
for the king on d3.
31. Ng5+ Kf5 32. Nxf7 Nxf7 33. Rxf7+ Bf6
34. g4+, Draw agreed.
PETROFF DEFENSE (C42)
GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2835, NOR)
GM Fabiano Caruana (FIDE 2832, USA)
World Championship Match 2018 (6),
London, England, 11.16.2018
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6
Already a big statement of intent—Caruana
is not to be scared away from his reliable Petroff
Defense.
3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nd3!?
A weird move which has only recently been
revived—GM Alexander Motylev winning a
game against GM Evgenij Miroshnichenko
shortly before the match began—and will
probably now be buried. That Carlsen’s team
had not found anything better than this is
remarkable in itself.
4. ... Nxe4 5. Qe2 Qe7 6. Nf4 Nc6!
There is nothing wrong with 6. ... c6 but the
text move, ignoring White’s threat, is more
desirable—and, more importantly, playable, as
computers have shown ...
7. Nd5 Nd4!
This trick, though not previously played,
was already well known by many top players,
so it is inconceivable that Carlsen and his team
were not aware of the idea. More likely he
fancied his chances in the very slightly superior
endgame which ensues.
8. Nxe7
White has nothing else since the more
obvious 8. Qc4? loses brilliantly to 8. ... Nc3+!!
9. Nxe7 Nxc2 mate!
8. ... Nxe2 9. Nd5 Nd4 10. Na3
The line 10. Bd3 Nc5! is the point behind
Black’s play, after which 11. Nxc7+ Kd8 12.
Nxa8 Nxd3+ 13. cxd3 Nc2+ 14. Kd1 Nxa1 is
roughly equal since both knights will be lost.
10. ... Ne6 11. f3
Finally ending a run of 10 knight moves in
a row!
11. ... N4c5 12. d4 Nd7 13. c3 c6 14. Nf4
Nb6 15. Bd3 d5
“[The opening is] very funny looking, but
unfortunately it leads to a very dull position,
so the excitement is only for one move or so,”
said Caruana. This position strongly resembles
an Exchange French or one of the boring 5.
Re1 lines of the Berlin Spanish, all lines having
a drawish tendency.
16. Nc2 Bd6 17. Nxe6 Bxe6 18. Kf2 h5 19.
h4 Nc8 20. Ne3 Ne7 21. g3 c5! 22. Bc2
“21. ... c5 was an attempt to break out,
otherwise Black is very slightly worse,” ex-
plained Carlsen. “Then I just got way too casual
with 22. Bc2 and 23. Rd1. I was just thinking
in terms of the positional concept that I [should]
put my bishop on b3, as we are taught with a
double isolani. [However], I wasn’t even close
to being in time and just a few moves later I
was fighting for equality. I think that maybe
it’s easier to be a bit careless with white, as you
always feel like you have more room for error.
Today I was a bit influenced by the fact that I
had the white pieces; with black I probably
would have played more carefully in the early
middlegame.”
The continuation 22. dxc5 Bxc5 23. Kg2 d4

also offers White nothing at all.
22. ... 0-0 23. Rd1 Rfd8 24. Ng2 cxd4 25.
cxd4 Rac8 26. Bb3 Nc6
“The position was so sterile, I really shouldn’t
have got anything,” said Caruana.
27. Bf4 Na5 28. Rdc1 Bb4
29. Bd1?!
A move heavily criticized by Carlsen, who
later felt that he should grovel for a draw with
29. Bc7! Nxb3 30. axb3 Re8 31. Bf4 when “I
am very slightly worse, but I should hold that
any day of the week,” said Carlsen. The Ex-
change sacrifice 31. Rxa7!? Re7 32. Rxb7 Ba5
33. Bxa5 was also a reasonable, though risky,
way to reach equality.
29. ... Nc4 30. b3 Na3 31. Rxc8 Rxc8 32.
Rc1 Nb5 33. Rxc8+ Bxc8 34. Ne3 Nc3 35.
Bc2 Ba3!
The move Carlsen had missed. Now White
needs to be very careful to avoid simply losing
a pawn.
36. Bb8 a6
37. f4?
Now White’s position becomes critical. After
37. Bd3! Be6 38. Nc2 Bb2 39. a4 Na2 40. Bf4!,
Black can secure the bishop pair but the draw
should still be within reach for White.
37. ... Bd7 38. f5 Bc6 39. Bd1 Bb2 40.
Bxh5 Ne4+
A tough decision with little time on the clock.
The line 40. ... Nxa2 41. Ba7 Nc3! was also very
promising for Black.
41. Kg2 Bxd4 42. Bf4 Bc5!
“I thought this move will give him a very
tough decision,” said Caruana, “whether to play
something like 43. Nc2, and my d-pawn
becomes dangerous, or to go for [the piece
sacrifice].”
43. Bf3 Nd2
44. Bxd5!?
Sacrificing a piece. “I didn’t feel great about
it,” said Carlsen, “but I don’t know what I should
have done.”
44. Nd1 might hold but in practice Black’s
bishops and d-pawn will provide plenty of
chances.
44. ... Bxe3 45. Bxc6 Bxf4 46. Bxb7 Bd6
47. Bxa6 Ne4 48. g4 Ba3!
Winning back one of the pawns. “that was
the second time in the game I’d missed a ... Ba3
idea,” admitted Carlsen. “I thought I’d actually
have three pawns, not two pawns, so I thought
it would be a fairly straightforward draw. When
it turned out I only had two pawns I was quite
worried.”
49. Bc4 Nc3 50. g5 Kf8 51. b4 Bxb4 52.
Kf3 Na4
The supercomputer Leela claimed a +3
advantage after 52. ... f6 53. Ke3 Bc5+ 54. Kf4
Ke7 55. Kg4 Bf2 but as usual it is difficult to
understand why this should be so much better
than the game, with similar fortress possibilities.
53. Bb5 Nc5 54. a4 f6 55. Kg4 Ne4 56.
Kh5 Be1 57. Bd3 Nd6 58. a5!
Heading straight for a position which Carlsen
believed to be a fortress— “It’s a good thing
they exist, right?” he said after the game when
asked about his previous skepticism about
genuinely unbreakable fortresses.
58. ... Bxa5 59. gxf6 gxf6 60. Kg6! Bd8 61.
Kh7!
This is the position Carlsen had played for.
Black has many ways to try to break it down
but English endgame experts GMs Jon Speelman
and Jonathan Mestel, who, analyzing in the
press room, had foreseen this idea many moves
ahead, believed that White could hold.
61. ... Nf7 62. Bc4 Ne5 63. Bd5 Ba5 64. h5
Cover Story / World Championship
“I think when I get Kh7 and h5 it’s an iron-
clad fortress, unless I’m just hallucinating,” said
Carlsen.
64. ... Bd2 65. Ba2 Nf3 66. Bd5 Nd4 67.
Kg6?! Bg5 68. Bc4
68. ... Nf3?!
The computers claim a forced mate after 68.
... Bh4!, by forcing White’s bishop to choose
between covering g8 and e2. However, even
when presented with the possibility, both
players had trouble understanding why,
suggesting 69. Bd5 as the correct reply. (If 69.
Bd3 Kg8! and once the black king is in the
corner the white king can be pushed out; while
69. h6 fails to 69. ... Nf3 70. h7 Ne5+ 71. Kh5
Kg7 72. Kxh4 Nxc4.) 69. ... Ne2! 70. Bf3! Black
has the less than obvious 70. ... Ng1!, which
Kasparov joked would offer cause for electronic
scanning of Black for computer assistance! Once
seen, the idea 70. ... Ng1 71. Bg4 Kg8 is easy
enough to work out—White eventually runs
out of moves and has to free the knight, which
can then head to e5, freeing the black king.
However, the many humans analyzing the
position at the venue, including GM Judit
Polgar, could not work out why 71. Bd5! did
not keep the fortress intact. The winning idea
turns out to be amazing— 71. ... Bg5! 72. Kh7!
(72. h6 Ne2! 73. h7 Nf4! mate is one pretty
variation spotted by Polgar during her analysis.)
72. ... Ne2! 73. Bf3 Ng3 74. Bg4 Kf7 75. Kh8!
Now it seems as if Black cannot prevent
White’s king from shuffling between h7 and
h8, but once again the computers have a surprise
in store: 75. ... Bd2! 76. Kh7 Bb4!! 77. Kh8. (As
in most lines, pushing the h-pawn will
eventually lead to its loss.) 77. ... Bf8! 78. Kh7
Ne4! and suddenly White’s king is in a mating
net! Having been shown the outline of the
winning idea, Caruana commented, “At the
end it still seems a bit accidental. To find some
accidental chance you have to be thinking very
hard about each move, and I had pretty much
given up [hope] near the end—I thought it was
a fortress.”
69. Kh7! Ne5 70. Bb3 Ng4 71. Bc4 Ne3 72.
Bd3 Ng4 73. Bc4 Nh6 74. Kg6 Ke7
A last try, but Carlsen has nothing to fear,
www.uschess.org 29
Cover Story / World Championship
even once the black king reaches the back of
the white pawns.
75. Bb3 Kd6 76. Bc2 Ke5 77. Bd3 Kf4 78.
Bc2 Ng4
The continuation 78. ... Kg4 79. Bd1+ Kh4
80. Bb3 Ng4 81. Bd1 offers nothing, so Caruana
agrees to end the struggle.
79. Bb3 Ne3 80. h6 Bxh6, Draw agreed.
SICILIAN DEFENSE,
PELIKAN VARIATION (B33)
GM Fabiano Caruana (FIDE 2832, USA)
GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2835, NOR)
World Championship Match 2018 (8),
London, England, 11.20.2018
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4
Finally Caruana decides to find out Carlsen’s
choice of Sicilian line, since 3. Bb5 had not
been a success in its three tries earlier in the
match.
3. ... cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e5
The Pelikan (aka Lasker, Sveshnikov)
Variation, the line with which GM Boris
Gelfand had stymied GM Viswanathan Anand
in their 2012 title match.
6. Ndb5 d6
7. Nd5!?
A sensible practical choice, given that Team
Carlsen will have spent most of their time on
the main lines beginning 7. Bg5 while he can
concentrate on the less popular text move (albeit
recently revived by Kramnik).
7. ... Nxd5 8. exd5 Nb8
The line 8. ... Ne7 9. c4 is considered slightly
better for White, much more so if Black
carelessly plays 9. ... a6? 10. Qa4! when the ugly
10. ... Kd7 is forced.
9. a4
The modern method of playing this position
is to avoid 9. c4 so that the b5-knight has access
to this square after it retreats to a3.
9. ... Be7 10. Be2 0-0 11. 0-0 Nd7
30 February 2019 | Chess Life
12. Bd2!?
A move that only began to gain popularity
in 2017 after computers indicated it and corre-
spondence players began using the move with
success. Over-the-board players then began to
understand the point, in that 12. Bd2 allows
13. a5 after which a retreat of the b5-knight to
a3 does not lose the a-pawn.
12. ... f5 13. a5 a6
Strongly criticized by GM Jon Speelman,
who proposed 13. ... f4, preventing 14. Be3 and
refusing to weaken the b6-square for as long
as possible, as a more logical option. However,
Carlsen, despite starting to burn time, was
almost certainly still following his preparation
or, more accurately, trying to remember it.
14. Na3 e4 15. Nc4 Ne5 16. Nb6 Rb8
The continuation 16. ... f4 17. Nxa8 f3! looks
like fun for Black, but 17. Bxf4! before taking
the rook kills the attack and wins material.
17. f4!
The line 17. Bc3 Bf6 18. Qd2 worked well for
White in a 2017 correspondence game Gil-
Fleetwood, but does not look dangerous for Black.
17. ... exf3 e.p. 18. Bxf3 g5?!
GM Anish Giri attributed this move to a
memory lapse and he may be right—Black plays
... g5 in many lines but not here. Both 18. ... f4
19. Ra4 g5 and 18. ... Bf6 19. c3 g5 make sense
for Black, but Carlsen’s move order allows
White’s queenside attack to progress too
quickly.
19. c4 f4 20. Bc3! Bf5
Probably only now, after a 20-minute think
that left him an hour behind Caruana, did
Carlsen realize that his kingside attack was
going nowhere and he was in serious trouble.
“I thought my position was dangerous, obvi-
ously,” said Carlsen, “and the time situation
wasn’t great either, but I couldn’t see a good
way to deviate, so I just had to go for the sharp
line and hope for the best.”
Consistent is 20. ... g4 21. Be4 but it only
helps White, with the f4-pawn now weakened
and 21. ... f3 simply loses a pawn.
21. c5!
“21. c5 was the only move I considered,” said
Caruana, which makes it hard to explain why
he spent 33 minutes on the move—but easier
to explain why things went wrong later.
21. ... Nxf3+ 22. Qxf3 dxc5
The only practical option; 22. ... Bf6 23. c6
is horrible for Black.
23. Rad1!
Caruana admitted to tossing up between 23.
Rad1 and 23. Rae1!—the computers marginally
prefer the latter because after 23. ... Bf6 24. h4
h6 25. g4! forces the bishop to a bad square.
Caruana also explained where his time went
on move 21: “I really wanted to make 23. d6?!
work, but it doesn’t,” said Caruana, indicating
the correct defense 23. ... Qxd6 24. Rad1 Qc6.
23. ... Bd6
24. h3?
Caruana used only six minutes on this calm
move but “You don’t have time for such a thing!”
declared commentator Judit Polgar. After the
game the players discussed 24. Qh5! Bg6 (24.
... Qe8 25. Qxg5+ Qg6 may be Black’s best
chance objectively.) 25. Qh6 Rf7 26. Nc4 Bf8
27. Qh3, concluding that White had nothing
decisive, though “it felt like White is having
all the fun,” said Carlsen. Both players missed
25. Qh3! Bf5 (25. ... Rf7 26. Rfe1) 26. g4! Bg6
27. Rfe1 and the entry of a rook on e6 spells
big trouble for Black; 24. Nc4!? g4 “should be
working” but after Speelman’s suggestion 25.
Qf2 g3 26. Qd2 gxh2+ 27. Kh1, the danger for
Black along the long dark diagonal cannot be
underestimated. Immediately after Caruana
played 24. h3, the players looked up, apparently
hearing words coming from where the broad-
cast cameras were sited. It seems that even the
camera operators could not help letting out an
exclamation of disappointment after Caruana
missed his chance.
24. ... Qe8!
“24. h3 was a relief for me, since then I knew
24. ... Qe8 was going to be good and very likely
save me the game,” said Carlsen. Carlsen was
right—once the queen reaches g6, Black’s

troubles are over. “I underestimated 24. ... Qe8,”
admitted Caruana. “Just because you put
pressure on Magnus doesn’t mean he collapses
or anything.”
25. Nc4
By now Caruana had almost caught Carlsen
on the clock so almost all hopes of victory were
gone.
25. ... Qg6 26. Nxd6 Qxd6 27. h4 gxh4
Some observers expected Carlsen to start trying
to play for a win with 27. ... Rbe8!? 28. hxg5 Be4,
but after 29. Qg4 only White can be better.
28. Qxf4 Qxf4 29. Rxf4 h5! 30. Re1
Worse is 30. Rxh4?! Bg4 which would give
unnecessary chances to Black.
30. ... Bg4
Heading straight for a pure opposite-color
bishop ending, which must inevitably be a draw.
31. Rf6 Rxf6 32. Bxf6 Kf7 33. Bxh4 Re8
34. Rf1+ Kg8 35. Rf6 Re2 36. Rg6+ Kf8
The line 36. ... Kf7? 37. Rb6 would be rather
careless.
37. d6 Rd2
Carlsen does not fall for Caruana’s final cheap
trap: 37. ... Rxb2 38. Rxg4! hxg4 39. d7 and
White wins.
38. Rg5, Draw agreed.
See In The Arena on page 18 for Game 9. ~ed.
SICILIAN DEFENSE,
PELIKAN VARIATION (B33)
GM Fabiano Caruana (FIDE 2832, USA)
GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2835, NOR)
World Championship Match 2018 (10),
London, England, 11.22.2018
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4
Nf6 5. Nc3 e5 6. Ndb5 d6 7. Nd5 Nxd5 8.
exd5 Nb8 9. a4 Be7 10. Be2 0-0 11. 0-0
Nd7
12. b4!?
An out-of-the-box novelty, perfect for a
world title match since it is ranked low by the
computers. “I was not so unhappy to see it since
I felt I’ll just get a complicated game,” said
Carlsen. In game eight, Caruana did well with
12. Bd2, but in the three days since then antidotes
had already been found to Caruana’s plan—most
notably 18. ... Bf6 instead of 18. ... g5.
12. ... a6 13. Na3 a5 14. bxa5
The continuation 14. c3 b6 is rock solid for
Black.
14. ... Rxa5 15. Nc4 Ra8 16. Be3 f5 17. a5 f4
“It’s very double-edged; the type of game I
expected from this line,” said Caruana. “Both
sides are going all-in and I am getting attacked
so I could potentially get mated.”
18. Bb6 Qe8 19. Ra3!?
A typical idea to cover the kingside but here
a little slow. The subtle way to increase the
pressure was 19. Bc7 Qg6 20. Re1! since now
20. ... e4? 21. Bh5! wins a pawn.
19. ... Qg6 20. Kh1 e4
Since being surprised by 12. b4, Carlsen had
used an hour on the clock and still nothing has
clarified.
21. Bc7
21. ... b5!!
A shot from nowhere, which cost Carlsen
another 15 minutes. “I missed this concept with
19. Ra3 and 20. Kh1; if my attack is not getting
started then [I am in trouble],” said Carlsen.
“It feels like I should be doing well and I thought
about [21. ... b5] for so long, I thought just go
for it and up the stakes even more.”
“I saw 21. ... b5 when I played 19. Ra3 and I
just thought that 22. Nb6 would be bad for
Black,” added Caruana. “Actually I was expecting
21. ... Kh8 because then many of my useful
moves have problems, e.g. 22. Re1 Nf6 and f2
hangs in some positions. I was going to play
22. f3 e3 23. g3—maybe my only idea in this
game!—which I thought was strong.” Indeed,
after 23. ... fxg3 (Carlsen suggested 23. ... b5!?
even here.) 24. Rg1 Qh6 25. Rxg3 White can
claim a small edge. “I did consider playing 21.
... Kh8,” said Carlsen, “but then I’d have to spend
another 20 minutes to find my next move!”
Cover Story / World Championship
22. Nb6!
The line 22. axb6 e.p. Rxa3 23. Nxa3 f3! 24.
gxf3 Ne5! gives Black a huge, probably winning,
initiative. “I felt it was very close to mate, but
the problem is that if I don’t mate, I’m losing,”
admitted Carlsen.
22. ... Nxb6 23. Bxb6 Qg5?!
“Black has a lot of potential for attack, but it
is still a bit slow,” said Caruana.
The continuation 23. ... b4! 24. Rb3 Bf6! was
a better way to sacrifice the b-pawn, with ...
f4-f3 and ... Be5 in the air.
24. g3
“This was such a difficult moment,” said
Caruana. “After I played 24. g3 I started to wish
that I had played 24. f3 when 24. ... e3 is forced
and then 25. g3, when I am potentially picking
up the e-pawn but it looked messy to me.”
Certainly after 25. ... fxg3 26. Rg1 Qh6 27. Rxg3
Bg5, White still has plenty of pressure to absorb
on the kingside. When presented with the
computer-preferred 24. Bxb5 at the press
conference, Caruana responded, “I really didn’t
want to take on b5! It feels kind of greedy and
after 24. ... Rf6 I didn’t see how to defend against
this attack.”
“I thought you could play 25. f3 e3 26. Qe2,”
responded Carlsen, meeting Caruana’s suggested
26. ... Rh6 with 27. g4! “Though I don’t know,”
added Carlsen. “I can go 27. ... Bd8 and the game
goes on.” However 26. ... Qh4!? prevents Carlsen’s
proposed defense and keeps the attack going—
enough to scare a human, if not a computer.
24. ... b4 25. Rb3 Bh3 26. Rg1 f3 27. Bf1
Bxf1 28. Qxf1 Qxd5 29. Rxb4
When playing 24. g3, Caruana judged this
position to be satisfactory for White, but in
practical terms Black’s central pawns and safer
king makes Black’s position much easier to play.
29. ... Qe6 30. Rb5 Bd8?!
A decision made in fear of something going
wrong during the time scramble. This takes
most of the pressure off White, whereas 30. ...
Rfc8! 31. Qb1 d5 32. Qb3 Rc4 33. Rd1 Kh8!
(with the point that 34. Rbxd5? loses to 34. ...
Qh3 35. Rg1 Rb4! 36. Qe3 Rb1!) gives White
many problems to solve. “I cannot say that I
kept my cool one bit,” admitted Carlsen.
31. Qe1!
Carlsen was likely hoping for 31. Qb1 Bxb6
32. axb6 e3! when White has serious problems.
31. ... Bxb6 32. axb6 Rab8 33. Qe3 Qc4
34. Rb2 Rb7 35. Rd1?!
(see diagram top of next column)
35. ... Qe2! 36. Re1!
www.uschess.org 31
Cover Story / World Championship
“I didn’t think 35. ... Qe2 was possible,” said
Caruana, “but after [my intended] 36. Qb3+
Kh8 37. c4 there is 37. ... Rxb6! and if 38. Rxe2
fxe2!” Carlsen then chimed in. “If 36. Qd4 e3!
and now if 37. c3 the rook hangs and if 37. c4
exf2! and there is no check on c4.”
“Still, the drawing margin is so high [even
after 35. Rd1], I don’t see how I can ruin my
position,” added Caruana.
36. ... Qxe3 37. Rxe3 d5 38. h4 Rc8 39.
Ra3! Kf7 40. Kh2
The final move of the time control, made
with eight seconds to spare. With a little more
time Caruana would probably have found the
direct path to a draw: 40. Ra7 Rb8 41. c4! dxc4
(41. ... d4 42. c5 is risky only for Black.) 42.
Rc2! and mass liquidation follows.
40. ... Ke6 41. g4 Rc6 42. Ra6 Ke5 43.
Kg3 h6 44. h5
44. ... Kd4!?
Since 44. ... g5 45. hxg6 e.p. Rxg6 46. Rb5!
Rbg7 47. Raa5 Rxg4+ 48. Kh3 was only a draw,
Carlsen keeps pushing another way, but after
Caruana’s reply realizes that it is time to put
the brakes on and grovel for a draw. “Only after
I’d played 45. ... Kd4 did I see that 44. ... Rb8!?
was a way to pass the move on [to White] and
then would not have been so easy for him,”
said Carlsen. “I thought that 45. Ra5 was a way
to simplify,” responded Caruana—calculating
45. ... Rbxb6 46. Rxb6 Rxb6 47. c4 Rd6 48.
cxd5 Rxd5 49. Ra7 Kf6 50. Ra4 Ke5 51. Ra7
with a repetition— “and 45. Rb5 was a more
interesting move.” Carlsen agreed on both
points.
45. Rb5! Rd6 46. Ra4+ Ke5
32 February 2019 | Chess Life
The line 46. ... Kc3? 47. Rc5+ is ugly for
Black.
47. Rab4 Ke6! 48. c4 dxc4 49. Rxc4
Rdxb6 50. Rxe4+ Kf7 51. Rf5+ Rf6!
Exchanging a pair of rooks makes Black’s
task simple.
52. Rxf6+ Kxf6 53. Kxf3 Kf7 54. Kg3,
Draw agreed.
Caruana does not waste energy in an
endgame which is trivially easy to defend for
Black.
PETROFF DEFENSE (C42)
GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2835, NOR)
GM Fabiano Caruana (FIDE 2832, USA)
World Championship Match 2018 (11),
London, England, 11.24.2018
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3
Nxe4 5. Nc3
The modern main line against the Petroff
Defense, often resulting in attacks on opposite
flanks, but in this case, regrettably, not played
with aggressive intent.
5. ... Nxc3 6. dxc3 Be7 7. Be3 0-0 8. Qd2
Nd7 9. 0-0-0 Nf6 10. Bd3 c5 11. Rhe1 Be6
12. Kb1
Sergey Karjakin, who won a brilliant game
against GM Pentala Harikrishna after 12. Bg5
h6? 13. Bxh6! c4 14. Bxg7! commented, “I looked
at 12. Kb1 and I decided it was not very much—
in fact I think it is very, very drawish. Maybe
Black can also draw after 12. Bg5 but there we
have much more of a fight.”
12. ... Qa5 13. c4 Qxd2 14. Bxd2
“I was hoping to be able to press a little,” said
Carlsen, “but I don’t think there is anything real.”
14. ... h6
15. Nh4!? Rfe8!
“I was a bit surprised by 15. Nh4,” said
Caruana, “and I was trying to work out the
difference between 15. ... Ng4 and 15. ... Rfe8,
which I didn’t really manage.”
“I was kind of hoping for 15. ... Ng4 16. Ng6
and now 16. ... fxg6 (16. ... Rfe8!),” said Carlsen.
“Maybe now I can play a little bit after 17. Rxe6
Nxf2 18. Rde1 Nxd3 19. cxd3 Bf6 20. Rxd6 Bd4
21. Rde6 and then put the rook on e2 and play
Kc2 and Bc3. Maybe there’s a forced draw [even
here]—I don’t know.”
16. Ng6 Ng4 17. Nxe7+ Rxe7 18. Re2 Ne5!
Forcing a position with bishops of opposite
colors. “Fabiano has been very well prepared
and I haven’t got much with White,” said
Carlsen. “Those are the cold, hard facts.”
19. Bf4 Nxd3 20. Rxd3 Rd7 21. Rxd6 Rxd6
22. Bxd6 Rd8 23. Rd2 Bxc4 24. Kc1 b6 25.
Bf4 Rxd2 26. Kxd2 a6
26. ... Bxa2? allows 27. b3 c4 28. Kc3 cxb3
29. Kb2! winning the bishop.
27. a3
Now Black must lose a pawn, but Caruana
finds the best way to give it up.
27. ... Kf8!
If 27. ... Bd5 28. g3 b5 29. Bd6 c4 30. Ke3
and White’s king will reach b6 and win the a-
pawn, which is marginally more dangerous for
Black than the game but still a likely draw.
28. Bc7 b5 29. Bd6+ Ke8 30. Bxc5
“Every chessplayer knows the game
Ljubojevic-Karpov which Karpov won [in an
ending] something like this,” said Carlsen. “But
obviously the drawing margin is very high.”
30. ... h5! 31. Ke3 Kd7 32. Kd4 g6
Black has already achieved the perfect set-
up. His king will block whatever passed pawn
appears on the queenside, while the bishop can
defend the kingside without assistance.
33. g3 Be2 34. Bf8 Kc6 35. b3 Bd1 36. Kd3
Bg4 37. c4 Be6 38. Kd4 bxc4 39. bxc4
Bg4 40. c5 Be6 41. Bh6 Bd5 42. Be3 Be6
43. Ke5 Bd5 44. Kf4 Be6 45. Kg5
White’s only other winning play lies in 45.
h4 Kd7 46. f3 Kc6 47. g4 but after 47. ... Bd5!,
White is prevented from playing 48. Kg5 and
can make no progress.
45. ... Bd5 46. g4
The start of a one-trick plan.
46. ... hxg4 47. Kxg4 Ba2 48. Kg5 Bb3 49.
Kf6 Ba2 50. h4 Bb3 51. f4 Ba2 52. Ke7
Bb3 53. Kf6 Ba2 54. f5 Bb1 55. Bf2 Bc2!,
Draw agreed.
Trick seen and avoided. It was still possible
to lose with 55. ... Bxf5? 56. h5!, etc.
SICILIAN DEFENSE,
PELIKAN VARIATION (B33)
GM Fabiano Caruana (FIDE 2832, USA)
GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2835, NOR)
World Championship Match 2018 (12),
London, England, 11.26.2018

1. e4 c5
Those who feared that Carlsen would try to
shut down Caruana with 1. ... e5 and a Berlin
Defense were relieved that Carlsen had come
out ready to fight.
2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3
e5 6. Ndb5 d6 7. Nd5 Nxd5 8. exd5 Ne7
A small surprise for Caruana, since this line
had been harshly dealt with by Kramnik at the
recent Batumi Olympiad.
The alternative 8. ... Nb8 was his choice in
games eight and 10.
9. c4 Ng6 10. Qa4 Bd7 11. Qb4 Bf5 12. h4
h5
A move previously only played in a computer
game.
The continuation 12. ... a6 13. h5! Nf4 14.
Nc3 worked out well for Kramnik, White
against GM Milos Roganovic, in the aforemen-
tioned Batumi Olympiad game.
13. Qa4 Bd7 14. Qb4 Bf5 15. Be3!?
The exclamation mark is for fighting spirit,
the question mark because 15. Bg5 is supposed
to be the only testing move for Black.
15. ... a6 16. Nc3 Qc7!
The continuation 16. ... Be7 17. Qxb7 0-0 is
not at all bad for Black, but the new text move
achieves all Black’s aims without sacrificing
anything.
17. g3
“The opening didn’t work out the way I
wanted,” admitted Caruana. “I was down a lot
of time and I had a position I didn’t really feel
comfortable with. I thought about putting my
knight on b6; it’s ambitious but it could also
turn out very badly.”
17. ... Be7 18. f3!?
A strange move—“Very risky,” said Kasparov—
and one that left Caruana more than 40 minutes
behind on the clock. Caruana may have been
concerned about 18. Be2 e4!?, with the black
knight headed to e5—though 18. ... Nf8 followed
by ... Nd7 as played in the game is solid for Black
as well.
18. ... Nf8 19. Ne4 Nd7 20. Bd3 0-0 21.
Rh2?!
The idea of bringing the rook to c2 looks
fine, but is simply too slow. After 21. 0-0-0 b5
22. Kb1 White has little to fear since 22. ... a5
23. Qxb5 is not as risky as it looks.
21. ... Rac8 22. 0-0-0 Bg6! 23. Rc2 f5 24.
Nf2?!
Caruana has a plan to close the position but
it should fail tactically. Objectively stronger
was 24. Ng5.
24. ... Nc5 25. f4 a5?!
Carlsen spent only four minutes on this move
when some serious calculation might have
uncovered the strategically winning plan 25.
... exf4 26. Bxf4 b5! 27. Kb1 a5! when Black
takes over the queenside because 28. Qxb5 loses
the queen after 28. ... Be8!
26. Qd2 e4 27. Be2 Be8! 28. Kb1 Bf6 29.
Re1
29. ... a4?!
This does not throw away Black’s advantage,
but “I was very worried about 29. ... Ba4!,” said
Caruana. “I suppose I should play 30. Rcc1 (If
30. b3 I was very worried about the sac. [For
good reason 30. ... Bxb3! 31. axb3 Nxb3 32. Qd1 a4 is
huge for Black. ~IR]) but then 30. ... b5! 31. cxb5
(31. Bd4 Bxd4 32. Qxd4 bxc4 I didn’t like at all,
e.g. 33. Rxc4 Bb5 34. Rc3 Bxe2 35. Rxe2 Qb6
when I have a very passive position and my king
is weak.) 31. ... Qb6!” Caruana correctly suspected
he was in serious trouble here. Yet Carlsen barely
bothered to look at variations such as this, saying,
“At this point I was probably not in the right
mind-set to go for it. I was just hoping to play
natural moves, not going for the maximum,
putting on pressure and playing safe.”
30. Qb4 g6 31. Rd1 Ra8, Draw agreed.
To the astonishment of all present at The
College—and half the nation of Norway—
Carlsen offered a draw. To his credit, Caruana’s
hand did not leap across the table in case Carlsen
retracted the offer, but a few minutes later a
relieved Caruana, with eight minutes left on
the clock, did sign for peace. “Everybody could
see that I wasn’t necessarily going for the
maximum,” confessed Carlsen, “I just wanted
a position that was completely safe where I
could put some pressure. If a draw hadn’t been
a satisfactory result, obviously I would have
approached it differently.”
“I was a bit surprised by the draw offer,”
admitted Caruana. “I was planning Nh3-g5 but
I can never be better here. [However] I thought
I was over the worst of it. ” The extent to which
Carlsen had given up working at the board was
evident when he showed his expected variation
31. ... Ra8 32. Bd4 Bxd4 33. Rxd4 Qa5 34. Qxa5
Cover Story / World Championship
Italian or American?
Asked at the opening press
conference about his double
“exchange of nationalities” and
whether he felt more Italian or
American, GM Fabiano Caruana
replied, with perfect diplomacy:
“I never changed nationalities.
I had dual nationality from birth
and I changed federations when
I was 13. I was a kid and I was living
in Europe, and this was mainly
to get back to my roots—my
mother is Italian.
“When I changed back to the
United States in my 20s, this was
a personal decision. I do feel
connected to both countries.
I would like to represent both,
but only one is possible. I live in
the United States and represent
the U.S. now. I feel very close,
very much an American, but I
do also cherish my Italian roots.”
Rxa5 35. Nd1 b5 36. cxb5 Bxb5 37. Bxb5 Rxb5
38. Nc3 to the press conference, failing to notice
that 32. Bd4? is disastrous in view of 32. ...
Nd3! when even the bail-out line 33. Qb6 allows
33. ... Qxb6 34. Bxb6 Nb4 35. Rcc1 a3! with a
huge advantage for Black.
ENGLISH OPENING (A22)
GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2835, NOR)
GM Fabiano Caruana (FIDE 2832, USA)
World Championship Match 2018, Rapid
Tiebreaks G/25 + 10 seconds (1), 11.28.2018
1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. g3
A clever concept. Carlsen had done well
against the Rossolimo Sicilian earlier in the
match, so why not play the same line with an
extra tempo?
3. ... Bb4 4. e4 0-0
The move 4. ... Bxc3 is considered Black’s
safest option.
5. Nge2 c6 6. Bg2 a6!? 7. 0-0 b5
An original plan, but far less effective than
in the equivalent Rossolimo lines where White
is playing against doubled pawns.
8. d4 d6 9. a3 Bxc3 10. Nxc3 bxc4 11.
dxe5 dxe5 12. Na4 Be6 13. Qxd8 Rxd8 14.
Be3
www.uschess.org 33
Cover Story / World Championship

would be very strong—it’s a pity that I didn’t

find that,” said Carlsen. Both Carlsen and Caruana
What is your “Magnus Metric”? saw 25. Red1?! Ne5! 26. Rxd8 Nxf3+ 27. Kf1
By Nithin Kavi Nxh2+ 28. Ke1 Nf3+ with a perpetual check.
24. ... Kf8 25. Rxd4 Ke7
Magnus Carlsen, now victorious in four consecutive world championships and
“On 25. ... Ne5!? I was going to play 26.
renowned for achieving the highest ever FIDE and US Chess ratings in chess history,
Rxd8+ Ke7 27. Re3 Kxd8 28. f4 Ke7 29. Bh3
is an all-time chess great. In honor of his most recent world championship where he
or 29. Bc8 and hope for the best,” explained
defeated world number two Fabiano Caruana, I am introducing the Magnus Metric,
Carlsen.
which measures the degree of separation between you and Magnus Carlsen. Use it
for bragging rights in the skittles room about how close you are to the World Champion. 26. Rxd7+ Rxd7 27. Bxd7 Kxd7 28. Rd1+
Ke6 29. f4 c5
A metric of 1 is reserved for those who have directly played Carlsen, while a
metric of 2 implies that a person has played someone who has played Carlsen, and “Now I felt that the position should be drawn,
so on. This metric is similar to the Erdὅs number in mathematics, which measures but that I would have practical chances,” said
the degree of separation between mathematicians and the famous mathematician Carlsen.
Paul Erdὅs by authorship of research papers. For actors, the equivalent is Six 30. Rd5 Rc2 31. h4 c4 32. f5+ Kf6 33. Rc5
Degrees of Kevin Bacon. My personal Magnus Metric is 2 since I have played GM h5 34. Kf1 Rc3 35. Kg2 Rxa3 36. Rxc4 Ke5
Irina Krush, who in turn has played Magnus Carlsen. Since I drew GM Krush, who 37. Rc7
drew Magnus Carlsen, the logical conclusion is that Carlsen and I are equally good
at chess. He might be 802 FIDE points higher than me, but, well, anyway...
To get this a bit closer to reality, the Mating Magnus Metric (MMM) considers the
game results between every pair of players linking you to Magnus. This metric
rewards players who win often against their opponents on the way to Magnus. To
calculate it, take each player’s number of games against the next person in the
chain, divide by the number of points, and then sum them. For example, since I
played GM Krush only once and drew, this is 1/0.5 = 2. She in turn has played
Magnus once, and she also drew, so that is also 2. This means my MMM is 2 + 2 = 4.
For bragging rights, you want to choose your lowest possible number. I chose the
GM Krush path because it is lower than my path through another strong opponent
whom I have played: GM Yaroslav Zherebukh. Since I drew my one game against 37. ... Kxe4?
GM Zherebukh, this gives me 1/0.5 = 2. Similarly, his one win and one loss against
Caruana give him 2/1 = 2. Caruana’s 20 points in his 48 games against Carlsen give Missing a key finesse. Caruana probably
him 48/20 = 2.4. From this route, my Mating Magnus Metric would be calculated as dismissed 37. ... Ra2+! on the grounds of 38.
1/0.5 + 1/0.5 + 48/20 = 2 + 2 + 2.4 = 6.4. Since my MMM through GM Krush is smaller, Kh3 Kxe4 39. Re7 Kxf5 40. Rxg7 winning the
my MMM is 4. For these calculations, only official, rated tournament games count. h5-pawn and the game. However he had missed
No, your victory on the Play Magnus App or his losses in large simultaneous exhibitions 39. Re7+ Kf3!! with a weird repetition after
do not count. The MM and MMM are serious and require standards! 40. Rxg7 Ra1 41. Kh2 Ra2+ 42. Kh3 Ra1.
The Magnus Metric and Mating Magnus Metric show how small the chess world 38. Re7+! Kxf5 39. Rxg7
is. Ordinary chess players will likely find that their metrics are much lower than Now the h-pawn is lost and, as readers of
they would have expected. Next time you’re facing a challenging opponent and Dvoretsky’s Endgame Manual would know, two
you want to psych them out or confuse them, say, “My Mating Magnus Metric is 4. connected passed pawns almost always beat a
What’s yours?” single passed pawn.
Nithin Kavi is a junior in high school and a national life master in chess. He also 39. ... Kf6 40. Rg5 a5 41. Rxh5 a4 42. Ra5
has a deep interest in mathematics and hopes to one day earn an Erdὅs number. He Ra1 43. Kf3 a3 44. Ra6+ Kg7 45. Kg2
has heard of Kevin Bacon but hasn’t seen any of his movies. Ra2+ 46. Kh3 Ra1 47. h5 Kh7 48. g4 Kg7
49. Kh4 a2 50. Kg5 Kf7 51. h6 Rb1 52.
Ra7+ Kg8 53. Rxa2 Rb5+ 54. Kg6 Rb6+
55. Kh5, Black resigned.
The try 14. f4 would be more testing for 20. Nc5! Rxb2 21. Nxe6 fxe6 22. Bxc4
Black. Nd4 23. Bxd4 exd4
SICILIAN DEFENSE,
14. ... Nbd7 15. f3 Rab8 16. Rac1 Rb3 17. Here Carlsen thought for nine minutes: “I PELIKAN VARIATION (B33)
Rfe1 Ne8 wasn’t thinking about the result,” he said. “I GM Fabiano Caruana (FIDE 2832, USA)
Better was 17. ... Rdb8! which would equalize was just trying to figure out which of them GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2835, NOR)
immediately because 18. ... c3! becomes an idea. would give the better winning chances. In the World Championship Match 2018, Rapid
end I decided that neither of them would give Tiebreaks G/25 + 10 seconds (2), 11.28.2018
18. Bf1 Nd6 19. Rcd1 Nb5?! good winning chances!”
A tricky move, played after almost six min- 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4
24. Bxe6+
utes thought, but the more passive 19. ... Nb7 Nf6 5. Nc3 e5 6. Ndb5 d6 7. Nd5 Nxd5 8.
“I was told later that 24. Rxd4 Kf7 25. Kh1!! exd5 Ne7
was less risky.

34 February 2019 | Chess Life


Carlsen is happy to repeat the theoretical
battle from game 12.
9. c4 Ng6 10. Qa4 Bd7 11. Qb4 Qb8!
Psychologically this could have had a strong
effect on Caruana, as it shows that Carlsen is
not even willing to consider the repetition he
allowed in game 12 after 11. ... Bf5 12. Qa4 Bd7.
12. h4 h5 13. Be3 a6 14. Nc3 a5 15. Qb3 a4
16. Qd1 Be7 17. g3 Qc8 18. Be2 Bg4 19.
Rc1 Bxe2 20. Qxe2 Qf5
Quite comfortable.
21. c5?!
Pseudo-aggressive but easy to meet. 21. 0-0
was a better way to create complications, not
fearing sacrifices on h4, e.g. 21. ... Bxh4?! 22.
gxh4 Nxh4 23. f3! and White is fine.
21. ... 0-0 22. c6
Played after six minutes, but the wonderful
d5-square created turns out to be less important
than it seems. 22. cxd6 Bxd6 23. 0-0 e4 was
not particularly good for White, but by now
Caruana should have been tempering his
ambitions and worrying about his king.
22. ... bxc6! 23. dxc6 Rfc8! 24. Qc4 Bd8 25.
Nd5 e4 26. c7 Bxc7 27. Nxc7 Ne5 28. Nd5?!
The continuation 28. Qd5 Rab8! would also
leave White in desperate trouble, e.g. 29. 0-0
Rxc7! 30. Qxd6 Rxc1 31. Qxb8+ Rc8 32. Qd6
Rc2 when White has problems on both flanks.
28. ... Kh7, White resigned.
SICILIAN DEFENSE,
TAIMANOV VARIATION (B44)
GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2835, NOR)
GM Fabiano Caruana (FIDE 2832, USA)
World Championship Match 2018, Rapid
Tiebreaks G/25 + 10 seconds (3), 11.28.2018
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. c4 Nc6 4. d4 cxd4 5.
Nxd4 Bc5!? 6. Nc2
Safe and secure.
The followup 6. Be3? Qb6! is a little too basic
a trap for Carlsen to fall into.
6. ... Nf6 7. Nc3 0-0 8. Be3 b6 9. Be2 Bb7
10. 0-0 Qe7 11. Qd2 Rfd8 12. Rfd1 Ne5 13.
Bxc5 bxc5 14. f4 Ng6 15. Qe3 d6
In other circumstances Black could consider
the ... d7-d5 break, here or later, but the
potential mass exchanges make it necessary for
Black to sit and wait.
16. Rd2 a6 17. Rad1 Qc7 18. b3 h6 19. g3
Carlsen is happy just keeping Black from
breaking out. “I tried to create something but
never had a chance,” admitted Caruana.
19. ... Rd7 20. Bf3 Re8 21. Qf2 Ne7 22. h3
Cover Story / World Championship
London
While London has been a site for top-level matches since the days of Paul Morphy
and Howard Staunton, it was not until the late 20th century that an official World
Championship match was hosted by the English capital.
The first world title contest to be held in London was the first half of the 1986
match between GMs Anatoly Karpov and Garry Kasparov, the third of their epic
battles held at a time when the British newspapers were still happy to put chess on
the front page.
The venue, the Park Lane Hotel, could hold 1,000 people in the playing hall and
commentary rooms but demand was so high that the organizers set up commentary
in Greek Park, across the street from the hotel, for those who had missed out on
tickets (then priced at 5 pounds, or approximately $7).
Seven years later, when English GM Nigel Short qualified to challenge Kasparov
and the two broke away from FIDE, the event was held in the Savoy Hotel in a
theater that could hold more than 1,000 people. At first tickets were priced at 45
pounds (approximately $68). However, half a dozen weeks out from the match, very
few tickets had been sold. The sponsor, The Times, on behalf of News Corporation,
threatened to pull the plug on the event. The budget for the 1993 match was then
cut and tickets slashed to 10 pounds (approximately $15), which saved the day and
ensured decent crowds (which on one day included Princess Diana). Television
coverage of the event was extensive, including full games shown on Channel 4 and
daily round-ups by the BBC.
Another seven years later, GM Vladimir Kramnik took on Kasparov at Riverside
Studios, with the players competing in a 200-seat television studio (without the
cameras) and with a similar-sized commentary room. In 2000 tickets were priced at
20 pounds (approximately $32) and were generally sold out, even after Kasparov
showed that he was not himself by taking very short draws with white.
The 2018 world title match between Carlsen and Caruana was the fourth to be held
in London and had the lowest profile, according to past organizers who visited the
match. It also used the smallest venue of the lot, as the organizers, World Chess, judged
that in the internet age most people would rather watch the match from home. However,
the number of unhappy fans unable to secure a ticket (other than a VIP entry for 400
pounds—approximately $500—or more) would indicate that the lure of a night out at
a live world title contest in a central London venue, remains strong.
Red8 23. Bg2 Nc6 24. g4! Qa5 25. Na4 34. Qe8+ Kh7 35. Qxa8 Qd1+ 36. Kh2
Qc7 26. e5! Qd6+ 37. Kh1 Nd4
Black’s only hope is for the knight to reach
The clearest way to simplification and a
likely draw. e2 but Carlsen makes sure that never happens.
26. ... dxe5 27. Nxc5 Rxd2 28. Rxd2 Rxd2 38. Qe4+ f5 39. gxf5 exf5 40. Qe3 Ne6
29. Qxd2 Ba8 41. b4!
The continuation 29. ... exf4 30. Nxb7 Qxb7 Black is threatening nothing on the kingside
31. Qxf4 is too easy for White to play. so Carlsen takes the opportunity to queen his
c-pawn.
30. fxe5 Qxe5
41. ... Ng5
The alternative 30. ... Nxe5 allows 31. Nxe6!
fxe6 32. Bxa8 and if 32. ... Qa7+ 33. Qd4 trades Rather random, but 41. ... Nf4 42. c5 offers
the bishop for the knight. nothing but a hope for perpetual check for
Black.
31. Nd7!
42. c5 Qf6 43. c6 Ne6 44. a4 Nc7 45. Qf4
The move 31. Nxa6 is objectively best, but Ne6 46. Qd6 Qa1+ 47. Kh2 Nd4 48. c7
Carlsen’s choice ensures more exchanges and Qc3 49. Qc5 Qe3 50. c8=Q f4 51. Qg4,
brings him within touching distance of the Black resigned.
world title. ... and Caruana extended his hand to concede
31. ... Qb2 32. Qd6 Nxd7 33. Qxd7 Qxc2 the world title to the defending champion.
www.uschess.org 35
 Cup’s premier writers and commentators, this coffee table book is lavishly
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www.uschess.org 37
In Memoriam / Ruth Haring
Remembering Ruth
Former US Chess Executive Board president devoted her time,
energy, and talent to all aspects of chess.
By FRANCISCO GUADALUPE
RUTH INEZ HARING, JANUARY 23, 1955-NOVEMBER 29, 2018
W
oman International Master Ruth
Inez Haring led a life devoted to
chess. There is not enough space
in this entire issue of Chess Life to detail all her
contributions to US Chess and to the game in
general. It is with great honor and tremendous
sadness that I add to the many tributes to Ruth
with some of my personal experiences.
Ruth, who lived in Chico, California, was
an accomplished chess player. She finished in
38 February 2019 | Chess Life
second place at the 1974 U.S. Women’s
Championship behind Mona May Karff. That
same year, she represented the U.S. at the 6th
Women’s Chess Olympiad in Medellin,
Columbia. The 19-year old Ruth was the reserve
player along with teammates Mona Karff and
Ruth Herstein. In her first Olympiad experience,
Ruth had one win and three losses. At the next
Olympiad, in 1976, Ruth was, once again, our
reserve as part of a four-player team. This time,
Ruth played in eight of the 12 rounds. She won
three games, drew four, and lost only one,
earning the bronze medal for the reserve board!
Ruth went on to represent the U.S. as a regular
player at the 1978, 1980, and 1982 Olympiads.
At the 1980 event held in Valletta, Malta, Ruth
was the team’s top scorer with 7½ points in 12
games. In her five World Olympiads, Ruth’s
combined record was 16 wins, 13 draws and
16 losses.
According to an article written by Dylan
Loeb McClain and published in The New York
Times on December 3, 2018, during Ruth’s early
years while living in San Francisco, she and
her former husband, GM Peter Biyiasas, wel-
comed a frequent guest, former World Cham-
pion Bobby Fischer, who would play against
her giving pawn odds.
Ruth took a long hiatus from playing chess
and, according to US Chess records, did not
compete in any rated event after 1991, or
perhaps sooner. She returned to competitive
chess at the 2008 National Open, held in Las
Vegas, Nevada, and from that point on, Ruth
participated in over 100 events, including the
U.S. Open every single year—11 years in a row!
Her last regular event was the Western States
Open held in Reno, Nevada, which ended on
October 21, 2018, although she did play two
rated games after that date as part of the one-
game-a-week Sacramento Chess Club Champi-
onship, coincidently won by her son, expert
Theodore Biyiasas.
Once Ruth returned to chess, she did so with
tremendous passion, adding chess governance
to her already impressive resume. In 2009, a
year after her return to competitive chess, Ruth
was elected to the US Chess Executive Board
and selected as its vice president. In 2011, two
years after Ruth joined the Board, she was
elected as its president, a position she held until
2015. She then continued serving on the Board
for one more year.
Recently, I asked Gary Walters, who worked
with her very closely on the Board, for his
thoughts about Ruth. Here is his reply:
“What can I say about Ruth? She loved
 In Memoriam / Ruth Haring

chess. She lived chess every day. She sometimes

talked about her own games or tournaments,
but more often, she spoke about others and
their experiences with the game. She played
chess, she talked chess, she wrote chess. If you
wanted to play blitz with Ruth, you had to set
limits. She would sit and play tirelessly far
beyond the time you should have been asleep.
Her Facebook posts probably hit my feed a
couple of hundred times. I don’t remember her
ever posting about anything other than chess.
In a word, Ruth was passionate about chess.
“I served as V.P. to US Chess during all four
years of Ruth’s presidency. I don’t think anyone
knew of her service to US Chess better than I.
She was smart, diligent, organized, prepared,
gracious, and politic. She could be firm when
required, but she was always mindful of the
other person’s or group’s dignity. Toward the
end of her second year, she called me. She asked
if I wanted to be US Chess president. I said
sure, but reminded her that under the present
internal rules she was entitled to be president
for four years, not just two. She knew that—
she just wanted to check in with me. I told her
RUTH AND GM NIGEL SHORT SHARE A MOMENT AT THE 89TH FIDE CONGRESS, HELD IN OCTOBER
I would wait. My reason was at least partly
2018 DURING THE 43RD CHESS OLYMPIAD IN BATUMI, GEORGIA.
selfish. It seemed clear to me that so long as
she could be president of US Chess, she should
be. I did not want to be the person for whom but also while coordinating extremely productive at the 2016 World Championship match.
she stepped aside.  There was no way I would social gatherings with FIDE officials. At that As US Chess President, Ruth offered me the
perform the job as well as she. There would be 2011 Congress, we had dinner with FIDE- interim Executive Director position when Bill
no hiding that. Americas president, Jorge Vega, and his wife. Hall departed the organization in May 2013.
“The chess world will miss Ruth Haring. It Thanks to Ruth, that dinner started my friendship And I am certain that she also approved having
will miss her humor, attention, and unrivaled with Jorge, one that has continued through the then-Executive Director Jean Hoffman hire me
passion. The people in our world will miss her years. Although I am no longer in any official as US Chess Director of Events a year later.
friendship. It goes without saying that she was capacity with US Chess or FIDE, every so often Before her departure from the US Chess
taken from us too soon.” I still talk to Jorge about chess in general and Executive Board in 2016, Ruth discussed with
I got to know Ruth during her years on the other less-than-official matters. After Ruth’s me her desire to become the Zonal President
Executive Board. In October 2010, then- untimely and shocking death, Jorge mentioned whenever I no longer wanted the position. She
Executive Director Bill Hall asked me to take to me that from the day he met Ruth, he always basically wanted to continue her contributions
PHOTOS: LEFT PAGE, US CHESS ARCHIVES; THIS PAGE, DAVID LLADA

over the position of FIDE Zonal President for
USA. I accepted, and his recommendation was
approved by Ruth and the other members of
the Executive Board. This appointment was the
start of my friendship with Ruth. Over the next
four years, we both traveled FIDE Congresses,
where we often met during Commission work-
shops, evening brainstorming sessions, social
events, and while sightseeing. When I began
my position, Ruth was already a FIDE Congress
veteran, as she had attended the 2009 FIDE
Congress in Chalkidiki, Greece, and the 2010
FIDE Congress in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia.
The 2011 FIDE Congress, held in Krakow,
Poland, was my initiation into international chess
politics. Ruth, with the assistance and guidance
of our FIDE Delegate Michael Khodarkovsky,
served as our US Chess delegation leader, in
words and in actions. I found her to be totally at
ease and confident in her dealings with the FIDE
leadership and members of Commissions. She
took the lead, not only at Commission meetings,
had a very high opinion of her, saying, “She was
a great person, truly dedicated to chess, was well
organized, and was able to get things done
without being political.”
During one Congress—either the 2012 FIDE
Congress in Istanbul or the 2013 Congress in
Estonia—Ruth arranged for the U.S. delegation
to have dinner with the FIDE leadership,
including then-President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov,
his Deputy President Georgios “Makro”
Makropoulos, and other members of the
presidential board. Led by Ruth, we steered away
from politics and enjoyed a nice social gathering
over dinner while, at the same time, taking steps
to further develop our relationships with FIDE
officials. Following that gathering, whenever
one of those FIDE officials saw me at FIDE
Congresses—particularly Makro—I was greeted
and acknowledged accordingly. I suspect that
whatever relationship developed as a result of
Ruth’s initiative contributed to Mr. Makropoulos
offering me the position of Deputy Chief Arbiter
to US Chess in any way she could. I felt that the
time was right—I was contemplating retirement
and her time with the Executive Board was
up—so at the Executive Board meeting that
year, I resigned from the position and endorsed
Ruth’s appointment as Zonal President. I felt
there was no one more qualified than her to
take over the job.
Ruth did more for chess than anyone else I
have ever met. As Gary said, she lived chess
every single day. Her Facebook page has thou-
sands of postings about chess (I suspect) and
very little about anything else. She loved the
game, the players, and the organization. But
most of all, she was a great human being. She
will be missed tremendously, and words cannot
describe the sadness and emptiness we feel
because of her untimely departure. I am
personally deeply indebted to her, and US Chess
will always be in deep gratitude to her and to
her family.
May she rest in peace.

www.uschess.org 39
International / World Youth and World Cadet
The Next
Generation
The United States was well-represented at
the World Cadet and World Youth tournaments.



 Our team for the event worked well together.
By IM KOSTYA KAVUTSKIY
B
raving heavy rain, poor logistics,
stressed-out adults, and the pressure of
playing on the world stage, Team USA
posted some great results in the 2018 World
Cadet Chess Championships, held November
3-15 in the historic city of Santiago de
Compostela, Spain. Our biggest star was Yuvraj
“Raj” Chennareddy, who clinched gold in the
Under 8 Open with a fantastic 9/9 start, ending
with 10½/11. Erick Zhao took silver in the
Under 10 Open, narrowly missing gold, while
Evelyn Qiao (Under 8 Girls) and Nico Chasin
(Under 12 Open) both finished strong to snag
the bronze medal in their sections.
I was quite excited when I received the invi-
tation to coach a U.S. team at an international
event for the second time this year. I experi-
enced coaching for the first time earlier this
year at the Pan American Youth Champi-
onships, which took place in a different Santiago
(Chile). For Spain, the U.S. delegation was
much bigger—about 75 players in total—each
accompanied by a parent or two. Of these 75
players, 30 were to receive official on-site
40 February 2019 | Chess Life
coaching for the event. Raj Chennareddy’s path to the gold started
As the Head of Delegation, FST/FM Aviv
smoothly with two wins, but in round three Raj
would face one of his tougher tests early on, as
Friedman—whose role I would compare to that he managed to outfox and win against the eventual
of the director of a movie—oversaw every detail silver medalist, Jahandar Azadaliyev (Azerbaijan).
to ensure a smooth tournament for all while also
OUTFOXED
advocating for the U.S. team should any
(inevitable) issues arise. The coaches (besides Yuvraj Chennareddy (FIDE 1497, USA)
me) included veterans IM Armen Ambart- Jahandar Azadaliyev (FIDE 1674, AZE)
soumian and IM Andranik Matikozyan, as well World Cadet Chess Championship U-08
as GM Robert Hungaski and GM Alex Open 2018 (3), Santiago de Compostela,
Lenderman. Spain, 11.07.2018
We also had US Chess staff to assist on- and
off-site. Grant Oen took many photos during
the tournament and reported online for US
Chess during the event, while also being available
to resolve issues that came up during the event.
Pete Karagianis organized and coordinated a
number of important parts of the trip for the
U.S. team from back home. And finally, Noah
Chasin played a crucial role by serving as the
parent coordinator, acting to consolidate the
interests of the many chess parents involved so
they could communicate as a unified voice. AFTER 27. Qc2
But the most important part of the team was
the kids—the actual players in the World Champi- In this middlegame Black has remained a
onship for U-08, U-10, and U-12 age categories. pawn down for some time, but it is a doubled
These were the stars of our U.S. delegation, as pawn that White cannot really make use of.
they often had much to deal with besides chess However, the loose d4-pawn is an issue Black
and they came through like troopers. needs to deal with.
 International / World Youth and World Cadet

27. ... Qd7?

Supporting the pawn and threatening Qxb5,

but this move meets a powerful refutation.
The move 27. ... Nd7! was needed, threatening
to get the knight into play with ... Nxe5. After
28. Rd1 best would be 28. ... d3! which throws
White’s pieces into disarray. 29. Rxd3 (29. Bxd3
Nxe5 and Black will win the c4-pawn restoring
material balance.) 29. ... Qxe4 30. Rc3 Qxe5 with
a seemingly balanced position.
28. Bd6!

The bishop dominates Black’s camp as

White’s army is ready to regroup behind.
Moreover, White defends the b5-pawn through
tactical means.
28. ... Qd8

Now 28. ... Qxb5?? wouldn’t work as Black’s

rook is now overloaded, needing to defend the
knight on b8 and pin the pawn on c4. So White
can play 29. Bxb8! and Black would be left
without a move.
29. Rd1 Nd7 30. Rxd4

Despite Black’s blockade, two pawns are quite

a lot of material.
30. ... Qg5 31. Qd2 Qh4 32. g3 Qh3?!

This allows White to force a trade of queens,

simplifying the conversion task. The alternative
32. ... Qd8 would have made White’s task
slightly more difficult, as the presence of queens
allows for more potential counterplay.
33. Qd1 Kh7 34. Qf1! Qxf1+ 35. Bxf1 h5 36. BRINGING HOME THE BLING! OUR MEDAL WINNERS, CLOCKWISE, FROM UPPER LEFT: YUVRAJ
h4 “RAJ” CHENNAREDDY, ERICK ZHAO, NICO CHASIN, AND EVELYN QIAO.

Now White can improve his position freely,

first by improving the king.
36. ... Kg8 37. Kh2 g6 38. Bh3 Kg7
In case of 38. ... Bxh3 39. Kxh3 Nf8, White
could immediately break through with 40. c5!
bxc5 41. Ra4 with an easy win.
39. Bxe6 fxe6 40. Kg2 Kf7 41. Kf3 Ke8 42.
Kf4 Kf7 43. Kg5 a4 44. a3!
It seems like White has no way of improving
the position, but it is Black to move, which
will allow White the chance to make progress.
Raj shows tremendous patience in converting
this endgame.
PHOTOS: GRANT OEN FOR US CHESS
Kb4 Kb7 69. Kxa4 Ka7 70. Kb3 Kb7 71. a4
Kc8 72. Kb4 Kb7 73. a5 bxa5+ 74. Kxa5
Nb6 75. c5 Nc8 76. b6 Ka8 77. Kb5
Nxd6+ 78. cxd6 Kb8 79. d7 Kb7
A final stalemate trap, just in case.
80. Kc5! Ka6 81. d8=Q Kb7 82. Qc7+,
Black resigned.
Raj earned five more hard-fought wins from
there, taking himself to 8/8. It seems like a
dominant performance, but every game had its
own struggles. With each round starting at 4
almost surely lead to better performance over
the board, and I believe these things helped Raj
get into a comfortable rhythm.
With his round ten draw against Lev Zverev
(Russia), Raj went into his final round game
having clinched the title and won his last game
confidently, taking his score to an astronomic
10½/11.
Our next best performer was Erick Zhao,
who finished with 9/11 in the Under 10 Open
section to take silver (tying for first but taking
second on tiebreaks). Erick lost a game in round
five but roared back with 5½ out of his last 6,

p.m. daily, Raj was able to get into a nice groove.

44. ... Kg7 45. Be7! Rc7 46. Bd8 Rb7 47.
Rd6 Kf7 48. Bf6 Nc5 49. Kf4 Nd7 50. Rc6
Nc5 51. Rc8 Nd7 52. Bd8 Kg7 53. Rc7!
Trading into a winning bishop versus knight
endgame, after which White doesn’t give his
opponent any chances.
53. ... Rxc7 54. Bxc7 Kf7 55. Kg5 Kg7 56.
Bd8 Kh7 57. Bc7 Kg7 58. g4 hxg4 59.
Kxg4 Kh6 60. Bd6 Kg7 61. h5 gxh5+ 62.
Kxh5 Kh7 63. Kg5 Kg7 64. Kf4 Kf7 65.
Ke3 Ke8 66. Kd4 Kd8 67. Kc3 Kc8 68.
On the morning of each round, he would first
prepare via Skype with his main coach, GM
Mesgen Amanov. After prep, he would come
meet with me (his assigned coach) for about
30 minutes, where we would review his prep
and analyze some critical lines over the board.
Also playing a crucial role was Prathima, Raj’s
mother, who would make sure he ate well
throughout the day and took an important nap
before each round. Readers may think I’m being
facetious, but I’m not! Proper rest and nutrition
including an important last round win when
he took advantage of his opponent’s blunder:
A SURPRISING BLUNDER
Maksim Volkov (FIDE 1971, RUS)
Erick Zhao (FIDE 1957, USA)
World Cadet Chess Championship U-10
Open 2018 (11), Santiago de Compostela,
Spain, 11.15.2018
(see diagram top of next page)

www.uschess.org 41
International / World Youth and World Cadet

It turns out this natural move can be punished FRENCH DEFENSE,

with active play. Better is 6. ... Bd7 which leads TARRASCH VARIATION (C03)
to more solid play. Shiyan Shen (FIDE 2187, CHN)
FM Nico Chasin (FIDE 2189, USA)
7. c4!
World Cadet Chess Championship U-12
A strong idea, opening up White’s queen to Open 2018 (11), Santiago de Compostela,
join the attack with Qa4. Spain, 11.15.2018
7. ... Bf5?!
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 Be7 4. e5 c5 5. c3
Another slip, as this bishop is needed to cxd4 6. cxd4 Qb6 7. Ndf3 Bd7 8. Bd3 Bb5
defend against the pin with ... Bd7. The move 9. Ne2 Bxd3 10. Qxd3 Qa6 11. Qxa6 Nxa6
7. ... dxc4 should have been played, even though 12. a3 Bd8 13. Nc3 Nc7 14. 0-0 Ne7 15.
AFTER 17. ... Rad8 Be3 Nc6 16. Nd2
after 8. Nc3 e6 9. Qa4ƒ White would get a nice
18. Qd2?? initiative.
8. Nc3 e6 9. c5!
A surprising blunder, taking away the only
potential escape square for White’s knight on Seizing the initiative. In some cases, it would
e4. be better to castle first, but here White is fully
18. ... f5! justified to start creating threats and here Evelyn
is able to create a threat with every next move.
Great alertness from Erick, catching White’s
knight in the center of the board. 9. ... Qc7 10. Bf4

19. exd4 exd4 Developing with tempo (threatening a dis-

covery against the queen).
Calmly recapturing as 19. ... fxe4? would
quickly lose his extra piece back after 20. d5. 10. ... Qc8 11. Qa4

20. Rfe1 fxe4 21. Rxe4 Qd7 22. b4
White tried, but ultimately couldn’t find any
real compensation for the piece.
22. ... axb4 23. axb4 Bf5 24. Rxe8+ Rxe8
25. Qf4 Nxb4 26. Bf1 b6 27. Ba3 Nc2 28.
Bb2 Re1 29. Qd2 Rxd1 30. Qxd1 Nb4 31.
Qb3 Nc6 32. Qa4 Ne5 33. Qa8+ Kh7 34.
Ba3 Bxd3 35. Bg2 Bxc4 36. h5 d3, White
resigned.
With this win taking him to nine points, it
seemed like Erick would also take gold in his
section. Unfortunately, a late endgame blunder
allowed Jin Yueheng (China) to win and also
reach nine points, with Jin taking gold on
tiebreaks.
Evelyn Qiao was not one of the favorites to
win the Under 8 Girls section; in fact, she didn’t
even have a FIDE rating going into the event.
But after starting with just 1½/3, she found
her form and scored 7/8 in the rest of the
tournament to finish with 8½/11, good for
clear third place and the bronze medal. Evelyn’s
final game is worth showing, as she quickly
grabbed the initiative in the opening and won
the game swiftly to earn the bronze:
CARO-KANN DEFENSE (B10)
WCM Evelyn Qiao (FIDE UNR., USA)
CM Wiktoria Smietanska (FIDE 1506, POL)
World Cadet Chess Championship U-08
Girls 2018 (11), Santiago de Compostela,
Spain, 11.15.2018
1. e4 c6 2. Nf3 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. Ne5 Nf6
5. d4 Nc6 6. Bb5 Qb6?!
Now White is winning material by force, as
Black isn’t able to defend the knight on c6 with
... Bd7.
11. ... Ne4?!
A final error after which White wins by
force. Relatively best was 11. ... a6 in order to
force White to give up the light-squared bishop.
12. Bxc6+ bxc6 13. Nxc6 Nd7. White has won
a pawn and should win anyway, but would still
have some work to do.
12. Nxc6 bxc6 13. Bxc6+ Kd8 14. Bxa8
Qxa8 15. Qa5+ Ke8 16. Nb5 Qd8 17. Qxa7
Be7 18. f3 Nf6 19. Bd6
Black has forfeited her castling rights, so the
king on e8 is basically a sitting duck for White’s
pieces. Evelyn is able to finish off the attack in
style, ending with a nice forced mate.
19. ... Qd7 20. Qb8+ Qd8 21. Nc7+ Kd7 22.
Qb5+ Kc8 23. Qa6+ Kd7 24. c6+! Kxd6
25. Nb5 mate.
Our final medal winner was FM Nico Chasin,
who also was not one of the favorites in his
section, the Under 12 Open. However, Nico
was ambitious from the start and succeeded
when he faced his first real challenge in round
five against fellow American FM Christopher
Yoo, the second overall seed. A clutch final
round win allowed Nico to reach 8½/11 and
take bronze thanks to good tiebreaks over
Arthur Guo (USA), who also finished with
8½/11 but had to settle for fourth place. Here’s
the final round game that got Nico to 8½:
(see game top of next column)
16. ... f5!
A useful move, taking space while giving
White the option to give up his advanced e-
pawn.
17. exf6 e.p.
The continuation 17. f4 Kd7 would be equal
but more comfortable for Black in the long
run, as White is stuck with a bad bishop.
17. ... Bxf6
The drawback of White’s choice is that now
the d4-pawn needs protection.
18. Nb3?!
The wrong way. The move 18. Nf3 was more
flexible, after which White is not worse.
18. ... b6!
Restricting the newly placed knight, which
is now really passive.
19. Rac1 Kd7! 20. f4 g6
Black’s last few moves have been all about
restriction, but the position has greatly im-
proved. Next is a transfer of the knight from
c7 to the much better square d6.
21. Ne2 Nb5 22. Bf2 Rac8 23. Rc2 Nd6
Stockfish points out a cute tactical idea: 23.
... Na5! 24. Rxc8 Rxc8 25. Nxa5 Rc2!, winning
back the piece and more.
24. Nd2?!
Blundering, though White was already in a
tough position.
24. ... Nxd4!

42 February 2019 | Chess Life


A well-calculated combination based on a
couple of important in-between checks.
25. Nxd4
Even worse is 25. Rxc8? which allows Black
to snag a piece: 25. ... Nxe2+ 26. Kh1 before
recapturing the rook: 26. ... Rxc8; 25. Bxd4
would be similar to the game after 25. ... Rxc2
26. Bxf6 Rxd2 27. Bxh8 Rxe2.
25. ... Bxd4 26. Bxd4
The try 26. Rxc8 shows the second point:
26. ... Bxf2+! 27. Rxf2 Rxc8 and Black has a
clean extra pawn.
26. ... Rxc2 27. Bxh8 Rxd2
Black has emerged a pawn up with a decisive
advantage, as Black’s pieces are also quite active.
28. Rf2 Rd3!



 for that, not counting the costs associated with
By FM AVIV FRIEDMAN
A
n annual ritual among the players,
parents, and coaches who regularly
attend World Youth events is to check
the FIDE calendar for upcoming venues.
Recently, when we saw that Greece was to host
the World Youth Chess Championships—the
flagship competition for youngsters ages 14-
18—for the sixth time since the start of the
millennium, we sighed with relief.
For the third time in a decade, the organ-
izers—headed by IO Nikos Kalesis—chose Porto
Carras, a resort complex on the northern coast
of the Aegean Sea, to host the 2018 event.
Organizers smartly stuck to the rule that you
need not change a winning team by appointing
IA Panagiotis Nikolopoulous (who was the chief
arbiter in the 2016 GM Magnus Carlsen-GM
Sergey Karjakin World Championship match),
tournament director IA Sotirios Logothetis, and
an able team of arbiters to once again be in
charge of officiating for the tournament.
Armed with this encouraging information—
and after many months of planning—the U.S.
team of 29 players, their families, four team
coaches, and yours truly as head of delegation
crossed the pond to partake in this year’s event,
held from October 19-31, 2018. While our
delegation was the third largest—after Russia
and the host federation of Greece—it wasn’t as
large as I had anticipated, and it did not include
International / World Youth and World Cadet
Not trading is a good decision, as Black’s
rook can be used to target White’s weaknesses.
29. Rc2 Nc4 30. Kf2 b5 31. Ke2 Re3+ 32.
Kf2 Rb3 33. Ke2 a5 34. Bc3 b4 35. axb4
axb4 36. Bd4 Kd6 37. Rc1 e5
The greedy 37. ... Nxb2 would allow some
unnecessary counterplay after 38. Be5+ Ke7
39. Rc7+ Kd8 40. Rxh7.
38. fxe5+ Nxe5 39. Rf1 Nc6 40. Bg7 d4 41.
Rb1 Kd5
It took Nico some time, but with methodical
technique he was eventually able to collect the
full point:
42. Kd2 Na5 43. Kc2 Re3 44. Rd1 b3+ 45.
Kc1 Nc6 46. Kd2 Nd8 47. Ra1 Nc6 48. Ra3
Re7 49. Bf6 Rf7 50. Bh4 Rb7 51. Bg3 Rb5
52. Bc7 Ke4 53. Bd6 Na5 54. Ra4 Kd5 55.
Ba3 Nc4+ 56. Kd3 Ne5+ 57. Ke2 Rb6 58.
many of our leading players. The main culprit
going to such a tournament, was the time of
year—the second half of October, when schools
are in full force.
If I asked you to guess how many of our 29
players were male or female, what would your
answer be? Certainly, in our male-dominated
game, many would assume that I am hinting
at some unevenness in my question, and so the
If I asked you to guess how many of our 29
players were male or female, what would
your answer be?
response might be lopsided in favor of the
males, but it was quite the opposite! Our team’s
composition was 23 girls, and only six boys!
No less incredible was the fact that 14 of our
girls, nearly half the team, were playing in the
Girls under 14.
A special treat awaited those who arrived a
bit earlier to overcome jet lag and acclimate.
The same venue hosted the European Chess
Club Cup—a team competition that sported
many elite players, including World Champion
Magnus Carlsen, who played for the Norwegian
club. Some of our youngsters (and parents!)
were elated to see Carlsen in action; some even
took photos with him.
The event was well run, as expected. Even
the gloomy weather favored us, with rain
falling at night, and a warm sun welcoming
Kd1 h5 59. Ra8 Nc4 60. Rd8+ Ke4 61. Bc5
Nxb2+ 62. Ke2 d3+ 63. Ke1 Rc6 64. Re8+
Kd5 65. Bf2 Re6+ 66. Rxe6 Kxe6 67. Kd2
Kd5 68. Kc3 Nd1+, White resigned.
All in all, it was a long and tough event. In
the “Best Team” competition, awarded to the
nation that scores the most gold medals (fol-
lowed by counting silver and bronze medals in
case of a tie), the USA placed third behind China
(first) and India (second), who each scored two
gold medals.
While we had some successes, quite a few
players, as usual, didn’t meet their own expecta-
tions. But the best part of this tournament, in
my opinion, was making memories and having
the chance to compete against the best players
from over 100 countries, all under one roof,
representing your flag.
everyone as soon as the day started. One oddity
worth mentioning: In accordance with the
relatively new FIDE anti-cheating measures,
players were inspected daily for electronics of
any kind, which were forbidden from the
playing hall. As Ambica Yellamraju, who played
in the Girls under 14, told me, even her shoes
were wanded when she was selected for a
random check! Of course, nothing was found,
and she was quickly cleared.
While our players didn’t win any medals this
year, I was extremely proud of them. Not only
did they lead by example of good sportsmanship,
but their fighting spirit was commendable.
Especially worthy of note are Cindy Zhang,
who in 11 games had 11 decisive games(!),
Albert Liang, Ashley Xing, Yassi Ehsani, Simona
Nayberg, Ari Hoesly, and Arya Kumar, with
only one draw in the entire competition.
Two players finished in the top 10:
Missourian Thalia Cervantes, in the Girls under
16 girls section, with 7½/11, and New Yorker
Evelyn Zhu, with a similar score in the Girls
under 14 girls. This was Thalia’s debut in a
World Youth event, and her fine score was in
line with her recent significant improvement.
See the following example of her aggressive
style of play:
www.uschess.org 43
International / World Youth and World Cadet
IN HER ELEMENT
WFM Thalia Cervantes Landeiro (FIDE 2129,
USA)
WFM Aashna Makhija (FIDE 2197, IND)
FIDE World Youth Chess Championships -
girls 16 (4), Chalkidiki, Greece, 10.22.2018
AFTER 9. ... Nxd5
Black just captured on d5 with his knight
instead of the much more natural e-pawn.
Perhaps she naively expected Thalia to sheep-
ishly defend c3. Thalia reacts correctly:
10. a3 Bxc3
Now White gets a fluid center, along with a
bishop pair for no compensation.
Maybe she was planning to play 10. ... Nxc3
11. axb4 Nxd1 12. bxa5 Nxb2, not realizing
that after 13. Bc3 her knight is toast; saving
the bishop for defensive purposes was the best
route 10. ... Be7!?.
11. bxc3 Qc7 12. c4 Nf6 13. Bd3 b6 14. 0-0
Nbd7
Black doesn’t have any apparent weaknesses,
but it is clear that it is White who’s having all
the fun. She has a lot of useful moves to choose
from and enjoys a pleasant space advantage.
What’s more, Black needs to calculate potential
pawn advances, especially d4-d5.
15. a4 Bb7 16. Re1 Rfd8
16. ... Rfe8 makes more sense; whenever
White might play d4-d5, Black would at least
have a say on the e-file.
17. Qe2 h6?!
This weakening of the kingside pawn struc-
ture is a testimony that Black is playing from
move to move, without a concrete plan.
18. a5 Bc6 19. h3 Qb7 20. a6
Not bad, but the challenging 20. Kh1 would
have proven Black’s shortcomings. After 20. ...
Bxf3 21. gxf3 White will use the g-file to
increase the pressure against the vulnerable
black king.
20. ... Qc7 21. Qe3 Kh8?!
At least Black could have played the more
useful 21. ... Re8.
44 February 2019 | Chess Life
22. Rac1 Rac8 23. Bc3 Qb8
This knee jerk reaction of moving the queen
away from the same file as the opponent’s rook
is the final mistake. Watch Thalia as she goes
into high gear:
24. d5! exd5 25. Ne5!
The superiority of the white pieces is evident.
It’s easy to optically appreciate how the board
is split in half from Black’s point of view: most
of her pieces are far deep on the queenside,
while her king is feeling lonely (and soon
drafty!) on the other side.
25. ... Kg8
No better is 25. ... Rf8 26. Nxd7.
26. Nxf7!
Thalia in her element.
26. ... Kxf7
After 26. ... Re8 27. Nxh6+ gxh6 28. Qxh6
is just overwhelming.
27. Qe6+ Kf8 28. Bg6, Black resigned.
Good job, Thalia!
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention nine-
year old Abhimanyu Mishra, our youngest team
member, who qualified to play in the World
Cadet, but chose to challenge himself by playing
in the under 14 open, with much older and
higher rated kids. Abhi, who recently became
the youngest chess master (and currently holds
the record for youngest chess expert), in the
history of US Chess, is a name to remember.
Super talented and always eager to improve,
his level and style of play are admirable! Enjoy
his second-round tour de force against an
unsuspecting opponent:
TOUR DE FORCE
Elbion Redenica (FIDE Unr., KOS)
CM Abhimanyu Mishra (FIDE 2149, USA)
FIDE World Youth Chess Championships -
open 14 (2), Chalkidiki, Greece, 10.21.2018
(see diagram top of next column)
AFTER 24. ... Bxd4
It only takes one look at the unmatched black
bishop on d4, to know that Black is for choice
here. White quickly moved his attacked rook
from g1, but perhaps he should have at least
tempted his opponent with a pseudo-sacrifice
of the Exchange:
25. Re1
In the continuation 25. exf5 Bxg1 26. fxe6
Rf2 27. Be2 Rxg2 28. e7 with ideas like Nd5
and Rf1, White has some fighting chances, but
of course, Black may just recapture calmly on
f5 instead. In the game Black simply pushes the
white army off the board.
25. ... f4
Now Black adds a mobile pawn majority on
the kingside to his list of advantages.
26. Qe2
The line 26. Nd5 Bxd5 27. cxd5 Be3 28. Rxe3
fxe3 29. Qxe3 Rf1 wasn’t much fun either.
26. ... g4 27. Nd5?
This impatient move simply hastens the end.
White should have suffered patiently with 27.
Rc2.
27. ... Bxd5 28. cxd5
The other capture, 28. exd5 would have been
answered the same way.
28. ... f3 29. gxf3 gxf3 30. Qc2
The continuation 30. Qd2 Rhg8 is also
curtains.
30. ... f2 31. Rf1 Be3
Abhi is cashing in on his fine work.
32. Bg4 Bxc1 33. Kxc1 c4
The prettiest of the available moves. The
black queen is coming to visit.
34. dxc4 Qe3+ 35. Kd1 Rf4 36. Qe2
The line 36. Bf5 Rxf5 37. exf5 Re8 would
have been a cute finish. For example: 38. Qxf2
(38. Qd2 Qe4 39. Rxf2 Qb1+ 40. Qc1 Re1+)
38. ... Qd3+ 39. Kc1 Qxc4+ 40. Kb1 Re2.
36. ... Qd4+ 37. Kc2 Rxe4
After 37. ... Rxg4 38. Qxg4 Qxc4+ and the
 International / World Youth and World Cadet

f1-rook is lost as well. This is a serious mistake. Now the e3-pawn

38. Qxf2 Qxf2+ 39. Rxf2 Rxc4+ 40. Kb3
Rxg4 41. Rf6 Rg5 42. Rxd6 Kc7 43. Re6



 falls, and the black pawn structure is very
unstable.
Rxd5 44. Re2 Rh5, White resigned. 

 18. Rxc3 Rd8 19. Qc1 Na6 20. 0-0 Nc7 21.
Very forceful play by young Abhi!
These games (and many more!) were
reviewed by our great group of team coaches
in our own private team room, where coached
players went to have their games analyzed. Our
dedicated coaches this year were GM John
Fedorowicz, GM Nick de Firmian, GM Robert
Hungaski, and IM Andranik Matikozyan, who
indefatigably prepared our players in the
morning as well. Halfway through the event,
on the evening of the free day, our entire
delegation enjoyed a delicious team dinner at
a popular seafood restaurant called Ta Kymata
(“The Waves” in Greek), located in Neos
Marmaras, a small, picturesque village adjacent
to the resort. This wonderful experience, which
helped bond the team and raised our spirits
and morale, was sponsored by a generous
donation from Two Sigma, one of the world’s
leading hedge funds. For the past four years,
Two Sigma also has provided our team with
lovely uniforms that are worn proudly by our
team members and coaches.
One of our team’s pre-tournament favorites
was Aydin Turgut, who in the past two years
played on top boards and was a candidate for a
medal. This year, he started strongly with 4½/5,
but a mid-tournament slump put an end to his
medal hopes. His third-round win against a
Romanian master, was a very interesting one,
where after a good opening, Aydin drifted into
a bad position, but tenaciously held, and even
managed to turn the tables after a hard fight:
NIMZO-INDIAN DEFENSE,
SÄMISCH VARIATION (E25)
FM Mihnea-Ionut Ognean (FIDE 2291, ROU)
Aydin Turgut (FIDE 2156, USA)
FIDE World Youth Chess Championships -
open 14 (3), Chalkidiki, Greece, 10.21.2018
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. f3 d5 5.
a3 Bxc3+ 6. bxc3 c5 7. cxd5 Nxd5 8. dxc5
f5
A contemporary line in the Nimzo-Indian.
White compromised his pawn structure, hoping
to open lines, and quickly develop his pieces.
Black stops the center advance of e2-e4, giving
up the e5-square forever. Now what?
9. c4?!
This natural alternative to 9. e4 is maybe the
first move one might look at, but it is not the
best here. The modest 9. Nh3 is better.
9. ... Qh4+
But this tempting move—again, maybe the
Once again, Two Sigma Investments
graciously sponsored our world
youth delegations. Their generous
donation made possible the team
uniforms as well as other items, such
as the team dinners, which enhanced
the experiences for our teams.
Two Sigma Investments was
founded in 2001 on the belief that
innovative technology and data
science could help discover value in
the world’s data. Today, Two Sigma
drives transformations in many
industries including investment
management and insurance.
first one a human would look at, is wrong as
well. Black should go for 9. ... Qf6! 10. Bg5
Qxg5 11. cxd5 0-0. Black has a significant lead
in development for his pawn. Practically
speaking, it is also a very testing position to
play as White if you’re not a computer.
10. g3 Qxc4 11. e4 Qc3+ 12. Bd2 Qe5
The last several moves were forced, and now
White is at a crossroads. At our team room in
real time, some coaches were looking at this
game, and the feeling was that Black is doing
well. The engine disagrees!
13. Rc1?!
The continuation 13. Bg2 fxe4 14. fxe4 0-0
is what was expected, and after 15. Ne2 Ne7,
White is slightly better after the simple: 16.
Rc1 Nbc6 17. Rf1!.
13. ... fxe4 14. f4 Qf6
Best here was 14. ... Qf5! stubbornly holding
on to the e4- pawn.
15. Ne2 0-0 16. Bg2 e3?!
Black goes for a brave, but faulty, plan. Better
was 16. ... Qf5 or 16. ... Qg6.
17. Bc3 Nxc3?
Rxe3 Nd5 22. Re5 Bd7 23. Nd4
Many players would have folded quickly in
this discouraging position as Black. Aydin puts
up a strong fight.
23. ... Rac8 24. Rfe1
Stronger was 24. Bh3!
24. ... Qf8 25. f5 Rxc5 26. Qb2 Nc7
The critical moment in the game, but White
loses his head, and misses a simple equalizing
tactic.
27. fxe6?
After 27. Nxe6 Rxe5 28. Qxe5 Bxe6 29. fxe6
Black’s position is hopeless.
27. ... Rxe5 28. Rxe5 Bxe6!
The weakness of White’s first rank saves
Black.
29. h4 Bc8 30. Qc3
White’s play from now on must have been
influenced by his realization of his previous
missed chance. Quickly matters go from bad to
worse, and he even manages to blunder and lose.
30. ... Qd6 31. Nf3?! Nd5 32. Qc4 Be6 33.
Kh2 h6
Black is up a pawn, but there is still a long
fight ahead. Instead of the logical 34. Qd4,
White overlooks a simple trick.
34. Qe4?? Nf6 35. Qf4 Ng4+ 36. Kg1
Nxe5 37. Nxe5 Qd4+ 38. Qxd4 Rxd4 39.
Bxb7 Ra4, White resigned.
Kudos to Aydin for keeping his composure
throughout!
Warm thanks for everyone in the delegation
for being part of this event: US Chess Director
of Events Boyd Reed; Grant Oen and Pete
Karagianis, also from US Chess, who worked
on the logistics of the team; all the coaches; the
aforementioned organizers; and once more to
Two Sigma, for their continuous support!
www.uschess.org 45
Solitaire Chess / Instruction
America’s Rising Star
A teenaged Fabiano Caruana shows enormous talent in this 2010
game.
By BRUCE PANDOLFINI
EVER SINCE HE FIRST CAME ON THE
scene, Fabiano Caruana has been breaking records
and making news. When he was a child, for
several years I had the pleasure of seeing his
progress in weekly chess lessons. His enormous
talent was immediately obvious and so was his
real passion for chess. This month’s game was
played in Fabiano’s late teenage years at the 2010
Reggio Emilia tournament. His opponent was
Konstantin Landa (Black). The game seemed to
be going fairly evenly, when Fabiano began a
plan of attack that soon became irresistible, thanks
to the American phenom’s precise execution.
PETROFF DEFENSE (C42)
GM Fabiano Caruana (FIDE 2652, ITA)
GM Konstantin Landa (FIDE 2664, RUS)
Torneo di Capodanno (9), Reggio Emilia,
Italy, 01.06.2010
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3
Nxe4 5. Nc3 Nxc3 6. dxc3 Be7
Now ensure that the above position is set up
on your chessboard. As you play through the
remaining moves in this game, use a piece of
paper to cover the article, exposing White’s next
46 February 2019 | Chess Life
move only after trying to guess it. If you guess
correctly, give yourself the par score. Sometimes
points are also awarded for second-best moves,
and there may even be bonus points—or deduc-
tions—for other moves and variations. Note that
** means that White’s move is on the next line.**
7. Be3 Par Score 5
With this move, White begins the plan of
castling queenside. Accept full credit for 7. Bd3
or 7. Bc4.  g5, but the h6-pawn now becomes a potential
7. … Nc6
Black also could have reasonably castled.**
8. Qd2 Par Score 5
Fabiano continues his queenside develop-
ment, with the idea of castling on that wing.
8. … Be6
Black, too, builds his game. The position is
about even. White has doubled c-pawns, but a
benefit is that he is able to use the center lines
for attack.**
9. 0-0-0 Par Score 5
As per plan, White castles. Add 1 bonus point if
you realized that 9. ... Bxa2 would be answered
by 10. b3, walling in the bishop.
9. … Qd7
With this move, Black also has the option
of castling queenside. The game is still fairly
level.**
10. Kb1 Par Score 5
A move often seen in similar positions and
indicative of Fabiano’s solid style. Before
proceeding he makes sure his king and a-pawn
are more secure.  has the more aggressive position and the better
10. … Bf6
Black begins to fight back in the center,
hoping to gain some space.**
11. h4 Par Score 5
The kingside assault begins, just in case Black
castles there.
11. … h6
This advance keeps the white pieces out of
weakness.**
12. Nd4 Par Score 5
Fabiano is very good at finding little moves
to improve his position. Now on 12. ... 0-0-0,
White has the annoying 13. Bb5 (1 bonus point). 
12. … Nxd4
Black decides to reduce the central tension
by exchanging a few pieces. With correct play,
the game is still roughly balanced.**
13. Bxd4 Par Score 5
Fabiano rejects straightening out his pawn
structure in favor of keeping open the center.
This is consistent with the way he’s played the
opening. 
13. … Bxd4
Black is hoping that with fewer pieces on
the board the position will be easier to hold.**
14. Qxd4 Par Score 5
Again, Fabiano uses the center for active
piece play. Black’s g7-pawn is now threatened.
14. … 0-0
Black defends the pawn by castling. White
 Solitaire Chess / Instruction

PROBLEM I PROBLEM II PROBLEM III

ABCs of Chess Mating net Mating net Mating net

These problems are all related to key

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

February Exercise: One way to study

chess is to find a player you like and
to try assimilating his or her style. That
typically means employing the same
openings and defenses, along with the
player’s main strategies, setups and PROBLEM IV PROBLEM V PROBLEM VI
maneuvers. But how can you go about Mating net Mating net Mating net
finding a suitable player to use as a
paradigm? You can get a sense for
competitive nature by determining the
usual number of moves players need
to win, lose, and draw. Surprisingly, this
average will provide an inkling of a
player’s fighting qualities, and that’s a
good thing to know about before
committing yourself any further.

chances, but Black can probably still hold it Black unveils the e-file for the rook. He also 22. … c5
together with accurate play.** is thinking about repositioning the bishop at This drives away the white queen, but it has
15. Rg1 Par Score 6 c6. But does he have the time?** a good place to retreat to.**
A nice attacking move. White positions the 19. g5 Par Score 5
23. Qd1 Par Score 5
king-rook to support the advance of the g-pawn.   White threatens 20. gxh6, when taking back Now the h-pawn is menacingly menaced. 
15. … Rae8 results in a devastating discovery along the g-
file (1 bonus point if you saw this). 23. … Rfe8
Black eyes possible play along the open e-
… Black is scrambling for defense and space.
file. But maybe a better idea was getting his 19. h5
But it’s all about to fall apart.**
queen into action, say 15. ... Qc6.** Black decides he must keep the g-file closed.**
24. Qxh5 Par Score 5
16. g4 Par Score 5 20. g6 Par Score 6
Once again, mate is threatened.
The kingside pawn storm proceeds. Notice, Don’t prepare to do later what you can do at
Fabiano doesn’t need to bring out his bishop, once! The g-pawn does not need direct support. 24. … fxg6
and now it has two diagonals to play with, f1- Give yourself  2 bonus points if you analyzed the Black stops the check at h7. White has several
a6 and f1-h3.  line 20. ... fxg6 21. Bd5+ Kh7 22. Rxg6 Kxg6 23. ways to win.**
16. … Qc6 Rg1+ Bg4 24. Rxg4+ hxg4 25. Qxg4+ Kh6 (25.
25. Rxe6 Par Score 7
... Kf6 26. Qg5 mate) 26. Qg5+ Kh7 27. Qh5 mate. 
Black aims to make his queen more meaning- A very nice finish! If 25. ... gxh5, then 26.
ful on the queenside. But it may be a little late.** 20. … Re7
Rxe7+.  If 26. ... Kf8, then 27. Rf7+ Kg8 28.
17. Bg2 Par Score 5 This defends f7, but a better try was 20. ... Rf5+ Re6 29. Bxe6+ Kh7 30. Rxh5 mate (1
Bc6. Nonetheless, White would still have the bonus point); if 26. ... Kh8, then 27. Rxe8+ Kh7
Black needs to get some counterplay and fast.   attack.**
28. Bg8+ Kh8 29. Bf7+ Kh7 30. Bg6+ Kh6 31.
17. … Qa6 Rh8 mate (1 bonus point); if 26. ... Kh7, then 27.
21. Bd5 Par Score 5
Black doubles down on his attack against the Rgxg7+ Kh6  28. Rh7+ Kg6 29. Be4+ Kf6 30.
The threat is now to capture on f7, 22. gxf7+, Rhf7 mate (1 bonus point). White could have
a-pawn. This time, however, his threat seems
with mate to follow on g7 (1 bonus point). played 25. Rxg6 (5 points partial credit), when
more serious.**
21. … Be6 25. ... Bxd5 is answered by 26. Qxd5+, but that
18. b3 Par Score 5
would have been prosaic compared to Fabiano’s
PHOTO CREDIT:

Black tries to bolster f7 and end the pin. But

Fabiano stops the invasion, once and for all. ingenious finish. Accordingly ...
the attempt doesn’t quite succeed.**
Now he continues with his own kingside 25. … Black resigned.
campaign.  22. Rde1 Par Score 6
18. … Bd7 Fabiano pins the black bishop. See scoring box on page 71.

www.uschess.org 47
The Practical Endgame / Instruction
Procrastinate at Your
Own Risk
When you sense that the result of the game is hanging in the
balance, do not put off important decisions.
By GM DANIEL NARODITSKY
CHESS PLAYERS OFTEN ASSUME THAT
blitz games, entertaining as they are, carry little
instructional value. It seems to me that this
assumption is motivated by two considerations.
The first one is self-evident: the quality of the
game is necessarily circumscribed by the time
control, which affords virtually no possibility for
deep calculation. The second reason is that top
players are unlikely to reveal their main opening
preparation in a blitz game, and they are also
unlikely to treat the game with quite the same
level of intensity as they would a classical game.
But there are games that defy both of these
considerations. In today’s column, we examine
just such an exception: a tremendously instruc-
tive endgame that featured objectively powerful
chess and supreme fighting spirit from both
players. Make no mistake (no pun intended):
mistakes were made, in non-trivial quantities.
But as we have previously discussed, learning
from others’ mistakes while reclining in a
comfortable armchair can be equally effective—
and certainly more fun—than drawing lessons
from our own failings at the board.
FIGHTING SPIRIT
GM Hikaru Nakamura (FIDE 2893, USA)
GM Wesley So (FIDE 2771, USA)
India Chess International Blitz open,
Kolkata, India, 11.13.2018
(see diagram top of next column)
We join the battle in a position that looks
about as interesting as, uh, one of the chapters
in Moby Dick on the art of whaling. However,
a quick draw is not in Hikaru’s vocabulary, and
he finds the only way to inject a modicum of
life into the position:
48 February 2019 | Chess Life
AFTER 21. ... Rd8
22. Qf3!
That’s right, take the queens off the board
and we have ourselves a ballgame!
22. ... Qxf3 23. gxf3
The queen trade has not altered the objective
evaluation, but it has confronted Black with
a concrete problem: once he moves the knight,
his queenside pawns will find themselves in a
rather uncomfortable position. Not only does
Nxa7 become possible, but also a rook infiltra-
tion to the seventh rank can lead to even
greater material losses. Sensing the danger,
Wesley decides to move the knight with
tempo:
23. ... Ne5!
Now, 24. Nxa7 leads exactly nowhere due
to 24. ... Rd2, when it is White who must worry
about maintaining the balance.
24. f4
Hikaru chases away the knight and renews
the aforementioned threats.
24. ... Nf3+?!
Believe it or not, this natural-looking move
is the source of all of Black’s subsequent difficulties.
But, as a matter of fact, it does not give away the
draw. Rather, it makes the draw harder to find.
From a conceptual standpoint, the problem with
this move is that the knight will have an extremely
difficult time reentering the game, saddling the
rook with a herculean defensive task. To this
end, the most convincing path to a draw was 24.
... Nd3, a move that Wesley almost certainly
rejected on account of 25. Rd1 (The line 25. Rc7
a6 26. Na7!? is an interesting try, but after 26. ...
Nb4! 27. Rxe7 Rd1+ 28. Kg2 Rd2 it is once again
White who must tread carefully), creating a
deeply unpleasant pin along the d-file. To Black’s
rescue, however, comes a pretty tactical resource:
25. ... Rd5! 26. Nxa7 (26. Nc3 Rd7 with ... Nc5
to follow is an immediate draw) 26. ... Nxf4!,
restoring material equality and unpinning the
rook. Following 27. Rxd5 Nxd5, White can try
to create an outside passed pawn with 28. Nc8!?,
but after 28. ... b5 29. a4 bxa4 30. bxa4 Kf6 31.
Kg2 Ke6 Black’s active pieces more than
compensate for the passed a-pawn. If anybody
must exercise caution, it is White.
25. Kg2 Nh4+ 26. Kf1

Practicum
Each month GM Naroditsky will present
two problems taken from actual games
that illustrate the theme of this month’s
column. Your task is to find the best line
of play. Problem I should be solveable by
a player at roughly a 1500 rating and
Problem II by a player roughly at a 2000
rating.
See the solutions on page 71.
Black has succeeded in disentangling his
knight, but now he needs to make a pivotal
decision between the measured 26. ... Rd7 and
the more active, but potentially more dangerous,
26. ... Rd2. The correct move keeps objective
equality, but that is beside the point. By taking
the most precise route two moves earlier,
Wesley could have avoided this decision in the
first place. This leads me to an important
observation, which I have shared before in this
column and which I originally heard from my
coach GM Lev Psakhis: When you are fight-
ing to make a draw, it is important to dem-
onstrate precision from the get-go. By
procrastinating, you will make the draw
harder and harder to attain, and risk totally
losing control over the position.
26. ... Rd7?
In a blitz game, it is incredibly difficult to
resist this move. However, with the knight
offsides, White is afforded a golden opportunity.
After 26. ... Rd2!, White simply does not have
enough firepower to keep his own queenside
together, and he has nothing better than to
settle for 27. a4 Rb2! 28. Nxa7 (28. Rc3 Rb1+
29. Ke2 Rb2+ and White should not avoid the
perpetual) 28. ... Rxb3 29. Nc8 Nf5! 30. Rc6
Rb1+ 31. Kg2 Rb2 and Black musters up just
enough activity to keep things together.
27. Rc7?
Hikaru responds with an instructive mistake
in his own right. The logic behind this move is
ironclad: White eliminates the piece that keeps
Black’s position together, leaving him with a
terribly awkward knight and a wide-open
queenside. However, this move fails concretely,
as Black has just enough time to bring his knight
back into the game. The cold-blooded 27. Ke2!,
defending the d2-square and preparing Rc8,
would have essentially compelled Black to enter
an extremely unpleasant rook ending with 27.
... Nf5 28. Rc8 Nd6 29. Nxd6 exd6. His drawing
chances here are excellent, but defending this
position in a blitz game is no trivial task.
PROBLEM I: 1500 LEVEL
GM Wesley So (2808)
GM Santosh Gujrathi Vidit (2660)
India Chess International, 2018
WHITE TO MOVE
27. ... Rxc7 28. Nxc7 Nf3
The move 28. ... Nf5 was slightly more
circumspect, but Wesley has the right idea.
29. Ke2 Ng1+ 30. Kf1 Nf3
Not falling for the prosaic trap 30. ... Nxh3??
31. Kg2.
31. Nb5 a5 32. Ke2 Ng1+ 33. Kf1 Nf3
He doesn’t fall for it again!
34. Nc7 e6
Stopping Nd5. White’s problem is that the
knight, as a general rule, is not particularly good
at hunting down pawns. Hikaru can—and does—
force the pawns onto more vulnerable positions,
but the possibility of ... Nd2+ means that White’s
pawns are not safe either.
35. Ke2 Ng1+ 36. Kf1 Nf3 37. Na8 b5 38.
Ke2 Ng1+ 39. Kf1 Nf3 40. Nc7 b4 41. Ne8+
Kf8 42. Nd6
It is in this position that GM Psakhis’ maxim
truly shines through. Hikaru has finally
succeeded in forcing Black’s pawns onto
extremely vulnerable squares, and he threatens
to pick one of them off with Nc4 or Nb7. If
the a5-pawn falls, it will only be a matter of
time until White creates a passed pawn on the
queenside, effectively deciding the game. From
the computer’s perspective, nothing special has
occurred: yes, Wesley played imprecisely here
and there, but the correct move in this position
keeps the balance. And therein lies the rub:
The Practical Endgame / Instruction
PROBLEM II: 2000 LEVEL
GM Hikaru Nakamura (2893)
GM Wesley So (2771)
India Chess International, 2018
BLACK TO MOVE
from a human perspective, with seconds remain-
ing on the clock, it is virtually impossible to
unearth the correct move. Doing so requires
following a complex logical process that will
take even a top grandmaster several minutes.
In fact, you, dear reader, will have the opportu-
nity to find this move in the second exercise.
Suffice it to say that all of the preceding draws—
whether 24. ... Nd3 or 26. ... Rd2—were
incomparably more straightforward.
42. ... Nd2+?
Wesley maneuvers his knight to c3, from
where it will pick off the a2-pawn and keep b4
defended. However, the b4-pawn will become
easy pickings for the king and knight.
43. Ke2 Nb1 44. Nc4 Nc3+ 45. Kd3 Nxa2
46. Nxa5 Ke7 47. Kc4
The game is effectively over. Black is
completely tied up, so White can slowly maneu-
ver his knight around to d3. After the booty
has been secured, the extra passed pawn decides
in straightforward fashion.
47. ... Kd7 48. Nb7 Nc3 49. Nc5+
The immediate 49. Kxb4 also did the trick,
but Hikaru prefers to err on the side of caution.
49. ... Kc6 50. Nd3 Nd1 51. Nxb4+ Kd6 52.
Nd3 f6 53. b4 g5 54. fxg5 fxg5 55. Kb3!
The last finesse.
55. ... h5 56. Kc2 g4 57. Kxd1 gxh3 and
Black resigned.
www.uschess.org 49
 2019
World Amateur Team
U.S. Amateur Team
Championship East

February 16-18, 2019

Parsippany Hilton, 1 Hilton Court,
Parsippany, NJ 07054

See TLA section of this issue

for complete details.
Please bring your set and clock
(and teammates!).
50 January 2019 | Chess Life
 Grand Prix / Junior Grand Prix

2018 US CHESS GRAND PRIX STANDINGS

NAME STATE PTS. 2018 AWARDS
1 GM FIDEL CORRALES JIMENEZ MO 352.98
2
3
GM ALEKSANDR LENDERMAN
GM ALEXANDER SHABALOV
NY
PA
271.68
235.97
$ 12,500
4 GM SERGEY ERENBURG PA 229.41
IN CASH PRIZES!
5 GM ILLIA NYZHNYK MO 226.80 FIRST PRIZE: $5,000!
6 GM TIMUR GAREYEV KS 212.46
7 GM ALEX SHIMANOV MO 193.41
2nd: $2,500 | 3rd: $1,000

8 GM SAMUEL SEVIAN MA 179.97

4th: $900 | 5th: $800

9 IM JOHN DANIEL BRYANT CA 169.15

6th: $700 | 7th: $600

10 GM ALEXANDER FISHBEIN NJ 161.59

8th: $500 | 9th: $300

11 GM JOHN MICHAEL BURKE NJ 156.11 10th: $200

12 GM ANDREY STUKOPIN TX 154.12
13 MIKA BRATTAIN MA 131.17
14 IM JAY RICHARD BONIN NY 127.53
The Grand Prix point totals reflect all
15 GM RUIFENG LI TX 127.12 rated event information as of January 8,
2019 for the 2018 Grand Prix.

2018 US CHESS JUNIOR GRAND PRIX STANDINGS

The top prize for 2018 is 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 2019 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.
GANGAVARAPU, SREEKAR IL 12858 MU, GRANT IN 5357 HENDERSON, JORDAN OR 4269
KUNAMNENI, MEGHANA MA 12082 ZENG, SHEENA KS 5705 LIU, ENMON PA 6734
SHANKAR, PRANAV NJ 11868 SHAWKAT, SAIF KY 6254 VAIJAEEPAY, VAISHNAVI RI 5038
FAN, JERRY NY 10297 MAYEUX, BENJAMIN THOMAS LA 4682 WEBB, NIKOLAI SC 1943
PHAM, LINDA IL 10224 KUNAMNENI, SUJAY MA 6732 TAO, ARTHUR SD 1366
GUO, ANDREW MD 6759 LI, ADAM TERR 2913
State Leaders State Pts. KALLOOR, DENNIS ME 3842 ZHAO, ERIC TN 4600
BRUNI, XAVIER AL 3119 SONG, JUSTIN MI 7781 OBEROI, SHELEV TX 7475
ORTIZ, PAULO AR 3518 KONEZNY, STUART MN 3936 RAY, UJAN UT 5581
REMPE, LENNIK AZ 5914 ZHOU, CELINA MO 8633 TAY, BRIAN VA 8400
RAJARAM, ANIKA CA-N 6660 GRIFFIN, GABRIEL MS 4693 COLLINS, ALEXANDER VT 3238
ANDRANIGIAN, ARMEN CA-S 7678 WALTHALL, THOMAS KASEY MT 4450 VEMPARALA, NIKASH WA 6239
AL-ADSANI, SAMI W CO 2543 DURBHA, ANTARA NC 6931 PHIPPS, DANIEL WI 6911
SU, JASMINE ZHIXIN CT 5524 WICKLUND, JOHN ND 852 ELLIS, ANYA WV 2182
STEINER, ADAMSON DC 7205 KOLLI, SAI NE 4009 MARES, ISAIAH WY 501
LUO, TERRY DE 8081 TIRUVEEDHULA, SUHAVI NH 2899
WU, DERRICK K FL 8566 SURALIK, DIANA SOPHIA NJ 9272
MYDUKUR, AMIT GA 8053 LUO, DANIEL NM 2190
CHEN, MARK Y A HI 4669 BAO, CHRIS NV 2559
LODH, ANJALI IA 5458 CHEUNG, RYAN NY 9936
SHEPARD, RIVER CHARLES ID 3278 SONI, ARJUN GORAKH OH 7664
CHIFLIKYAN, MICHAEL IL 9236 BARNES, MAXWELL OK 3276
Official standings for events received and processed by January 8, 2019.

51 October
July
August
2018
2017
2018
| Chess
| |Chess
Chess
LifeLife
Life www.uschess.org 51
Tournament Life / February

Bids
Note: Organizers previously awarded options
for US Chess National Events must still submit

National Events
Note: Tournament memberships not valid for National events
proposals (including sample budgets) for their
events.
OVERDUE BIDS
Please contact the National Office if you are
See TLA in this issue for details interested in bidding for a National Event. US
Chess recommends that bids be submitted
2019 U.S. Amateur Team Championship - North February 15-17 or 16-17 • according to the following schedule. However,
Schaumburg, Illinois bids may be considered prior to these dates.
2019 U.S. Amateur Team Championship - East February 16-18 • Parsippany, New Jersey US Chess reserves the right to decline all bids
2019 U.S. Amateur Team Championship - West February 16-18 or 17-18 • Santa Clara, and organize the event itself.
California For our expanded list of national events
2019 U.S. Junior Chess Congress February 23-24 • Cypress, California available for bid, see: www.uschess.org/con
tent/view/12116/705/.
2019 National High School (K-12) Championship March 15-17 • Schaumburg, Illinois
2019 All-Girls National Championships April 12-14 • Chicago, Illinois RATING SUPPLEMENTS
Rating supplements will be updated EACH
2019 National Junior High School (K-9) Championships April 26-28 • Grapevine, Texas
MONTH on the US Chess website, and each
2019 U.S. Women’s Open June 11-12 • Las Vegas, Nevada monthly rating supplement will be used for all
2019 National Open June 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 or 15-16 • Las Vegas, Nevada tournaments beginning in that month, unless
otherwise announced in Chess Life. The US Chess
2019 U.S. Senior Open June 28-30 • Naperville, Illinois
website at www.uschess.org also frequently lists
2019 U.S. Junior Open June 28-30 • Naperville, Illinois unofficial ratings. The purpose of unofficial rat-
ings is to inform you of your progress; however,
most tournaments do not use them for pairing
FUTURE EVENTS (Watch for details) or prize purposes. If you would otherwise be
2019 National Elementary School (K-6) Championships May 10-12 • Nashville, Tennessee unrated, organizers may use your unofficial rating
2019 U.S. Cadet (Invitational) Championship June 20-23 • Milpitas, California at their discretion, even without advance publicity
of such a policy.
2019 U.S. Game/10 Championship July 26 • Charlotte, North Carolina
2019 U.S. Game/30 Championship July 27 • Charlotte, North Carolina NOTE
The TLA pages “Information for Organizers,
2019 U.S. Game/60 Championship July 28 • Charlotte, North Carolina
TDs, and Affiliates” and “Information for Play-
120th annual (2019) U.S. Open August 3-11 • Orlando, Florida ers” can now be found online at main.uschess.org/
2019 U.S. Class Championships September 27-29 • Santa Clara, California go/tlainfo.
2019 K-12 Grade Championships December 13-15 • Lake Buena Vista, Florida PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS HEALTH AND
2020 Pan-American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championship December 27-30 • Char- BENEFITS FUND
lotte, North Carolina Many Grand Prix tournament organizers will
contribute $1 per player to the Professional
2020 National High School (K-12) Championship April 3-5 • Memphis, Tennessee
Health & Benefits Fund. All Grand Prix tour-
2020 National Junior High School (K-9) Championships April 24-26 • Jacksonville, Florida naments which participate in this program are
2020 National Elementary School (K-6) Championships May 8-10 • Nashville, Tennessee entitled to be promoted to the next higher
Grand Prix category—for example, a six-point
121st annual (2020) U.S. Open August 8-16 • Saint Charles, Missouri tournament would become a 10-point (Enhanced)
2020 K-12 Grade Championships December 11-13 • Orlando, Florida tournament. Points in the top category are pro-
2021 SuperNationals VII May 7-9 • Nashville, Tennessee moted 50%.
122nd annual (2021) U.S. Open July 31-August 8 • Cherry Hill, New Jersey ATTENTION AFFILIATES
2021 K-12 Grade Championships December 3-5 • Orlando, Florida US Chess has partnered with R.V. Nuccio &
Associates Insurance Brokers, Inc. to provide
2022 National High School (K-12) Championship April 8-10 • Memphis, Tennessee US Chess affiliates with affordable annual lia-
2022 National Junior High School (K-9) Championships April 29-May 1 • Grapevine, Texas bility and short term event insurance. The
liability coverage is available for approximately
2022 National Elementary School (K-6) Championships May 13-15 • Columbus, Ohio
$265 per year for a $1,000,000 limit of insur-
123rd annual (2022) U.S. Open July 29-August 7 • Rancho Mirage, California ance. Also available is contents property and
2022 K-12 Grade Championships December 9-11 • National Harbor, Maryland bonding insurance. For more information, please
go to www.rvnuccio.com/chess-federation.html. For
2023 National Elementary School (K-6) Championships May 12-14 • Baltimore, Maryland
event insurance, please go to www.rvnuccio.com.
2023 K-12 Grade Championships December 15-17 • Washington, District of Columbia

52 February 2019 | Chess Life


Nationals
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
FEB. 15-17 OR 16-17, ILLINOIS
2019 U.S. AMATEUR TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - NORTH
Open: 5SS, G/90+30/increment, 2-day: rd.1-2 G/60 d5. Hyatt Regency
Schaumburg, 1800 E. Golf Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60173. 847-605-1234, $100.00
chess rate single-double-triple-quad until 2/4/19, Free WiFI included with
Room! Please reserve early. Open to 4 player teams with one optional
alternate. Team average (4 highest ratings - January Rating List)
must be under 2200. EF: 3-day $160, per team if received USPS or online
6 PM by February 1st, $180 if received USPS or on-line 6 PM by Feb. 9,
$200 on-line until Feb. 15 6 PM and at door. Individuals wishing to play
(note: we can guarantee you will play, but won’t guarantee which schedule
or the ratings of your team), send $50 and request to be put on a team by
USPS and on-line by 2/10 6 PM, $60 thereafter. Team changes on site or
after 2/15 6 PM $20. Check out official website www.chessweekend
.com for more info and complete prize list. Prizes: Awards to top 3
teams, top teams with average rating u1900, u1600, u1300, and U1000.
Winning team qualifies for national play-offs. Awards for Best Team Name,
best team composed of juniors (high school and younger), Top College
team, Top HS team, Top Senior team (50 and over), Top Mixed doubles
team, Best costume or theme. Prizes to top score on each board. Prizes
are Amazon gift cards. Rounds: 3-day: onsite registration/check-in 5:30-
6:30pm, rds.: 7pm, 10:00am & 4:00pm, 10:00am & 3:30pm. 2-day: on-site
registration/check-in from 8:00-9:30am, rds. 10:00am & 1:00pm then merge
with 3-day. Midwest Blitz Championship on Saturday night, $550 b/30
entries, $25 by 2/13 USPS or on-line, $30 at site. First round 8 PM, 2 games
with each opponent, 5 rounds, see www.chessweekend.com for details.
All: Register at www.kingregistration.com after 11/15/18. Checks
made payable to and sent to: ChessWeekend, 21694 Doud Ct., Frankfort,
IL 60423. Please include team’s name and roster (plus ID#), captain’s
email and phone number, and desired schedule. Info: www.chessweekend
.com, glenn@chessweekend.com no phone calls please. Boards and Sets
will be provided, please bring clocks.
A Heritage Event!
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
FEB. 16-18, NEW JERSEY
WORLD AMATEUR TEAM & 2019 U.S. TEAM EAST
CHAMPIONSHIP
6SS, 40/2, SD/30 delay 5. Parsippany Hilton 1 Hilton Ct., Parsippany,NJ
07054. Chess Rate valid until 1/17. Reserve early 973-267-7373 or 1-
800-HILTONS. Morris/Essex train to Morris Plains 1.5 miles. Open to 4-
player teams with one optional alternate. Team average (4 highest rat-
ings—2019 January Rating list) must be under 2200. EF: $199 postmarked
by 2/5/19. ALL-$240 after or at door.—all teams, any changes at site $25
charge. ENTRY MAXIMUM IS 325 TEAMS. Enter early! Check out official
website www.njscf.org. Prizes: 1-5th Place teams, plaque and 4 digital
clocks; Top Team (Denis Barry Award) U2100, 2000, 1900, 1800, 1700,
1600, 1500, 1400, 1300, 1200, 1000 each plaque and 4 Digital Clocks;
Top college team (same school) 4 Digital Clocks & plaque ; Top HS team
(grades 9-12 same school), Top Middle School (grades 5-9 same school),
Top Elementary School (grades K-6 same school), Top 2 Scholastic Teams
(mixed schools okay) (Collins Award), Mixed Doubles (2 males, 2 females-
no alternates), Seniors (all players over age 50), Military, each plaque & 4
Digital Clocks to top team; Company Team (same employer), Family (4
family members), State teams—CT, DE, MD, MA, NJ, NY (Benjamin
Award), PA, VA, each plaque top team ; Special Plaque: Top Future team,
(all players under age 10), Top Military College, Top Parent/Child (2
pairs, one parent, one child), Best Player 1-4 and top alternate, All 6-0
scores each Digital clock. Biggest Individual upset each round Engraved
Cross pen; Entry fee refunded to team with Best “Chess related” name,
Sunday night— Best “Chess Related costumes or gimmick”—1st-gourmet
dinner for four. 2nd—Gourmet dinner for 4. Reg. 9-12 Sat 2/16: Rds. 1-
7:30, 11-6, 9-3:30. Surprises and special give-aways each round.
Sunday night—Bughouse $20 per team. Cash prizes. HR: Parsippany Hilton
NEWLY RENOVATED! NEW LIGHTS! HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING!
Chess rates expire 1/17/2019. Rates $123(Single, Double) $125 (Triple,
Quad) 2nd hotel attached to Hilton $130 per night (Single-Double) $132
(Triple, Quad)-Hampton Inn—-includes breakfast each day. For help
forming teams and more information contact: noreenchess@gmail.com.
Chks payable to NJSCF, mail by 2/05/19 to: NJSCF, 17 Stonehenge
Road, Morristown, NJ 07960. (Include Team name, Captain, players full
names, USCF Expiration, ID numbers and ratings in board order). No team
can include more than two GM’s. Include SASE for confirmation if wanted,
No registered or certified mail accepted. W.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
FEB. 16-18 OR 17-18, CALIFORNIA, NORTHERN
2019 (35TH ANNUAL) U.S. AMATEUR TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
- WEST
Scholastic on Feb. 16 only, Blitz on Feb 18 only. Santa Clara Convention
Center, 5001 Great America Pkwy. Free Parking! Teams: Four-player teams
plus optional alternate, average rating of four highest must be under 2200,
difference between ratings of board 3 & 4 must be less than 1000. January
2018 Supplement, CCA min, & TD discretion used to place players accurately.
Main Event Prizes: Special 4 commemorative clocks and team trophy to
the team for Top 3 overall teams, top team u2000, u1800, u1600, u1400,
and u1200. Trophies to all players of the top “Female” team, top “College”
team, top “High School” team, top “Elementary School” team, top “Club”
team, and top “Family” team. Clocks to top scorer on each board (1-4),
trophy to top reserve as well as second and third scorers on each board
(1-4). Gift certificates for best 3 team names. Main Event EF: $299/team
or $79/player by 2/10. 2/11-15: $20 extra per player or $80 per team &
Onsite. A change fee equal to the late fee will apply for any changes, other
than bye requests within 3 days of the tournament. 3-day Sched: Onsite
Registration @ Sat 9-10a, Round Times @ Sat & Sun 11a 4:30p, Mon 10a
3:30p. Time Control: 40/120 SD/30 d5. 2-day Sched: Onsite Registration
@ Sun 8-8:30a, Round Times @ Sun 9a 11:30a 2p 4:30p; Mon 10a 3:30p.
Time Control: G/61 d5 in Rounds 1-3, 40/120 SD/30 d5 in Rounds 4-6
(merge in Round 4 with 3-day schedule). Info/flyer: www.BayArea
See previous issue for TLAs appearing February 1-14
The Tournament Announcements on the following pages are provided for the convenience of US Chess members and for
informational purposes only. Unless expressly indicated otherwise, neither US Chess nor Chess Life warrants the accuracy of
anything contained in these tournament announcements. Those interested in additional information about or having questions
concerning any of these tournaments are directed to contact the organizer listed. Chess Life will exercise all due diligence in
providing accurate typesetting of non-camera-ready copy but assumes no responsibility for errors made in such work.
Effective with TLAs submitted after November 10, 2010, the following additional rules apply to Grand Prix
tournaments: 1) The guaranteed first prize must be at least $150. 2) No more than one prize under $100 may count
towards the Grand Prix point total. 3) Prizes below the maximum entry fee do not count towards the Grand Prix point
total. Also include full time control noting increment or time delay even if delay is zero (d0).
US Chess Junior Grand Prix: A Junior Grand Prix event must have four or more rounds with a time control
greater than 65 min. Please see: www.uschess.org/data page/JGP-Rules.php for complete Rules.
SUBMISSIONS: E-mail your TLA to: tla@uschess.org (Joan DuBois). For tla deadline schedule, formatting help and Grand
Prix information check www.uschess.org/go/tlainfo and “Advertising” at uschess.org. Payment can be done online through
the TD/Affiliate area or sent to: US Chess, TLA Dept., PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557.
Note: US Chess Junior Grand Prix events do not have to necessarily be Scholastic or Youth tournaments. They do,
however, have to have the required number of rounds and time control in order for scholastic and youth players to
gain JGP points for prizes. For more information, please see the JGP rules at http://www.uschess.org/ datapage/JGP-
Rules.php.
Chess.com/usatw. Scholastic Event Prizes: Trophies to each player in a commemorative medal! Full list of trophies on tournament info page.
Top 3 teams overall, Top u1200 team, u900 team, u600 team, u300 team. Side Events: 1. Blitz Tournament: 18 & Under, 12 & Under, G/5 d0, Sat-
Trophies to top “Girls” team, top “School” team, and top “Club” team. urday 8pm, Reg. onsite until 7:30pm. Blitz EF: $20 by 2/9/19, $25 on
Trophies to top two scorers on each board (1-4). Commemorative medals 2/10/19 or after. Trophies: Top 5 in each section. 2. Calculation Exercises
to all others. Scholastic Event EF: $179/team or $49/player by 2/11. Tournament: Saturday 8pm, Sections: Open and Under 1200. Reg. onsite
2/12-17: $15 extra per player or $60 per team & Onsite. Sched: Onsite until 7:30pm. EF: $25 by 2/9/19, $30 on 2/10/19 or after. Puzzle Solving
Registration: Sat 8-9a | Games @ Sat 10a 11:30a 1p 2:20p 3:40p. Info/flyer: Awards: Trophies to top 5 in each section. 3. Saturday K/8 Non-Rated
www.BayAreaChess.com/usatws. Blitz Event: Registration Mon 6-7pm, Capture The King Tournament (For Beginning Players): For players
Rounds 7:30-9:30pm. EF: $14, $16 onsite. 75% of entry fees returned as never playing in a tournament, or maybe 1 tournament but not sure they
prizes. Contact: Organized by Judit Sztaray. Directed by Tom Langland, are ready to compete in Main Event. No USCF membership req’d. 5 Rd-
John McCumiskey, and others. Sponsored by Bay Area Chess. Online entry DSS (Play each opponent twice). Rounds: 9:30am, 10:45am, 12:45pm,
at www.BayAreaChess.com/my/usatw or mail to Bay Area Chess, 2050 2pm, 3:15pm.. Trophies: Top 5 Individual + 1st Place Club (2 players
Concourse Drive #42, San Jose, CA 95131. For questions or help in forming needed, top 2 scores count). EF: $30 by 2/9/19, $40 on 2/10/19 or after.
teams email ask@BayAreaChess.com. W. 4. Sunday Under 800 USCF Rated Tournament: Grades K/12, USCF
membership req’d. Ratings on 2/20/19 will be official ratings used for
US Chess Junior Grand Prix! this tournament. G/30 d5. 5 Rounds: 9:30am, 10:45am, 12:45pm, 2pm,
FEB. 23-24, CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN 3:15pm. Trophies: Top 5 Individual, 1st and 2nd Place Under 400, + 1st
2019 U.S. JUNIOR CHESS CONGRESS Place Club (2 players needed, top 2 scores count). EF: $35 by 2/9, $45 on
5SS, G/90 d5. Cypress Community Center; 5700 Orange Ave., Cypress, CA 2/10/19 or after. General Questions: Joe Hanley at 714-925-3195.
90630 6 Sections. 6 & Under, 8 & Under, 10 & Under, 12 & Under. 14 & Registration: https://www.hanleychessacademy.com/2019NJCC.html.
Under, 16/18 & Under (merged but with separate awards). February 2019 See website for all information, rules & notes about the event, advance
Rating Supplement will be used. Only one 1/2-point bye available, any entries, awards, tournament rules/notes, and flyer. https://www.hanley-
round except Round 5, if requested prior to the start of Rd. 1. Team score chessacademy.com/2019NJCC.html
= total of top three (minimum two) finishers from each club. First place
individual and team, including ties, will be the National Champion for their US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
grade. Schedule: Opening ceremony Saturday 9am. Rds.: Saturday 9:30am, MAR. 15-17, ILLINOIS
1pm, 4:30pm, Sunday 9:30am, 1:30pm. Awards Ceremony: Approximately 2019 NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL (K-12) CHAMPIONSHIP
5 minutes after completion of final game in that section. EF: $60/participant 7SS, G/120 d5. Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center, 1551
postmarked or online by 12/20/19, $75 postmarked or online from 12/21/18 N. Thoreau Dr., Schaumburg, IL 60173. Hotel Chess Rate $139 single/double,
– 2/9/19, $90 on 2/10/19 or after; $10.00 extra for all phone registrations; $159 triple/quad. Guest rooms may be booked, NLT 2/19/2019 by calling
$20 fee for roster or section changes after 2/22/19 or any onsite changes. (847) 303-4100 or (800) 468-3571, mention “US Chess”, or online at:
Onsite registration Saturday 2/23/19 from 8am – 8:45am. Awards: https://book.passkey.com/go/USChess2019. 6 Sections: K-12 Championship,
Trophies to top individuals & top clubs in each grade. Every player receives K-12 U1900, K-12 U1600, K-12 U1200, K-12 U800 and K-12 Unrated. March
TOURNAMENT LIFE: ABBREVIATIONS & TERMS
All tournaments are non-smoking with no computers allowed unless otherwise advertised.
BLZ: Blitz rated. Memb. Membership required; cost follows. Usually refers
QC: Quick Chess events. req’d: to state affiliate.
$$Gtd: Guaranteed prizes. Open: A section open to all. Often has very strong
players, but some eligible for lower sections can
$$b/x: Based-on prizes, x = number of entries needed to play for the learning experience.
payfull prize fund. At least 50% of the advertised
prize fund of $501 or more must be awarded. Quad: 4-player round robin sections; similar strength
players.
Bye: Indicates which rounds players who find it
inconvenient to play may take 1⁄2-point byes RBO: Rated Beginner’s Open.
instead. For example, Bye 1-3 means 1⁄2-point Rds: Rounds; scheduled game times follow. For
byes are available in Rounds 1 through 3. example, 11-5, 9-3 means games begin 11 a.m. &
CC: Chess club. 5 p.m. on the first day, 9 a.m. & 3 p.m. on the
second day.
dx: Time delay, x = number of seconds.
Reg: Registration at site.
+xx: Time increment, xx = number of seconds added
after each move. RR: Round robin (preceded by number of rounds).
EF: Entry fee. SD/: Sudden-death time control (time for rest of game
follows). For example, 30/90, SD/1 means each
Ent: Where to mail entries. player must make 30 moves in 90 minutes, then
FIDE: Results submitted to FIDE for possible rating. complete the rest of the game in an hour.
Game in. For instance, G/75 means each side has
G/: SS: Swiss-System pairings (preceded by number of
75 minutes for the entire game. rounds).
GPP: Grand Prix Points available. Unr: Unrated.
HR: Hotel rates. For example, 60-65-70-75 means $60 W: Site is accessible to wheelchairs.
single, $65 twin, $70/3 in room, $75/4 in room.
WEB: Tournaments that will use a player’s online rating.
JGP: Junior Grand Prix.
www.uschess.org 53
Tournament Life / February

Rating Supplement will be used. One 1/2-point bye available (limit one)
any round if requested prior to the start of Rd. 1. Team score = total of
top four (minimum two) finishers from each school per section. K-12 Cham-
pionship first place individual and team, including ties, will be the National
High School Champion. Schedule: Opening ceremony Fri. 12:45 pm. Rds.:
Fri. 1 pm and 7 pm, Sat. 9 am, 2 pm and 7 pm, Sun. 9 am-2 pm. Awards
Ceremony Sun., approx. 7 pm. EF: $60/participant postmarked or online
by 2/25, $80 postmarked or online by 3/4, $95 online by 3/13, $100 on
site; $10.00 extra for all phone registrations; $30 fee for roster or section
changes after 3/3 or any onsite changes. Onsite registration Thurs. 9 AM
- 9 PM & Fri. 8 AM -11 AM. Players who register or change sections after
11 am on Friday will receive a 1/2-point bye for Rd.1. Players must disclose
any other, non-US Chess over-the-board (OTB) ratings. Awards: Trophies
to top individuals & top teams in each section. Every player receives a
commemorative item! Full list of trophies on tournament Info Page. Side
Events: Bughouse: Thurs. 11 am, Reg. onsite only Thurs. 9 -10 am, $25/team.
K-12 Blitz: Thurs. 5 pm, Reg. onsite until 4 pm. Blitz EF: $20 by 3/26, $25
after or at site. Class trophies will be awarded in main event and in Blitz.
Full list of trophies on tournament Info Page. General questions: Contact
Susan Kantor at 931.787.1234 ext. 136 or by email: skantor@uschess.org.
Team Room questions: Contact Pete Karagianis at 931.200.9477 or by
email: pete.karagianis@uschess.org. Entries: U.S. Chess Federation, Attn.:
2019 HS Championship, P.O. Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557 or online at
www.uschess.org/tournaments/2019/hs. See web site for additional infor-
mation about the event, advance entries, awards, meetings, team rooms,
updates, corrections, and registration forms.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
APR. 12-14, ILLINOIS
2019 ALL-GIRLS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS PRESENTED BY
THE KASPAROV CHESS FOUNDATION IN ASSOCIATION WITH
THE RENAISSANCE KNIGHTS CHESS FOUNDATION & US CHESS
Any player that achieves a perfect 6-0 score or wins the first place
trophy, in each age category, qualifies to represent the USA at the
2019 World Cadets (U/8, U10, U/12) / World Youth (U/14, U/16, U/18)
Championships 6SS, G/90 d5. Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, 2233 S.
Martin Luther King Dr., Chicago, IL 60616, (free Wi-Fi). 6 Sections/Trophies:
Age as of 1/1/2019 Under 8 top 15 individuals, top 500 – 799, top U500,
top 6 schools, Under 10 top 16 individuals, top 700 – 999, top U700, top 6
schools, Under 12 top 16 individuals, top 900 – 1199, top U900, top 6
schools, Under 14 top 12 individuals, top 1100 – 1399, top U1100, top 4
schools, Under 16 top 8 individuals, Top 1300 – 1599, top U1300, top 3
schools, Under 18 top 8 individuals, Top 1500 – 1799, top U1500, top 3
schools, (top 3 players added for team scores). EF: $65 mail/online by
3/11 $85 by 4/1, $95 after. Do not mail after 4/5. $20 fee for roster or
section changes after 4/5. $10 fee for refunds. Onsite Registration Fri
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Sat 7:30 - 8:30 AM. Opening Ceremony: Fri 2:30pm.
Rounds: Rd. 1 – Fri 3:00pm Rounds 2-4 – Sat 10:00am, 2:30pm, 6:30pm;
Rounds 5-6 – Sun 9:00am & 1:00pm. Awards: 5:00pm. Bye: One 1/2
point bye available for any round, except round 6, if requested at least 2
hours before the start of the round 1. Side Events: Bughouse Tournament
– Fri. 11:00 am, EF $35/team. Blitz Tournament – Fri. 7pm, G5,d0, EF
$25 by 4/5, $30 after or on site. HR: single - quad $165 Reservations:
(888) 421-1442. Reserve early rate may increase / sell out. Entries:
online/info at: www.rknights.org/allgirls or mail to RKnights, attn: All-
Girls, PO Box 1074, Northbrook, IL 60065, include name, section, rating,
USCF ID#, date of birth, grade, school name city & state.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
APR. 26-28, TEXAS
2019 NATIONAL JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL (K-9) CHAMPIONSHIP
7SS, G/120 d5. Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, 1501 Gaylord
Trail, Grapevine, TX 76051. Hotel Chess Rate $155. Guest rooms may be
booked, NLT 4/4/2019 by calling (877) 382-7299 or (817) 778-2000, mention
“US Chess” or see www.uschess.org/tournaments/2019/jhs/ to book
now! 6 Sections: K-9 Championship, K-9 U1250, K-9 Unrated, K-8 Cham-
pionship, K-8 U1000 and K-8 U750. April Rating Supplement will be used.
Maximum one 1/2-point bye available any round if requested prior to the
start of Rd. 1. Team score = total of top four (minimum two) finishers
from each school per section. K-9 Championship first place individual and
team, including ties, will be the National Junior High School Champion.
Schedule: Opening ceremony Fri. 12:45 pm. Rds.: Fri. 1 pm and 7 pm,
Sat. 9 am, 2 pm and 7 pm, Sun. 9 am-2 pm. Awards Ceremony Sun., approx.
7 pm. EF: $60/participant postmarked or online by 3/25, $80 postmarked
or online by 4/15, $95 online by 4/24, $100 on site; $10.00 extra for all
phone registrations; $30 fee for roster or section changes after 4/12 or
any onsite changes. Onsite registration Thurs. 9 AM - 9 PM & Fri. 8 AM -
11 AM. Players who register or change sections after 11 am on Friday will
receive a 1/2-point bye for Rd. 1. Players must disclose any other, non-US
Chess, over-the-board (OTB) ratings. Awards: Trophies to top individuals
& top teams in each section. Every player receives a commemorative item!
Full list of trophies on tournament Info Page. Side Events: Bughouse:
Thurs. 11 am, Reg. onsite only Thurs. 9 -10 am, $25/team. K-9 Blitz: Thurs.
5 pm, Reg. onsite until 4 pm. Blitz EF: $20 by 4/4, $25 after or at site.
Class trophies will be awarded in main event and in Blitz. Full list of trophies
on tournament Info Page. General questions: Contact Susan Kantor at
931.787.1234 ext. 136 or by email: skantor@uschess.org. Team Room
questions: Contact Pete Karagianis at 931.200.9477 or by email: pkara-
gianis@uschess.org. Entries: U.S. Chess Federation, Attn.: 2019Gay JHS
Championship, P.O. Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557 or online at www.us
chess.org/tournaments/2019/jhs/. See web site for additional information
about the event, advance entries, awards, meetings, team rooms, updates,
corrections, and registration forms.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
JUNE 11-12, NEVADA
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 50 (ENHANCED)
2019 U.S. WOMEN’S OPEN
5SS, G/90, +30. Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, 3000 Paradise Road,
Las Vegas 89109. $$3,500 Guaranteed Prize Fund. $1000-600-400, U2000
$350-200, U1800 $250-150, U1600 $200-100, U1400 $150-100. EF: $99 by
5/23, $125 later. REG.: 8:30-9 a.m. RDS.: 9:30-2:30-7, 9:30-2:00. Half point
bye available in any round (limit 1). HR: $69 ($95 Friday and Saturday nights)
(800) 732-7117 ask for the CHESS rates. This event kicks off the LAS VEGAS
INTERNATIONAL CHESS FESTIVAL on Tuesday before the National Open.
ENT: Vegas Chess Festivals, PO Box 90925, Henderson, NV 89009-0925 or
online at www.VegasChessFestival.com. FIDE. W.
An American Classic!
A Heritage Event!
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, NEVADA
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 300 (ENHANCED)
2019 NATIONAL OPEN
Open Section June 12-16: 9-SS, 40/90, SD/30, +30. GM & IM norms
possible. Under Sections June 13-16, 14-16 or 15-16: 7-SS, 40/90,
SD/30, +30 (3-day rounds 1-2 G/60, +10, 2-day rounds 1-4 G/30,
+5). Beginners Section June 14, 15, and 16: 6-SS G/30, +5. West-
gate Resort & Casino, 3000 Paradise Road, Las Vegas 89109. $$100,000
Guaranteed Prize Fund will not be reduced! In 8 sections, top 2 FIDE
rated. Open: $8,000-4,000-2,000-1,000-600-500-400-300-300-300, top
under 2500 $2,500, top under 2400 $2,400, Extra $2,500 divided among
GMs, WGMs and foreign IMs winning less than $250 and playing 9
rounds. The winner of the Open section also receives a replica of the
Edmondson Cup. Under 2300: $6,000-3,000-1,500-750-400-350-300-
250-250-250. Under 2100: $6,000-3,000-1,500-750-400-350- 300-250-
250-250. Under 1900: $5,000-2500-1250-600-350-300-250-250-250-
250. Under 1700: $4,000-2,000-1,000-500-300-250-250-250-250-250.
Under 1500: 3000-1500-700- 350-300-250-250-250-250-250. Under
1300: $2000-1,000-500-300-250-250-250, top under 1000 (no provi-
sional) $900. Provisionally rated players may not win an amount greater
than 40% of top prize in any under section; balance goes to next
player(s) in line. Beginners (unrated or provisionally rated under
1300): 3 schedules with 6 rounds per day $200-125-75 each day plus
$300 overall (best 2 results). Unrated players may play only in Beginners
or Open Section. Plus-Score Bonus: ($12,000 guaranteed) in addition
to any other prizes, every player with a plus score wins a $50 gift cer-
tificate. Plus score certificates will be awarded on site only. Mixed
Doubles: best male/female combined 2-player team score: $1,500-
750-350-250-150. Average rating below 2200, teammates may play in
different sections, only rounds 1-7 count for Open Section or best day
for Beginners. The Freddie: Players age 14 and under are eligible for
best game prizes including the Freddie Award and $400 in cash prizes
(donated by Fred Gruenberg). CCA minimum ratings or other ratings
may be used if higher than US Chess June Supplement. EF: Open:
$239 by 4/30, $259 by 6/11, $280 later. $125 more for players rated
below 2200. GM, WGM & foreign IM free. $80 less for IM, WIM, foreign
FM/WFM. Under sections: $239 by 4/30, $259 by 6/11, $280 later.
Beginners: $125 1 day, $189 2 days, $229 3 days. $30 more after
6/11. Senior over 65 $40 less by 6/11. Open Reg: 5-6 p.m. Wednesday.
Rds.: 7:30, 1-7:30, 11-5:30, 10-4:30, 10-4:30. 4-day schedule: Reg.:
2-6 p.m. Thursday. Rds.: 7:30, 11-5:30, 10-4:30, 10-4:30. 3-day schedule:
Reg.: 8:30-9:30 a.m. Friday. Rds. 10:30-1:30 then merge with 4-day in

CHECK OUT US CHESS CORRESPONDENCE CHESS RATED EVENTS!

Correspondence Chess Matches (two players)
2019 Open Correspondence Chess Golden Knights Championship TWO OR SIX-GAME OPTIONS. ENTRY FEE: $5.

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

72st ANNUAL
Four-player, double round-robin with rating-level (0000-1499;
(PLUS TITLE OF US CHESS GOLDEN KNIGHTS CHAMPION AND PLAQUE) 1500-1799; 1800-2000+) pairings. 1st-place winner receives a
trophy.
2ND PLACE $500 • 3RD $300 • 4TH THRU 10TH PLACE $100 EACH • ENTRY FEE: $25 ENTRY FEE: $10.
These US Chess Correspondence Chess events are rated and open to all US Chess members who reside on the North American continent, islands,
or Hawaii, as well as those US Chess members with an APO or FPO address. US Chess members who reside outside of the North American con- ❑ VICTOR PALCIAUSKAS PRIZE TOURNAMENTS
Seven-player class-level pairings, one game with each
tinent are welcome to participate in e-mail events. Your US Chess membership must remain current for the duration of the event, and entry fees of six opponents. 1st-place winner receives $130 cash prize
must be paid in U.S. dollars. Those new to US Chess Correspondence Chess, please estimate your strength: Class A: 1800-1999 (very strong); and a certificate signed by Victor Palciauskas.
Class B: 1600-1799 (strong); Class C: 1400-1599 (intermediate); Class D: 1399 and below (beginner level). Note: Prize fund based on 200 ENTRY FEE: $25.
entries and may be decreased proportionately per number of entries assigned.
❑ JOHN W. COLLINS MEMORIAL CLASS TOURNAMENTS
Four-player, double round-robin with rating-level (0000-1499;
1500-1799; 1800-2000+) pairings (unrateds welcome). 1st-place
2019 E-mail Correspondence Chess Electronic Knights Championship winner receives a John W. Collins certificate.
(SEVEN-PLAYER SECTIONS, ONE GAME WITH EACH OF SIX OPPONENTS.) ENTRY FEE: $7.
US CHESS
16th ANNUAL
$800 FIRST PRIZE Email Rated Events (need email access)
(PLUS TITLE OF US CHESS ELECTRONIC KNIGHTS CHAMPION AND PLAQUE)
❑ LIGHTNING MATCH
2ND PLACE $500 • 3RD $300 • 4TH THRU 10TH PLACE $100 EACH • ENTRY FEE: $25 Two players with two or six-game option.
ENTRY FEE: $5.
These US Chess Correspondence Chess events are rated and open to all US Chess members with e-mail access. Your US Chess membership must
remain current for the duration of the event, and entry fees must be paid in U.S. dollars. Maximum number of tournament entries allowed for the ❑ SWIFT QUADS
year for each player is ten. Note: Prize fund based on 200 entries and may be decreased proportionately per number of entries assigned. Four-player, double round-robin format.
1st-place prize US Chess CC entry credit of $30.
Rating-Levels 0000-1499; 1500-1799; 1800-2000+.
TO ENTER: 800-903-USCF(8723) OR FAX 931-787-1200 OR ONLINE AT WWW.USCHESS.ORG ENTRY FEE: $10.
Name_________________________________________ US CHESS ID#____________________________________
❑ WALTER MUIR E-QUADS (WEBSERVER CHESS)
Address _______________________________________ City___________________ State ___ ZIP _____________ Four-player, double round-robin webserver format tournament
with class-level pairings. 1st-place receives a certificate.
Phone __________________________ E-mail____________________________________ Est. Rating __________
ENTRY FEE: $7.
To pay with credit card please call US Chess.
Please check event(s) selected.
❑ Check here if you do not wish to have an opponent who is incarcerated.
*Note: This may slow down your assignment. NOTE: Except for Lightning Matches, Swift Quads, Walter Muir
E-Quads & Electronic Knights, players will use post office mail,
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO US CHESS AND MAIL TO: JOAN DUBOIS, US CHESS, PO BOX 3967, CROSSVILLE, TN 38557 unless opponents agree to use e-mail.

54 February 2019 | Chess Life


round 3 at 5:30. 2-day schedule: Reg.: 8:30-9 a.m. Saturday. Rds.: 9:30-
11-1-2:30 then merge with 4-day in round 5 at 4:30. Half point byes available
in rounds 1-7; Sunday byes must be requested before the start of round 2
and may not be cancelled. Chess sets and boards provided for tournament
play only, not for skittles. Please bring digital chess clocks! The LAS VEGAS
INTERNATIONAL CHESS FESTIVAL features the National Open, the U.S.
Women’s Open, the International Youth Championship, and other events.
Many free extras and surprises! Free parking. Free raffles with great
prizes. Free GM Lectures. Free GM analysis of your games. Free Daily
Bulletins. Grandmaster Simuls and Chess Camp for all ages on Thursday.
U.S. Women’s Open Tuesday and Wednesday. Walter Browne Memorial
Blitz Saturday 10:30 p.m. Youth TournamentsFriday, Saturday & Sunday.
Blitz Sectionals Friday & Sunday. Poker Tournament Monday Morning.
Don’t be shut out - make your reservations early and be sure to ask for
the CHESS group (SVCF9-R) rates — $69 single or double ($95 Friday and
Saturday nights) guarantees a premium room with new furniture, refrig-
erator, flat screen TV and more. The resort fee including access to the
Fitness Center, free WI-FI, and more is substantially discounted for our
group. Cutoff for special hotel rate is May 23; after that rates will
increase significantly and there may not be any rooms available.
(800) 732-7117 or www.VegasChessFestival.com/hotel. ENT: Vegas
Chess Festivals, PO Box 90925, Henderson, NV 89009-0925, online at
www.VegasChessFestival.com. Info: (702) 930-9550 and leave a mes-
sage. FIDE. W.
JUNE 28-30, ILLINOIS
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 40
2019 U.S. SENIOR OPEN
6SS, G/90+30, must be 50 years old by June 28. North Central College,
Harold and Eva White Activities Center (“WAC”), 325 E. Benton Ave.,
Naperville, IL 60540. $55 chess rate dorm single, $100 double; $145 triple
by 5/31, $10 more per person thereafter, (No taxes/tips for dorm rooms)
see www.cavemanchess.com/events for info on nearby hotels (23 within
2.5 miles). Reserve early! June supplement. EF: $100 rec’d by USPS or
online by 12/31 7:00 p.m. CT; $110 rec’d by USPS or online by May 31,
7:00 p.m. CT; $120 rec’d by USPS or online until June 14, 7:00 p.m. CT;
$130 rec’d by USPS or online until June 27, 7:00 p.m. CT & at door.
www.cavemanchess.com for more info & complete details. Prizes: $8,000
b/100 paid entries: $1,500; $1,000; $700; $500; U2400: $500-$300; U2200:
$400-$200; U2000: $400-$200; U1800: $400-$200; U1600: $300-$150;
U1400: $300-$150; U1200: $300-$150; U1000: $200-$150; Unrated eligible
for overall or U1200 prizes only. Plaque to top in each age group: 50-54,
55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75+. Players may win both cash & age awards.
One Bye 1-6, must commit by end of rd. 2. Reg.: 11-12:30, Rds.: Fri 1:00pm
& 6:00pm; Sat 9:30am & 3:00pm; Sun 8:30am & 2:00pm. Side events:
Thu eve, GM Simul, GM Lecture, Saturday Blitz after R4. See website for
details & more possible events. (Possible spouse events, possible awards
dinner after Rd. 6, possible meal plan) Free WiFi on campus. Caveman
Chess Camp 6/23-28; adult-only camp sections available, see website for
details. Ent: Caveman Chess, LLC, 27 Morris St., Park Ridge, IL 60068, see
online form, or send name, address, phone, email and birthdate, or online
at www.cavemanchess.com; Checks payable to: Caveman Chess, LLC.
Info: www.cavemanchess.com. No checks after 6/14. 847-430-6798. Cave-
man Chess provides sets, boards; please bring clocks. See website for
terms & conditions.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
JUNE 28-30, ILLINOIS
2019 U.S. JUNIOR OPEN
6SS, G/90+30. North Central College, Wentz Science Center–Ratio Hall,
125 S. Loomis St., Naperville, IL 60540. $55 chess rate dorm single, $100
double; $145 triple by 5/31, $10 more per person thereafter, (No taxes/tips
for dorm rooms) see www.cavemanchess.com/events for info on nearby
hotels (23 within 2.5 miles). Reserve early! June supplement. EF: $60 rec’d
by USPS or online by 12/31 7:00 p.m. CT; $70 rec’d by USPS or online by
May 31, 7:00 p.m. CT; $80 rec’d by USPS or online until June 14, 7:00 p.m.
CT; $95 rec’d by USPS or online until June 27, 7:00 p.m. CT & at door.
Sections (based on age as of 1/1/19): U21, U15, U11, U8. www.cave-
manchess.com/events for more info and complete details. Prizes: U21
$300 plus, for firstmost only, if eligible, entry in the 2020 U.S. Jr. Closed
Championship including $200 cash; plaques to top 5 overall; & to top age
18, 17, 16, 15, U15; U15 plaques to top 10 overall, top age 14, 13, 12, 11,
U11; U11 plaques to top 10 overall, & to top age 10, 9, 8, U8; U8 plaques
to top 10 overall, plaques to top age 7, 6, U6. Team prizes: Plaques to top
3 school teams in each section, top 3 scores count as team score. One
Bye 1-6, must commit by end of rd. 2. Reg.: 11-12:30, Rds.: Fri 1:00pm &
6:00pm; Sat 9:30am & 3:00pm; Sun 8:30am & 2:00pm. Side events: Thu
eve, GM Simul, GM Lecture, Saturday Blitz after R4. See website for details
& more possible events. (Possible adult events, possible meal plan.) Free
WiFi on campus. Caveman Chess Camp 6/23-28; premier camp see website
for details. Ent: Caveman Chess, LLC, 27 Morris St., Park Ridge, IL 60068,
see online form, or send name, address, phone, email and birthdate, or
online at www.cavemanchess.com; Checks payable to: Caveman Chess,
LLC. No checks after 6/14. Info: www.cavemanchess.com. 847-430-6798.
Caveman Chess provides sets, boards; please bring clocks. See website
for terms and conditions.
Grand Prix
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
FEB. 9-10, TEXAS
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 (ENHANCED)
DCC FIDE OPEN II
5SS, G/90 inc/30. Dallas Chess Club, 200 S. Cottonwood Dr. #C, Richardson,
TX 75080. Two sections: Open and Reserve. Open: $$875G. FIDE and US
Chess rated but uses FIDE rules. Use US Chess ratings and rules for
pairings and for awarding prizes. Default late forfeiture time is one hour.
TD may extend this time at TD’s discretion. Note that Foreign players must
disclose their FIDE ID number before 1st round in order to play. Note that
USA Players with no FIDE ID must disclose their email address. $$ $500-
$250-$125. EF: 2400+ $125, 2000-2399 $90, 1600 -1999 $99, U1600 $125,
See previous issue for TLAs appearing February 1-14
Senior/Birthday during tournament/Additional Family Member $55. Dallas
Chess Club membership required or pay $20 non-member fee. Small Min-
imum prize to the First three GM/IM’s who apply. GM/IM must play all
rounds to get minimum prize (entry fee may be deducted from prize).
Reserve: Open to players rated below 2000 USCF. This section is not Fide
Rated but is US Chess rated and uses US Chess rules. EF: $40. 10$ non
Dallas Chess Club membership fee. The Reserve give back 10% in prizes
and if at least 8 paid entries and if there is a clear winner, then that winner
receives free entry to next DCC Fide Open. In the reserve section, Tour-
nament reserves the right to use Fide rules on electronic devices and on
starting White’s clock at start of a round and to use FIDE pairing rules.
Also clocks will be set to ‘halt at end’. Both: Reg.: Saturday from 9:45–
10:15 am. Rds.: Sat 10:45 am-3:10pm-7:16pm, Sun 9:45 am- 2:10pm. One
half point Bye allowed if requested before end of round 2 and before
getting full point bye. Withdrawals and zero point last round byes are not
eligible for prizes. Note that house players (if required) must pay $5 per
round and be US Chess members. ENT: Make/mail Checks payable to
Dallas Chess Club, C/O Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley,
TX 76036-4719. Info: 214-632-9000. FIDE.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
FEB. 14-18, 15-18, 16-18 OR 17-18, TEXAS
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 200 (ENHANCED)
10TH ANNUAL SOUTHWEST CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS
9SS (Master Section), 7SS (other sections), DFW Airport Marriott South,
4151 Centreport Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76155. Free parking, free airport
shuttle. 5-day schedule, Feb 14-18: Master Section only, GM & IM norms
possible, 40/2, SD/30 d10. 4-day schedule, Feb 15-18: Expert through
Class E, 40/2, SD/30 d10. 3-day schedule: Expert through Class E, Feb
16-18, rds 1-2 G/60 d10, then merges with 4-day. 2-day schedule: Class
B through E, Feb 17-18, rds. 1-4 G/30 d10, then merges with others.
$33,000 prize fund unconditionally guaranteed. FIDE ratings used in
Master Section, USCF February official in others. In 7 sections; rated
players may play up one section. Master (2200/up): $3000-2000-1200-
800-600-500-400-400, clear or tiebreak winner $200, top FIDE U2300/Unr
$1800-900. FIDE. Expert (2000-2199): $2000-1000-500-300-200. Class A
(1800-1999/Unr): $2000-1000-500-300-200. Class B (1600-1799/Unr):
$2000-1000-500-300-200. Class C (1400-1599/Unr): $1700-900-500-300-
200. Class D (1200-1399/Unr): $800-400-300-200-100. Class E (Under
1200/Unr): $800-400-300-200-100. Unrated may enter A through E, with
maximum prize E $100, D $200, C $300, B $400, A $600. Mixed doubles:
best male/female 2-player team combined score among all sections: $1000-
600-400. Team must average under 2200; may play in different sections;
register (no extra fee) before both players begin round 2; only rounds 1-7
in Master Section count towards doubles; prize limits do not apply to
doubles. Master Section EF: $228 online at chessaction.com by 2/13,
$250 at site by 2/14 6 pm or online by 2/14 5 pm. GMs & foreign IMs/WGMs
$200 less ($200 deducted from prize), US IMs/WGMs & FIDE rated foreign
players $100 less ($100 deducted from prize). Minimum prizes::$600 to
first 8 foreign GMs who enter online by 1/14 and play all 9 games with no
byes; $300 to other GMs (including US) who enter online by 1/14 and play
all 9 games with no byes. EF deduction cannot lower prize to below the
minimum. Expert, A, B, C sections EF: $158 online at chessaction.com by
2/13, $180 at site, or online until 2 hours before round 1. Class D or E
Section EF: All $80 less than Expert to Class C EF. Re-entry (no Master to
Master) $60. All: Special 1 yr USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry.
Online at chessaction.com, Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15.
Mailed or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $25, Scholastic $17. 5-day
schedule: Late reg. ends Thu 6 pm, rds Thu 7, Fri 12 & 7, Sat 11 & 6, Sun
11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:15. 4-day schedule: Late reg. ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri
7 pm, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:15. 3-day schedule: Late reg.
ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:15. 2-day
schedule: Late reg. ends Sun 9 am, rds. Sun 10, 12, 2, 3:45 & 6, Mon 10 &
4:15. Byes: OK all including last rd, limit 2; Master must commit before rd.
3, others before rd. 4. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if oth-
erwise unrated. Foreign player ratings (Expert & below): See
www.chesstour.com/foreignratings.htm. Electronic devices rules: See
www.chesstour.com/devices.htm. Leave your phone in your hotel room,
your car, home, or in a bag near your table. HR: $103-103, 817-358-1700,
reserve by 1/29 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use
AWD #D657633. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY
12577. Questions: chesstour.com, DirectorAtChess.US, 347-201-2269. $15
service charge for refunds. Bring set, board, clock if possible; none
supplied. Advance entries posted at chessaction.com (click “entry list”
after entering). Blitz tournament Sun 10:30 pm, enter by 10:15 pm.
17th annual
SOUTHERN CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS
March 15-17 or 16-17, Wyndham Orlando Resort
$130 room rates, includes free parking and wireless
$17,000 GUARANTEED PRIZES
For full details see “Grand Prix” in this issue.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
FEB. 15-17 OR 16-17, GEORGIA
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15
2019 ATLANTA WINTER CONGRESS
5-SS, Interactive College of Technology, 5227 New Peachtree Rd., Chamblee,
GA 30341. $3500 b/85, $2100 guaranteed. 6 sections. “Expert (FIDE-
rated):” Open to USCF or FIDE-rated 1800 thru 2199. $500-300. Class
“A:” Open to USCF-rated 1600 thru 1999. $475-275. Class “B:” Open to
USCF-rated 1400 thru 1799. $450-250. Class “C:” Open to USCF-rated
1200 thru 1599. $425-225. Class “D:” Open to USCF-rated below 1400
and Unrated. $400-200. Class “E:” Open to USCF-rated below 1200 and
Unrated. Trophies, 1st thru 7thplaces; Under 900, 1st and 2nd places.
(Classes “D” thru “Expert” entries only count towards the 85-player prize
base). Class “D” thru “A” rated players may elect to enter the next higher
section. The “USCF Ratings Supplement” used to determine a player’s
“official published rating” for competition will be the same as the month in
which the tournament begins. Entry Fee: $56 (3-Day), $55 (2-Day) — if
rec’d by 14-FEB; $60 at site. Unrated: $35. Class “E:” $30. Re-Entry: $40
(not available in “Expert” section). 3-Day Schedule: Reg. ends Fri 7:00pm.
Rds. Fri 7:30pm; Sat 2:30pm & 7:30pm; Sun 10:00am & 3:30pm. 2-Day
Schedule: Reg. ends Sat 10:00am. Rds. Sat 10:30am, then merges with 3-
Day Schedule. Time controls: “Expert” Section: 40/90, SD/30 d10. Other
sections: G/120 d5. All sections: 2-day Schedule, Rd. 1 G/90 d5. (SAT
10:30am round is not “FIDE-rated”). FIDE-Only: Rule 6.7a. “A player who
arrives at the board more than 30 min. late shall lose the game.” 1/2-Pt.
Byes: Available any round (limit two) — must request 1/2-Pt. Byes before
Round One (no changes afterwards). Players Must Bring Sets, Boards,
and Clocks – None Are Supplied By The Tournament Promoters. Entries
and Information: americanchesspromotions.com, (478) 973 – 9389. PHONE
CALLS ONLY AFTER 14-FEB – no e-mails or TEXT messages, please.
FEB. 16, ARIZONA
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 (ENHANCED)
UNITY GRAND PRIX FEBRUARY 2019
5 round Swiss at Unity Chess Club, 1660 S. Alma School Rd. #207, Mesa,
AZ 85210. Time Control: G/55;+5 Round Times: 9am, 11:10am, 1:40pm,
3:50pm, 6pm; EF: $50 by February 6th, $60 by February 15th, $70 onsite.
GM/WGM/IM/WIM/FM/WFM: Free Entry. Sections: Open (1900 and up),
Reserve (1500-1899), Booster (1000-1499), Bishop (under 1000); Prizes:
Open: $800-400-200. Reserve, Booster, and Bishop: 1st-Laptop, 2nd-Tablet,
3rd-Kindle (If two players are tied for 1st, a playoff will be held to determine
the first and second place winners.) Check in and registration: 8:15am-
8:45am. Byes: Half point byes OK all rounds, limit 2, must commit before
round 2. Zero point byes are available in any round if requested at least
one hour before the start of the desired round. Boards and sets provided,
please bring your own clock. February USCF rating Supplement will be
used. USCF membership required. Prizes are 100% guaranteed. $1400
guaranteed! ENT: (602)326-2727 www.unitychess.com. INFO: Pedram
Atoufi, info@unitychess.com, www.unitychess.com
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
FEB. 16-17 (NOT FEB. 9-10), ALABAMA
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10
QUEEN OF HEARTS - 47TH ANNUAL (NOTE DATE CHANGE)
5SS, TC: G/120 d5. AUM Taylor Center. 7401 East Dr., Montgomery, AL
36117. PREMIERE (PF: $950 - $$GTD): $350-225-A:200-U1800:175;
RESERVE (PF: $650 - $$GTD): $250-150-125-U1200: $125. EF: $50; if
mailed by FEB 9th: $60 at site. Late REG.: FEB 16th, 8-8:30am. Rds.: 9-2-
7; 9-2. SCHOLASTIC (K-12): NOVICE (6SS. TC: G/20 d5; Not Rated):
EF: $20; if mailed by FEB 9th; $30 at site. Trophy: Top 3; Medal: 4th-6th.
Rds.: 9-10-11-12:30-1:30, 2:30. Checks payable to: Caesar Chess. ENT:
Caesar Chess LLC, 5184 Caldwell Mill Road, Suite 204 - 202, Birmingham,
AL 35244 or email your entry form information before FEB 13th and pay
at site. Info: CaesarChess@gmail.com; www.AlabamaChess.org.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
FEB. 16-17, CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10
2019 MARCEL DUCHAMP MEMORIAL FIDE
(A sponsored event) 5SS, G/90’ inc 30. Two sections. OPEN & U2000.
FIDE & USCF rated - FIDE rules. USCF rating & pairing rules. EF (Open):
$75 (extra $25 non-LACC mbrs). Siblings, new members, no prizes 1/2.
EF (U2000): $55 (extra $20 non-LACC mbrs). Reg.: Fri 6-7 pm. Rds.:
Fri. 7pm, Sat & Sun 11 & 4 pm. Max two byes; request by Rd. 3. Prizes:
$$1,800 (b/40) $1,000 Gtd. OPEN: 1st-3rd $500 (Grtd.)-250-150. U2250:
$150; U2000: $250-125. U1800: $150-75; U1600: $100; U1400/U: $50
www.uschess.org 55
Tournament Life / February
Book prizes; 3 door raffles to players playing all 5 games. Free for GMs,
WGMs, IMs; unless win prizes. Info: (310) 795-5710; Mick@LAChess-
Club.com or www.LAChessClub.com. Parking: Free on streets or BoA.
Register Online: www.LAChessClub.com and receive a free book!
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
FEB. 16-18 OR 17-18, CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 120 (ENHANCED)
SAN DIEGO OPEN
6-SS, 6 Sections, 40/120, SD/30 d10; 2-day schedule rounds 1 - 3 are
G/40 d10), then merges with 3 day for round 4 at 4:30 PM Sunday. Crowne
Plaza Hotel San Diego Mission Valley, 2270 Hotel Circle North, San Diego,
CA 92108. Open Section slow games are FIDE rated. $$12,000 Guaranteed
prize fund. Prizes: Open Section: $1,600-1,200-700-500-300, plus U2300
$600-400. U2200, U2000, U1800 Sections, all: $700-500-200-100; U1600
Section: $600-400-200; U1400 Section: $500-200, plus BU1200 $300-
100, Book Prize for Best Unrated in each section, but no cash prize for
unrated. Provisionally rated players can only win 50% of stated prizes.
Feb official rating list will be used. Cell phone violations: $5 fine, and
possible loss of game! Reg.: 3-day: 9-10:30 AM on Sat, 2-day: 8 - 9 AM
on Sunday. Rds.: 3 day: 11 AM & 5 PM on Sat, 10 AM & 4:30 PM on
Sunday and 9 AM & 3 PM on Monday. 2- day: 9:30 AM, 11:45, 2 PM &
then 4:30 PM on Sunday, 9 AM & 3 PM on Monday (Presidents’ Day). EF:
$90 if received by 12/31/18 (Early Bird Special), or $100 1/01/19 - 1/30/19,
$120 2/01/19 - 2/15/19 and $140 late registration at door on 2/16/19.
No credit cards at door, checks or cash only. Special rate of only $75 if
U1400 or unrated. GMs, WGMs, IMs and WIMs all play for free, but $100
deducted from any prize winnings. Re-entry fee from 3-day to 2-day is
$75, for players rated U2300 only. SCCF membership req’d ($18 Adult,
$13 Jr, or $3 for Jr w/o mag) for all So Calif. residents. Two byes allowed,
but must be requested at least 1 hour before the round; last round byes
must be requested before Rd. 3. Ent: SDCC, PO Box 120162, San Diego,
CA 92112 or enter online at www.scchess.com. For more info call Chuck
Ensey at (858) 432-8006, or email me at chucnglo@aol.com Hotel Rates:
book online or call 619-297-1101, Special rate of $140 if booked by 12/15/18,
but rates may rise and rooms sell out after this so please book early.
FEB. 19, NEW YORK
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10
MARSHALL MASTERS
4-SS, G/25 d5. Open to players rated 2000+. FIDE Rapid rated. $750
GTD: $250-150-100; U2400: $125; U2300: $100; Biggest upset: $25.
EF: $30; 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, for Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: www.mar-
shallchessclub.org/register.
FEB. 22, NEW YORK
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6
MARSHALL $500 FIDE BLITZ (BLZ)
9-SS, G/3 +2. FIDE Blitz rated. USCF Blitz ratings (when possible) used
for pairings & prizes. $500 GTD: $200-100; U2400/unr, U2200, U2000,
U1800: $50. EF: $20; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late
fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: Begin at 7pm
and continue ASAP. Max three byes; request at entry. Register Online:
www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
FEB. 22-24 OR 23-24, VIRGINIA
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 100 (ENHANCED)
4TH ANNUAL GEORGE WASHINGTON OPEN
5SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Westin Tysons
Corner, 7801 Leesburg Pike (VA-7), Falls Church, VA 22043 (from the east,
take, I-66W to VA-7, from other directions, take I-495 to VA-7). Free day
parking for all; free overnight parking for chess rate hotel guests. Free
shuttle to Tysons Corner Center and Metro. 25 minutes drive from Wash-
ington. $15,000 guaranteed prizes. In 5 sections. Major: Open to
1800/above. $1800-900-500-300, clear/tiebreak win $100 bonus, top Under
2300 $600-300. Under 2100: $1200-600-300-200, top U1900 (no unr) $600-
300. Under 1800: $1200-600-300-200, top U1600 (no unr) $500-250. Under
1500: $1000-500-250-150, top U1300 (no unr) $400-200. Under 1200:
$600-300-150-100. Mixed doubles bonus prizes: best male/female 2-
player “team” combined score among all sections: $400-200. Team must
average under 2200; may play in different sections; register (no extra fee)
by 2 pm 2/23. Unrated may enter any section, with prize limit U1800 $400,
U1500 $200, U1200 $100; balance goes to next player(s) in line. Top 4
sections EF: $108 at chessaction.com by 2/20, 3-day $113, 2-day $112 if
check mailed by 2/13, all $120 (no checks, credit cards OK) at site, or
online until 2 hours before round 1. GMs, IMs & WGMs free in Major; $100
from prize. Under 1200 Section EF: all $40 less than top 4 sections EF.
Re-entry $50, not available in Major. No checks at site, credit cards OK.
Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Special
1 year USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry. Online at chess
action.com, Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or at site,
Adult $40, Young Adult $25, Scholastic $17. 3-Day Schedule: Reg. ends
Fri 6 pm. Rds. Fri 7, Sat 11 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. 2-Day Schedule: Reg. ends
Sat 10 am. Rds. Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. Half point byes available all
rounds, limit 2 byes, Major must commit before rd. 2, others before rd. 3.
Electronic devices rules: See www.chesstour.com/devices.htm. Leave
your phone in your hotel room, your car, home, or in a bag near your table.
HR: $109-109, 1-866-716-8108, reserve by 2/8 or rate may increase, chess
block may sell out before 2/8. Ent: chessaction.com or Continental Chess,
Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. $15 service charge for refunds. Questions:
chesstour.com, chesstour.info, DirectorAtChess.US, 347-201-2269. Entries
posted at chessaction.com (click “entry list” after entering). Blitz tournament
Sat 9:30 pm, enter by 9:15 pm.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
FEB. 22-24 OR 23-24, CALIFORNIA, NORTHERN
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20
WIM RUTH HARING MEMORIAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Pkwy. Park Free!
5SS, G/90 +30 2-day rds. 1-2 G/61 d5. Park free. Prizes: $5,000 b/120,
$3,000 guaranteed. 3 sects: 2000+ (FIDE) $1,000-500-200, u2300: 250-
56 February 2019 | Chess Life
125-100. 1600-1999 (FIDE): $700-300-100, u1800: 200-100, u1600:
$700-300-100 u1400: 125-100, u1200: 100. Unr max $100 exc Open.
Feb 19 Supp & TD disc. Reg.: F 6:30-6:45p & Sa 9:30-9:45a. Rds.: F 7p,
Sa 10a, 3p Su 10a 2:30p. (2-day Sa 10a 12:30 & merge). EF: 99, Econ
EF: 89 w 50% prz, after 2/16 +20. Playup +20. GMs/IMs- $0 by 2/9
(prize - EF). Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/champs.
FEB. 23, ALABAMA
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6
TOM NARD MEMORIAL V
4SS, Game/45 + 10 second increment per move. Round times: 9:30,
11:30, 2:30, 4:30 Location: Evangel Church, 3975 Vaughn Rd., Mont-
gomery, AL. Three sections: OPEN (prizes b/20, 70%GTD): 1st $400 +
T, 2nd $200, U2000/unrated $100; U1800 (prizes b/20, 70%GTD): 1st
$350 + T, 2nd $175, U1500/unrated $100; U1200 (prizes b/20, 70%GTD):
1st $320 + T, 2nd $160, U1000/unrated $100. EF: $40 by February 16,
$45 thereafter. Registration: Send name, USCF ID, section, and EF
(payable to “Evangel Church”) to Doug Strout, 6000 Camelot Ct., Mont-
gomery, AL 36117 (email: dtstrout@bellsouth.net).
FEB. 23, NEW HAMPSHIRE
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6
6TH QUEEN CITY TORNADO
4SS, G/60 d5. DoubleTree by Hilton (formerly the Radisson), 700 Elm
St. (Granite St. exit off I-293), Manchester, NH. $$G 1,360. Three sections.
Open, EF: $37 if rec’d by 2/21, free to GM/IM. $$G: $200-130-100,
U2100 $110, U1950 $100. Under 1800, EF: $37 if rec’d by 2/21. $$G:
$150-100-70, U1600 $90. No Unr. may win over $100. Under 1400, EF:
$31 if rec’d by 2/21. $$G: $100-70-40, U1200 $60, U1000 $40. No Unr.
may win over $55. All, EF $5 more if paid at site. Online advance entry
available at www.nhchess.org until 6 p.m. on 2/22. NHCA membership
required of rated NH residents; dues $8 adult, $6 age U19. Reg.: 8:30-
9:35 a.m. Sat. 2/23. Rds.: 10-1-3:30-6. Half-point bye OK for any one
rd, must commit before rd. 2; no half-point byes for players receiving
full-point byes. Ent: NHCA, c/o Hal Terrie, 377 Huse Rd. Unit 23, Man-
chester, NH 03103. Info: halterrie@comcast.net.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
A State Championship Event!
FEB. 23, PENNSYLVANIA
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6
2019 PA STATE GAME/75 CHAMPIONSHIP
4SS, G/75 d5. Wm. Pitt Union, Univ. of Pittsburgh, 5th Ave. & Bigelow
Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15213. 3 Sections, $$ (695G): Championship: EF:
$30 by 2/15, $40 later. $200-100, U2000 $75, U1800 $50. Premier:
U1600. EF: $25 by 2/15, $35 later. $90-60, U1400 $50, U1200 $40,
U1000 $30; Trophies to Top 2, Top 2 U1400, Top 2 U1200, Top 2 U1000.
Scholastic: Grades K-12 U900. EF: $15 by 2/15, $25 later. Trophies to
Top 7, 1-3 U600. ALL: Teams of 4 to 7 combined from all sections,
Trophies 1st-2nd clubs, schools. PSCF $5, OSA. Reg ends 9:30am. Rds.:
10-1-4-7. Ent/Info: PSCF, c/o Tom Martinak, 25 Freeport St., Pittsburgh,
PA 15223, 412-908-0286, martinak_tom_m@hotmail.com.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
FEB. 23-24, WASHINGTON
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10
27TH DAVE COLLYER MEMORIAL
5SS, Rd. 1: G/90 d5; Rds. 2-5: G/115 d5. Millwood Presbyterian Church
Community Center, 3223 N. Marguerite, Spokane, WA 99212. $28 by
2/22; $35 at door; Under 18 $5 less. Cash, checks only. $$GTD: $350-
225-125. Expert: $100; A;B;C;D;E/unr: $100, $70; Biggest upsets
(non-prov): $100; 50. Reg.: 9:30-10:30a.m. 2/23. Rds.: 11-2:30-7; 10-
2:30. One 1/2 bye available; request by 2/23. ENT: Spokane Chess
Club, 9923 N. Moore St., Spokane, WA 99208. Kevin Korsmo (509) 270-
1772. DIR: I-90 exit 287. North on Argonne Road one mile. Left at light
on Euclid, two blocks to site. http://spokanechessclub. org. W.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
FEB. 25, MAR. 4, 11, 18, 25, NEW YORK
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10
113TH NASSAU GRAND PRIX
5-SS, 45/90, SD/30 d5. 1st Presbyterian Church, 1st & Main Sts., Mineola.
2 sections: Open: EF: $39 by 2/22, $$ (770 b/22, top 3 G) 250-150-100,
U2100/UR, U1900 each 135. Booster: open to U1700/UR, EF $25 by
2/22. $$ (420 b/20) 150, U1500, U1300, U1100/UR each 90. Both: non-
memb EF $11 more. EF at site $7 more. 2 byes 1-5. Reg ends 7:15 PM.
Rds.: 7:15 each Mon. March supl used. Ent: Harold Stenzel, 80 Amy Dr.,
Sayville, NY 11782. captnhal@optonline.net
A State Championship Event!
MAR. 1, PENNSYLVANIA
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6
2019 PA QUICK CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP (QC)
6SS, G/8 d3. Eisenhower Hotel and Conference Center, 2634 Emmitsburg
Rd., Gettysburg, PA 17235. 3 sections, EF rec’d by 2/16: Open: $12. U1500:
$11. U1100: $10. $$ (750G): Open: 175-100-50, U1800 $45, U1600 $40.
U1500: 125-75-50, U1300 $40, U1200 $30, Unr $20. U1100: Trophies: 1-
12, U800, U700, U600, 1-3 Unr. All: EF: $20 after 2/16, PSCF $5 OSA. Reg:
5:30-6:15pm. Rd. 1: 7pm. Feb 2019 Reg rating. Bye: limit 1, ask by rd. 2.
HR:Mention “Chess Tourney”: 717-334-8121 $89 by 1/31. Ent: PSCF, c/o
Tom Martinak, 25 Freeport St., Pittsburgh, PA 15223-2245. Info: 412-908-
0286, martinak_tom_m@hotmail.com, pscfchess.org/pascholasticchamp/.
A Heritage Event!
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
MAR. 1-3 OR 2-3, CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 120 (ENHANCED)
26TH ANNUAL WESTERN CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS
5SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Airtel Plaza
Hotel, 7277 Valjean Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91406. Parking $8/day, $12 including
overnight. Flyaway bus from LAX to Van Nuys about $10 each way; free
shuttle to bus and train station. Free wireless, indoor pool, gym, hot tubs;
restaurants within walking distance. $20,000 guaranteed prizes. 7
sections. Master (over 2199): $2000-1000-500-300, clear or tiebreak
winner $100 bonus, top U2300 $800-400. FIDE. Expert (2000-2199): $1500-
700-400-200. Class A (1800-1999): $1500-700-400-200. Class B (1600-
1799/Unr): $1500-700-400-200. Class C (1400-1599/Unr): $1200-600-
300-200. Class D (1200-1399/Unr): $1000-500-300-200. Class E (Under
1200/Unr): $600-300-200-100. Rated players may play up one section.
Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Prize
limits: Unrated may not win over $100 in E, $200 D, $300 C or $400 B.
Mixed doubles bonus prizes: best male/female 2-player team combined
score among all sections: $500-300-200. Team must average under 2200;
may play in different sections; register at site (no extra fee) by 2 pm 3/2,
prize limits do not apply to mixed doubles. Top 6 sections EF: $123 online
at chessaction.com by 2/27, 3-day $128, 2-day $127 mailed by 2/20, $140
online until 2 hours before rd. 1 or at site. Class E EF: all $50 less than
top 6 sections EF. Online EF $5 less to SCCF members; join/renew at
scchess.com. GMs free; $120 deducted from prize. No checks at site;
credit cards OK. All: Special 1 yr USCF dues with magazine if paid with
entry: Online at chessaction.com. Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic
$15. Mailed or at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $25, Scholastic $17. Re-
entry (except Master) $60. 3-day schedule: Reg. Fri to 6 pm, rds. Fri 7,
Sat 11 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. 2-day schedule: Reg. Sat to 10 am, rds. Sat
11, 2 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. Byes: OK all rds, limit 2; Master must commit
before rd. 2, others before rd. 3. Electronic devices rules: See www.chess-
tour.com/devices.htm. Please leave your phone in your hotel room, your
car, home, or in a bag near your table. HR: $119-119, 818-997-7676,
reserve by 2/18 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600,
use AWD #D657633. Questions: chesstour.com, 347-201-2269, Direc-
torAtChess.US. Ent: chessaction.com or Continental Chess, PO Box 8482,
Pelham, NY 10803. $15 service charge for refunds. Advance entries posted
at chessaction.com (click “entry list” after entering). Blitz tournament
Saturday 9:30 pm, enter by 9:15 pm.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
MAR. 2-3, MARYLAND
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15
UMBC OPEN - ALVIN S. MINTZES CHESS TOURNAMENT
5SS, G/90, +30incr. University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop
Circle, Baltimore (in Commons, 3rd floor). Held concurrently with Maryland
“Sweet 16” (Invitational)—winner to receive in-state fixed-dollar tuition
scholarship to UMBC. Open: (All) $$1260: $400-300-200 Gtd., Class prizes
$120 ea. to top U2300, U2100, U1900. Free ent. to GMs, $50 deducted
from any prizes. U1800: (U1800/Unr.) $$1080 b/40: $350-250-150, Class
prizes $110 ea. to top U1600, U1400, U1200 (b/4). No Unr. player may win
more than $250 in this section. All: EF: $50 if postmarked by 2/15, $60
later, $10 less if under age 20. Reg: 8:30-9:30am Sat., Rds: 10-3-7:30pm
Sat, 10:30-3:30pm Sun. Byes: Up to three 1/2-pt. byes avail. in Rds. 1-5 if
req’d at least 1 hr. before Rd. (before Rd. 2 for any Rd. 4-5 bye), but only
at most one 1/2-point bye in Rds. 4-5. HR: La Quinta Inn and Suites, 1734
West Nursery Road, Linthicum, MD 21090, 410-859-2333, www.lq.com
(From I-95, take Exit 47A onto I-195 towards BWI Airport. Take Exit 2A
onto 295 north towards Baltimore; take first exit, bearing right onto West
Nursery Road.) Directions to UMBC: Take Exit 47B off I-95 & follow signs
to UMBC. Park in Commons Drive garage. Ent: Register online at
http://mdchess.com (email questions to dewyerj@umbc.edu), or mail to
Joel DeWyer, UMBC, Attn: Open, 1000 Hilltop Circle, The Commons, Rm.
335, Baltimore, MD 21250. Make out check to Maryland Chess Association.
For more information: www.umbc.edu/chess. W.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
A State Championship Event!
MAR. 2-3, PENNSYLVANIA
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10
2019 IRA LEE RIDDLE MEMORIAL PA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
& PA COLLEGIATE CHAMPIONSHIP
5SS, G/90 d5. Eisenhower Hotel and Conference Center, 2634 Emmitsburg
Rd., Gettysburg PA 17235. 3 sections: $$ (1875G): Open: 350-150,
U2200 $125, U2000 $100. U1800: 200-150, U1650 $125, U1500 $100.
U1400: 200-150, U1200 $90, U1000 $75, Unr $60. All: College Tr: 1-2
in each section, 1-2 team (top 4 over all sections). EF: $40 rec’d by
2/16, $50 after, PSCF $5 OSA. Reg.: 8:45-9:30 am. Rds.: 10-2-5:30, 9-
1. Feb 2019 ratings used. Bye: limit 1, ask by rd. 2. HR: Mention “Chess
Tourney”: 717-334-8121 $89 by 1/31. Ent: PSCF, c/o Tom Martinak, 25
Freeport St., Pittsburgh, PA 15223-2245. Info: martinak_tom_m@hot-
mail.com, 412-908-0286, pscfchess.org/pascholasticchamp/.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
MAR. 2-3, TEXAS
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 (ENHANCED)
DCC FIDE OPEN III
5SS, G/90 inc/30. Dallas Chess Club, 200 S. Cottonwood Dr. #C, Richardson,
TX 75080. Two sections: Open and Reserve. Open: $$875G. FIDE and US
Chess rated but uses FIDE rules. Use US Chess ratings and rules for
pairings and for awarding prizes. Default late forfeiture time is one hour.
TD may extend this time at TD’s discretion. Note that Foreign players must
disclose their FIDE ID number before 1st round in order to play. Note that
USA Players with no FIDE ID must disclose their email address. $$ $500-
$250-$125. EF: 2400+ $125, 2000-2399 $90, 1600 -1999 $99, U1600 $125,
Senior/Birthday during tournament/Additional Family Member $55. Dallas
Chess Club membership required or pay $20 non-member fee. Small Min-
imum prize to the First three GM/IM’s who apply. GM/IM must play all
rounds to get minimum prize (entry fee may be deducted from prize).
Reserve: Open to players rated below 2000 USCF. This section is not Fide
Rated but is US Chess rated and uses US Chess rules. EF: $40. 10$ non
Dallas Chess Club membership fee. The Reserve give back 10% in prizes
and if at least 8 paid entries and if there is a clear winner, then that winner
receives free entry to next DCC Fide Open. In the reserve section, Tour-
nament reserves the right to use Fide rules on electronic devices and on
starting White’s clock at start of a round and to use FIDE pairing rules.
Also clocks will be set to ‘halt at end’. Both: Reg.: Saturday from 9:45–
10:15 am. Rds.: Sat 10:45 am-3:10pm-7:16pm, Sun 9:45 am- 2:10pm. One
half point Bye allowed if requested before end of round 2 and before
getting full point bye. Withdrawals and zero point last round byes are not
eligible for prizes. Note that house players (if required) must pay $5 per
round and be US Chess members. ENT: Make/mail Checks payable to

Dallas Chess Club, C/O Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley,
TX 76036-4719. Info: 214-632-9000. FIDE.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
A State Championship Event!
MAR. 9-10, DELAWARE
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20
DELAWARE STATE OPEN CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP
Hilton, Christiana Hotel, 100 Continental Dr., Newark, DE 19713 (off I-
95). Ask for the special price to reserve room for the chess tournament.
302-454-1500. TC: G/90 d5. Open: $600, $300, $150, U2200 $150, U2000
$150, U1800 $150, U1600 $400, $250, $150, U1400 $140, U1200 $140,
U1000 $140. Special DE Resident Prizes: Delaware State Champion:
Crystal Trophy + Free entry in next year’s event, Delaware State
Woman’s Champion: Trophy + Free entry in next year’s event (may be
in U1600 or open section based on performance), Top DE U1600 Trophy.
Top DE Junior under age 19 Trophy. Reg.: Advanced reg: Delaware
Chess Association, 2400 N Broom St., Apt. 203, Wilmington, DE 19802.
302-893-9519. TD: William Trueman. On-site Reg.: 8am - 9am. EF: Free
entry to GM’s and IM’s ($50 deducted from prizes), $70 by 3/04, $75 at
the site. Rds: Sat.10, 2, 6, Sun. 9, 1, Half point Byes: 2 available. $
prizes b/40 in each section. Email: trueman56@gmail.com
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
MAR. 10, NEW JERSEY
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15 (ENHANCED)
DR. DAVID OSTFELD MEMORIAL ICA OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
4SS, G/61 d5. Bergen Academy, 200 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, NJ
07601. Open to All Ages With Rating above 1400. Prize Fund ($$b/40) 1st
- 3rd $300, $250, $200, U2200, U2000, U1800, U1600 each $100 Best
Under 13 Years Old $75, Best Over 55 Years Old $75. Reg ends at 9 AM.
Only one 1/2-point bye allowed, if requested before the start of round
two. EF: Adv (pmk. By Mar 5th) $45, AT Site $50. GMs Free Entry. For info,
call 201-797-0330, email chessdirector@icanj.net or visit icanj.net. Prize
Fund Will Not Be Reduced Below 70%. Rds.: 9:30 AM, 11:45 AM, 2:15 PM,
4:30 PM. Enter online at: https://ica.jumbula.com/#/ica_tournaments
or mail information to Diana Tulman, 28 Canterbury Lane, New Milford,
NJ 07646. Make checks payable to International Chess Academy. W.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
MAR. 15-17 OR 16-17, FLORIDA
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 80 (ENHANCED)
17TH ANNUAL SOUTHERN CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS
5SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Wyndham
Orlando Resort, 8001 International Dr., Orlando 32819. Free parking.
Prizes $17,000 guaranteed. In 7 sections. Master (2200/up): $1600-
800-400-300, clear or tiebreak winner $100 bonus. FIDE. Expert (2000-2199):
$1200-700-400-200. Class A (1800-1999): $1200-700-400-200. Class B
(1600-1799): $1200-700-400-200. Class C (1400-1599): $1000-500-300-
200. Class D (1200-1399): $1000-500-300-200. Class E (Under 1200):
$600-400-200-100. Rated players may play up one section. Unrated may
enter A through E, but may not win over $100 in E, $200 D, $300 C or $500
23rd annual MID-AMERICA OPEN
March 22-24 or 23-24, 2019 - Clayton (Saint Louis), Missouri
$20,000 GUARANTEED PRIZE FUND!
CLAYTON PLAZA HOTEL in the upscale suburb of Clayton, near Saint Louis
5 rounds, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2-
day option, rds 1-2 G/60 d10).
Clayton Plaza Hotel, 7750
Carondelet Ave, Clayton MO 63105 (I-64
W/US 40-W Exit 32B, 1.2 miles N on
Hanley Rd).
Prizes $20,000 unconditionally
guaranteed.
In 6 sections- you face only those in
your section. Unrated will obtain ratings.
Major: Open to 1800/up. $2000-1000-
600-400, clear/tiebreak win $100, top
U2300 $800-400. FIDE rated, 120 GPP.
Under 2100: $1500-700-500-300.
Under 1900: $1500-700-500-300.
Under 1700: $1400-700-500-300.
Under 1500: $1200-600-400-300.
Under 1250: $900-500-300-200.
Unrated prize limits: U1250 $150,
U1500 $300, U1700 $500. Balance goes to
next player(s) in line.
See previous issue for TLAs appearing February 1-14
B. Mixed doubles: best male/female 2-player team combined score
among all sections: $500-300-200. Team must average under 2200; may
play in different sections; register at site (no extra fee) by 2 pm 3/16. Top
6 sections EF: $118 online at chessaction.com by 3/13, 3-day $123, 2-
day $122 mailed by 3/6, $130 (no checks, credit cards OK) at site, or
online until 2 hours before rd. 1. GMs, IMs & WGMs free; $100 deducted
from prize. Class E EF: all $30 less than above. Unofficial uschess.org
ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 year USCF dues
with magazine if paid with entry. Online at chessaction.com, Adult $35,
Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or at site, Adult $40, Young Adult
$25, Scholastic $17. Re-entry $60; not available in Master Section. 3-day
schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. 2-
day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. All:
Half point byes OK all, limit 2, Master must commit before rd. 2, others
before rd. 3. HR: $130-130-130-130 (no resort fee), includes resort fee
benefits (free wireless & entertainment in room, use of fitness center,
etc). 1-800-421-8001, 407-351-2420; reserve by 3/1 or rate may increase.
Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, AWD D657633, or reserve car online
through chesstour.com. Ent: chessaction.com or Continental Chess, Box
8482, Pelham, NY 10803. $15 service charge for refunds. Questions:
DirectorAtChess.us, chesstour.com, chesstour.info, 347-201-2269. Entries
posted at chessaction.com (online entries posted instantly). Blitz tour-
nament Sat 9:30 pm, enter by 9:15 pm.
A Heritage Event!
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
MAR. 16-17, NEW YORK
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 150 (ENHANCED)
41ST ANNUAL MARCHAND OPEN
Dr. Erich Marchand “requested that his friends play chess in his memory.”
5SS, G/115 d5. Location: The Strong’s National Museum of Play, One
Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY 14607. $16,440 Gtd. Open Section:
$3000-2000-1300-800-500-300. Under 2200 & U2000 each $800-475. FIDE
Rated EF: $85. U1800 Section: $1050-700-400. Under 1600 $700- 400.
EF: $70. U1400 Section: $580-360-240. Under 1200 $340-220. EF $60.
U1000 Section: $350-220-140. Under 800 $175-115. EF: $50. Unrated
players in the U1800 section can only win $330, in U1400 $195 & U1000
$100. No limit in Open. Balance to next prize winners. Free EF (deducted
from prizes) and $100 appearance award to all GM and IM if paid by
3/4/2019. All EF add $20 after 3/4/2019. NYSCA members deduct $3. All
sections USCF rated. Ratings as in March Supplement. Bring sets, boards,
and clocks – none provided. Food court and chess books & equipment
sales available on-site. No smoking allowed on The Strong campus. Reg.:
8:30-9:15am. Rds.: Sat. 10-2:15-6:30, Sun. 10-2:15. One 1/2 point bye
available in rds. 1, 2, 3, or 4 if requested at entry. Optional first round
Friday, 3/15/2019 at 7pm played at Rochester Chess Center (register by
6:30pm). Info: 585-442-2430. Mail entry to: Rochester Chess Center, 221
Norris Dr., Rochester, NY 14610. Web: nychess.org. Store: chessset.com.
MAR. 17, NEW JERSEY
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6
WESTFIELD GRAND PRIX
Mixed doubles: best male/female 2-
player combined score among all sections:
$800-400-200. Must average under 2200;
different sections OK; register at site (no
extra fee) by 2 pm 3/23.
Top 5 sections entry fee: $113
online at chessaction.com by 3/20, 3-day
$118, 2-day $117 mailed by 3/13, $130 at
site or online until 2 hours before round 1.
No check at site, credit card OK.
Under 1250 Section entry fee: All
$20 less than above.
Online entry fee $3 less to Missouri
Chess Association members.
Re-entry (except Major) $60.
Special 1 year USCF membership
with magazine if paid with entry. Online at
chesstour.com, Adult $35, Young Adult
$22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or at site, Adult
$40, Young Adult $25, Scholastic $17.
USCF membership required.
4-SS. G/40 d5. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. 3 Sections:
Open, U1800, U1200. Open Section: EF: $40, $30 members, GM free (-
$30 from prize). Prize Fund: $900 b/30 paid section entries. 70% guaranteed.
Prizes: $240-200-160. U2400 $120, U2200 $100, U2000 $80. U1800 Section:
EF $25, $20 members. Prizes, b/14: $80-60, U1600 $50, U1400 $40. U1200
Section: EF $25, $20 members. Prizes, b/14: $80-60, U1000 $50, U800
$40. Register: 11:15 a.m. - 12 noon. Rounds: 12:15, 2:00, 3:45, 5:30 p.m.
Byes: 1 per player allowed. Must declare before round 3. Info: westfield-
chessclub@gmail.com, www.westfieldchessclub.org/Events.html.
MAR. 19, NEW YORK
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10
MARSHALL MASTERS
4-SS, G/25 d5. Open to players rated 2000+. FIDE Rapid rated. $750
GTD: $250-150-100; U2400: $125; U2300: $100; Biggest upset: $25 EF:
$30; 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,
for Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: www.marshall
chessclub.org/register.
MAR. 22, NEW YORK
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6
MARSHALL $500 FIDE BLITZ (BLZ)
9-SS, G/3 +2. FIDE Blitz rated. USCF Blitz ratings (when possible) used
for pairings & prizes. $500 GTD: $200-100; U2400/unr, U2200, U2000,
U1800: $50. EF: $20; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late
fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: Begin at 7pm
and continue ASAP. Max three byes; request at entry. Register Online:
www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
MAR. 22-24, TEXAS
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30
LONE STAR OPEN
5SS, (Open and U2000 Sections are G/90 i30, and FIDE rated; All other
Sections are G/120 d5). Free entry for GMs,IMs,WGMs and WIMs (EF
deducted from winnings). SIDE EVENTS: (Schol. Team & Ind., 4SS, G/30
d5, 1-day only, Sat. Mar.23); 5-min. Blitz “CAJUN KNOCK-OUT” (Sat. night
after Rd. 3). Separate room for schol. players - A trophy or medal will be
awarded to each schol. player. DoubleTree by Hilton Houston Intercontinental
Airport, 15747 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Houston, TX 77032, Ph: 281-848-
4000, $89 chess rate for King or Double (reserve by 3/7 and mention Cajun
Chess Tournament). Free Parking! Free airport shuttle service! Free wireless
internet in all guestrooms! Discounted Hotel Breakfast Coupons for Hotel
Guests ($5 off of the $17 Hot Breakfast Buffet – Guests are responsible for
$12 breakfast cost, tax & gratuities). Hotel check-in time is 3pm; check-out
time is 12 noon. NOTE: Main tournament room will be closed to outside
non-playing spectators, but players who have finished their games and
have not left the tournament room yet will be allowed to stay to see
remaining games still in progress. 5 Sects. PRIZES: $10,000 b/200 full-
paid ent. OPEN: $1400-800-500-300-200; (U2200): $700-400; U2000:
$800-400-200-100-50; U1800: $800-400-200-100-50; U1600/Unr*: $800-
3-day schedule: Reg. Fri to 6 pm,
rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30.
2-day schedule: Reg. Sat. to 10 am,
rds. Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30.
Half point byes OK all, limit 2; Major
must commit before round 2, others
before round 3.
All: Bring set, board, clock if possible-
none supplied. Unofficial web ratings
usually used if otherwise unrated.
Hotel rates: $105-108, includes free
full hot buffet breakfast & free parking,
888-303-1746, 314-726-5400, request
chess rate, reserve by 3/8.
Entry: chessaction.com or Continental
Chess, Box 8482, Pelham NY 10803. $15
service charge for refunds. Questions:
director@chess.us, chesstour.com, 347-
201-2269.
Entries posted at chessaction.com
(click “entry list” after entering).
Blitz tournament Sat 9:30 pm.
www.uschess.org 57
Tournament Life / February
400-200- 100-50; U1300: $400-300-200-100-50. *Unrated players may only
win 50% of the prize fund except in the Open Sect. where they must pay full
EF and are eligible for full prize fund. All other players are allowed to “play-
up” one sect. only above their published rating. A player who has previously
won 1st place in a rating-based sect. within the last 3 years is no longer
eligible to play in that section. Schol.Sects. (Team & Individual): K-2, K-5,
K-8, K-12. Prizes: Trophies to top 5 individuals & top 3 teams in each
section (more ind. trophies depending on pre-entries). Every non-trophy
winner receives a souvenir chess medal. Teams may have as many players
as they wish from the same school in the same section but must have a
minimum of 3 players to be considered a team; the top 4 scores will count
for final team score. Scholastic Players may play in both Scholastic
and Main Tournament (U1300 sec. only) if desired by registering for
the Scholastic Tournament AND the U1300 section in the 3-day
Schedule of the Main Tournament with a 1/2-point Bye in the 2nd
Round of the 3-Day Schedule – there is a discounted Entry Fee ($79)
for Scholastic players playing in both Scholastic Tournament and
the U1300 section only of the Main Event. USCF-recommended computer
tiebreaks will decide trophy and medal placements for winners of all schol.
sections. Free chess gift to oldest player and to player who travels farthest
to OPEN tourn (Main Event). CAJUN BOUNTY: Defeat the top ranked player
in the OPEN sect. and win free entry to our next tournament! EF: $95 by
3/10; $105 by 3/17, $120 thereafter and at site; Unr. (U1600) and Jrs.
(under 19 yrs of age and playing in U1300 or U1600 Sections) $69 by 3/10;
$79 by 3/17; $95 thereafter and at site. Jrs. (under 19 yrs of age) playing
in the U1300 Sect of the Main Event and in the Schol. Tourn: $79 by 3/10;
$95 by 3/17; $125 thereafter and at site. Schol. EF: $20 by 3/10; $25 by
3/17; $40 thereafter and at site; Re-Entry Fee: $35 (no Re-Entry in OPEN
and U2000 Sects due to FIDE). Re-entry avail. up to Rd. 3 in all other sects;
3 re-entries or 2 Jr. entries count as one additional entry for prize fund). 3-
day Sched: Reg. Fri. 5:30-7pm, Rds. Fri. 8pm; Sat. 2-7, Sun. 10-3. 2-day
Sched: Reg. Sat. 7:45-8:30am, (Rds. Sat. 9-2-7, Sun. 10-3. Both schedules
merge at Rd. 2. Schol. Sched: (All 4 rds. G/30 d5 - one day only, Sat., Mar.
23). Reg. Sat. 8:30am-9:30am, Rd. one at 10am; Other Rds. will immediately
follow. Byes for OPEN Tourn: Avail. all Rds. and must commit before Rd. 3
EXCEPT in the OPEN/U2000 Sect. where a last round bye may not be taken
due to FIDE rules. Byes for SCHOL. Tourn: Only one 1/2-point bye allowed
and must commit before Rd. 1. HR: $89 (281-848-4000), reserve by 3/7
and mention Cajun Chess Tournament to assure group rate. ENT: On-line
registration for tournament and hotel rooms, printable entry form, and
more detailed info at www.cajunchess.com, or mail entry form to Cajun
Chess, 12405 Hillary Step Dr., Olive Branch, MS 38654. Info or Phone Ent:
504-208-9596 or 504-905-2971. Major credit cards accepted (no checks at
site). FIDE.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24, MISSOURI
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 120 (ENHANCED)
23RD ANNUAL MID-AMERICA OPEN
5SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Clayton Plaza
Hotel St. Louis-Clayton, 7750 Carondelet Ave., St. Louis. MO 63105 (I-64
58 February 2019 | Chess Life
W/US 40-W Exit 32B, 1.2 miles north on Hanley Rd). Free parking. $$ 20,000
GUARANTEED PRIZES. In 6 sections: Major: Open to 1800/over. $2000-
1000-600-400, clear winner or 1st on tiebreak $100 bonus, top U2300
$800-400. FIDE. Under 2100: $1500-700-500-300. Under 1900: $1500-700-
500-300. Under 1700: $1400-700-500-300. Under 1500: $1200-600- 400-300.
Under 1250: $900-500-300-200. Prize limits: Unrated may not win over
$150 in U1250, $300 U1500, or $500 U1700. Mixed doubles: best male/female
2-player team combined score among all sections: $800-400-200. Must
average under 2200, may play in different sections, register (no extra fee)
by 2 pm 3/23. Top 6 sections EF: $113 at chessaction.com by 3/20, 3-day
$118, 2-day $117 mailed by 3/13, $130 online until 2 hours before round 1
or at site. GMs $100 from prize. U1250 Section EF: all $20 less than above.
Online EF $3 less to MCA members. No checks at site, credit cards OK.
Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Special
1 yr USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry: Online at chessaction.com,
Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed, phoned or paid at site,
Adult $40, Young Adult $25, Scholastic $17. Re-entry $60; not available in
Major Section. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 &
5, Sun 10 & 3:30. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 2 & 5,
Sun 10 & 3:30. Byes: OK all, limit 2; Major must commit before rd. 2, others
before rd. 3. HR: $105-108-113-118, includes free full hot buffet breakfast.
888-303-1746, 314-726-5400, request chess rate, reserve by 3/8 or rate
may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633, or
reserve car online through chesstour.com. Ent: chessaction.com or Continental
Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. Questions: DirectorAtChess.US, chess-
tour.com, chesstour.info, 347-201-2269. $15 service charge for refunds.
Entries posted at chessaction.com (online entries posted instantly). Blitz
tournament Saturday 9:30 pm, enter by 9:15 pm.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24 NOT MAR. 15-17 OR 16-17, GEORGIA
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30
23RD ANNUAL BORIS KOGAN MEMORIAL - NEW DATE
5-SS, Interactive College of Technology, 5227 New Peachtree Rd., Chamblee,
GA 30341. $5000 b/100, $3000 guaranteed. 3 sections. Championship
(FIDE-rated): Open to USCF or FIDE-rated 1900 and above. $1000-500-
300; Under 2100: $275-125. Amateur: Open to USCF-rated 1400 thru
1899 and Unrated. $600-400-250; Under 1700: $225. Reserve: Open to
USCF-rated Under 1400 and Unrated. $500-350-250; Under 1200, $225.
The “USCF Ratings Supplement” used to determine a player’s “official
published rating” for competition will be the same as the month in which
the tournament begins. Entry Fee: $74 (3-Day), $73 (2-Day) — if rec’d by
21-MAR; $79 at site. (W)IGMs, (W)IMs Free ($60 deducted from any cash
prizes won). Unrated: $35. Re-Entry: $40 (not available in Championship
section). 3-Day Schedule: Reg. ends Fri 7:00pm. Rds. Fri 7:30pm; Sat
2:30pm & 7:30pm; Sun 10:00am & 3:30pm. 2-Day Schedule: Reg. ends
Sat 10:00am. Rds. Sat 10:30am, then merges with 3-Day Schedule. Time
controls: Championship: 40/90, SD/30 d10. Other sections: G/120 d5.
All sections: 2-day Schedule, Rd. 1 G/90 d5 (SAT 10:30am round is not
“FIDE-rated”). FIDE-Only: Rule 6.7a. “A player who arrives at the board
more than 30 min. late shall lose the game.” ½-Pt. Byes: Available any
round (limit two) — must request ½-Pt. Byes before Round One (no
changes afterwards). Players Must Bring Sets, Boards, and Clocks –
None Are Supplied By The Tournament Promoters. Entries and Information:
americanchesspromotions.com, (478) 973 – 9389. PHONE CALLS ONLY
AFTER 21-MAR – no e-mails or TEXT messages, please.
A Heritage Event!
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
MAR. 22-24, VIRGINIA
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30
52ND ANNUAL VIRGINIA OPEN
5SS, a VCF Cup Event, $$4000 Guaranteed! SITE: Washington Dulles Airport
Marriott Hotel, 45020 Aviation Dr., Dulles, VA 20166; www.marriott.com,
703-471-9500, rooms $109 Chess Rate plus taxes, res. by Fri. 3/1 at 703-
471-9500. Two Sections. OPEN (FIDE-rated): $750-475-325-230; Top X
and A (based on USCF ratings) ea $200. FIDE Rules, 30-minute default for
late arrivals. AMATEUR (U1900, USCF Rated): $500-300-200; Top B, C,
D, ea $175, Top U1200 $165, Top Unr $130 (limited to $200 place award).
Plaques to 1st Place in Open and Amateur. Trophies to Top U1000, U800,
U600 and Unrated. 5 Rds.: Rd. 1 Fri 3/22, 7:30pm (G/90 inc/30); Rds. 2 &
3 Sat 3/23 10am (G/90 Inc/30) & 3pm (40/90, SD/30 inc/30), Rds. 4 & 5
Sun 3/24 10am & 4pm (40/90, SD/30 inc/30). EF: $85 if rec’d by Sat.
3/16, $100 starting Sun. 3/17 and on site; $5 retained if you withdraw
before the tournament. VCF Mem req. for VA Residents ($15 Adults, $8
Junior under 18 yo). Byes: One half-point Bye allowed any round, must
commit by Sat 9:30am. Re-entry $40, start Rd2 with 1/2 pt. Checks payable
to VCF. REG.: On-line at www.vachess.org; postal mail to Anand Domma-
lapati, ATTN: VA Open, PO Box 223582, Chantilly, VA 20151; On-Site Fri
3/22 4:30-6:45pm. Info: www.vachess.org, or adommalapati@yahoo.com.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
MAR. 23-24, NEW YORK
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15 (ENHANCED)
3RD ANNUAL BILL LITTLE MEMORIAL
5SS, rds. 1-3 G/90 d10, rds. 4-5 40/100, SD/30 d10,.Proctors Theatre,
432 State St., Schenectady, NY 12305 (park free in Broadway Garage).
$1700 guaranteed prizes. 3 sections. Open: $300-150-70, U2050/Unr
$140-70. Under 1850: $200-100-50, U1650 (no unr) $120-60. Under 1450:
$120-80-40, U1250 (no unr) $70-30, unrated limit $60. Mixed doubles:
top male/female combined score $100, averaging under 2200, any sections,
reg. by 3 pm 3/23. Open, U1850 EF: $65 at chessaction.com by 3/20 or
mailed by 3/15, $80 online or at site to 10 am 3/23. Online entry $5 less to
NYSCA mem. (may join with entry). U1450 Section EF: $20 less. No check
at site, credit card OK. GM/IM/WGM $50 from prize. Re-entry (except
Open) $40. Unofficial ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Special
1 yr USCF with magazine if paid with entry: At chessaction.com, Adult
$35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or at site, $40, $25 & $17.
Reg. Sat to 10 am, rds. Sat 11- 3-7, Sun 10-3:30. Bye: all, limit 2; must
commit before rd. 2. Hotels nearby: see travel sites. Ent: chessaction.com
or Continental Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. Refunds, $15 service
charge. Questions: chesstour.com, DirectorAtChess.US, 347-201-2269.
Entries posted at chessaction.com (click “entry list” after entering).

A Heritage Event!
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
MAR. 29-31 OR 30-31, OHIO
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20
56TH CINCINNATI OPEN
Hilton Garden Inn, 5300 Cornell Rd., Blue Ash, OH 45242. 5SS; Sections:
Championship (FIDE rated), U2100, U1700, U1300. Players may choose to
play up, but only one section. Time Control: Championship section 40/90,
SD/30, +30 except 2-day rds. 1&2 G/75 d5. Other sections G/120 d5.
Prizes: Championship: $800-550-400-300, top under 2200 $250-200; U2100:
$550-400-300-200, top under 1900 $200-150; U1700: $400-300-200-150,
top under 1500 $175-125; U1300: $300-200-150-125, top under 1100 $150-
125; prizes based on 120 paid entries, else proportional. No unrated may
win more than the third-place prize amount. Entry fee: Advance $109,
must be received by 9:00 am, March 29; onsite $120; re-entry $50. $10
discount for all who played in 2018 Cincinnati Open, $5 discount for all
others who played in any Cincinnati Open 2012-2017. Free entry to
GMs/IMs/WGMs/WIMs; $109 less applicable discount deducted from
prize. Advance registration: Go to www.chesscincinnati.com to enter
online or download entry form; mail entries to Cincinnati Open, 9180
Pinewood Dr, Loveland, OH 45140. Onsite registration: Friday, Mar 29
5:30-6:30 pm; Saturday, Mar 30 8:00-10:00 am. Championship 3-day
schedule: Fri 7, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 9:30 & 3. Championship 2-day schedule:
Sat 11, 2 & 6, Sun 9:30 & 3. U2100, U1700 and U1300 sections: Fri 7,
Sat 9:30, 2 & 7, Sun 9:30 & 2. Six rounds are scheduled; every player must
select one zero-point bye round so that all players play a five-round schedule.
Half-point byes: Up to two optional half-point byes, additional to zero-
point bye, must commit before 5:00 pm Sat. HR: $99/king bed, $110/two
queen beds, rate includes breakfast for two. Reserve by Thursday, Feb 28
to ensure rate and room. For reservations, call 513-469-6900, or use link
on our website to book online. Bring sets and clock. Complete information,
including online and mail-in entry forms, at www.chesscincinnati.com.
Questions: info@chesscincinnati.com or call/text Alan at 513-600-9915.
MAR. 30, PENNSYLVANIA
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6
18TH HORIZONS FOR YOUTH SPRING SCHOLASTIC RBO
$375 GTD. 5SS, G/30 d5. Northampton Com.College, 3835 Green Pond
Rd., Main Campus, Coll. Ctr. Bldg., Bethlehem, PA 18020. Reg.: 8:30am,
Rds: 9:30, ASAP. 2 Events: 1) Open and U1200,18yrs & under 2) Age-
Based, Non-Rated,14 yrs & under. EF: $34 by 11pm, 3/28, $39 after.
Prizes: OPEN $200-1st +, $100-2nd+Trophys-1st,2nd, 3rd, 4th, U14;
U1200 $75-1st+Trophys 1st, 2nd, 3rd, U10, U8, U6,UNR. OpenTie (Blit-
zoff); Non-USCF Rated b/0 age. Ent: http://northampton.edu/noncredit/
horizons-for-youth/bethlehem-school-year-programs.htm Online only. Info:
610-861-4120; sazrinski@gmail.com.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
MAR. 30-31, CALIFORNIA, NORTHERN
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15
2019 NORTH BAY CHESS FESTIVAL BY NOVATO CHECKMATES
Novato Downtown Recreation Center, 950 7th St., Novato, CA 94945. FREE
parking! Novato Checkmates club members - discounted entry fees! Sat,
Mar 30 only: Rising Star PK-12; 3xG/30 d5 - non rated, Onsite Reg.: 9-
9:30a, Rounds 10a-1p; EF: $10/$5(memb) Kids Quads: PK-12; 3xG/30
d5, Trophies: players w + score. Sched: Reqrd. Check-in 1:30-2p. Games:
2:30-5p. EF: $20/$15(memb) Simultaneous Exhibition: 20-boards simul,
Onsite reg: 5-5:30p, Simul starts 6p, EF $15/10(memb). March 30-31 (2-
day): 1st Novato Open Prizes: Prize: $3500/b100. Open (2000+, FIDE):
$1000-500-200 u2200: $200-100-50; AB (1600-1999): $500-200-100
u1800: $100-50, CDEu (u1600): $300-100-50 u1400: $50. March 2019
Suppl, CCCmin & TD disc. Open/FIDE-2-day: 4SS G/90+30inc Reg.: 9:30-
9:45a. Rds.: Sat 10a, 2p. Sun 11a, 3p. AB/CDEu G/61 d5: Reg.: 8:30-8:45a.
Rds.: Sun: 9a, 11:30a, 2p, 4:30p. EF:$45/$35(memb). After 3/26 +15,
playup +15, re-entry: $20, GMs/IMs - $0 by 3/23. Info: www.nova-
tocheckmates.org. Special disc rooms at Novato Courtyard Marriott, to
reserve call 415-883-8950. W.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
MAR. 30-31, TEXAS
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 (ENHANCED)
DCC FIDE OPEN IV
5SS, G/90 inc/30. Dallas Chess Club, 200 S. Cottonwood Dr. #C, Richardson,
TX 75080. Two sections: Open and Reserve. Open: $$875G. FIDE and US
Chess rated but uses FIDE rules. Use US Chess ratings and rules for
pairings and for awarding prizes. Default late forfeiture time is one hour.
TD may extend this time at TD’s discretion. Note that Foreign players must
disclose their FIDE ID number before 1st round in order to play. Note that
USA Players with no FIDE ID must disclose their email address. $$ $500-
$250-$125. EF: 2400+ $125, 2000-2399 $90, 1600 -1999 $99, U1600 $125,
Senior/Birthday during tournament/Additional Family Member $55. Dallas
Chess Club membership required or pay $20 non-member fee. Small Min-
imum prize to the First three GM/IM’s who apply. GM/IM must play all
rounds to get minimum prize (entry fee may be deducted from prize).
Reserve: Open to players rated below 2000 USCF. This section is not Fide
Rated but is US Chess rated and uses US Chess rules. EF: $40. 10$ non
Dallas Chess Club membership fee. The Reserve give back 10% in prizes
and if at least 8 paid entries and if there is a clear winner, then that winner
receives free entry to next DCC Fide Open. In the reserve section, Tour-
nament reserves the right to use Fide rules on electronic devices and on
starting White’s clock at start of a round and to use FIDE pairing rules.
Also clocks will be set to ‘halt at end’. Both: Reg.: Saturday from 9:45–
10:15 am. Rds.: Sat 10:45 am-3:10pm-7:16pm, Sun 9:45 am- 2:10pm. One
half point Bye allowed if requested before end of round 2 and before
getting full point bye. Withdrawals and zero point last round byes are not
eligible for prizes. Note that house players (if required) must pay $5 per
round and be US Chess members. ENT: Make/mail Checks payable to
Dallas Chess Club, C/O Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley,
TX 76036-4719. Info: 214-632-9000. FIDE.
A Heritage Event!
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
APR. 5-7 OR 6-7, MASSACHUSETTS
See previous issue for TLAs appearing February 1-14
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 120 (ENHANCED)
28TH ANNUAL EASTERN CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS
5SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Host Hotel at
Cedar Lake, 366 Main St., Sturbridge, MA 01566 (I-84 Exit 3, near I-90).
Free parking. $$20,000 guaranteed prizes. In 7 sections: Master (2200/up):
$2000-1000-500-300, clear winner or 1st on tiebreak $100 bonus, top U2300
$800-400. FIDE. Expert (2000-2199): $1500-700-400-300. Class A (1800-
1999/Unr): $1500-700-400-300. Class B (1600-1799/Unr): $1500-700-400-
300. Class C(1400-1599/Unr): $1300-700-400-300. Class D (1200-1399/Unr):
$700-400-200-100. Class E (Under 1200/Unr): $600-300-200-100. Rated
players may play up one section. Prize limits: Unrated may not win over
$100 in E, $200 D, $300 C or $400 B. Mixed doubles bonus prizes: best
male/female 2-player team combined score among all sections: $600-300.
Team must average under 2200; may play in different sections; register
(no extra fee) by 2 pm 4/6. Top 5 sections EF: $115 online at chessaction.com
by 4/3, 3-day $118, 2-day $117 mailed by 3/26, $130 at site, or online until
2 hours before round 1. GMs $100 from prize. Class D or E EF: All $50 less
than top 5 sections EF. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Online EF $5
less to MACA members; may join/renew at masschess.org. Unofficial
uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 yr USCF
dues with magazine if paid with entry: Online at chessaction.com, Adult
$35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or at site, Adult $40, Young
Adult $25, Scholastic $17. Re-entry $60; not available in Master Section.
3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 5, Sun 10 &
3:30. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun 10 &
3:30. Byes: OK all, limit 2; Master must commit before rd. 2, others before
rd. 3. HR: $99-99-109, 800-582-3232, 508-347-7393, request chess rate,
reserve by 3/22 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use
AWD #D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Ent: ches-
saction.com or Continental Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. Questions:
DirectorAtChess.us, chesstour.com, chesstour.info, 347-201-2269. $15
service charge for refunds. Entries posted at chessaction.com (click “entry
list” after entry). Blitz tournament Sat 9:30 pm, enter by 9:15 pm.
A State Championship Event!
APR. 13, PENNSYLVANIA
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6
2019 PA STATE GAME/29 CHAMPIONSHIP (QC)
5SS, G/29 d0. O’Hara Student Center, Univ. of Pitt., 4024 O’Hara St.,
Pittsburgh PA 15213. 2 Sections: Championship: EF: $25 by 4/5, $35
later. $$ (690G): $200-100, U2000 $90, U1800 $80, U1600 $70, U1400
$60, U1200 $50, U1000 $40. Trophies: 1-3 U1400, 1-3 U1200, 1-3 U1000.
Scholastic: Grades K-12 unrated or U900. EF: $15 by 4/5, $25 later.
Trophies to Top 7, 1-3 U600. ALL: Trophies: 1-2 Schools, 1-2 Clubs,
Teams of 4-7 players from both sections. PSCF $5, OSA. Reg.: 10-
10:30am. Rds.: 11-12:30-1:45-3-4:15. Ent: PSCF, c/o Tom Martinak, 25
Freeport St., Pittsburgh, PA 15223, martinak_tom_m@hotmail.com
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
APR. 13-14, MASSACHUSETTS
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 (ENHANCED)
WESTFORD APRIL OPEN
Westford Regency Inn & Conference Center, 219 Littleton Rd., Westford,
MA 01886. In 4 Sections, Championship: 4SS, 40/90, SD/30;+30, Open
to players rated 1800/above. FIDE rated. $$GTD: $600-300-250. U2400
$250 U2200 $250. U2000: 4SS, 40/90, SD/30;+30, Open to 1999 & under.
FIDE rated. $$GTD: $400-200-150. U1800: 4SS, 40/90, SD/30;+30, Open
to 1799 & under. $$GTD: $400-200-150. U1600: 4SS, 40/90, SD/30;+30,
Open to 1599 & under. Adult unrated not allowed in section. $$GTD: $300-
150-100. U1400 $150 U1200 $150. ALL: EF: $70 postmarked 6 April, $80
at site. $30 discount to players in U1600 sect. rated U1000 or unrated.
Reg.: 8:30-9:30 on Saturday. Rds.: 10-4, 10-4. 1 ½ point byes rounds 1-3.
ENT: Alex Relyea, 49 Technology Dr. #89, Bedford, NH 03110. INFO: Alex
Relyea relyea@operamail.com. www.relyeachess.com. HR $125 by 14
March. (978) 692-8200 mention Westford April Open.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
APR. 13-14, TEXAS
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 (ENHANCED)
DCC FIDE OPEN V
5SS, G/90 inc/30. Dallas Chess Club, 200 S. Cottonwood Dr. #C, Richardson,
TX 75080. Two sections: Open and Reserve. Open: $$875G. FIDE and US
Chess rated but uses FIDE rules. Use US Chess ratings and rules for
pairings and for awarding prizes. Default late forfeiture time is one hour.
TD may extend this time at TD’s discretion. Note that Foreign players must
disclose their FIDE ID number before 1st round in order to play. Note that
USA Players with no FIDE ID must disclose their email address. $$ $500-
$250-$125. EF: 2400+ $125, 2000-2399 $90, 1600 -1999 $99, U1600 $125,
Senior/Birthday during tournament/Additional Family Member $55. Dallas
Chess Club membership required or pay $20 non-member fee. Small Min-
imum prize to the First three GM/IM’s who apply. GM/IM must play all
rounds to get minimum prize (entry fee may be deducted from prize).
Reserve: Open to players rated below 2000 USCF. This section is not Fide
Rated but is US Chess rated and uses US Chess rules. EF: $40. 10$ non
Dallas Chess Club membership fee. The Reserve give back 10% in prizes
and if at least 8 paid entries and if there is a clear winner, then that winner
receives free entry to next DCC Fide Open. In the reserve section, Tour-
nament reserves the right to use Fide rules on electronic devices and on
starting White’s clock at start of a round and to use FIDE pairing rules.
Also clocks will be set to ‘halt at end’. Both: Reg.: Saturday from 9:45–
10:15 am. Rds.: Sat 10:45 am-3:10pm-7:16pm, Sun 9:45 am- 2:10pm. One
half point Bye allowed if requested before end of round 2 and before
getting full point bye. Withdrawals and zero point last round byes are not
eligible for prizes. Note that house players (if required) must pay $5 per
round and be US Chess members. ENT: Make/mail Checks payable to
Dallas Chess Club, C/O Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley,
TX 76036-4719. Info: 214-632-9000. FIDE.
An American Classic!
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
APR. 17-21, 18-21 OR 19-21, CONNECTICUT
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 200 (ENHANCED)
13TH ANNUAL OPEN AT FOXWOODS
Open Section, Apr 17-21: 9SS, 40/2, SD/30 d10. FIDE rated, GM & IM
norms possible. Other Sections, Apr 18-21 or 19-21: 7SS, 40/2, SD/30,
d10 (3-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Foxwoods Resort Casino & Hotel,
Rt. 2, Mashantucket, CT 06339 (I-95 to Exit 92 to Rt. 2 West, or I-395 to
Exit 85 to Rt. 164 to Rt. 2 East). Free parking. 45 miles from T.F. Green
Airport (Providence, RI), 14 miles from Groton/New London Airport; for
shuttle from New London Amtrak station call 1-800-USA-RAIL. Bus trans-
portation: 1-888-BUS2FOX. Free shuttle to Mashantucket Pequot Museum,
largest Native American museum in USA. Prizes $100,000 based on 650
entries (seniors, re-entries, GMs, IMs, WGMs, foreign FIDE & U1100 Section
count as half entries), else proportional, minimum $75,000 (75% of each
prize) guaranteed. In 7 sections: Open: $10000-5000-2500-1500-1000-700-
600-500-400-400, clear/tiebreak winner $200 bonus, FIDE 2250-2399
$3000-1500, FIDE Under 2250/Unr $3000-1500. Under 2200/Unr, Under
2000/Unr, Under 1800: each $5000-3000-1600-1000-700-600-500-400-
300-300. Unrated prize limit in U2000, $2000. Under 1600: $4000-2000-1300-
900-600-500-400-400-300-300. Under 1400: $3000-1800-1000-800-600-
500-400-400-300-300. Under 1100/Unr: $1500-800-600-500-400-300-300-
200-200-200; unrated limit $400. Mixed Doubles: best male/female com-
bined 2-player team score: $1200-800-600-400-200. In Open Section, only
first 7 rounds counted toward mixed doubles. Team must average under
2200; may play in different sections; register (no extra fee) before both
players begin round 2. Prize limits: 1) Players with under 26 lifetime games
rated as of April 2019 official rating may not win over $800 in U1100, $1500
U1400, $2500 U1600 or U1800. Games rated too late for April 2019 list not
counted. 2) Unrated prize limit $2000 in U2000, $400 in U1100. 3) If any
post-event rating posted 4/15/18-4/15/19 was more than 30 points over
section maximum, prize limit $1500. 4) Balance of limited prize goes to
next player(s) in line. EF: $208 online at chessaction.com by 2/11, $228
online by 4/16, all $250 at site. Mailed EF $215 by 2/11, $225 by 4/8, do
not mail after 4/8. Open Section EF $100 more to US players not USCF
or FIDE rated 2200/over. GMs, foreign IMs/WGMs in Open: $180 less
($200 deducted from prize), US IMs/WGMs & FIDE rated foreign players
$100 less ($100 deducted from prize). EF deduction cannot lower prize to
below the minimum. Minimum prize guarantees in Open to players who
enter online by 4/3 and play all 9 games with no byes: US GM $300, foreign
GM $700 (limited to first 8 to enter, others $400), foreign IM/WGM $400
(limited to first 8 to enter), foreign FM/WIM $300. Under 1100 Section
EF: all $100 less. Seniors 65/over in U1400 to U2200: All EF $100 less.
CSCA members: online EF $4 less. No checks at site; credit cards OK.
Special 1 year USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry: online at
chessaction.com, Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or at
site, Adult $40, Young Adult $25, Scholastic $17. Re-entry: $100, no re-
entry from Open Section to Open Section. 5-day schedule (Open Section):
Reg. ends Wed 6 pm, rds. Wed. 7 pm, Thu 12 & 7, Fri 11 & 6, Sat 11 & 6,
Sun 10 & 4:15. 4-day schedule (no Open): Reg. ends Thu 6 pm, rds. Thu
7 pm, Fri 11 & 6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:15. 3-day schedule (no Open):
Reg. ends Fri 10 am, rds. Fri 11, 2:30 & 6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:15. 4-day
& 3-day merge & compete for same prizes. Byes: all including rd. 9; limit
4 (limit 2 in last 4 rds), Open must commit before rd. 3, others before rd. 4.
Bring sets, boards, clocks if possible- none supplied. HR: Grand Pequot
Tower (tournament site, very luxurious): Friday & Saturday $205, other
days $149. Fox Tower (formerly MGM Grand, 5-7 minute walk from tourna-
ment in connected building): Friday & Saturday $175, other days $119. Two
Trees Inn (15-20 minute walk from tournament, free shuttle), Friday & Sat-
urday $145, other days $99. For all, $4.95 resort fee, includes high speed
wired internet, fitness center, pool, spa, in room coffee & tea, etc. 1-800-
FOXWOOD or use link at chesstour.com, reserve by 4/4 or rate may
increase. Car rentals: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633 or reserve
car online at chesstour.com. Foreign player ratings: see www.chess
tour.com/foreignratings.htm. Electronic devices rules: See www.chess-
tour.com/devices.htm. Please leave your phone in your hotel room, your
car, home, or in a bag near your table. Ratings: FIDE ratings used in Open,
April USCF official in other sections. Ent: chessaction.com or Continental
Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. Questions: Director@chess.us, chess-
tour.com, chesstour.info, 347-201-2269. $15 service charge for refunds.
Entries posted at chessaction.com (click “entry list” after entering). Blitz
tournament Sat. 10:30 pm, reg. By 10 pm.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
APR. 19-21 OR 20-21, NEVADA
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 120 (ENHANCED)
8TH ANNUAL RENO LARRY EVANS MEMORAL - FIDE - $$26,500
B/275 ($16,000 GTD.)
6SS, OPEN Section 40/2, G/55 Min-d5, (“X ”,“A”, “B”, “C”, “D” Sections
40/2, G/1-d5 - 2-Day Schedule G/1-d5) . Sands Regency Hotel/Casino, 345
N. Arlington Ave., Reno, NV 89501.1-866-386-7829 or (775) 348-2200.
$$26,500 b/275. $$16,000 Gtd. (Prizes 1-7 in Open Section Gtd. plus 1/2 of
all other prizes). 6 Sections. Open (2200 & above) EF: $164, (2000-2199)
EF: $200 (1999 & below) EF: $300. (GMs & IMs free but must enter by
(3/22) or pay late fee). $$2,000-1,000-800-600-500-300-300, (2399/below)-
$1,000-500, (2299/below)- $1,000-500. (If there is a tie for 1st then a
playoff for $100 out of prize fund plus trophy). Expert Section (2000-2199)
EF: $164; $$2,000-1,000-500-300-300. Sec. ”A” (1800-1999) EF: $163;
$$1,800-900-500-300-300, Sec. ”B” (1600-1799) EF: $162; $$1,700-800-
400-300-300, Sec. ”C” (1400-1599) EF: $161; $$1,500-700-400-300-300,
Sec. ”D”/under (1399 & below) EF: $155; $$1,000-500-300-200; (1199 &
below) - $$300; 2-Day EF: $160 (No Open Section). Top Senior (65+) -
$200; Club Champ.-$600-300. ALL: Entries must be postmarked by 3/22 or
pay late fee-$11, do not mail after 4/12 or email after 4/16, $22 at site.
Trophies 1st – 3rd (“A” – “D” sections). Unrated players are free entry
but must join USCF for 1 full year thru this tournament – Unrated not eligible
for cash prizes. 1st Unrated = trophy + 1 yr. USCF Mem. Senior discount
(65+ yrs.) $10. Players may play up. Provisionally rated players may only
win 1/2 of 1st place money (except Open Section 1 – 7). CCA ratings may
be used. Note: pairings not changed for color unless 3 in a row or cause a
plus 3 and if the unlikely situation occurs 3 colors in a row may be assigned.
SIDE EVENTS: Wed. (4/17) 7:00pm GM Sergey Kudrin – Clock Simul with
game analysis ($30); Thurs. (4/18) 6-7:15pm Lecture by IM John Donaldson
(FREE); 7:30pm- GM Fidel Corrales Jimenez - Simul ($20); 7:30pm-Blitz
(G/5 d0)) Tourney ($25) 80% entries = Prize Fund. Sat. (4/20) (3-4:30pm)
Free Game/Position Analysis - IM John Donaldson. REG.: (4/18) 5-8pm
www.uschess.org 59
Tournament Life / February

(4/19) 9-10am and (4/20) 9-10 am. RDS.: (Fri) 12-7, (Sat) 10-6, (Sun) 9:30-
4:30. 2-Day (4/20) Rd 1 (10:30 am), Rd. 2 (12:45 pm), Rd. 3 (3:00 pm), Rd.
4 merge with regular schedule – (6:00 pm). Byes available any round if
requested by Rd.1 (Open Section 2 byes max). ENT: make checks payable
and send to: SANDS REGENCY (address listed above), postmarked by 3/22.
$11 late fee if postmarked after 3/22. Do not mail after 4/12 or email after
4/16. $22 late fee at site. HR: (Sun-Thurs. $52.95!) (Fri. & Sat. $82.46!) 1-
866-386-7829 Reservation Code: CHESS419 -Reserve by 4/1/19 to get
Chess rate. INFO: Jerry Weikel, 6578 Valley Wood Dr., Reno, NV 89523,
(H) 775-747-1405 or (Cell) 775-354-8728 (AFTER 4/18/19 please call cell
number ONLY) wackyykl@aol.com or check out our website at:
www.renochess.org. To verify entry check website.
APR. 20, CONNECTICUT
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 (ENHANCED)
FOXWOODS BLITZ (BLZ)
5SS, G/5 d0, double round, 10 games. Foxwoods Resort Casino & Hotel
(see Foxwoods Open). $2000 guaranteed prizes: $400-250-150, 2000-
2199 $200-100, U2000/Unr $200-100, U1800 $180-90, U1600 $150-80,
U1300 $100. EF: $40 by 7 pm 4/20, $50 by 10 pm 4/20. GMs free; $40
from prize. Enter at site only, no checks. Reg.: ends 10 pm, rds. 10:30,
11, 11:30, 12, 12:30. 1 bye allowed (1 point out of 2), must give notice
before rd. 2. Blitz rated, but higher of regular or blitz used for pairings
& prizes. $20 service charge for refunds.
A Heritage Event!
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
APR. 26-28 OR 27-28, FLORIDA
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 100 (ENHANCED)
26TH SPACE COAST OPEN
5SS, Top section FIDE rated (USCF ratings used for pairings & prizes) at
G/90+30 sec. incr., All other sections but Class E/U1200 G/120 d5, Class
E/U1200 G/90 d5 (2-day Rd. 1 for all sections G/60 d5). International Palms
Resort, 1300 N. Atlantic Ave. (Hwy A1A), Cocoa Beach, FL 32931. $$20,000
b/240 pd., $15,000 Gtd. 6 Sections: Master/Expert: Open to 2000/over.
$2000+trophy-1000-500-400, U2400 $1500+trophy-750, U2200 $1400+tro-
phy-700-400. Draw offers not permitted before move 30 (Master/Expert
section only). Class A: Open to 1600-1999. $1200+trophy-600-300-200.
Class B: Open to 1400-1799. $1100+trophy-500-300-200. Class C: Open
to 1200-1599. $1000+trophy-500-300-200. Class D: Open to 800-1399.
$900+trophy-450-200-100. Class E/U1200: Open to U1200. $800+tro-
phy-400-200, U1000 $500+trophy-300, U800 $400+trophy-200, trophies
to top scholastics players in K-3, K-5, K-8, K-12. Top Senior Prizes: Among
all sections, must be at least 60 on April 26. Seniors qualifying for both a
section prize and the senior prize will be awarded only one prize (larger of
the two). $250+trophy-150-100. All: Unr. may enter any section. Unr. may
not win over $300 or trophy unless place prize in Master/Expert section.
Prizes for 1st-3rd brilliancy & biggest upset rds. 1-4. EF: $114 by 4/21, $20
more later & onsite; $20 less if Unr. or under age 18. Re-entry $60 by rd. 3
(1/2 pt. byes for earlier rds.). GM/IM free entry available online until 3/31,
else $114 from prize. Special EF for Brevard County students in any section:
$25 online by 4/21, $10 more later & onsite (counts as 1/4 entry for based
on prize fund). Reg.: Ends 1/2 hr. before 1st rd. Rds.: Rd. 1 7:30 pm Fri. (2-
day 10 am Sat. at G/60 d5); Rd. 2 Sat. 1:15; Rd. 3 all sections but Class
E/U1200 6:30, Class E/U1200 5:45; Rd. 4 Sun. 9:30; Rd. 5 all sections but
Class E/U1200 2:30, Class E/U1200 1:45. Up to 2 half point byes if req’d
before rd. 2. Side events: Space Coast Open Blitz. G/5 d0. Prizes: Cash
prizes based on entries. EF: $20. Blitz starts at 10:15 pm Sat. Other events:
see www.spacecoastchessfoundation.org. HR: $109, Oceanside $129, Loft
$149. Resort fee waived. 800-206-2747 or 321-392-1647, reserve by 4/5.
Group code SCCF19. Ent: Payable to: Space Coast Chess Foundation, c/o
Jon Haskel, 2385 NW Executive Center Dr., #100, Boca Raton, FL 33431.
Online entry and add’l info: www.spacecoastchessfoundation.org,
jon@bocachess.com, 561-302-4377.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
MAY 4, MAINE
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6
DOWNEAST OPEN
Bonny Eagle Middle School, 92 Sokokis Trail, Buxton, ME. A Maine Chess
Player of the Year Event! Maine Chess Association membership required.
4SS in three sections: OPEN and U1500 G/60 d10; U1000 G/45 d5.
EF: EF Open $50 by 5/3, $55 at door; U1550 $35/$40; U1000 $15/$20.
Prizes based on 25 entries: OPEN $350/$250/$150/U1700 $75; U1550
$245/$175/$105/U1300 $50; U1000 trophies for top 3. Reg.: 8-9 AM,
OPEN and U1550 rounds at 9:10, 1:00, 3:30, 6:00; U1000 rounds at
9:10, 12:00, 2:00, 4:00. Contact: Michael Dudley at mainechesspresi-
dent@gmail.com to preregister!
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
MAY 11-12, TEXAS
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 (ENHANCED)
DCC FIDE OPEN VI
5SS, G/90 inc/30. Dallas Chess Club, 200 S. Cottonwood Dr. #C, Richardson,
TX 75080. Two sections: Open and Reserve. Open: $$875G. FIDE and US
Chess rated but uses FIDE rules. Use US Chess ratings and rules for
pairings and for awarding prizes. Default late forfeiture time is one hour.
TD may extend this time at TD’s discretion. Note that Foreign players must
disclose their FIDE ID number before 1st round in order to play. Note that
USA Players with no FIDE ID must disclose their email address. $$ $500-
$250-$125. EF: 2400+ $125, 2000-2399 $90, 1600 -1999 $99, U1600 $125,
Senior/Birthday during tournament/Additional Family Member $55. Dallas
Chess Club membership required or pay $20 non-member fee. Small Min-
imum prize to the First three GM/IM’s who apply. GM/IM must play all
rounds to get minimum prize (entry fee may be deducted from prize).
Reserve: Open to players rated below 2000 USCF. This section is not Fide
Rated but is US Chess rated and uses US Chess rules. EF: $40. 10$ non
Dallas Chess Club membership fee. The Reserve give back 10% in prizes
and if at least 8 paid entries and if there is a clear winner, then that winner
receives free entry to next DCC Fide Open. In the reserve section, Tour-
nament reserves the right to use Fide rules on electronic devices and on
starting White’s clock at start of a round and to use FIDE pairing rules.
Also clocks will be set to ‘halt at end’. Both: Reg.: Saturday from 9:45–
10:15 am. Rds.: Sat 10:45 am-3:10pm-7:16pm, Sun 9:45 am- 2:10pm. One
half point Bye allowed if requested before end of round 2 and before
getting full point bye. Withdrawals and zero point last round byes are not
eligible for prizes. Note that house players (if required) must pay $5 per
round and be US Chess members. ENT: Make/mail Checks payable to
Dallas Chess Club, C/O Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley,
TX 76036-4719. Info: 214-632-9000. FIDE.
A Heritage Event!
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
MAY 17-19 OR 18-19, NEW YORK
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 (ENHANCED)
27TH ANNUAL NEW YORK STATE OPEN AND SENIOR
5SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Tiki Resort, 2
Canada St., Lake George, NY 12845. $$3300 guaranteed. 4 sections.
Open: $$ 400-200-150, U2010/Unr $240-120, U1810 $200-100. Senior:
for under 1910/Unr born before 5/19/69. $300-150-100, U1710/Unr $140-
70. Under 1610: $240-120-70, U1410 $120-60, unr limit $150. Under 1210:
$120-60-40, unrated limit $80, plaques to top 3, 1st U1000, U800, Unr.
Mixed doubles: top male/female combined score $200-100, must average
under 2200, any sections, reg. by 2 pm 5/18. Top 3 sections EF: $79 at
chessaction.com by 5/15, 3-day $83, 2-day $82 mailed by 5/9, $90 online
or at site until 1 hr before rd 1. Under 1210 Section EF: $30 less than top
3 sections EF. All: Online EF $7 less to NYSCA mem. (dues $12/yr with 2
Empire Chess, $20/yr with 4 issues, may join with EF). No check at site,
credit card OK. Special 1 yr USCF with magazine if paid with entry: At
chesstour.com, Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or at
site, $40, $25 or $17. Re-entry (no Open to Open) $40. GM/IM/WGM, $60
from prize. 3-day schedule: Fri 7, Sat 11 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. 2-day
schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. Bye: all,
must commit before rd. 2; limit 2 byes (1 bye if under 1810/unr in Open).
HR: $88-88-98, 518-668-5744 Mon-Fri 9-5, reserve by 5/3. Unofficial ratings
usually used if otherwise unrated. Ent: chessaction.com or Continental
Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. Questions: chesstour.com, Direc-
torAtChess.us, 347-201-2269. $15 service charge for refunds. Entries
posted at chessaction.com (click “entry list” after entering). Blitz Sat 9:30
pm, reg. ends 9:15 pm.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
MAY 22, MAINE
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6
CHESSMAINE.NET CHAMPIONSHIP
John Bapst MHS, 100 Broadway, Bangor, ME 04401. A Maine Chess Player
of the Year Event! ME Chess Assn membership required. 4SS in 3 sections:
OPEN and U1550 G/60 d10; U1000 G/45 d5. EF: Open $40 by 6/21, $45 at
door; U1550 $30/$35; U1000 $15/$20. Prizes based on 25 entries:
OPEN: $300/$200/$100/U1700 $75; U1550: $200/$125/$75/U1300 $50;
U1000: trophies for top 3. Reg.: 8-9 AM, OPEN and U1550 rounds at 9:10,
1:00, 3:30, 6:00; U1000 rounds at 9:10, 12:00, 2:00, 4:00. Contact: Michael
Dudley at mainechesspresident@gmail.com to preregister!

28th annual CHICAGO OPEN

May 23-27 (GM/IM norms possible), 24-27, 25-27 or 26-27, Memorial Day weekend
8 sections, prizes $100,000 unconditionally guaranteed!
Westin Chicago North Shore Hotel, Wheeling IL - free parking, free lectures by GM John Fedorowicz
Open section, 5/23-27: 9 rounds, 40/2, SD/30 d10.
U2300 to U1000 section: 7 rounds, 5/24-27, 40/2, SD/30
d10 (3-day option 5/25-27, rds 1-2 G/60 d10; 2-day option
5/26-27, rds 1-4 G/30 d10). All merge & play for same prizes.
Open: $10000-5000-2500-1300-1000-800-600-500-400-
400, clear or tiebreak first $300 bonus, top FIDE U2400/unr
$2000-1000. FIDE rated, GM and IM norms possible.
Under 2300, Under 2100, Under 1900, Under 1700: Each
$5000-2500-1200-800-600-500-400-300-300-300.
Under 1500, Under 1300: Each $4000-2000-1000-700-
500-400-300-300-300-300.
Under 1000: $1000-500-300-200-200-150-150-100-100-
100, unr max $200, trophy 1st 10, top u800, u600, Unrated.
Unrateds allowed only in Open, Under 2300, Under 2100
or Under 1000 sections. Unrated prize limit $1000 in U2100.
FIDE ratings used for Open, May official USCF for others.
Unofficial web ratings usually used if otherwise unrated.
If any post-event rating posted 5/21/18-5/21/19 was
more than 30 pts over section maximum, prize limit $1500.
Under 26 games prize limit as of May list: U1000 $500,
U1300 $1000, U1500 $1500, U1700 $2000, U1900 $2500.
Mixed Doubles: Best male/female 2-player team
combined score among all sections:$2000-1000-500-400-300.
Must average under 2200. Only rds 1-7 of Open Section
counted. Enter before both players begin round 2.
Entry fee: $207 at chessaction.com by 3/19, $227 by 5/22,
$250 until 2 hrs before rd 1 or at site 1 hr before. Open Sect
$100 more if not rated 2200/over by USCF or FIDE. Senior
65/up $100 less, except U1000. Online $5 less to ICA memb.
Mail or titled entry: see chesstour.com or TLA.
Under 1000 Section: $67 at chessaction.com by 5/22,
$90 online by 2 hours before rd 1 or at site until 1 hour before.
5-day schedule (Open only): enter Thu to 6 pm, rds Thu
7 pm, Fri 12 & 7, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:15.
4-day schedule (U2300 to U1500): enter Fri to 6, rds Fri
7, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:15.
3-day schedule (U2300 to U1500): enter Sat to 10 am,
rds Sat 11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:15.
2-day schedule (U2300 to U1500): enter Sun to 9 am, rds
Sun 10, 12, 2, 3:45 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:15.
U1300, U1000 sections: same as U2300 to U1500 (4-
day, 3-day, 2-day options), except last round Mon is 3:15 pm.
Half point byes OK all, limit 4 (2 last 4 rds). Open must
commit before rd 3, others rd 4.
Hotel rates: 1-4/rm $113, 800-937-8461, reserve by 5/9.
Full details: see TLA or chesstour.com. USCF memb.
required, see TLA or chesstour.com for special rates.
Bring set, board, clock if possible- none supplied. No
cellphone possession during play (in bag near table OK)
$2500 guaranteed blitz tournament, Sunday 10:30 pm.

60 February 2019 | Chess Life


An American Classic!
A Heritage Event!
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
MAY 23-27, 24-27, 25-27 OR 26-27, ILLINOIS
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 200 (ENHANCED)
28TH ANNUAL CHICAGO OPEN
Open Section, May 23-27: 9SS, 40/2, SD/30 d10, GM & IM norms
possible, FIDE rated. Other Sections, May 24-27, 25-27 or 26-27: 7SS,
40/2, SD/30 d10 (3-day option, rds 1-2 G/60 d10; 2-day option, rds. 1-4
G/30 d10). Westin Chicago North Shore Hotel, 601 North Milwaukee
Ave., Wheeling, IL 60090 (from Chicago, I-294 north to US-45 north; from
Milwaukee, I-94 east to Lake Cook Rd to US-45 south.) Free parking. Free
lectures and analysis of your games by GM John Fedorowicz. $100,000
guaranteed prize fund. In 8 sections (unrated allowed only in Open,
U2300, U2100 or U1000). Open: Open to players who are rated 2200/over
by USCF or FIDE or pay $100 extra. $10000-5000-2500-1300-1000-800-
600-500-400-400, clear or tiebreak winner bonus $300, top FIDE Under
2400/Unr $2000-1000. FIDE rated, GM and IM norms possible. Under
2300: $5000-2500-1200-800-600-500-400-300-300-300. Under 2100:
$5000-2500-1200-800-600-500-400-300-300-300; unrated limit $1000.
Under 1900: $5000-2500-1200-800-600-500-400-300-300-300. Under
1700: $5000-2500-1200-800-600-500-400-300-300-300. Under 1500:
$4000-2000-1000-700-500-400-300-300-300-300. Under 1300: $4000-
2000-1000-700-500-400-300-300-300-300. Under 1000: $1000-500-300-200-
200-150-150-100-100-100, unrated limit $200, trophies to first 10, top
U800, U600, Unrated. Prize limits: 1) If any post-event rating posted
5/21/18-5/21/19 was more than 30 points over section maximum, prize
limit $1500. 2) Players with under 26 lifetime games rated as of May 2019
official list cannot win over $500 in U1000, $1000 U1300, $1500 U1500,
$2000 U1700, or $2500 U1900. 3) Balance of any limited prize goes to
next player(s) in line. Mixed Doubles Bonus Prizes: best male/female
combined 2-player team score: $2000-1000-500-400-300. For Open Section,
only rounds 1-7 counted towards mixed doubles. Team must average
under 2200; may play in different sections; register (no extra fee) before
both players begin round 2; teams including an unrated limited to $500.
Open through U1300 entry fee: $207 online at chessaction.com by 3/19,
$227 by 5/22. 5-day $215, 4-day $214, 3-day $213, 2-day $212 mailed by
3/19, all $20 more mailed by 5/11. All $250 online until 2 hours before
round 1 or at site until 1 hour before round 1. No checks at site, credit
cards OK. Do not mail entry after 5/11. Open EF for titled players: GMs
free; $200 deducted from prize. IMs/WGMs $100, also $100 deducted
from prize. EF $100 less to seniors age 65/over, except U1000 Section.
Under 1000 Section EF: $67 online at chessaction.com by 5/22, 4-day
$74, 3-day $73, 2-day $72 mailed by 5/11, all $90 online until 2 hours
before round 1 or at site until 1 hour before round 1. No checks at site,
credit cards OK. Online EF $5 less to ICA members; join at il-chess.org.
An ICA Tour Event. Special 1 yr US Chess dues with magazine if paid
with entry: Online at chessaction.com, Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic
$15. Mailed or at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $25, Scholastic $17. Re-
entry: $100, no Open 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 (U2300 to U1500): Reg. ends Fri 6 pm, Rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat
11 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:15. 3-day schedule (U2300 to U1500):
Reg. ends Sat 10 am, Rds. Sat 11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:15. 2-
day schedule (U2300 to U1500): Reg. ends Sun 9 am, Rds. Sun 10, 12, 2,
3:45 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:15. Under 1300 & Under 1000 schedules: Same
as U2300 to U1500 (4-day, 3-day, 2-day options), except last round Mon is
3:15. 4-day, 3-day & 2-day schedules merge & compete for same prizes.
Byes: OK all, limit 4 (limit 2 in last 4 rds), Open must commit before rd. 3,
others before rd. 4. Hotel rates: $113-113-113-113, 800-937-8461, 847-
777-6500, reserve by 5/9 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis,
800-331-1600, AWD #D657633, or reserve car online through chess
tour.com. Foreign player ratings: See www.chesstour.com/foreign rat-
ings.htm. US player ratings: May official ratings used; FIDE ratings used
for Open Section. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise
unrated. Special rules: Players must submit to a search for electronic
devices if requested by Director. See also chesstour.com/ devices.htm.
Ent: Continental Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. Questions:
chesstour.com, chesstour.info, DirectorAtChess.US, 347-201-2269. $15
service charge for refunds. Entries posted at chessaction.com (click “entry
list” after entry). Bring set, board, clock if possible- none supplied.
MAY 26, ILLINOIS
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 (ENHANCED)
8TH ANNUAL CHICAGO OPEN BLITZ (BLZ)
5SS, G/5 d0, double round, 10 games. Westin North Shore Hotel (see
Chicago Open). In 2 sections with $2500 guaranteed. Open: $400-250-
150, U2300/Unr $220-110, U2100/Unr $200-100. Under 1900/Unr: ,
$300-150-90, U1700/Unr $180-90, U1500 $120-60, U1300 $80. EF: $40
by 7 pm 5/26, $50 by 10 pm 5/26. GMs $40 from prize. Enter at site, no
checks. Reg. ends 10 pm, rds. 10:30, 11, 11:30, 12, 12:30. 1 bye allowed
(1 point out of 2), must give notice before rd 2. Blitz rated, but higher of
regular or blitz used for pairings & prizes. $20 service charge for refunds.
A Heritage Event!
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
JUNE 7-9 OR 8-9, CONNECTICUT
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 80 (ENHANCED)
25TH ANNUAL NORTHEAST OPEN
5SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Sheraton Hotel,
700 Main St., Stamford 06901. Parking $12. $10,000 guaranteed prizes.
5 sections. Major (1800/over): $1200-700-400, top U2300 $500-250. Under
2100: $900-500-250, top U1900 $400-200. Under 1800: $800-400-200, top
U1600 $300-150. Under 1500: $700-400-200, top U1300 $200-100. Under
1200: $400-200-100, plaque to top 3, 1st U1000, U800, U600, Unr. Unrated
limit $100 in U1200, $200 U1500. Mixed doubles: top male/female combined
score $300-150-100, must average under 2200, any sections, reg. by 2 pm
6/8. Top 4 sections EF: $95 at chessaction.com by 6/5, 3-day $98, 2-day
$97 mailed by 5/30, $110 at site or online until 2 hrs before rd 1. U1200
Section EF: $30 less than above. No checks at site, credit cards OK. GMs
$90 from prize. CSCA members, online EF $3 less. Re-entry $50, no Major
to Major. Unofficial ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 yr
See previous issue for TLAs appearing February 1-14
USCF with magazine if paid with entry. At chessaction.com, Adult $35,
Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or at site, $40, $25 & $17. 3-day
schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7, Sat 11 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. 2-day
schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. Bye: all,
limit 2; must commit before rd. 2. HR: $105-105, 800-408-7640, 203-358-
8400; reserve by 6/3. Ent:chessaction.com or Continental Chess, Box 8482,
Pelham, NY 10803. $15 service charge for refunds. Questions: Chesstour.com,
DirectorAtChess.us, 347-201-2269. Entries posted at chessaction.com (click
“entry list” after entering). Blitz Sat 9:30 pm, enter by 9:15 pm.
JUNE 11-12, NEVADA
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 50 (ENHANCED)
2019 U.S. WOMEN’S OPEN
See Nationals.
JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, NEVADA
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 300 (ENHANCED)
2019 NATIONAL OPEN
See Nationals.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
JUNE 27-JULY 1, PENNSYLVANIA
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 200 (ENHANCED)
13TH ANNUAL PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL
9SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10. Philadelphia Marriott Downtown (see World
Open for location, rates, parking). $30,000 guaranteed prizes. In 2
sections. Both are FIDE rated; Premier uses June FIDE ratings for pairings
& prizes, Expert section uses July USCF ratings. Premier: open to FIDE
2000/over, USCF 2100/over or invitees. GM & IM norms possible. Prizes
$6000-4000-2000-1000-800-600-500-400, clear or tiebreak bonus $100,
top FIDE under 2300/unr $2000-1000. Expert: Open to players who are
both Under 2200 USCF and Under 2100 FIDE. Prizes $4000-2000-1000-
700-500-400-300-300, top USCF under 2000/unr $1600-800. Premier
minimum prize guarantees: $600 to foreign GMs, $300 to foreign
IMs/WGMs (must complete all 9 games with no byes; limited to first 8
foreign GMs & first 8 foreign IMs/WGMs to enter by 5/24 at
chessaction.com). Minimum prize $300 to other GMs (including US) who
enter at chessaction.com by 5/24 and complete all 9 games with no byes.
Nonresident aliens: see US tax laws at chessaction.org. Premier EF:
GMs, IMs, WGMs: $50 online at chessaction.com by 5/24, $75 by 6/24,
$100 6/25-26 or at site; $100 deducted from prize (no deduction from
minimum prize). Foreign FIDE rated players: $100 online at chessaction.com
by 5/24, $125 by 6/24, $150 6/25-26 or at site. US FIDE Masters: $200
online by 5/24, $225 by 6/24, $250 6/25-26 or at site. US players USCF
or FIDE rated 2100/up: $300 online by 5/24, $325 by 6/24, $350 6/25-
26 or at site. US players USCF or FIDE rated 2000-2099: $400 online by
5/24, $425 by 6/24, $450 6/25-26 or at site. Expert Section EF: $250
online by 5/24, $275 by 6/24, $300 6/25-26 or at site. All: Mailed entry all
$10 more; do not mail entry after 6/15. No checks at site, credit cards OK.
Special 1 year USCF dues with magazine: see World Open. Schedule:
Late reg. ends Thu 6 pm, rds. Thu 7 pm, Fri 1 & 7, Sat 11 & 5, Sun/Mon 10
& 4. Two half point byes available; must commit before rd. 3; FIDE norm
in Premier not possible if taking bye. HR: see World Open. Bring set,
board, clock if possible- none supplied. Ent: chessaction.com or Continental
Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. $15 service charge for refunds. Ques-
tions:DirectorAtChess.us, 347-201-2269. Advance entries posted at
chessaction.com (click “entry list” after entering). Invitations: Go@Chess.us.
JUNE 28-30, ILLINOIS
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 40
2019 U.S. SENIOR OPEN
See Nationals.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
JUNE 28-30 OR 29-30, PENNSYLVANIA
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 80 (ENHANCED)
13TH ANNUAL PHILADELPHIA OPEN
5SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Philadelphia
Marriott Downtown (see World Open for location, rates, parking). $15,000
guaranteed prize fund. In 6 sections. Major: Open to 1800/up. Prizes
$1600-800-500-300, clear or tiebreak winner $100 bonus, top Under 2200
$600-300. Under 2000: $1200-600-400-200. Under 1800: $1200-600- 400-
200. Under 1600: $1000-500-300-200. Under 1400: $1000-500-300- 200.
Under 1100: $700-400-200-100. Unrated may not win over $100 in U1100,
$200 U1400, $300 U1600, $400 U1800, or $600 U2000. Mixed doubles
bonus prizes: best male/female 2-player team combined score among all
sections: $400-200. Team must average under 2200; may play in different
sections; must register (no extra fee) before both players begin round 2.
Top 5 sections EF: $118 online at chessaction.com by 6/26, 3-day $123,
2-day $122 mailed by 6/15, all $130 (no checks, credit cards OK) at site, or
online until 2 hours before rd. 1. GMs free; $100 deducted from prize.
Under 1100 Section EF: all $30 less than above. Unofficial uschess.org
ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 year USCF dues
with paper magazine if paid with entry. Online at chessaction. com, Adult
$35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or paid at site, Adult $40,
Young Adult $25, Scholastic $17. Re-entry $60; not available in Major
Section. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 5, Sun
10 & 4. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun 10 &
4. All: Half point byes OK all, limit 2, Major must commit before rd. 2, others
before rd. 3. HR: $115-115, 215-625-2900; reserve early, chess block may
sell out by early June. Ent: chessaction.com or Continental Chess, Box
8482, Pelham, NY 10803. $15 service charge for refunds. Questions:
www.chesstour.com, DirectorAtChess.us, 347-201- 2269. Advance entries
posted at chessaction.com (click “entry list” after entering).
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
JULY 1-2, PENNSYLVANIA
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 (ENHANCED)
8TH ANNUAL WORLD OPEN WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP
5SS, G/90 d10. Philadelphia Marriott Downtown (see World Open for
location, rates, parking). Open to all females. Prizes $2000 based on
24 entries, $1200 (60% each prize) minimum guarantee. $800-400-200,
top U2000 $250, U1700/Unr $200, U1400 $150, plaques to 1st, top
U1200/Unr, U1000. EF: $88 online at chessaction.com by 6/29, $92
mailed by 6/15, $100 at site, or online until 8 am 7/1. GMs, IMs, WGMs,
WIMs free; $80 from prize. Reg. ends 9 am 7/1, rds. Mon 10, 2 & 6, Tue
10 & 2. Half point byes OK all rounds, limit 2 byes (limit 1 bye if under
1400), must commit before rd. 3. Special USCF dues: see World Open.
Ent: chessaction.com or Continental Chess, PO Box 8482, Pelham, NY
10803. $15 service charge for refunds. Entries posted at chessaction.com
(click “entry list” after entering).
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
JULY 1-2, PENNSYLVANIA
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15 (ENHANCED)
WORLD OPEN WARMUP
5SS, G/90 d10. Marriott Philadelphia Downtown (see World Open). Open
to all. Prizes $1200 guaranteed: $250-150-100, U2100 $140-70, U1850
$120-60, U1600/Unr $110-60, U1300 $90-50. EF: $42 online by 6/29, $47
mailed by 6/15, $60 7/1 at site by 9 am or online by 8 am. No checks at
site. Reg. ends 9 am 7/1, rds. Mon 10, 2, 6, Tue 10, 2. One half point bye
allowed if under 1600, otherwise two byes allowed; must commit before
rd. 2. Special USCF dues: see World Open. Ent: chessaction.com or Continental
Chess, PO Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. $15 service charge for refunds.
Entries posted at chessaction.com (click “entry list” after entering).
JULY 2, PENNSYLVANIA
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15 (ENHANCED)
7TH ANNUAL WORLD OPEN ACTION CHAMPIONSHIP
5SS, G/25 d5. Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, 1201 Market St., Philadelphia
19107 (see World Open for rates & parking info). Prizes $2000 based on
55 entries, $1400 minimum (70% each prize) guaranteed. In 2 sections.
Open, open to all: $400-200-150, U2200/Unr $180-90, U2000/Unr $160-
80. Under 1800/Unr: $250-120-60, U1600 (no Unr) $140-70, U1400 (no
Unr) $100. EF: $53 online at chessaction.com by 6/30, $70 online by 11
am 7/2 or at site. GMs $50 from prize. Reg. ends 12 noon 7/2, rounds
1:00, 3:00, 5:00, 7:00, 9:00. Half point byes OK all rounds, limit 2 byes
(limit 1 bye if U2000 in Open or U1400 in U1800), must commit before rd.
2. Special USCF dues: see World Open. $15 service charge for refunds.
Entries posted at chessaction.com (click “entry list” after entering).
An American Classic!
A Heritage Event!
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
JULY 2-7, 3-7, 4-7 OR 5-7, PENNSYLVANIA
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 300 (ENHANCED)
47TH ANNUAL WORLD OPEN
9SS, Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, 1201 Market St., Philadelphia, PA
19107, directly across the street from the world famous Reading Terminal
Market with over 80 food vendors. In 9 sections. $225,000 guaranteed
prizes. Unrated may enter only Open, U2200, U2000, or Unrated Sections.
Free analysis of your games by GM Sam Palatnik 7/3-7, free GM lectures 9
am 7/5 & 7/6. Open Section, July 3-7 only: Open to all rated 2200/over
USCF or FIDE, or must pay $100 more. 40/2, SD/30 d10. Under 2200 to
Under 1200 Sections, July 2-7, 3-7, 4-7 or 5-7: 40/2, SD/30 d10 (4-day
CONTINENTAL CHESS SCHEDULE
More details at chesstour.com. For late
news, hotel availability, lectures, results,
games, etc, sign up for free CCA Newsletter at
chesscalendar.com or chesstour.com.
Most tournaments have alternate schedules
with less or more days than below.
Asterisk means full details in this issue-
otherwise, see future issues or chesstour.com.
Events in red offer FIDE norm chances.
2/14-18: Southwest Class, Fort Worth TX*
2/22-24: Geo Washington Open, Falls Church VA*
3/1-3: Western Class, Van Nuys CA*
3/9-10: NY State Scholastics, Saratoga Springs*
3/15-17: Southern Class, Orlando FL*
3/22-24: Mid-America Open, Saint Louis MO*
3/23-24: Bill Little Memorial, Schenectady NY*
4/5-7: Eastern Class Champs, Sturbridge MA*
4/17-21: Foxwoods Open, Mashantucket CT*
5/17-19: New York State Open, Lake George NY*
5/23-27: Chicago Open, Wheeling IL*
6/7-9: Northeast Open, Stamford CT*
6/14-16: Continental Class, Falls Church VA
6/21-23: Pittsburgh Open, Pittsburgh PA
6/27-7/1: Philadelphia International, Phila PA*
6/28-30: Philadelphia Open, Philadelphia PA*
7/3-7: World Open, Philadelphia PA*
7/19-21: Chicago Class, Wheeling IL
7/19-21: Manhattan Open, New York NY
7/19-21: Southern Open, Orlando FL
7/26-28: Pacific Coast Open, Van Nuys CA
7/26-28: Bradley Open, Windsor Locks CT
8/9-11: Cleveland Open, Cleveland OH
8/14-18: Continental Open, Sturbridge MA
8/23-25: Atlantic Open, Falls Church VA
8/23-25: Indianapolis Open, Indianapolis IN
For later events, see chesstour.com.
www.uschess.org 61
Tournament Life / February
option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10; 3-day option, rds. 1-5 G/35 d10). Under 900
Section & Unrated Section, July 5-7 only: G/60 d10, play separate
schedule. Open: $20000-10000-5000-2500-1300-1000-800-700-600-500,
clear winner bonus $500, top FIDE 2300-2449 $5000-2500-1500, top FIDE
2200-2299 $5000-2500-1500. Top FIDE U2200/Unr $5000-2500-1500. If tie
for first, top 2 on tiebreak play speed game 10 pm 7/7 for title & bonus
prize. GM & IM norms possible. FIDE rated. Under 2200/Unr: $12000-
6000-3000-1500-1000-800-600-500-400-400, top U2100 (no unr) $2000-1000,
unrated limit $2000. Under 2000/Unr: $12000-6000-3000-1500-1000-800-
600-500-400-400, top U1900 (no unr) $2000-1000, unrated limit $1000.
Under 1800: $12000-6000-3000-1500-1000-800-600-500-400-400, top U1700
$2000-1000. Under 1600: $10000-5000-2500-1300-900-700-600-500-400-
400, top U1500 $2000-1000. Under 1400: $8000-4000-2000-1300-900-700-
600-500-400-400, top U1300 $1600-800. Under 1200: $4000-2000-1000-
800-600-500-400-400-300-300, top U1000 $1000-500. Under 900: $600-
400-300-200-100, plaques to top 10. Unrated: $600-400-300-200-100,
plaques to top 10. Prize limits: 1) If any post-event rating posted 6/29/18-
6/29/19 was more than 30 points over section maximum, prize limit $2000.
2) Players with under 26 lifetime games rated as of July 2019 official list
cannot win over $1000 in U1200, $2000 U1400, $3000 U1600 through U2000.
Games rated too late for July official list not counted toward 26 game total.
3) Balance of any limited prize goes to next player(s) in line. Mixed Doubles
Bonus Prizes: best male/female combined 2-player team score: $3000-
1500-700-500-300. Team must average under 2200; may play in different
sections; register (no extra fee) before both players begin round 2; teams
including an unrated limited to $500. Entry fee for Open through U1400
sections: Online at chessaction.com: $308 by 4/15, $318 by 5/15, $328
by 6/29, $350 at site until 1 1/2 hours before round 1, or online until 2
hours before. Mailed by 5/15: 6-day $326, 5-day $325, 4-day $324, 3-day
$323. Mailed by 6/15: all $10 more. All $100 more for Open Section if not
rated 2200/over by USCF or FIDE. Do not mail entry after 6/15. No checks
at site, credit cards OK. GMs in Open: free; $200 deducted from 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 sections.
U900 Section or Unrated Section EF: $68 online at chessaction. com by
6/30, $73 mailed by 6/15, $80 at site until 9:30 am 7/5 or online until 9 am
7/5. No checks at site; credit cards OK. Re-entry: $160, no re-entry from
Open to Open. $20 fee for switching section after 7/1. Special 1 year
USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry: Online at chessaction. com,
Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or at site, Adult $40,
Young Adult $25, Scholastic $17. 6-day schedule: Tue/Wed 7 pm, Thu 6
pm, Fri/Sat 11 am & 6 pm, Sun 10 am & 4:30 pm. 5-day schedule: Wed 7
pm, Thu-Sat 11 am & 6 pm, Sun 10 am & 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 11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 10, 1:30 & 4:30. All sched-
ules merge & compete for same prizes. Half point byes OK all, limit 4
(limit 2 in last 4 rds), Open must commit before rd. 3, others before rd. 5.
Entries, re-entries close 90 minutes before round 1. HR: $118-118-138,
215-625-2900, reserve early, chess block may sell out by early June. Parking:
Marriott valet parking, about $20/day (60% off regular rate) for first 100
valet parking spaces sold. Gateway Garage, 1540 Spring St. (3/5 mile from
Marriott, 1 block from Philadelphia 201 Hotel (formerly Sheraton)), about
$7/day Sat & Sun, $22/day other days. Special car rental rates: Avis,
800-331-1600, AWD #D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com.
Foreign player ratings: See www.chesstour.com/foreignratings. htm. US
player ratings: Official July USCF ratings used; July FIDE ratings used for
Open Section. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise
unrated. Special rules: Players may not possess cellphones during play;
see chesstour.com/devices.htm. Ent: www.chessaction.com or Continental
Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. Questions: chesstour.com, chesstour.
info, DirectorAtChess.US. $15 service charge for refunds. Entries posted
at chessaction.com (click “entry list” after entering). Awards: Open through
U1800 prizes awarded 7/7, others mailed by 7/22. Bring set, board, clock
if possible- none supplied. Invitations: Go@chess.us.
JULY 3, PENNSYLVANIA
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15 (ENHANCED)
8TH ANNUAL WORLD OPEN GAME/7 CHAMPIONSHIP
WORLD OPEN IN PHILADELPHIA!
9 rounds, Philadelphia Marriott Downtown - $225,000 GUARANTEED PRIZES
Open Section: July 3-7, GM & IM norms possible
Under 2200 to Under 1200: 7/2-7, 3-7. 4-7 or 5-7
Under 900 Section, Unrated Section: July 5-7
5-DAY OR 6-DAY SCHEDULE: all 40/2, SD/30 d10.
4-DAY SCHEDULE: rounds 1-2 G/60 d10, then merges.
3-DAY SCHEDULE: rounds 1-5 G/35 d10, then merges.
U900 SCHEDULE, UNRATED SCHEDULE: all G/60 d10.
All schedules merge and compete for same prizes. Also International June 27-July 1, Philadelphia Open June 28-30,
Warmup, Senior Amateur, Women, Under 13 July 1-2, many other events. See Tournament Life or chesstour.com.
62 February 2019 | Chess Life
5-SS, double round (10 games), G/7 d2. Marriott Philadelphia Downtown
(see World Open). Prizes $1000 guaranteed: $250-150-100, U2100 $140-
70, U1800 $130-60, U1500/Unr $100. EF: $40, at site only, no checks.
GMs $40 from prize. Reg. ends 10:30 am, rds. 11, 12, 1, 2, 3. One pair
of 1/2 pt byes available, must commit before rd 2. Blitz rated (will not
affect regular ratings), but higher of regular or blitz used for pairings &
prizes. $15 service charge for refunds.
JULY 6, PENNSYLVANIA
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 (ENHANCED)
WORLD OPEN G/10 CHAMPIONSHIP
5SS, G/10 d2. Marriott Philadelphia Downtown (see World Open). $1500
guaranteed prizes. $400-200-150, top U2200 $220, U1950/Unr $200,
U1700 $180, U1450 $150. EF: $40, at site only, no checks. GMs $40
from prize. Reg: 6-9 pm, rounds 9:30, 10:10, 10:50, 11:30, 12:10. 1 half
point bye available, must commit before rd. 2. Quick-rated (will not
affect regular ratings); higher of regular or quick used for pairings &
prizes. $20 service charge for refunds.
JULY 7, PENNSYLVANIA
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 (ENHANCED)
WORLD OPEN BLITZ CHAMPIONSHIP (BLZ)
5SS, G/5 d0 (double round, 10 games). Marriott Philadelphia Downtown
(see World Open). $3000 guaranteed prizes. In 2 sections: Open Section:
$500-300-200, top U2400 $220-110, U2200/Unr $200-100. Under 2000
Section: $400-200-100, top U1800/Unr $220-110, U1600 $160-80, U1400
$100, unrated limit $200. EF (at site only, no checks): $40 by 7 pm 7/7,
$50 after 7 pm 7/7. GMs $40 from prize. Reg. ends 9:30 pm, rounds 10,
10:45, 11:20, 11:55, 12:30. Half point bye available (1 point out of 2); must
commit before rd. 2. Blitz rated (will not affect regular ratings); higher of
regular or blitz used for pairings & prizes. $20 service charge for refunds.
Regional
ALABAMA
FEB. 15-17 OR 16-17, 2019 Atlanta Winter Congress (GA)
See Grand Prix.
FEB. 16-17 (NOT FEB. 9-10), Queen of Hearts - 47th Annual
(NOTE DATE CHANGE)
See Grand Prix.
FEB. 23, Tom Nard Memorial V
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 15-17 OR 16-17, 17th annual Southern Class
Championships (FL)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24, 23rd annual Mid-America Open (MO)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24 NOT MAR. 15-17 OR 16-17, 23rd
Annual Boris Kogan Memorial - NEW DATE (GA)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 22-24, Lone Star Open (TX)
See Grand Prix.
ARIZONA
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
Tuesday Night Open
4 or 5 round, USCF rated tournament; ROUND TIMES: 7:00pm. One
game every Tuesday of the month: Time Control: 40/120, SD/60 d5.
PRIZES: 1st Place and Class Prizes based on number of entries; ENTRY
FEE: $45; TO REGISTER: chessemporium.com, call 602-482-4867. SITE:
7000 E. Shea Blvd., Suite H-1910, Scottsdale, AZ 85254.
FEB. 16, Unity Grand Prix February 2019
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 1-3 OR 2-3, 26th annual Western Class Championships
(CA-S)
See Grand Prix.
JUNE 11-12, 2019 U.S. Women’s Open (NV)
See Nationals.
JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open (NV)
See Nationals.
JUNE 15-16, International Youth Championship (NV)
See Nevada.
ARKANSAS
MAR. 22-24, Lone Star Open (TX)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24, 23rd annual Mid-America Open (MO)
See Grand Prix.
CALIFORNIA, NORTHERN
FEB. 9, Foster City G/90 (3SS, G/90 d5)
Foster City Courtyard Marriott, 550 Shell Blvd., Foster City, CA, 94404.
Prizes: $1,300 b/50. 50% guar. 1900+: $200-100-100, u2000 50-50.
1500-1899: $200-100, u1600 50-50. u1500: $200-100, u1200 50-50. Feb
19 Supp & TD disc. Reg.: 8:30-8:45. Rds.: 9-1-4:30. EF: 50, Econ 40 w
1/2 prz. after 2/3 +20, playup +20, GMs/IMs-$0 by 1/28. Info:
http://BayAreaChess.com/grandprix.
FEB. 9, Cupertino Kids Swiss & Quads (PK-12)
NEW Venue: Aloft Cupertino, 10165 N. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino, CA
95014. Trophies: players w + score, medals to others. Swiss (4SS,
G/30 d5): Reg.: 9-9:15a. Games: 9:30a - 1:30p. EF: 36, 51 after 2/3.
Quads (3RR, G/30 d5): Reg & Reqrd Check-in 1:30-2p. Games: 2:15-
5p. EF: 31, 46 after 2/3. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W.
FEB. 9, Sacramento Duper$wiss75 (3SS, G/75 d5)
Courtyard Marriott, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670. Prizes: $600 b/36.
1700+: $150-100, u1900 50. u1700: $150-100, u1600 50. Feb 19 Supp
& TD disc. Reg.: 8:30-8:45. Rds.: 9-12-3. EF: 43, Econ 33 w 1/2 prz.
after 2/3+20, playup +20, GMs/IMs - $0 by 1/28. Info: http://BayArea
Chess.com/grandprix. W.
FEB. 9, Sacramento Kids Quads (PK-12; 3xG/30 d5)
Courtyard Marriott, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670. Trophies: players w +
score, medals to others. Reg & Reqrd. Check-in 1:30-2p. Games: 2:30-5p.
EF: 29, 44 after 2/3. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W.
FEB. 10, Fremont Kids Swiss & Quads (PK-12)
Fremont Marriott, 46100 Landing Pkwy., Fremont, CA 94538. Trophies:
players w + score, medals to others. Swiss (4SS, G/30 d5): Reg.: 9-
9:15a. Games: 9:30a - 1:30p. EF: 36, 51 after 2/4. Quads (3RR, G/30
d5): Reg & Reqrd Check-in 1:30-2p. Games: 2:15-5p. EF: 31, 46 after
2/4. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W.
FEB. 10, Fremont G/75 (3SS, G/75 d5)
Fremont Marriott, 46100 Landing Pkwy., Fremont, CA 94538. Prizes:
$1,300 b/50. 50% guar. 1900+: $200-100-100, u2000 50-50. 1500-
1899: $200-100, u1600 50-50. u1500: $200-100, u1200 50-50. Feb 19
Supp & TD disc. Reg.: 8:30-8:45. Rds.: 9-1-3. EF: 50, Econ 40 w 1/2
prz. after 2/4+20, playup +20, GMs/IMs - $0 by 1/28. Info: http://
BayAreaChess.com/grandprix. W.
FEB. 10, Cupertino G/45 (4SS, G/45 d5)
NEW Venue: Aloft Cupertino, 10165 N. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino, CA
95014. Prizes: $1,300 b/50. 50% guar. 1900+: $200-100-100, u2000
50-50. 1500-1899: $200-100, u1600 50-50. u1500: $200-100, u1200 50-
50. Feb 19 Supp & TD disc. Reg.: 8:30-8:45. Rds.: 9-11-12:45-2:30. EF:
 See previous issue for TLAs appearing February 1-14

50, Econ 40 w 1/2 prz. after 2/4+20, playup +20, GMs/IMs - $0 by
1/28. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/grandprix. W.
FEB. 16-18 OR 17-18, 2019 (35th Annual) U.S. Amateur Team
Championship - West
See Nationals.
FEB. 18, Cupertino Kids Swiss & Quads (PK-12)
NEW Venue: Aloft Cupertino, 10165 N. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014.
Trophies: players w + score, medals to others. Swiss (4SS, G/30 d5):
Reg.: 9-9:15a. Games: 9:30a - 1:30p. EF: 36, 51 after 2/13. Quads (3RR,
G/30 d5): Reg & Reqrd Check-in 1:30-2p. Games: 2:15-5p. EF: 31, 46 after
2/13. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W.
FEB. 22-24 OR 23-24, WIM Ruth Haring Memorial Championship
See Grand Prix.
FEB. 24, Pleasanton Kids Swiss & Quads (PK-12)
NEW Venue: Larkspur Landing, 5535 Johnson Dr., Pleasanton, CA 95336.
Trophies: players w + score, medals to others. Swiss (4SS, G/30
d5): Reg.: 9-9:15a. Games: 9:30a - 1:30p. EF: 36, 51 after 2/18. Quads
(3RR, G/30 d5): Reg & Reqrd Check-in 1:30-2p. Games: 2:15-5p. EF:
31, 46 after 2/18. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W.
FEB. 24, Cupertino Kids Swiss & Quads (PK-12)
NEW Venue: Aloft Cupertino, 10165 N. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014.
Trophies: players w + score, medals to others. Swiss (4SS, G/30 d5):
Reg.: 9-9:15a. Games: 9:30a - 1:30p. EF: 36, 51 after 2/18. Quads (3RR,
G/30 d5): Reg & Reqrd Check-in 1:30-2p. Games: 2:15-5p. EF: 31, 46 after
2/18. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W.
MAR. 1-3 OR 2-3, 26th annual Western Class Championships
(CA-S)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 2, Foster City Kids Swiss & Quads (PK-12)
Foster City Courtyard Marriott, 550 Shell Blvd., Foster City, CA, 94404.
Trophies: players w + score, medals to others. Swiss (4SS, G/30
d5): Reg.: 9-9:15a. Games: 9:30a - 1:30p. EF: 36, 51 after 2/26. Quads
(3RR, G/30 d5): Reg & Reqrd Check-in 1:30-2p. Games: 2:15-5p. EF:
31, 46 after 2/26. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W.
MAR. 2, Sacramento Duper$wiss75 (3SS, G/75 d5)
Courtyard Marriott, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670. Prizes: $600 b/36.
1700+: $150-100, u1900 50. u1700: $150-100, u1600 50. Mar 19 Supp
& TD disc. Reg.: 8:30-8:45. Rds.: 9-12-3. EF: 43, Econ 33 w 1/2 prz.
after 2/26+20, playup +20, GMs/IMs - $0 by 2/22. Info: http://
BayAreaChess.com/grandprix. W.
MAR. 2, Sacramento Kids Quads (PK-12; 3xG/30 d5)
Courtyard Marriott, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670. Trophies: players w +
score, medals to others. Reg & Reqrd. Check-in 1:30-2p. Games: 2:30-5p.
EF: 29, 44 after 2/26. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W.
MAR. 2, Cupertino G/90 (4SS, G/90 d5)
NEW Venue: Aloft Cupertino, 10165 N. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino, CA
95014. Prizes: $1,300 b/50. 50% guar. 1900+: $200-100-100, u2000
50-50. 1500-1899: $200-100, u1600 50-50. u1500: $200-100, u1200 50-
50. Mar 19 Supp & TD disc. Reg.: 8:30-8:45. Rds.: 9-1-4. EF: 50, Econ
40 w 1/2 prz. after 2/26+20, playup +20, GMs/IMs - $0 by 2/21. Info:
http://BayAreaChess.com/grandprix. W.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
MAR. 2-3, Mechanics’ Institute 19th Annual A. J. Fink Amateur
Championship
Mechanics Institute Chess Club, 57 Post Street (4th floor), San Francisco,
CA 94104. 6SS, Rounds 1-4, G/55 d5, Rounds 5-6, G/115 d5. Prizes: $1080
b/40 1st: $250, 2nd: $180, top u/2000: $140, top u/1800: $135, top u/1600:
$130, top u/1400: $125 top u/1200 and unrated: $120 Entry: $45 for MI
members, $50 for non-members. Late fee: $10 after 2/27. Reg.: 9-9:45am.
Rounds: Saturday 10am, 12:15am, 2:15pm, 2:30pm, 4:15pm, Sunday
10am, 2pm. All bye requests must be made before the start of round 2.
Contact: chessroom@milibrary.org to register, chessclub.org.
MAR. 3, Fremont Kids Swiss & Quads (PK-12)
Fremont Marriott, 46100 Landing Pkwy., Fremont, CA 94538. Trophies:
players w + score, medals to others. Swiss (4SS, G/30 d5): Reg.: 9-
9:15a. Games: 9:30a - 1:30p. EF: 36, 51 after 2/27. Quads (3RR, G/30
d5): Reg & Reqrd Check-in 1:30-2p. Games: 2:15-5p. EF: 31, 46 after
2/27. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W.
MAR. 3, Pleasanton Kids Swiss & Quads (PK-12)
NEW Venue: Larkspur Landing, 5535 Johnson Dr., Pleasanton, CA 95336.
Trophies: players w + score, medals to others. Swiss (4SS, G/30
d5): Reg.: 9-9:15a. Games: 9:30a - 1:30p. EF: 36, 51 after 2/27. Quads
(3RR, G/30 d5): Reg & Reqrd Check-in 1:30-2p. Games: 2:15-5p. EF:
31, 46 after 2/27. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
A State Championship Event!
MAR. 8-10, 45th CalChess State Scholastics Championship
Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Pkwy., CA 95054.
Park free. Prizes: Trophies to Top 20 players & Top 5 School Team and
Top 5 Club Teams in each section. Super Performance to all with winning
record. Medals to all others. In case of ties, tiebreaks will determine
trophies. Sections based on grades AND rating. Sched: 1-day event for
all u800 sections: KG, K-Gr3 Rookie(unr), K-Gr3 Beginner(u500), K-Gr3
JV(500-799): Saturday only 5SSxG/30 d5: Rounds: 9am, 11am, 1pm,
2:30pm, 4:15pm. K-Gr6 Rookie(unr), K-Gr6 Beginner(u500), K-Gr6 JV(500-
799), K-Gr8 Beginner(u800), K-Gr12 Beginner(u800): Sunday only 5SSxG/30
d5: Rounds: 9am, 11am, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4:15pm. 2-day event for sections:
K-Gr3 Champ (800+), K-Gr5 Champ (800+), K-Gr6 Champ (800+), K-Gr8
JV (800-1199), K-Gr8 Champ (1200+), K-Gr12 JV (800-1599): Sat+Sun
6SSxG/75 d5. Rounds: Sat 9:30am, 12:30n, 3:30pm Sun 9am, 12n, 3:15pm.
3-day event for K-Gr12 Champ (1600+) FIDE rated: 5SSxG/90+30: Fri
6pm, Sat 11am, 3pm, Sun 10am, 2pm. Side-event: Blitz: KG-Gr3, Gr4-6,
Gr 6-8, Gr 9-12: G/5 d0; Sat 6-8p. Bughouse (G/5 d0) Fri 6-8p. EF by
2/25: 1-day $53, 2-day $67. Playup: +20, Late Fee: +10 after 2/22, +20
after 3/1, 3/4 & Onsite +$40. Change Fee: $10 after 3/1, $20 after 3/4,
$30 onsite. Blitz/Bughouse: $14. Register: Online: until Friday 3/8 noon!
Onsite 7:30-8am! No on-site registration after 8AM. CalChess & USCF
membership reqrd except KG. Mar 19 Supp & TD disc to place players.
Info/reg: bayareachess.com/states. Quest: ask@BayAreaChess.com. W.
MAR. 30-31, 2019 North Bay Chess Festival by Novato Checkmates
See Grand Prix.
JUNE 11-12, 2019 U.S. Women’s Open (NV)
See Nationals.
JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open (NV)
See Nationals.
JUNE 15-16, International Youth Championship (NV)
See Nevada.
CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN
THE LOS ANGELES CHESS CLUB
The Most Active Club on the West Coast! (310) 795-5710. *
LACC: www.LAChessClub.com; VCC: www.ValleyChess-
Club.com; Contact: Mick@LAChessClub.com; Saturday & Sun-
days: 10 am-10 pm (Novice & Interm. classes + 3 Tournaments).
Sundays: 11 am - 7 pm (Novice & Interm. classes class + 2 Tour-
naments. FIDE & USCF tournaments. Details on our web site.
Tuesdays: 7:30-9:30 pm (Advance lecture). 11514 Santa Monica
Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025. (4 blocks W of 405, SW corner
of Santa Monica & Butler * 2nd Floor – above Javan Restaurant)
Group Classes * Tournaments * Private (1:1) Lessons. Note our
monthly major tournaments. Also, we have the best Weekly
BLITZ tournament on Saturday nights at 6:30 pm!!
FEB. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, Every Saturday & Sunday
Chess 4 Juniors
8 separate events- 5SS, G/30 d0, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd. & Butler,
LA, 90025, 2nd fl. 4 blocks West of 405. EF: $30 ($20 LACC memb, No
prize 1/2 EF, siblings 1/2, Free new LACC members). Reg.: 12-1 pm.
Rds.: 1pm & asap; done by 4. FREE BUGHOUSE afterwards; Prizes:
Trophies & medals; All players receive prizes! Parking: Free on streets&
BoA. Free healthy refreshments. Info: (310) 795-5710 or www.LAChess-
Club.com orMick@LAChessClub.com.
FEB. 2, 9, 16, 23, LACC Saturday G/60
4 separate events- 1 open section, 6SS, G/60 d5. 11514 Santa Monica
Blvd., LA 90025, 2nd fl. EF: $30/ ($20 LACC memb; No prizes 1/2 EF).
Reg.: 11-12 noon. Rds.: 12, 2, 4 pm each day. Prizes: 1/2 collections.
Parking: Free on streets. Info: 310/795-5710 or www.LAChessClub.com.
Use Pirq app for a free tourney.
FEB. 2, 9, 16, 23, Saturday Blitz $300 FIDE (BLZ)
4 separate events- 9SS, G/3’+2’’ FIDE & USCF rated (Blitz,14 games).
FIDE & USCF rated. EF: $20 (extra $10 non-LACC mbrs). No prizes,
Siblings 1/2 EF. Reg.: 6-6:30 pm. Rds.: 6:30 and ASAP thereafter.
Prizes: $$300 Gtd. $100-50; U1800, U1600, U1400 $50 cash & books.

26th annual WESTERN CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS

March 1-3 or 2-3, 2019 - Van Nuys (Los Angeles), California
Airtel Plaza Hotel- $8 day parking, $12 overnight, $20,000 guaranteed prizes!
5 rounds, 40/100, SD/30, d10 (2-day Rated players may play up one Online entry fee $5 less to SCCF
option, rds 1-2 G/60, d10). Both section. Unrated must play in A or below members (join/renew at scchess.com).
schedules merge & play for same prizes.with prize limit E $100, D $200, C $300. B 3-day schedule: Reg. Fri to 6 pm,
Airtel Plaza Hotel, 7277 Valjean $400. Balance goes to next player(s) in rds Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 am & 5 pm, Sun 10
Ave, Van Nuys CA 91406. Free wireless, line. am & 3:30 pm.
indoor pool, hot tubs, shuttle from Mixed doubles bonus prizes: best 2 day schedule: Reg Sat to 10 am,
bus/train; restaurants within walking male/female 2-player team combined rds Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30.
distance. LAX/Van Nuys bus about $10. score among all sections: $500-300-200. Half point byes OK all rounds; limit
Team must average under 2200; may play 2, Master must commit before round 2,
$20,000 GUARANTEED PRIZES. In in different sections; register by 2 pm others before round 3.
7 sections: March 2.
Master Section (over 2199): $2000- Bring set, board, clock if possible-
1000-500-300, clear/tiebreak 1st $100, Top 6 sections entry fee: $123 online none supplied (for sale at site).
top U2300 $800-400. FIDE, 120 GPP. at chessaction.com by 2/27, 3-day $128, Hotel rates: $119-119, 818-997-
Expert Section (2000-2199): 2-day $127 if check mailed by 2/20, all 7676 or use link at chesstour.com,
$1500-700-400-200. $140 online until 2 hours before round 1 reserve by 2/18 or rate may increase.
Class A Section (1800-1999): or at site until 1 hour before. No checks at March official ratings used (web
$1500-700-400-200. site, credit cards OK. unofficial ratings usually used if
Class B Section (1600-1799/Unr): Class E Section entry fee: all fees otherwise unrated).
$1500-700-400-200. $50 less than top 6 sections. E n t r y: c h e s sac ti o n . c o m o r
Class C Section (1400-1599/Unr): All: Special USCF dues with magazine Continental Chess, Box 8482, Pelham
$1200-600-300-200. if paid with online entry fee: Adult $35, NY 10803. $15 charge for refunds.
Class D Section (1200-1399/Unr): Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. By mail Entries posted at chessaction.com (click
$1000-500-300-200. or at site: $40, $25 and $17. “entry list” after entering).
Class E Section (Under 1200/Unr): Re-entry $60 (not available to go from Blitz tournament Sat 9:30 pm, reg.
$600-300-200-100. Master Section to Master Section). by 9:15 pm, entry fee $20.

www.uschess.org 63
Tournament Life / February
GMs free. Parking: Free on streets & BoA. Info: 310/795-5710 or
www.LAChessClub.com. Use Pirq app for a free tourney.
FEB. 3, 10, 17, 24, LACC Sunday G/60
4 separate events- 1 open section, 6SS, G/60 d5. 11514 Santa Monica
Blvd., LA 90025, 2nd fl. EF: $30/ ($20 LACC memb; No prizes 1/2 EF).
Reg.: 11-12 noon, Rds.: 12, 2, 4 pm each day. Prizes: 1/2 collections.
Parking: Free at BoA, streets, & basement. Info: 310/795-5710 or
www.LAChessClub.com. Use Pirq app for a free tourney.
FEB. 12, 19, 26, Santa Monica Bay Chess Club
TUESDAY EVENINGS; (3-SS, G/1:55 d5) Cash prizes. St. Andrew’s Church,
11555 National Blvd., WLA, 90064. EF: $10 - Club members, $20 - non-
members. Reg.: 7-7:10 p.m. Rds.: 7:10-11:00 p.m., USCF rated. Free
parking. Free coffee. INFO: (310) 827-2789.
FEB. 16-17, 2019 Marcel Duchamp Memorial FIDE
See Grand Prix.
FEB. 16-18 OR 17-18, San Diego Open
See Grand Prix.
FEB. 23-24, 2019 U.S. Junior Chess Congress
See Nationals.
MAR. 1-3 OR 2-3, 26th annual Western Class Championships
See Grand Prix.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
MAR. 5, 12, 19, 26, Santa Monica Bay Chess Club - 2019 Club
Championship
TUESDAY EVENINGS; (4-SS, G/1:55 d5) Cash prizes. St. Andrew’s Church,
11555 National Blvd., WLA, 90064. EF: $20 - Club members, $35 - non-
members. Reg.: 7-7:10 p.m. Rds.: 7:10-11:00 p.m., USCF rated. Free
parking. Free coffee. INFO: (310) 827-2789.
JUNE 11-12, 2019 U.S. Women’s Open (NV)
See Nationals.
JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open (NV)
See Nationals.
JUNE 15-16, International Youth Championship (NV)
See Nevada.
COLORADO
JUNE 11-12, 2019 U.S. Women’s Open (NV)
See Nationals.
JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open (NV)
See Nationals.
JUNE 15-16, International Youth Championship (NV)
See Nevada.
CONNECTICUT
MAR. 9-10, 52nd annual New York State Scholastic
Championships (out of state welcome) (NY)
See New York.
MAR. 23-24, 3rd annual Bill Little Memorial (NY)
See Grand Prix.
APR. 5-7 OR 6-7, 28th annual Eastern Class Championships (MA)
See Grand Prix.
APR. 17-21, 18-21 OR 19-21, 13th annual Open at Foxwoods
See Grand Prix.
APR. 20, Foxwoods Blitz (BLZ)
See Grand Prix.
MAY 17-19 OR 18-19, 27th annual New York State Open and
Senior (NY)
See Grand Prix.
JUNE 7-9 OR 8-9, 25th Annual Northeast Open
See Grand Prix.
JULY 2-7, 3-7, 4-7 OR 5-7, 47th Annual World Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
DELAWARE
FEB. 16, Kasparov Chess Foundation Presents 10th Annual
Greater Mid-Atlantic Scholastic Chess Championship (MD)
See Maryland.
MAR. 9-10, Delaware State Open Chess Championship
See Grand Prix.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
FEB. 16, Kasparov Chess Foundation Presents 10th Annual
Greater Mid-Atlantic Scholastic Chess Championship (MD)
See Maryland.
FEB. 22-24 OR 23-24, 4th annual George Washington Open (VA)
See Grand Prix.
FLORIDA
Boca Raton Chess Club
Friday night tournament games, one game a week for 4 weeks.
www.bocachess.com, 561-302-4377.
The Stormont Kings Chess Center in Miami, FL
We have a beautiful office with multiple rooms located in the
Kendall/Falls/Pinecrest Area. We offer Private and Group Lessons,
Homeschool Activities, Tournaments, Camps, Family Game Nights,
Parents Night Out, Casual Chess Play TSK Rated and more! Chess Sets
64 February 2019 | Chess Life
and equipment for sale. Complimentary Bottled Water, Ample Parking, APR. 12-14, 2019 All-Girls National Championships presented
Comfortable Waiting Room with legos, and other activities for siblings by the Kasparov Chess Foundation in association with the
while waiting. Located at 8353 SW 124 St, Suite 201-A, Miami, FL 33156. Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation & US Chess
Contact Chris Stormont, Phone: 786-303-2437, E-mail: chris@stormon- See Nationals.
tkingschess.com, Web: www.StormontKingsChess.com MAY 23-27, 24-27, 25-27 OR 26-27, 28th annual Chicago Open
FEB. 15-17 OR 16-17, 2019 Atlanta Winter Congress (GA) See Grand Prix.
See Grand Prix. MAY 26, 8th annual Chicago Open Blitz (BLZ)
See Grand Prix.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
FEB. 15-17 OR 16-17, 2019 The Villages Open JUNE 11-12, 2019 U.S. Women’s Open (NV)
(3 or 2 day schedule) Laurel Manor Rec. Center, 1985 Laurel Manor See Nationals.
Drive ,The Villages, Fl 32162. 5-Round SS; G/90 d5 (3 day) Round 1
G/60 d5 (2 day) Rds. 2-5 G/90; d5 Entry limited to first 100 registrants. JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open (NV)
EF: $35 in advance. Prizes based on 60 entries, 1st $400, 2nd $200; See Nationals.
U1800 $150; U1600 $100; U1400 $75 Registration: deadline 2/14/19 JUNE 28-30, 2019 U.S. Senior Open
at noon via ChessRegister.com; Mail-in deadline 2/11/19 Outstanding See Nationals.
facilities, accomodations ( hotels/motels/restaurants) close by. Tour- JUNE 28-30, 2019 U.S. Junior Open
nament open to all, no age or residence restruictions. See 2019 The See Nationals.
Villages Open Web Listing for further details.
FEB. 16-17 (NOT FEB. 9-10), Queen of Hearts - 47th Annual
(NOTE DATE CHANGE) (AL) INDIANA
See Grand Prix. MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24, 23rd annual Mid-America Open (MO)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 15-17 OR 16-17, 17th annual Southern Class
Championships MAY 23-27, 24-27, 25-27 OR 26-27, 28th annual Chicago
See Grand Prix. Open (IL)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24 NOT MAR. 15-17 OR 16-17, 23rd
Annual Boris Kogan Memorial - NEW DATE (GA) MAY 26, 8th annual Chicago Open Blitz (BLZ) (IL)
See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix.
MAR. 22-24, Lone Star Open (TX)
See Grand Prix. IOWA
APR. 26-28 OR 27-28, 26th Space Coast Open MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24, 23rd annual Mid-America Open (MO)
See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix.
MAY 23-27, 24-27, 25-27 OR 26-27, 28th annual Chicago
Open (IL)
GEORGIA
See Grand Prix.
FEB. 15-17 OR 16-17, 2019 Atlanta Winter Congress
See Grand Prix.
KANSAS
FEB. 16-17 (NOT FEB. 9-10), Queen of Hearts - 47th Annual
(NOTE DATE CHANGE) (AL) MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24, 23rd annual Mid-America Open (MO)
See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix.
MAY 23-27, 24-27, 25-27 OR 26-27, 28th annual Chicago
MAR. 15-17 OR 16-17, 17th annual Southern Class
Championships (FL) Open (IL)
See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix.
MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24 NOT MAR. 15-17 OR 16-17, 23rd
Annual Boris Kogan Memorial - NEW DATE KENTUCKY
See Grand Prix.
FEB. 23, Black History Month Chess Classic: 2nd Annual Battle
MAR. 22-24, Lone Star Open (TX) of the Kings & Queens
See Grand Prix. 1228 East Breckinridge St., Louisville, KY 40204. Entry fee: $15.00 Reg-
APR. 26-28 OR 27-28, 26th Space Coast Open (FL) istration time starts at 10 a.m. Ends at 10:45 a.m. This is a fundraising
See Grand Prix. tournament for the Kuumba Academy chess program. Affordable con-
cessions. Free parking. Cash prize raffles. Conditions: K/12 open rated.
Everyone must be a United States Chess Federation member, G/30. No
HAWAII time delay. Quads, round robin, 3 rounds. First place winner receives a
medal. Trophies available for the top 4 performing teams. www.thewest-
JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open (NV) louisvillechessclub.com for more information. Or contact urbanlouisville
See Nationals.
chess@yahoo.com.
MAR. 2, The John Coltrane Spring Classic
IDAHO Location: 500 East Caldwell, Louisville, KY 40204. Registration: 10:30 to
10:45 a.m. Entry fee: $10. Cash prize tournament, rated, 3 in a section,
US Chess Junior Grand Prix! round robin, 2 rounds, full point bye, G/30 d0. 1st place in each section
FEB. 16-18, 2019 Idaho Closed State Chess Championship wins $20 based on 3 paid in full entries in a section. Others win Chess
6SS, Time Control: 30/120, d5 SD/60 d5; Section: Open. Site: Hampton, Dollars. Sections: under 500, under 800, under 1200, under 1600. Must
1658 Fillmore St., Twin Falls, ID. Call for Chess Rate, 208-734-2233. be a United States Chess Federation member. Affordable concessions.
Idaho Residency req’d, US Chess and ICA membership req’d EF: www.thewestlouisvillechessclub.com for more information.com.
$30 per player, Register online for discount. Rd Times: 2/16 9 am, 4 MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24, 23rd annual Mid-America Open (MO)
pm, 2/17 10 am, 5 pm, 2/18 8 am, 3 pm. Business meeting 9 am 2/17.
See Grand Prix.
1/2 pt bye Rds. 1-5 only. Maximum 1-half point bye, Rounds 1-5, commit
before round is paired. 0-point bye round 6. Prizes: 1, 2, 3 Overall; MAY 23-27, 24-27, 25-27 OR 26-27, 28th annual Chicago
Classes B - E, Top Expert, Class A, Junior, Senior, Unrated, Woman. Open (IL)
Details: idahochessassociation@gmail.com, Online registration at: See Grand Prix.
www.idahochessassociation.com, (208) 450-9048.
JUNE 11-12, 2019 U.S. Women’s Open (NV) LOUISIANA
See Nationals.
FEB. 14-18, 15-18, 16-18 OR 17-18, 10th annual Southwest
JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open (NV) Class Championships (TX)
See Nationals.
See Grand Prix.
FEB. 16-17 (NOT FEB. 9-10), Queen of Hearts - 47th Annual
ILLINOIS (NOTE DATE CHANGE) (AL)
See Grand Prix.
FEB. 15-17 OR 16-17, 2019 U.S. Amateur Team Championship
- North MAR. 15-17 OR 16-17, 17th annual Southern Class
Championships (FL)
See Nationals.
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 9, 17th Annual Mark Oestriech Memorial Chess Tournament
Salem Community Activities Center, 416 East Oglesby St., Salem, IL 62881. MAR. 22-24, Lone Star Open (TX)
Swiss System – 3 rounds USCF Rated, Sponsored by the Southern Illinois See Grand Prix.
Chess League Time Controls 30/70, then 40/60 No sudden death – Entry
fee: $15.00 – Registration from 8:00-9:15a.m. Rounds: 9:30a.m., 1:00p.m.,
5:00p.m. – Prize fund: $360.00, based on 30 players 1st-$80, 2nd-$40,
MAINE
A,B,C,D/E/ Unr $60.00 each – Entries: Carl Purcell 618-267-8145, 2749 FEB. 23, 6th Queen City Tornado (NH)
S. Broadway, Salem, IL 62881 or purcellelectric@sbcglobalnet. See Grand Prix.
MAR. 15-17, 2019 National High School (K-12) Championship APR. 5-7 OR 6-7, 28th annual Eastern Class Championships (MA)
See Nationals. See Grand Prix.
MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24, 23rd annual Mid-America Open (MO) APR. 17-21, 18-21 OR 19-21, 13th annual Open at Foxwoods (CT)
See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix.
 See previous issue for TLAs appearing February 1-14

MAY 4, Downeast Open
See Grand Prix.
MAY 22, ChessMaine.net Championship
See Grand Prix.
MARYLAND
MARYLAND CHESS TOURNAMENTS
MD Chess runs scholastic tournaments 2 Saturdays per month
from September through June & open tournaments 2 Saturdays
or weekends per month throughout the year. Visit www.MD
Chess.org to find tournament announcements, tutors, coaches,
& camps; register online for tournaments; & subscribe to
scholastic and/or open e-newsletters. MD scholastic players
who compete in the Varsity section (exclusively for players
rated 1600+) of a MD-Sweet-16 Qualifier can qualify for the
$45,000 scholarship to UMBC awarded annually. The Uni-
versity of Maryland, Baltimore County’s chess team is a
perennial top-10 contender for the national championship.
FEB. 16, Kasparov Chess Foundation Presents 10th Annual
Greater Mid-Atlantic Scholastic Chess Championship
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute & Western High School, 1400 W.
Cold Spring Ln., Baltimore, MD 21209. Open to all K-12 players from
anywhere. 5 Sections. Championship: 1500+, K-12, 4SS, G/45
d5, Rds.: 9:30-11:30-1:30-3:30. 1000-1499: 1000-1499, K-12, 5SS,
G/35 d5, Rds.: 9:30-11-12:30-2-3:30. U1000 HS & MS: under 1000
or unr, 6-12, 5SS, G/30 d5, Rds.: 9:30-10:45-12-1:15-2:30. 500-999
K-5: 500-999, K-5, 5SS, G/30 d5, Rds.: 9:30-10:45-12-1:15-2:30.
U500 K-5: under 500 or unr, K-5, 5SS, G/25 d5, Rds.: 9:30-10:30-
11:30-12:30-1:30. Trophies per section: top 25% of individuals; top
40% of teams. EF: $30 through 02.12; $45 through 02.14; $60 by 8
AM, 02.16 (half-point bye possible in Rd. 1); $80, 8-9 AM, 02.16 (on
site; if space available; half-point bye likely in Rd. 1). Provided: sets,
boards, scoresheets, & pencils. Bring chess clock. Food available
for purchase. Register: www.mdchess.com. Contact Email: tour-
naments@mdchess.com.
FEB. 22-24 OR 23-24, 4th annual George Washington Open (VA)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 2-3, UMBC Open - Alvin S. Mintzes Chess Tournament
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 9-10, Delaware State Open Chess Championship (DE)
See Grand Prix.
JUNE 27-JULY 1, 13th annual Philadelphia International (PA)
See Grand Prix.
JUNE 28-30 OR 29-30, 13th annual Philadelphia Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
JULY 1-2, 11th annual World Open Under 13 Championship (PA)
See Pennsylvania.
JULY 1-2, 8th annual World Open Women’s Championship (PA)
See Grand Prix.
JULY 1-2, 9th annual World Open Senior Amateur (PA)
See Pennsylvania.
JULY 1-2, World Open Warmup (PA)
See Grand Prix.
JULY 2, 7th annual World Open Action Championship (PA)
See Grand Prix.
JULY 2-7, 3-7, 4-7 OR 5-7, 47th Annual World Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
JULY 3, 8th annual World Open Game/7 Championship (PA)
See Grand Prix.
JULY 6, World Open G/10 Championship (PA)
See Grand Prix.
JULY 7, World Open Blitz Championship (BLZ) (PA)
See Grand Prix.
MASSACHUSETTS
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
FEB. 6, 13, 20, 27, MAR. 6, George E. O’Rourke Memorial
5SS, G/100 d5. Wachusett CC, McKay Complex, Room C159, Fitchburg
State University, 67 Rindge Rd., Fitchburg, MA 01420. EF: $20 annual
club dues or $1 per game. Reg.: 6:30-7 p.m. Rds.: 7:15 p.m. each Wed.
Byes: 1-4, limit two. Prizes: chess books to 1st-2nd, top U1850, U1650,
U1450. Info: George Mirijanian, 176 Oak Hill Rd., Fitchburg, MA 01420,
miriling2@aol.com, 978-345-5011. Website: www.wachusettchess.org.
WEB: 2/6. Free parking, “Chess Chat” DVD shown at 6:40 p.m. W.
FEB. 23, 6th Queen City Tornado (NH)
See Grand Prix.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
MAR. 2-3, 94th Western Massachusetts/Connecticut Valley
Chess Championship
The Alumni House - Amherst College, 75 Churchill St., Amherst, MA
01002. In 2 Sections. Two-Day: 5SS, G/90 d5, EF: $30 on-site; $25
if postmarked by 2/25/2019; One-Day: 5SS, 1-3 G/45 d5, 4 & 5
G/90 d5, EF: $25 on-site. $2 discount for WMCA members; $20 if
postmarked by 2/25/2019. Unr: FREE; USCF Membership required.
1st overall: revolving trophy and keeper; trophy to top X, A, B, C, D,
E, UNR. Please bring set and clock. Limit of two 1/2 point byes;
specify round(s) with entry. ENT: WMCA c/o Ed Kostreba, 45 Fairview
St., Palmer, MA 01069. INFO: Ron Gist (413) 695-7689, RonGist@
ComCast.net. W.
MAR. 9-10, 52nd annual New York State Scholastic
Championships (out of state welcome) (NY)
See New York.
MAR. 23-24, 3rd annual Bill Little Memorial (NY)
See Grand Prix.
APR. 5-7 OR 6-7, 28th annual Eastern Class Championships
See Grand Prix.
APR. 13-14, Westford April Open
See Grand Prix.
APR. 14, Chess Fool’s Day Open
4SS, G/60 d5. The Alumni House - Amherst College, 75 Churchill St.,
Amherst, MA 01002. REG.: 8:30-9:15 Sunday 4/14/2019. EF: $30 on-
site; WMCA $2 discount; advance entry $25 if postmarked by 4/8/2019;
unrated FREE. USCF membership required. $$450 b/30 paying entries:
Open 1st: $100; Top A: $90; Top B: $80; Top C: $70; Top U1400: $60;
Top Unrated; $50. RDS.: 9:30am, 12:30pm, 3:00, 5: 30. Limit of one 1/2
point bye, specify round with entry. ENT: WMCA, c/o Ed Kostreba, 45
Fairview, Palmer, MA 01069. INFO: Ron Gist (413) 695-7689 RonGist@
ComCast.net. Please bring set and clock. W.
APR. 17-21, 18-21 OR 19-21, 13th annual Open at Foxwoods (CT)
See Grand Prix.
APR. 20, Foxwoods Blitz (BLZ) (CT)
See Grand Prix.
MAY 17-19 OR 18-19, 27th annual New York State Open and
Senior (NY)
See Grand Prix.
JUNE 7-9 OR 8-9, 25th Annual Northeast Open (CT)
See Grand Prix.
JULY 2-7, 3-7, 4-7 OR 5-7, 47th Annual World Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
MICHIGAN
MAY 23-27, 24-27, 25-27 OR 26-27, 28th annual Chicago
Open (IL)
See Grand Prix.
MINNESOTA
MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24, 23rd annual Mid-America Open (MO)
See Grand Prix.
MAY 23-27, 24-27, 25-27 OR 26-27, 28th annual Chicago
Open (IL)
See Grand Prix.

GOLD & SILVER AFFILIATES

GOLD Any affiliate that has submitted at least 50 US Chess memberships during Bay Area Chess
2050 Concourse Drive #42
Continental Chess
Association
the current or previous calendar year, or is the recognized State Affiliate, is eligible to San Jose, CA 95131 P.O. Box 8482
become a Gold Affiliate. Gold Affiliates are honored in a special list in larger type in 408-409-6596 Pelham, NY 10803
Tournament Life each month, giving the affiliate name, address, phone number, e-mail ask@bayareachess.com director@chess.us
address, and website. Gold Affiliation costs $350 per year, and existing affiliates may www.bayareachess.com www.chesstour.com
subtract $3 for each month remaining on their regular affiliation, or $20 for each month
remaining on their Silver Affiliation. By paying an annual payment of $500 (instead of
$350), Gold Affiliate status may be obtained with no minimum requirement for Cajun Chess Marshall Chess Club
12405 Hillary Step Drive 23 West 10th Street
memberships submitted.
Olive Branch, MS 38654 New York, NY 10011
504-208-9596 212-477-3716
SILVER Any affiliate that has submitted at least 25 US Chess memberships cajunchess@yahoo.com admin@marshallchessclub.org
during the current or previous calendar year, or is the recognized State Affiliate, www.cajunchess.com www.marshallchessclub.org
is eligible to become a Silver Affiliate. These affiliates will be recognized in a
special list in Tournament Life each month, giving the affiliate name, state, and
Chess Club and PaperClip Pairings
choice of either phone number, e-mail address, or website. Silver Affiliation costs c/o Remy Ferrari
Scholastic Center
$150 per year, and existing affiliates may subtract $3 for each month remaining of Saint Louis 4 Jalapa Court
on their regular affiliation. Alternatively, for an annual payment of $250.00 4657 Maryland Avenue Brownsville, TX 78526
(instead of $150), the requirement for a minimum number of US Chess members St. Louis, MO 63108 956-621-0377
will be waived. 314-361-CHESS rrferrari@bisd.us
info@saintlouischessclub.org
Berkeley Chess School (CA) Little House of Chess, Inc. (NY) Rochester Chess Center (NY) www.saintlouischessclub.org
www.berkeleychessschool.org littlehouseofchess.com http://www.chessset.com San Diego Chess Club
2225 Sixth Avenue
En Passant Chess Club (TX) ChessNYC.com San Diego, CA 92101
td_edg@twc.com 619-752-4377
Michigan Chess Association (MI) Sparta Chess Club (NJ) Michael Propper
www.michess.org www.spartachessclub.org P.O. Box 189, 1710 1st Avenue chucnglo@aol.com
Evangel Chess Club (AL)
www.evangelchurch.me New York, NY 10128 www.sandiegochessclub.org
212-475-8130
Jersey Shore HS Chess League (NJ) Oklahoma Chess Foundation (OK) Success Chess School (CA) info@chessnyc.com
shorehschessleague@yahoo.com www.OCFchess.org www.successchess.com www.chessnyc.com UPDATED 11-01-2018

www.uschess.org 65
Tournament Life / February
MISSISSIPPI
FEB. 16-17 (NOT FEB. 9-10), Queen of Hearts - 47th Annual
(NOTE DATE CHANGE) (AL)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 15-17 OR 16-17, 17th annual Southern Class
Championships (FL)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 22-24, Lone Star Open (TX)
See Grand Prix.
MISSOURI
Knights of the Chess Table Chess Club
Edward Jones YMCA, St. Louis, MO - All skill levels welcome. Play casual
chess or blitz chess. For club info, address and hours, go to https://knight-
softhechesstable.com
Wednesday Monthly Marathon
The Kansas City Chess Club, 2 S. Water St., Liberty, MO 64068. 2 Games
Per Week (8-10 Games Per Month) G/30 d5 7PM Free Parking! Free Coffee
and Snacks! EF: $5 per week. Flyer at: www.kansascitychessclub.com.
FEB. 27, Knights of the Chess Table Chess Club
Wednesday Night Game 30 d0, 3 Rounds SS. EF: $5.00. Reg.: 5:45,
Rds: 6:15, 7:15, 8:15. Prize Fund b/10. 1st - $20 2nd - $10 - 3rd - $5
Edward Jones YMCA, 12521 Marine Ave., St. Louis, MO 63146. For more
info: 314 966 4985 or https://knightsofthechesstable.com. Players
should bring clock. USCF Membership Required.
MAR. 9, Four States Winter Open
4-SS, G/60 d5. Hilton Garden Inn, 2644 E. 32nd St., Joplin, MO 64804. 2
Sections, Open: $120-80, U1600 60, U1400: $60-40. 4.0 Bonus: $20.
Sections may be combined for pairing purposes. Prizes: b/30 full-paid
entries. EF: $30 by 3/8, $40 at door. Scholastic (rating only) $15 by 3/8,
$25 at door. Email entry accepted for lower rate. MCA membership required,
OSA. Reg.: 8-9. Rounds: 9:30-11:45-2:30-4:45. Byes: One 1/2 point bye if
requested before round 2 Ent: martin.stahl@joplinchess.org with cash
onsite, paypal.me/joplinchess or mailed to Joplin Chess Club, 2609 New
Hampshire, Joplin, MO 64804. Checks payable to Martin Stahl. Info:
joplinchess.org, martin.stahl@joplinchess.org, 417-483-1554.
MAR. 9, March Madness
Format: Open to students enrolled in elementary, middle or high school
in Fall 2018. 4 SS, G/30 d0. Five sections: K-12 Open, K-12 U1000, K-6
Open, K-6 U500, K-3 Open. Rds.: 11am, 12:15pm, 1:45pm, 3pm. Locations
vary every month, all the info and registration is on our website at:
https://saintlouischessclub.org/education/scholastic-tournaments
MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24, 23rd annual Mid-America Open
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 22-24, Lone Star Open (TX)
See Grand Prix.
MAY 23-27, 24-27, 25-27 OR 26-27, 28th annual Chicago
Open (IL)
See Grand Prix.
NEBRASKA
MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24, 23rd annual Mid-America Open (MO)
See Grand Prix.
MAY 23-27, 24-27, 25-27 OR 26-27, 28th annual Chicago
Open (IL)
See Grand Prix.
NEVADA
MAR. 1-3 OR 2-3, 26th annual Western Class Championships
(CA-S)
See Grand Prix.
APR. 19-21 OR 20-21, 8th Annual Reno Larry Evans Memoral -
FIDE - $$26,500 b/275 ($16,000 Gtd.)
See Grand Prix.
JUNE 11-12, 2019 U.S. Women’s Open
See Nationals.
JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open
See Nationals.
JUNE 15-16, International Youth Championship
6-SS, G/60 d5. Westgate Las Vegas Resort, 3000 Paradise Rd., 89109. In 4
Sections by age: 14 & Under Open, 14 & Under Reserve (under 1000), 9
& Under Open, 9 & Under Reserve (under 800). Trophies to top 10 in each
section plus class and team trophies. 1st Place in each section wins a
Computer loaded with valuable Chess Software and hundreds of Videos,
2nd-4th win chess prizes valued at 250-150-100. Unrated players may not
win 1st in Reserve sections. EF: $89 by 5/31, $99 by 6/20, $120 later. Half
point bye in any round (limit 2) if requested in advance. Reg.: 8:30-9 a.m.
Rds.: 10-1-3:30, 10-1-3:30. Youth Blitz: 6/22 6:30 p.m. ($25 by 5/31 $35
later). HR: $69, $92 Friday and Saturday (800) 732-7117 Cutoff for special
hotel rate is May 23; after that rates will increase significantly and
there may not be any rooms available. ENT: Vegas Chess Festivals, PO
Box 90925, Henderson, NV 89009-0925 or www.VegasChessFestival.com.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
FEB. 23, 6th Queen City Tornado
See Grand Prix.
APR. 5-7 OR 6-7, 28th annual Eastern Class Championships (MA)
See Grand Prix.
66 February 2019 | Chess Life
APR. 17-21, 18-21 OR 19-21, 13th annual Open at Foxwoods (CT)
See Grand Prix.
NEW JERSEY
FEB. 9, ICA Super Saturday Quads
354 Rock Road, Glen Rock, NJ 07452 (Education building, 2nd floor).
3SS, G/45 d5. Registration: On site before 1:20 PM at the day of the
tournament. Entry Fee: $25 all sections. Rounds: 1:30 and ASAP. Prize:
$60 1st place (each quad). Call 201-797-0330 or email chessdirector@
icanj.net for more information.
FEB. 16-18, World Amateur Team & 2019 U.S. Team East
Championship
See Nationals.
FEB. 22-24 OR 23-24, 4th annual George Washington Open (VA)
See Grand Prix.
FEB. 23, Hamilton Chess Club Quads
3RR, 40/80 15/30 15/30 d0. Full K. McManimon Hall, 320 Scully Ave.,
Hamilton Twp., NJ 08610. Quads open to all. EF: $10. Prizes: $25 per
Quad. Reg.: 9-10:30am. Rds.: 10:30am-1:30pm-4:30pm. OSA. More
information: hamiltonchessclub.com or 609-758-2326 leave message
or text 609-351-2437. W.
FEB. 23, ICA Super Saturday Quads
354 Rock Road, Glen Rock, NJ 07452 (Education building, 2nd floor).
3SS, G/45 d5. Registration: On site before 1:20 PM at the day of the
tournament. Entry Fee: $25 all sections. Rounds: 1:30 and ASAP. Prize:
$60 1st place (each quad). Call 201-797-0330 or email chessdirector@
icanj.net for more information.
FEB. 23, 101st Central Jersey Chess Tournament
Princeton Academy, 1128 Great Rd., Princeton. 4 rated sections, each
K-12, 4 rds, G/25 d5: Open (1100+), U1100, U800, U500. 2 unrated
sections, 4 rds. Intermediate (K-8), Beginners (K-2). Trophies to 1st-
3rd and top school/club team per section, medals to all! $40 pre-reg
online by 2/21, $50 on-site 1:15-1:45. Rd. 1 at 2pm. newjerseychess@
gmail.com, www.njchess.com.
A State Championship Event!
FEB. 24, New Jersey State Elementary Championship
5SS, G/30 d5. Brookdale College, 765 Newman Springs Rd., Lincroft,
NJ 07738. Student Life Center, use Parking Lot #7 or #6; 5 minutes
from Garden State Parkway exit 109. 2 Sections: Elementary (K-6) &
Primary (K-3). All: Trophies to top 15 individuals, top 5 teams. Elementary
& Primary: Top 5 in each grade. Rds.: 10 am then ASAP. Top 4 scores
constitute the team score for Elementary; top 3 for Primary. EF: $35
before 2/17, $50 at site. USCF memb. req’d. Reg.: 8-9:00am After
9:00am 1/2 point bye for round 1. Info: 732 259-3881, Ent: Hal Sprech-
man, 66 Cromwell Ln., Jackson, NJ 08527 or online by Feb 23 at
www.NJSCF.org. Entries must include name, grade, school, section,
date of birth, USCF ID and expiration date, mailing address, email
address, phone number and entry fee. Checks made out to NJSCF.
A State Championship Event!
FEB. 24, New Jersey Junior High School Championship
5SS, G/30 d5. Brookdale College, 765 Newman Springs Rd., Lincroft, NJ
07738. Student Life Center, use Parking Lot #7 or #6; 5 minutes from
Garden State Parkway exit 109. Section: JHS (K-9). ALL: Trophies to top
15 individuals, top 5 teams. Rds.: 10am then ASAP. Top 4 scores constitute
team score. EF: $35 before 2/17, $50 at site. USCF memb. req’d. Reg.: 8-
9:00 am. After 9:00 am, half-point bye for round one. INFO: 732-259 3881
halsprechman@gmail.com. ENT: Hal Sprechman, 66 Cromwell Ln., Jackson,
NJ 08527 or online by Feb 23 at www.NJSCF.org. Entries must include
name, grade, school, date of birth, USCF ID #, & expiration date, mailing
address, phone number & entry fee. Checks made out to NJSCF.
FEB. 24, Westfield G/60 Quads
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: 11:30
a.m.-12:10 p.m. Rounds: 12:15, 2:30, 4:45 p.m. Info: westfieldchess-
club@gmail.com, www.westfieldchessclub.org/Events.html
MAR. 2, King’s Chess Club Quads
Morning quads and afternoon quads, G/30 d5, Kindergarten-undergraduate
(scholastic, youth, and young adult memberships). Bethlehem Church, 758
Route 10, Randolph, NJ 07869. EF: None. Reg.: 9-9:20 am., 1st rd. 9:40. Arr.
by 12:30 pm to reg. only for afternoon quads. Medal to each quad winner.
Info: Bethlehem Church 973-366-3434 or Bob McAdams 973-694-3988.
MAR. 2, ICA Super Saturday Quads
354 Rock Road, Glen Rock, NJ 07452 (Education building, 2nd floor).
3SS, G/45 d5. Registration: On site before 1:20 PM at the day of the
tournament. Entry Fee: $25 all sections. Rounds: 1:30 and ASAP. Prize:
$60 1st place (each quad). Call 201-797-0330 or email chessdirector@
icanj.net for more information.
MAR. 2, Princeton Day School
650 The Great Road. Plaques to top 3 school teams under 1000, top 8 in
each section under 1000, and to top 3 in each section over 1000. Medals
to all players. MORNING SECTIONS: 3 rds. G/55 d5, Sections for OVER
1000 rated players begin at 10:15 and must preregister: NEAR MASTERS
(players K-12 OVER 1400), FUTURE MASTERS (players K-12 1200- 1400),
CLOSED (K-12 1000-1200). AFTERNOON SECTIONS: 4 rds. G/25 d5, Begin-
ning at 12 noon (round times will be accelerated if possible): OPEN (Players
K-12 U-1000), RESERVE (K-12 U-800), NOVICE II (K-8 U-600), NOVICE I
(unrated K-8), K-1 (unrated), NO SCORE K-1 (novice). Pre-registration
online, $35 pay at the door. Info and online registration at https://
www.pds.org/school-life/chess-tournaments On-site 11-12 noon $45.
Inquiries to Bonnie Waitzkin at chessteach2@gmail.com.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
A State Championship Event!
MAR. 2-3, New Jersey High School Championship
5SS, G/60 d10. Union County Vocational - Technical High School, 1776 Raritan
Rd., Scotch Plains, NJ 07076. VARSITY (9-12): 5 player team with one
alternate allowed, coaches set order by strength, order must not be changed.
Team average based on 5 highest ratings. Trophies to: top 10 Teams, top
three players on boards 1-5. EF: $150/team before 2/27/19. $165 on site.
JUNIOR VARSITY (9-12): 4 player team with one alternate allowed. Team
average based on 4 highest ratings. Trophies to: top 10 teams, top 3 players
boards 1-4. EF: $120/team before 2/27/19, $130 on site. BOOSTER: (K-
12): Top 4 individual players from each school constitute a team. Trophies
to: top 10 players. Top 3 schools. EF: $30 before 2/27/19, $35 on site. All
ABOVE SECTIONS USCF memb. required. RDS.: Sat 10, 12:45, 3:15; Sun 10,
12:45. REG.: on site 8-9:30am after 9:30 – 1/2 point bye for round 1. Please
bring clocks and sets. REG.: JIM MULLANAPHY, 98 Baird Rd., Millstone Twp.,
NJ 08535. Entrees must include: name, grade, school, USCF ID# and
expiration date for players; coaches need to supply: mailing address, email
address, phone #. Checks made out to: NJSCF. SIDE EVENT: MAR 3, SUN-
DAY, Boy Scout/Girl Scout/Non-Rated Section (K-12): 5SS, G/15 d5.
USCF Membership Not required for this section only! EF: $20, registration
9:00 to 9:45. First Round 10am, other rounds ASAP. Limited number of Clocks
and Sets available, if you have equipment please bring it. REG.: Same as
above. Entries must include: name, age, address, phone # and Troop/Pack
affiliation if any. Online entrees accepted at: WWW. NJSCF.org until
10pm, 2/28/19. QUESTIONS?? Contact: Jmull@aol.com, 732-610-1357.
MAR. 3, Westfield G/45 Quads
3-RR. G/40 d5. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. EF: $25,
$20 members. Prizes: $60 to first in each section. Register: 11:30
a.m.-12:10 p.m. Rounds: 12:15, 2:00, 3:45 p.m. Info: westfieldchess-
club@gmail.com, www.westfieldchessclub.org/Events.html
MAR. 9, ICA Super Saturday Quads
354 Rock Road, Glen Rock, NJ 07452 (Education building, 2nd floor).
3SS, G/45 d5. Registration: On site before 1:20 PM at the day of the
tournament. Entry Fee: $25 all sections. Rounds: 1:30 and ASAP. Prize:
$60 1st place (each quad). Call 201-797-0330 or email chessdirector@
icanj.net for more information.
MAR. 9-10, 52nd annual New York State Scholastic
Championships (out of state welcome) (NY)
See New York.
MAR. 9-10, Delaware State Open Chess Championship (DE)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 10, Westfield G/50 Quads
3-RR. G/45 d5. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. EF: $25,
$20 members. Prizes: $60 to first in each section. Register: 11:30
a.m.-12:10 p.m. Rounds: 12:15, 2:10, 4:05 p.m. Info: westfieldchess-
club@gmail.com, www.westfieldchessclub.org/Events.html
MAR. 10, Dr. David Ostfeld Memorial ICA Championship in 5
Sections
4SS. Bergen Academy, 200 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, NJ 07601. All
players with 2.5 points or more will receive a trophy! USCF Memb Req’d
For Sections 3, 4 AND 5. For info, call 201-797-0330, email chessdirector@
icanj.net or visit icanj.net. ADV EF (pmk by Mar 5th) $35 At Site $40 Reg
ends 1/2 hr before 1st rd. Late entrants will receive a 1/2 pt bye for rd. 1.
In 5 Sections: Section 1 Junior Novice (not USCF rated): Open to unr
players K thru 2nd grade. Rds.: First Round 10:15 AM then ASAP. Section
2 Novice (not USCF rated): Open to unr players K thru 4th grade. Rds.:
First Round 10:00 AM then ASAP. Section 3 G/45 d5 U800: Open to
players rated below 800 and unrated players K thru 12th grade. Rds.: 9:45
AM, 11:30, 1:15, 3:00 PM. Section 4 G/45 d5 U1200: Open to players
rated below 1200 and unrated players K thru 12th grade. Rds.: 9:45 AM,
11:30, 1:15, 3:00 PM. Section 5 G/60 d5 U1400: Open to All Ages rated
below 1400 or unrated. Rds.: 9:30 AM, 11:45, 2:00, 4:30 PM. Enter online
at: https://ica.jumbula.com/#/ica_tournaments or mail checks to Diana
Tulman, 28 Canterbury Ln., New Milford. NJ 07646. Make checks payable
to International Chess Academy. W.
MAR. 10, Dr. David Ostfeld Memorial ICA U1600 Championship
4SS, G/60 d5. Bergen Academy, 200 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack. NJ
07601. Open to all ages with rating below 1600. Prize Fund ($$ b/25) 1st
- 3rd $200, $150, $100, TU1400 $50, TU1200 $50, Call 201 797-0330, email
chessdirector@icanj.net or visit icanj.net for more info. ADV EF (pmk by
Mar 5th) $40. At Site $45 Reg ends 1/2 hr before 1st rd. Late entrants will
receive a 1/2 pt bye for rd. 1. Rds.: 9:30 AM, 11:45 AM, 2:00 PM, 4:30
PM. Enter online at:https://ica.jumbula.com/#/ica_tournaments or mail
to Diana Tulman, 28 Canterbury Lane, New Milford, NJ 07646. Make checks
payable to International Chess Academy. W.
MAR. 10, Dr. David Ostfeld Memorial ICA Open Championship
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 17, Westfield Grand Prix
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 24, Westfield G/60 Quads
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: 11:30
a.m.-12:10 p.m. Rounds: 12:15, 2:30, 4:45 p.m. Info: westfieldchess-
club@gmail.com, www.westfieldchessclub.org/Events.html
MAR. 31, Westfield G/45 Quads
3-RR. G/40 d5. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. EF: $25,
$20 members. Prizes: $60 to first in each section. Register: 11:30
a.m.-12:10 p.m. Rounds: 12:15, 2:00, 3:45 p.m. Info: westfieldchess-
club@gmail.com, www.westfieldchessclub.org/Events.html
APR. 5-7 OR 6-7, 28th annual Eastern Class Championships (MA)
See Grand Prix.
APR. 7, Westfield G/50 Quads
3-RR. G/45 d5. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. EF: $25,
$20 members. Prizes: $60 to first in each section. Register: 11:30
a.m.-12:10 p.m. Rounds: 12:15, 2:10, 4:05 p.m. Info: westfieldchess-
club@gmail.com, www.westfieldchessclub.org/Events.html
APR. 14, Westfield Spring Scholastic
Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. K-12. 3 Sections: Open,
U1250, U750. Open: 3-SS. G/40 d5. Rounds: 12:15, 2:00, 3:45 p.m.
U1250 & U750: 4-SS. G/25 d5. Rounds: 12:15, 1:30, 2:45, 4:00 p.m. EF:

$25, $20 members. Prizes: Trophies to Top 5 in each section. Tiebreaks
used. See USCF Rule 34E. Register: 11:30 a.m.-12:10 p.m. Info: west-
fieldchessclub@gmail.com, www.westfieldchessclub.org/Events.html
APR. 14, Westfield G/75
2-SS, accelerated. G/70 d5. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ
07090. EF: $5. Prizes: None. Register: 11:30 a.m.-12:10 p.m. Rounds:
12:15, 3:00 p.m. Info: westfieldchessclub@gmail.com, www.westfield-
chessclub.org/Events.html. Note: Participation limited to adults (any
rating) & 1750+.
APR. 17-21, 18-21 OR 19-21, 13th annual Open at Foxwoods (CT)
See Grand Prix.
APR. 20, Foxwoods Blitz (BLZ) (CT)
See Grand Prix.
MAY 17-19 OR 18-19, 27th annual New York State Open and
Senior (NY)
See Grand Prix.
JUNE 7-9 OR 8-9, 25th Annual Northeast Open (CT)
See Grand Prix.
JUNE 27-JULY 1, 13th annual Philadelphia International (PA)
See Grand Prix.
JUNE 28-30 OR 29-30, 13th annual Philadelphia Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
JUNE 29, Philadelphia Open Blitz (BLZ) (PA)
See Pennsylvania.
JULY 1-2, 11th annual World Open Under 13 Championship (PA)
See Pennsylvania.
JULY 1-2, 8th annual World Open Women’s Championship (PA)
See Grand Prix.
JULY 1-2, 9th annual World Open Senior Amateur (PA)
See Pennsylvania.
JULY 1-2, World Open Warmup (PA)
See Grand Prix.
JULY 2, 7th annual World Open Action Championship (PA)
See Grand Prix.
JULY 2-7, 3-7, 4-7 OR 5-7, 47th Annual World Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
JULY 3, 8th annual World Open Game/7 Championship (PA)
See Grand Prix.
JULY 6, World Open G/10 Championship (PA)
See Grand Prix.
JULY 7, World Open Blitz Championship (BLZ) (PA)
See Grand Prix.
NEW MEXICO
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
FEB. 9-10, Memorial Open & Senior Championship Open
4-SS, G/120 d10 (except Scholastic: 4-SS G/30 d5). The Meadowlark
Senior Center, 4330 Meadowlark Ln. SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124. In 4
sections, EF: $40 (except Scholastic, $15.) For Open, Reserve and Novice
sections - $10 EF discount if received by 2/6/19. $$: Open: b/30 1st
$300, 2nd $200, 1st U1900 $100. Top finishing NM Resident (over 50) is
2019 NM Senior Champion, co-champions if a tie; Prize money will be
awarded based on finish regardless of residency. Reserve: b/30 1st
$275, 2nd $175, 1st U1400 $100. Novice: b/30 1st $250, 2nd $150, 1st
U1000 $100. Scholastic: (2/9/2019 only) Medals for: K-2nd, 3rd-5th,
6th-8th and 9th-12th grades. Plaques will be awarded to 1st place
finisher in open section and to the Senior Champion. Unrated players
are eligible for half of the sections cash prizes, except in the open,
where unrated players are eligible for the entire prize fund. Reg.: Online
open until 8:00pm on 2/8/19; Onsite, Saturday (2/9/19), Scholastic: 8
– 8:30AM; other Sections: Sat. 8:15 – 9:00AM. Rds.: Open, Reserve &
Novice: Sat. & Sun 9:30AM, 2:30PM; Scholastic: Sat. 9:00AM, 10:10AM,
1PM, 2:10PM. W: Site is accessible to wheelchairs. Bye: Up to two, 1/2
pt. byes can be requested prior to start of 1st rnd. Ent: Online entries
via website www.nmchess.org or mail entry to: NMCO, P.O. Box 4215,
Albuquerque, NM 87196-4215.
MAR. 1-3 OR 2-3, 26th annual Western Class Championships
(CA-S)
See Grand Prix.
JUNE 11-12, 2019 U.S. Women’s Open (NV)
See Nationals.
JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open (NV)
See Nationals.
JUNE 15-16, International Youth Championship (NV)
See Nevada.
NEW YORK
OCT. 21, NOV. 18, DEC. 9, JAN. 27, MAR. 3, MAY 5, 6th
Annual Magnus High School and Junior High Chess League!
Columbia Grammar and Prep. High School Cafeteria, 36 W. 93rd St.
(bet. Central Park West & Columbus Ave., near 96th St. subways), NYC. 12-
SS, G/60 d10, open to grades 7-12 born after 5/5/99. 3 sections: 1. Premier
(over 1799 and special invitees), 2. Under 1800, 3. Under 1200. Plaques
to top 3 each section. May be limited to 60 players each date. Individual
free entry prizes: free entry to 2 specified Continental Chess tmts. thru
12/31/19 to 1st each section. Team prizes: free entry to 1 CCA tmt. thru
12/31/19 to the 4-top-scoring players from same school across all 3
sections, plaques to top 3 overall team scores, limit 2 teams per school.
Mixed Doubles (2-player male/female team, avg. rating U2200, may be in
different sections and from different schools, must sign-up by 1/27) Bonus
See previous issue for TLAs appearing February 1-14
Prize: free entry to 1 CCA tmt. thru 12/31/19 to 1st Mixed Doubles team,
chess sets to top 3 overall Mixed Doubles. Free entries courtesy of Continental
Chess and are valid for CCA tmts. with 100% guaranteed prizes; see
www.magnusleague.org, www.chesscenter.cc or www.chesstour.com for
details and restrictions. Rds.: 10 am-12:45 pm (earlier if feasible) each
date. Ent: www.magnusleague.org. All: Each date’s games submitted for
rating prior to next date’s games. Players must re-confirm before each
date; official USCF rating list in effect on each date used for that date
(unofficial ratings usually used if otherwise unrated or if requesting to play
in Premier). Unr. may enter section 2 or 3 (or Premier by TD permission).
Limit 6 byes (2 byes max. rds. 9-12), commit by Jan. 27 (by May 3 for players
with minus scores). Teammate pairings avoided but possible. Ties for free
entries decided by tiebreak except playoff May 5 between top 2 on tiebreak
(may be fast game). See www.magnusleague.org for rules and special sit-
uations. Special Bonus Points and/or prizes may be awarded each date!
Bring clocks! Info: director@magnusleague.org, chesscentr@gmail.com,
online entry thru 6 pm the day before each date at: www.magnus
league.org. Reg. on-site by 9:30 am. School purchase orders: Chess Center
of NY, PO Box 4615, New Windsor, NY 12553. W.
FEB. 15, Marshall 3rd Friday Quads - NEW
3-RR, G/25 d5. Registration ends at 6:30pm sharp. $50 prize to each
winner. EF: $20; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-
person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30pm. No byes
allowed; $25 Forfeit fee charged for dropping out before the completion of
the tournament. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
FEB. 15-17, Marshall Monthly U2400
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
$25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: Fri.
7pm, Sat. & Sun. 12:30 & 5:30pm. Max two byes; request at entry. Reg-
ister Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
FEB. 15-17, Marshall Monthly U2400
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
$25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: Fri.
7pm, Sat. & Sun. 12:30 & 5:30pm. Max two byes; request at entry. Reg-
ister Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
FEB. 16, Marshall G/50 (U1700)
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
Rd. 1.) Rds.: 12-2-4-6pm. Max one bye; request at entry. Register
Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
FEB. 16, Marshall G/50 (U1700)
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
Rd. 1.) Rds.: 12-2-4-6pm. Max one bye; request at entry. Register
Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
FEB. 17, Marshall Rated Beginner
3-SS, G/25 d5. Only open to players without a rating or rated U1200. ($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 & continue
ASAP. No byes. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
FEB. 17, Marshall Rated Beginner
3-SS, G/25 d5. Only open to players without a rating or rated U1200. ($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 & continue ASAP.
No byes. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
FEB. 17, Sunday Quick Chess in Middlebury (QC) (VT)
See Vermont.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
FEB. 18, 25, MAR. 4, 11, 18, 25, Marshall FIDE Monday/U1800
6-SS, G/90 +30. Two Sections: Open: Open to all players 1600+. FIDE
Rated. ($600 b/25) $200-150-100; U2000: $100-50. U1800: ($600 b/25)
$200-150-100; U1500: $100-50. EF: $40; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25
Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.:
7pm each Mon. Max two byes; request by Rd. 4. Register Online:
www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
FEB. 18, 25, MAR. 4, 11, 18, 25, Marshall FIDE Monday/U1800
6-SS, G/90 +30. Two Sections: Open: Open to all players 1600+. FIDE
Rated. ($600 b/25) $200-150-100; U2000: $100-50. U1800: ($600 b/25)
$200-150-100; U1500: $100-50. EF: $40; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25
Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.:
7pm each Mon. Max two byes; request by Rd. 4. Register Online:
www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
FEB. 19, Marshall Masters
See Grand Prix.
FEB. 21, Marshall Thursday Action
4-SS, G/25 d5. ($400 b/25): $150-75; U2200, U1900: $75; Biggest upset:
$25. EF: $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, for Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online:
www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
FEB. 22, Marshall $500 FIDE Blitz (BLZ)
See Grand Prix.
FEB. 22-24 OR 23-24, 4th annual George Washington Open (VA)
See Grand Prix.
FEB. 23, Marshall G/50 (Open & U1800)
4-SS, G/45 d5. Two Sections: Open: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U2200:
$75. U1800: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1600: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC
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 Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
FEB. 24, Marshall Rated Beginner
3-SS, G/25 d5. Only open to players without a rating or rated U1200. ($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 & continue ASAP.
No byes. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
FEB. 24, Marshall G/50 (Open & U1500)
4-SS, G/45 d5. Two Sections: Open: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1900:
$75. U1500: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1300: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC
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 Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
FEB. 25, MAR. 4, 11, 18, 25, 113th Nassau Grand Prix
See Grand Prix.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
FEB. 28, MARCH 1-4, Marshall FIDE Norm Round Robins!
9-RR, G/90 +30. FIDE Rated. Three Sections: 1) GM Norm & 2)
IM/WGM Norm: FIDE ratings used for pairings and prizes. FIDE norms
possible. Registration by invitation only; to request a spot please
email td@marshallchessclub.org. Prizes: $1,500 GTD: $1,000-500.
EF: $550. (MCC Membership required.) Conditions available for foreign
GM & IM players. 3) Qualifier: FIDE ratings used for pairings and prizes.
A 2000+ FIDE rating is required to register (no exceptions will be
made). Prizes: 1st Place: $500 and eligible for paid entry into next IM
Norm RR. 2nd Place: Eligible for paid entry into the next IM Norm RR.
EF: $175. (MCC Membership required.) Schedule (for all sections):
Thurs 2/28: 12 & 6pm, Fri 3/1: 12 & 6pm, Sat 3/2: 12 & 6pm, Sun 3/3:
12 & 6pm, Mon 3/4: 12pm. No byes available: players who fail to com-
plete all 9 rounds will be barred from future MCC round robins and be
subject to a $250 fine before participating in another MCC event. Website:
www.marshallchessclub.org/.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
MAR. 1-3, Marshall U2200 Premier
5-SS, G/90 +30. Limited to 40 players. ($1,000 b/40): $500-200; U1900:
$150, U1600: $150. EF: $50; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5
late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: Fri. 7pm, Sat. & Sun.
12:30 & 5:30pm. Max two byes; request at entry. Register Online:
www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
MAR. 2, TRM134
at Albany Community CS, 65 Krank St., Albany 12202. Free. Pre-register
early www.chesstrm.org (required) 4/SS, G/30 d5. Rd. 1 at 10:00.
MAR. 2, 9, 23, 30, Rochester Chess Center Saturday Tournaments!
3-SS, G/60 d5. Rochester CC, 221 Norris Dr., Rochester, NY 14610. 585-
442-2430. Prizes based on entries. EF: $15, RCC members $13. $2 less
for HS and Pre-HS. Reg.: 1-1:45 pm. Rds.: 2-4-6. One bye available,
request at entry. www.nychess.org. Also, Youth tournament, G/30 d5,
every Saturday morning 10am-1pm, trophies and prizes. EF: $5.
MAR. 3, Safe & Simple
at Riverbank State Park, 145th St. & Riverside Dr., NYC 10025. Free.
Pre-register early www.chesstrm.org/NYC/ (required) 4/SS, G/30 d5.
Check-in by 9:30 to play round 1.
MAR. 6, 13, 20, 27, Community Chess Club of Rochester Wed
Night Chess!
Note: 1 game rated per night, G/80 d5. Rochester Chess Center, 221
Norris Dr., Rochester, NY 14610. 585-442-2430. EF: $5, CCCR members
$3. Reg.: 6:30-7:20 pm. Rd.: 7:30pm. www.rochesterchessclub.org.
MAR. 7, Marshall Guaranteed Action!
4-SS, G/25 d5. $350 GTD: $125-75; U2200, U1900: $75. EF: $15; 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, for
Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: www.marshallchess-
club.org/register.
MAR. 8, Marshall Friday Night Blitz (BLZ)
9-SS, G/3 +2. USCF Blitz ratings (when possible) used for pairings &
prizes. ($500 b/35): $200-100; U2400/unr, U2200, U2000, U1800: $50.
EF: $20; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person
reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: Begin at 7pm and continue
ASAP. Max three byes; request at entry. Register Online: www.mar-
shallchessclub.org/register.
MAR. 8, Marshall Friday Quads
3-RR, G/25 d5. Registration ends at 6:30pm sharp. $50 prize to each
winner. EF: $20; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-
person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30pm. No byes
allowed; $25 Forfeit fee charged for dropping out before the completion of
the tournament. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
MAR. 9, Marshall U1900 Morning Action
4-SS, G/25 d5. ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1700: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC
Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before
Rd. 1.) Rds.: Begin at 9am & continue ASAP. Max one bye; request at
entry. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
MAR. 9, Marshall G/50 Open
4-SS, G/45 d5. ($325 b/25): $150-100; U2100: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC
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 Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
An American Classic!
A Heritage Event!
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
A State Championship Event!
MAR. 9-10, 52nd annual New York State Scholastic
Championships (out of state welcome)
6SS, G/60 d10, open to grades K-12; top NYS player & team each section
are NY champions. In 14 sections. High School Sections at Courtyard by
Marriott, 11 Excelsior Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (2/5 mile from
Saratoga Hilton). Other 11 sections at Saratoga Hilton and adjacent Saratoga
City Center (connected by indoor walkway), 534 Broadway (I-87 Exit 13-N, 4
miles north on US 9), Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Sections at Hilton/City
www.uschess.org 67
Tournament Life / February
Center are limited to a total of 1100 players, sections at Marriott 300 players.
Team prizes based on top 4 scores from same school; no combined school
teams allowed even if one school “feeds” another. Teams of 2 or 3 allowed,
but are at a disadvantage. Online entry fee at chessaction.com, all
sections: $69 by 2/14, $79 2/15-3/1, $90 3/2 to 3/8. EF at site, all sections
$100. HS Championship (all K-12 born after 9/1/99): EF $75.30 mailed by
2/14. Top NYS grade 9-12 qualifies for Denker Tournament of HS Champions.
K-12 Under 1800/Unr: EF $75.20 mailed by 2/14. K-12 Under 1200/Unr:
EF $75.10 mailed by 2/14. JHS Championship (all K-9): EF $75 mailed by
2/14. Top NYS grade K-8 born after 9/1/03 qualifies for Barber tournament
of K-8 Champions. K-8 Under 1600/Unr: EF $74.90 mailed by 2/14. K-8
Under 900/Unr: EF $74.80 mailed by 2/14. Elementary Championship
(all K-6): EF $74.70 mailed by 2/14. K-6 Under 1400/Unr: EF $74.60 mailed
by 2/14. K-6 Under 1000/Unr: EF $74.50 mailed by 2/14. K-6 Under
600/Unr: EF $74.40 mailed by 2/14. Primary Championship (all K-3): EF
$74 mailed by 2/14. K-3 Under 800/Unr: EF: $73.90 mailed by 2/14. K-1
Championship (all K-1): EF $73.80 mailed by 2/14. K-1 Under 400/Unr:
EF $73.70 mailed by 2/14. Postmarked 2/15-26: All EF $10 more. Do not
mail entry after 2/26. Special 1 year USCF dueswith magazine if paid with
entry. Online at chessaction.com, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed
or paid at site, Young Adult $25, Scholastic $17. Trophies to top 10 players
& top 7 teams each section, top 2 unrated in U1200, U900, U800, U600 &
U400, and top 2 each U1900, U1700 (HS), U1600, U1400 (HS U1800), U1000,
U800, U600 (HS U1200), U1800, U1600, U1400 (JHS), U1400, U1200, U1000
(MS U1600), U700, U500, U300 (MS U900), U1700, U1500 (Elem), U1200,
U1000 (K-6 U1400), U800, U700 (K-6 U1000), U500, U400, U300 (Elem U600),
U1400, U1200, U1000 (Primary), U600, U500, U400, U300 (Primary U800),
U800, U600, U400 (K-1), U300, U200 (K-1 U400). Speed playoff if perfect
score tie. Free entry to NY State Championship, Labor Day weekend 2019
(Albany), to top player each section, if not already qualified for free entry
from another event. Mixed doubles prizes(chess sets) for three HS sections
combined; no extra fee; enter at Marriott by Sat 2 pm. Schedule: Reg. ends
Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 2, 5, Sun 9, 12, 3. Awards 5:30 pm. Half point byes
OK all, limit 2, must commit before rd. 2. HR: $143-143 at Hilton, two nights
minimum, 888-999-4711, 518-584-4000, or use link at chesstour.com. Backup
hotel: Courtyard by Marriott, two nights minimum, $135-135, 866-210-9325
or use link at chesstour.com. 7 days notice required to cancel room reservations
at Hilton; first night at Courtyard is nonrefundable, 48 hours notice required
to cancel other nights. Free parking at both. Each is likely to sell out about 3
months before the tournament, but may again have availability in the final
week before the event due to late cancellations. For backup hotels see
chesstour.com. Special car rentals: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #657633.
Online entry: www.chessaction.com. Mail entry:Continental Chess, PO Box
249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Include name, rating, USCF ID, USCF expiration
(non-members include dues), section, school, grade, birth date, address of
each player. Checks payable to Continental Chess. $15 per player service
charge for refunds. $10 extra to switch sections, all substitutions from
advance list charged $90. Questions: director@chess.us, 347-201-2269
(leave message, email is better). Bring clock if possible- none supplied.
Bring set & board for HS sections; set & board supplied for other sections,
but not for skittles. March official ratings used (except unofficial web
ratings usually used if otherwise unrated). TD reserves right to assign esti-
mated rating to players with non-USCF ratings. Electronic devices rules:
see http://chesstour.com/devices.htm; players are not allowed to possess
cellphones during play.
MAR. 10, NY State Scholastics Parents & Friends Tournament
4SS, G/30 d5. Saratoga Hilton & adjacent Saratoga City Center, 534
Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. EF: $30; $10 less to NY Scholas-
tics parents, friends, coaches, alumni. Trophies to top 3. Reg.: Sun
9:30-10:15 am, rds. 10:30-12-1:30-3. Bring set, board, clock if possi-
ble- none supplied.
MAR. 10, Marshall Rated Beginner (3 Rounds)
3-SS, G/25 d5. Only open to players without a rating or rated U1200. ($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 & continue
ASAP. No byes. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
MAR. 10, Marshall G/50 (Open & U1600)
4-SS, G/45 d5. Two Sections: Open: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U2000:
$75. U1600: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1400: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC
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 Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
MAR. 14, 21, 28, APR. 4, 11, 18, Marshall Thursday Open
6-SS, G/90 +30. ($600 b/25): $250-150-$75; U1900: $125. EF: $40;
Non- MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour
before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7pm each Thurs. Max two byes; request
by Rd. 4. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
MAR. 15, Marshall Friday Quads
3-RR, G/25 d5. Registration ends at 6:30pm sharp. $50 prize to each
winner. EF: $20; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-
person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30pm. No byes
allowed; $25 Forfeit fee charged for dropping out before the completion of
the tournament. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
MAR. 15-17, Marshall Monthly U2400
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
$25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: Fri.
7pm, Sat. & Sun. 12:30 & 5:30pm. Max two byes; request at entry. Reg-
ister Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
MAR. 16, Marshall G/50 (U1700)
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
Rd. 1.) Rds.: 12-2-4-6pm. Max one bye; request at entry. Register
Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
MAR. 16-17, 41st Annual Marchand Open
See Grand Prix.
68 February 2019 | Chess Life
MAR. 17, Marshall Rated Beginner
3-SS, G/25 d5. Only open to players without a rating or rated U1200. ($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 & continue ASAP.
No byes. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
MAR. 19, Marshall Masters
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 20, Marshall Thursday Action
4-SS, G/25 d5. ($400 b/25): $150-75; U2200, U1900: $75; Biggest upset:
$25. EF: $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, for Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online:
www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
MAR. 21, Marshall Thursday Action
4-SS, G/25 d5. ($400 b/25): $150-75; U2200, U1900: $75; Biggest upset:
$25. EF: $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, for Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online:
www.marshallchessclub.org/register
MAR. 22, Marshall $500 FIDE Blitz (BLZ)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 23, Marshall G/50 (Open & U1800)
4-SS, G/45 d5. Two Sections: Open: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U2200:
$75. U1800: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1600: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC
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 Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
MAR. 23-24, 3rd annual Bill Little Memorial
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 24, Marshall Rated Beginner
3-SS, G/25 d5. Only open to players without a rating or rated U1200. ($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 & continue ASAP.
No byes. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
MAR. 24, Marshall G/50 (Open & U1500)
4-SS, G/45 d5. Two Sections: Open: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1900:
$75. U1500: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1300: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC
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 Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
MAR. 27, APR. 3, 10, 17, 24, MAY 1, Marshall Weekly
Wednesday
6-SS, G/90 +30. Two Sections: U2000: ($600 b/25) $250-150-100;
U1700: $100. U1400: ($600 b/25) $250-150-100; U1100: $100. EF: $40;
Non- MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour
before Rd. 1.) Rds.: 7pm each Wed. Max two byes; request by Rd. 4.
Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
MAR. 28, Marshall Thursday Action
4-SS, G/25 d5. ($400 b/25): $150-75; U2200, U1900: $75; Biggest upset:
$25. EF: $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, for Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online:
www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
MAR. 29-31, Marshall Premier
5-SS, G/90 +30.Two Sections: FIDE: FIDE Rated. Only open to players
with a current published rating 2000+ (USCF or FIDE); NO exceptions.
Limited to 34 players. $1,750 GTD: $1,000-500. U2300: $250. EF: $100;
Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $50 Mbr + service fee. ($5 late fee: in-person
reg hour before Rd. 1.) First 5 GMs Free. U2000: Limited to 40 players.
($1,000 b/40): $500-200; U1750: $150, U1500: $150. EF: $50; Non-MCC
Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd.
1.) Rds.: Fri. 7pm, Sat. & Sun. 12:30 & 5:30pm. Max two byes; request at
entry. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
MAR. 31, Marshall Rated Beginner
3-SS, G/25 d5. Only open to players without a rating or rated U1200. ($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 & continue ASAP.
No byes. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
APR. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, MAY 6, Marshall FIDE Monday/U1800
6-SS, G/90 +30. Two Sections: Open: Open to all players 1600+. FIDE
Rated. ($600 b/25) $200-150-100; U2000: $100-50. U1800: ($600 b/25)
$200-150-100; U1500: $100-50. EF: $40; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25
Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.:
7pm each Mon. Max two byes; request by Rd. 4. Register Online:
www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
APR. 4, Marshall Guaranteed Action!
4-SS, G/25 d5. $350 GTD: $125-75; U2200, U1900: $75. EF: $15; 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, for
Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: www.marshallchess-
club.org/register.
APR. 5-7 OR 6-7, 28th annual Eastern Class Championships (MA)
See Grand Prix.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
A State Championship Event!
APR. 6-7 OR 7, 3rd Annual NY State Girls Championship!
Open to all girls, out of state welcome, Columbia Grammar and Prepara-
tory School, 36 West 93rd St. (the 1-Day sections will probably be across
the street, at 5 West 93rd St.), both are between Central Park West &
Columbus Ave., NYC. Subways: Broadway & 96th Street (1,2,3 trains),
Central Park West & 96th Street (B, C trains). Online entries at
www.chessgirls.win: $60 thru 4/1/19, $70 4/2-4, $80 later or at site,
at least 1 hour before game). For details on mail entries see www.chess-
girls.win or www.chesscenter.cc. In 7 sections. Each section has its
own age, (grade) and rating requirements (Championship sections open
to all who are under age (and grade) limits; unrated allowed all sections).
Open Championship, open to all girls born after 4/7/99 (top NYS K-12
girl qualifies for National Girls Tournament of Champions in Florida), K-6
Championship and K-3 Championship are each 2-days: 6-SS, G/60
d10. Rounds: 10 am-1-4 pm each day. K-12 Under 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 grades 1/below
born after 4/7/11. Both K-3 sections open to grades 3/below born after
4/7/09. Both K-6 sections open to grades 6/below born after 4/7/06.
K-12 Under 1200 section open to grades 12/below born after 4/7/99.
Trophies to top 12 each section and top 3 Unr. in each 1-Day section.
Grade plaques: top 3 K/below in K-1 section, top 3 scorers below 9th
Grade in K-12 U1200, top 3 below 4th grade in K-6 U900, and top 3 below
2nd grade in K-3 U600 (you can win both plaque + trophy). All players
scoring 4 or more (5 or more in 2-Day sections) who don’t win a trophy
receive a medal! Speed playoff for 5-0 or 6-0. Plaques also to top 4 teams
each section (top 3 scorers from same school = team, all on team must
attend same school: no combined teams, even if one school “feeds”
another). Individual free entry prizes (in each 2-Day Championship
section and in K-1): Free entry to 2 specified Continental Chess tournaments
thru 12/31/19 to 1st! Free entries courtesy of Continental Chess and are
valid for CCA tmts. with 100% unconditionally guaranteed prize funds. See
www.chesstour.com for complete details and restrictions. All: Out-of-state
eligible for prizes but top NYS player and team each section are NY Cham-
pions. April 2019 official ratings used, except unofficial ratings at uschess.org
usually used if otherwise unrated. TD reserves right to assign estimated
ratings to players with non-USCF ratings. All substitutions from advance
entry list charged late fee. Section switches subject to $10 extra charge
per player after 4/4. $15 service charge for each player refund. TD reserves
right to reassign sections for advance entries with incorrect or unclear
registrations. Limit 2 byes, commit before rd. 3. HR: see travel websites
for nearby hotels in NYC. Info, help with entries, parking, etc: www.chess-
girls.win. Questions: director@chessgirls.win, chesscentr@gmail.com
(or 347-201-2269: leave message, email is much better). Team rooms:
teamrooms@chessgirls.win. Sets provided by Little House of Chess—
bring clocks! School purchase orders payable to: Chess Center of NY,
PO Box 4615, New Windsor, NY 12553. W. NOTE: US Chess Junior
Grand Prix (Top 3 Championship Sections Only).
APR. 11, Marshall Thursday Action
4-SS, G/25 d5. ($400 b/25): $150-75; U2200, U1900: $75; Biggest upset:
$25. EF: $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, for Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online:
www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
APR. 12, Marshall Friday Night Blitz (BLZ)
9-SS, G/3 +2. USCF Blitz ratings (when possible) used for pairings &
prizes. ($500 b/35): $200-100; U2400/unr, U2200, U2000, U1800: $50.
EF: $20; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person
reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: Begin at 7pm and continue
ASAP. Max three byes; request at entry. Register Online: www.mar-
shallchessclub.org/register.
APR. 12, Marshall Friday Quads
3-RR, G/25 d5. Registration ends at 6:30pm sharp. $50 prize to each
winner. EF: $20; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-
person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30pm. No byes
allowed; $25 Forfeit fee charged for dropping out before the completion of
the tournament. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
APR. 13, Marshall U1900 Morning Action
4-SS, G/25 d5. ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1700: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC
Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before
Rd. 1.) Rds.: Begin at 9am & continue ASAP. Max one bye; request at
entry. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
APR. 13, Marshall G/50 Open
4-SS, G/45 d5. ($325 b/25): $150-100; U2100: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC
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 Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
APR. 14, Marshall Rated Beginner (3 Rounds)
3-SS, G/25 d5. Only open to players without a rating or rated U1200. ($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 & continue ASAP.
No byes. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
APR. 14, Marshall G/50 (Open & U1600)
4-SS, G/45 d5. Two Sections: Open: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U2000:
$75. U1600: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1400: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC
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 Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.
APR. 17-21, 18-21 OR 19-21, 13th annual Open at Foxwoods (CT)
See Grand Prix.
APR. 20, Foxwoods Blitz (BLZ) (CT)
See Grand Prix.
APR. 26-28 OR 27-28, 26th Space Coast Open (FL)
See Grand Prix.
MAY 17-19 OR 18-19, 27th annual New York State Open and
Senior
See Grand Prix.
JUNE 7-9 OR 8-9, 25th Annual Northeast Open (CT)
See Grand Prix.
JUNE 11-12, 2019 U.S. Women’s Open (NV)
See Nationals.
JUNE 27-JULY 1, 13th annual Philadelphia International (PA)
See Grand Prix.

JUNE 28-30 OR 29-30, 13th annual Philadelphia Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
JUNE 29, Philadelphia Open Blitz (BLZ) (PA)
See Pennsylvania.
JULY 1-2, 11th annual World Open Under 13 Championship (PA)
See Pennsylvania.
JULY 1-2, 8th annual World Open Women’s Championship (PA)
See Grand Prix.
JULY 1-2, 9th annual World Open Senior Amateur (PA)
See Pennsylvania.
JULY 1-2, World Open Warmup (PA)
See Grand Prix.
JULY 2, 7th annual World Open Action Championship (PA)
See Grand Prix.
JULY 2-7, 3-7, 4-7 OR 5-7, 47th Annual World Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
JULY 3, 8th annual World Open Game/7 Championship (PA)
See Grand Prix.
JULY 6, World Open G/10 Championship (PA)
See Grand Prix.
JULY 7, World Open Blitz Championship (BLZ) (PA)
See Grand Prix.
NORTH CAROLINA
FEB. 15-17 OR 16-17, 2019 Atlanta Winter Congress (GA)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 15-17 OR 16-17, 17th annual Southern Class
Championships (FL)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24 NOT MAR. 15-17 OR 16-17, 23rd
Annual Boris Kogan Memorial - NEW DATE (GA)
See Grand Prix.
OHIO
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
FEB. 9, Toledo February Swiss
Open, 4SS, Rnd. 1-4 G/75 d5. University of Toledo Health Science
Campus, Mulford Library Basement Cafe, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo,
OH 43614. Can split into multiple sections if enough players. EF: $20 by
2/7, $25 at site. Reg.: 9-10 a.m., Rds.: 10, 1, 4, & 7. Prizes: $450 b/25,
$100-50, Class prizes TBD based on split. Ent: jagz47@hotmail.com.
7031 Willowyck Rd., Maumee, OH 43537. 419-367-9450.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
FEB. 23-24, 2019 Ohio State Girls Championship
4SS, 4 Sections: Championship, G/90 +30, rds. Sat 11 & 4, Sun 9 & 2;
limited to female scholastic players who reside or attend school in Ohio.
U1000, U600, K-3 U300, G/30 d5, all rds Sat at 11, 12:30, then ASAP; open
to female scholastic players from all states. Entry fee: $35 through Feb.
17, then $40. No onsite entry. Prizes: Trophies to all scoring 3.0+. Medals
to all. Trophies to top 3 teams in each section. Venue: Sat Princeton High
School, 100 Viking Way (Chester Road), Cincinnati, OH 45246; Sun (Cham-
pionship only) Hyatt Place, 11345 Chester Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45246, HR
$105. Complete information and entry form at www.chesscincinnati.com.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
MAR. 9, Toledo March Swiss
Open, 4SS, Rnd. 1-4 G/75 d5. University of Toledo Health Science
Campus, Mulford Library Basement Cafe, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo,
OH 43614. Can split into multiple sections if enough players. EF: $20 by
3/7, $25 at site. Reg.: 9-10 a.m., Rds.: 10, 1, 4, & 7. Prizes: $450 b/25,
$100-50, Class prizes TBD based on split. Ent: jagz47@hotmail.com.
7031 Willowyck Rd., Maumee, OH 43537. 419-367-9450.
MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24, 23rd annual Mid-America Open (MO)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 29-31 OR 30-31, 56th Cincinnati Open
See Grand Prix.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
APR. 13, Toledo April Swiss
Open, 4SS, Rnd. 1-4 G/75 d5. University of Toledo Health Science
Campus, Mulford Library Basement Cafe, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo,
OH 43614. Can split into multiple sections if enough players. EF: $20 by
4/11, $25 at site. Reg.: 9-10 a.m., Rds.: 10, 1, 4, & 7. Prizes: $450
b/25, $100-50, Class prizes TBD based on split. Ent: jagz47@hotmail.com.
7031 Willowyck Rd., Maumee, OH 43537. 419-367-9450.
MAY 23-27, 24-27, 25-27 OR 26-27, 28th annual Chicago
Open (IL)
See Grand Prix.
OKLAHOMA
FEB. 14-18, 15-18, 16-18 OR 17-18, 10th annual Southwest
Class Championships (TX)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24, 23rd annual Mid-America Open (MO)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 22-24, Lone Star Open (TX)
See Grand Prix.
OREGON
FEB. 24, Portland Chess Club Sunday Quads
PCC, 8205 SW 24th Ave., Portland, OR 97219. The live regular ratings
See previous issue for TLAs appearing February 1-14
are usually used. G/50;inc15. EF: 15, 5 discount for PCC members and
each extra family member in the same household, free entry if it’s your
first US Chess rated tournament (must pay for US Chess membership).
US Chess membership required. Prizes: discounted entries, books, and
bonus trophy or medal for scholastics. Reg.: 9-9:45am. Rd.: 10am,
12:30pm, 3pm. See more info. and rule variations used at pdxchess.org.
MAR. 1-3 OR 2-3, 26th annual Western Class Championships
(CA-S)
See Grand Prix.
JUNE 11-12, 2019 U.S. Women’s Open (NV)
See Nationals.
JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open (NV)
See Nationals.
JUNE 15-16, International Youth Championship (NV)
See Nevada.
PENNSYLVANIA
Chaturanga Chess Club
Trinity Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Hatboro, PA. Visit www.chat
urangachessclub.org/ or email chaturanga@verizon.net.
FEB. 16, Kasparov Chess Foundation Presents 10th Annual
Greater Mid-Atlantic Scholastic Chess Championship (MD)
See Maryland.
FEB. 22-24 OR 23-24, 4th annual George Washington Open (VA)
See Grand Prix.
FEB. 23, 2019 PA State Game/75 Championship
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 1, 2019 PA Quick Chess Championship (QC)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 2, W. Chester 1st Sat Quads
Our 30th year! 3RR, Game/80 d5. 2nd Presbyterian Church, 114 S.
Walnut St., West Chester, PA. EF: $20; $40, $50 for 3-0. Reg.: 9am.
Rds.: 9:40, 1:00, 4:00. Info: WCCC1975@gmail.com
MAR. 2-3, 2019 Ira Lee Riddle Memorial PA State
Championship & PA Collegiate Championship
See Grand Prix.
A Heritage Event!
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
A State Championship Event!
MAR. 2-3, 2019 PA State Scholastic Championship
5SS. 261 Trophies!! (191 Individual & 70 Team). Eisenhower Hotel and Con-
ference Ctr., 2634 Emmitsburg Rd., Gettysburg PA 17235. 11 sections (Sat
& Sun 3/2 & 3 unless indicated): EF: K-3 Open: (Sat 3/2 only) $30. K-6
U500: (Sat 3/2 only) $26. K-6 U800: (Sat 3/2 only) $27. K-9 U600: (Sun 3/3
only) $26.50. K-9 U1100: (Sun 3/3 only) $27.50. K-6 Open: $31. K-8 Open:
$32. 7-12 U1000 & 7-12 Unrated: $28. 7-12 U1300: $29. K-12 Open: $33.
Cash Scholarships: K-12 Open: 1st $2500, Girl $150, School $1000. K-8
Open: 1st $1500, Girl $150, School $1000. K-6 Open: 1st $1000, Girl $150,
School $1000. K-3 Open: 1st $500, Girl $150, School $1000. All: EFs if rec’d
by 2/16, $10 more rec’d 2/17-2/23, $20 more after 2/23. Feb 2019 ratings
used. Bye: limit 1, ask by rd. 2. Reg.: Fri 3/1 6-10 pm, Sat 3/2 10-11 am,
Saturday entries get 1/2-bye. $5 charge for changes/refunds after 2/16.
Rds.: (Sat 3/2 1-day sections): G/40d5; 10-Noon-2-4-6; (Sun 3/3 1-day
sections): G/40d5; 9-10:45-12:30-2:15-4; (2-day sections): G/90 d5; 10-
2-5:30, 9-1. Bughouse: Reg on-site only until Sat 3/2 8:30pm. Rds begin
Sat 3/2 8:45pm. EF: $20/team. HR: Mention “Chess Tourney”: 717-334-
8121 $89 by 1/31. Info: 412-908-0286 martinak_tom_m@hotmail.com,
pscfchess.org/pascholasticchamp/. Ent: PSCF, c/o Tom Martinak, 25
Freeport St., Pittsburgh, PA 15223.
MAR. 9, MasterMinds CC Quads
Esperanza Academy, 421 W. Bristol St., Phila., PA 19140. Quads: 3RR,
G/85 d5. EF: $30 cash; winner $100. Reg. ends 9AM. Rds.: 9:30, 1, 4.
Info: mastermindschess.org or brad@mastermindschess.org.
MAR. 9-10, 52nd annual New York State Scholastic
Championships (out of state welcome) (NY)
See New York.
MAR. 9-10, Delaware State Open Chess Championship (DE)
See Grand Prix.
4th annual
GEORGE WASHINGTON OPEN
February 22-24 or 23-24, Westin Tysons Corner
Falls Church, VA, 25 minutes from Washington
$15,000 GUARANTEED PRIZES
For full details see “Grand Prix” in this issue.
MAR. 30, 18th Horizons for Youth Spring Scholastic RBO
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 31, PCL March Quick Quads (QC)
3RR, G/15 d3. Wm. Pitt Union, Univ. of Pittsburgh, 5th Ave. & Bigelow
Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15213. EF: $10, $7 Jrs. $20 to 1st/quad. Reg.: 11-
11:15am. Info: martinak_tom_m@hotmail.com, 412-908-0286. W.
APR. 5-7 OR 6-7, 28th annual Eastern Class Championships (MA)
See Grand Prix.
APR. 13, 2019 PA State Game/29 Championship (QC)
See Grand Prix.
APR. 14, PCL April Quick Quads (QC)
3RR, G/15 d3. O’Hara Student Center, Univ. of Pitt., 4024 O’Hara St.,
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.
APR. 17-21, 18-21 OR 19-21, 13th annual Open at Foxwoods (CT)
See Grand Prix.
JUNE 7-9 OR 8-9, 25th Annual Northeast Open (CT)
See Grand Prix.
JUNE 27-JULY 1, 13th annual Philadelphia International
See Grand Prix.
JUNE 28-30 OR 29-30, 13th annual Philadelphia Open
See Grand Prix.
JUNE 29, Philadelphia Open Blitz (BLZ)
4SS, double round (8 games), G/5 d0. Marriott Philadelphia Downtown
(see World Open). Prizes $300 b/20: $100-50, U2100 $60, U1800 $50,
U1500/Unr $40. EF: $20, at site only, no checks. Reg. ends 9:15 pm,
rds. 9:30, 10, 10:30, 11. One pair of 1/2 pt byes available, must commit
before rd. 2. Blitz rated (will not affect regular ratings), but higher of
regular or blitz used for pairings & prizes. $10 service charge for refunds.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
JULY 1-2, 11th annual World Open Under 13 Championship
6SS, G/60 d10. Philadelphia Marriott Downtown (see World Open for
location, rates). Open to all born after 7/2/06. In 4 sections. Open Section:
Plaques to top 7, top 2 Under 1600/Unr; free entry in all CCA tournaments
7/19/19-12/31/19 to 1st. Under 1400 Section: Plaques to top 7, top 2
Under 1200/Unr, free entry in all CCA tournaments 7/19/19-10/31/19 to
1st. Under 1000 Section: Plaques to top 7, top 2 Under 800/Unr, free
entry in all CCA tournaments 7/19/19-9/30/19 to 1st. Under 600 Section:
Plaques to top 7, top 2 Under 400, top 2 Unrated; free entry in all CCA
tournaments 7/19/19-9/30/19 to 1st. EF: $48 online at chessaction.com
by 6/30, $52 mailed by 6/15, $60 at site. Late reg. 7/1 to 10 am, rds. Mon
11-2-5, Tue 10-1-4. Up to 2 half point byes allowed, must commit before
rd. 3. Ent: chessaction.com or Continental Chess, PO Box 8482, Pelham,
NY 10803. Questions: chesstour.com, chesstour.info, DirectorAtChess.US,
347-201-2269. $15 service charge for refunds.
JULY 1-2, 8th annual World Open Women’s Championship
See Grand Prix.
JULY 1-2, 9th annual World Open Senior Amateur
5SS, G/90 d10. Marriott Philadelphia Downtown (see World Open for
location, rates, parking).Open to all born before 7/2/69 and rated under
2210 or unrated. Prizes $3000 based on 45 entries, $2000 (2/3 each
prize) min. guarantee. In 2 sections. Under 2210/Unr: $600-300-200,
top U2010/Unr $320-160. Under 1810/Unr: $500-250-130, top U1610
(no unr) $280-140, top U1410 (no unr) $120, unr limit $200. EF: $88
online at chessaction.com by 6/29, $93 mailed by 6/15, $100 at site, or
online until 2 hours before rd. 1. Reg. ends 9 am 7/1, rds. Mon 10, 2 &
6, Tue 10 & 2. Half point byes OK all rounds, limit 2 byes, must commit
before rd. 3. Special USCF dues: see World Open. Ent: chessaction.com
or Continental Chess, PO Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. $15 service
charge for refunds. Entries posted at chessaction.com (click “entry list”
after entering).
JULY 1-2, World Open Warmup
See Grand Prix.
JULY 2, 7th annual World Open Action Championship
See Grand Prix.
JULY 2-7, 3-7, 4-7 OR 5-7, 47th Annual World Open
See Grand Prix.
JULY 3, 8th annual World Open Game/7 Championship
See Grand Prix.
www.uschess.org 69
Tournament Life / February
JULY 4, 5, 6, 7, World Open Daily 2 pm Blitz (BLZ)
4 separate tournaments at Marriott Philadelphia Downtown (see World
Open). Each is a 4-SS, double round (8 games), G/5 d0, with prizes
$300 guaranteed: $100-50, U2100 $60, U1800 $50, U1500/Unr $40. EF:
$20, at site only, no checks. Reg. ends 1:45 pm, rds. 2, 2:45, 3:15, 3:45.
One pair of 1/2 pt byes available, must commit before rd. 2. Blitz rated
(will not affect regular ratings), but higher of regular or blitz used for
pairings & prizes. $10 service charge for refunds.
JULY 6, World Open G/10 Championship
See Grand Prix.
JULY 7, World Open Blitz Championship (BLZ)
See Grand Prix.
RHODE ISLAND
APR. 5-7 OR 6-7, 28th annual Eastern Class Championships (MA)
See Grand Prix.
APR. 17-21, 18-21 OR 19-21, 13th annual Open at Foxwoods (CT)
See Grand Prix.
APR. 20, Foxwoods Blitz (BLZ) (CT)
See Grand Prix.
SOUTH CAROLINA
FEB. 15-17 OR 16-17, 2019 Atlanta Winter Congress (GA)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 15-17 OR 16-17, 17th annual Southern Class
Championships (FL)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24 NOT MAR. 15-17 OR 16-17, 23rd
Annual Boris Kogan Memorial - NEW DATE (GA)
See Grand Prix.
SOUTH DAKOTA
MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24, 23rd annual Mid-America Open (MO)
See Grand Prix.
TENNESSEE
FEB. 15-17 OR 16-17, 2019 Atlanta Winter Congress (GA)
See Grand Prix.
FEB. 16-17 (NOT FEB. 9-10), Queen of Hearts - 47th Annual
(NOTE DATE CHANGE) (AL)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 15-17 OR 16-17, 17th annual Southern Class
Championships (FL)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 22-24, Lone Star Open (TX)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24, 23rd annual Mid-America Open (MO)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24 NOT MAR. 15-17 OR 16-17, 23rd
Annual Boris Kogan Memorial - NEW DATE (GA)
See Grand Prix.
TEXAS
FEB. 9-10, DCC FIDE Open II
See Grand Prix.
FEB. 14-18, 15-18, 16-18 OR 17-18, 10th annual Southwest
Class Championships
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 2-3, DCC FIDE Open III
See Grand Prix.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
A State Championship Event!
MAR. 8-10, 2019 Texas State Scholastic Chess Championships
(Super States)
7SS, Houston Marriott Westchase, 2900 Briarpark Dr., Houston, TX
77042. $99, $99, $99, $99 rate includes American Breakfast Buffet, Call 1-
800-452-5110 to make reservations mention group code DCC or register
online thru link on web page. Reserve by 2/27/2019 or rate may not be
honored. Note that the rate can sell out, so make reservations early. Tour-
nament is open to any Kindergarten-12th grade student living in Texas or
going to school in Texas. Note that if a student has played in another state’s
closed championship, they may not play in this tournament. Four champi-
onships: TX Primary Scholastic Championships; TX Elementary Scholastic
Championships; TX Middle School Scholastic Championships; TX High School
Scholastic Championships. EF: $44 by 2/4; $55 by 2/28; $73 after 3/1 or
on site. On Site Registration: Friday, 5:30-6:15pm, Saturday, 8-8:30am. Sat-
urday registrants will receive a 1st Rd. 1/2-pt. bye. Two 1/2-pt. byes allowed
as long as one of the byes is for round 1, if requested by the end of Rd. 2.
Sections: K-1 Championship, Primary (K-3) Championship, Primary JV (K-3
w/Ratings Under 600), Elementary (K-5/6) Championship, Elementary JV
(K-5/6 Under 800), Elementary Novice (K-5/6 Under 500), Middle School
(6-8/9) Championship, MS JV (6-8/9 Under 900), MS Novice (6-8/9 Under
600), High School (9-12) Championship, HS JV (9-12 Under 1000). See
Article IX, Section 1E, TCA Bylaws for each section’s eligibility requirement,
https://texaschess.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/TCA-
Bylaws-30-Aug-2015.pdf. Note that 2019 February Supplement will be used.
Note new for this year: John W. Griffin Memorial Chess Scholarship award
sponsored by Belleville Capital Management. They will present certificates
70 February 2019 | Chess Life
to the winner of the High School Championship ($1000), Middle School
Championship ($500) and Elementary Championship ($100). The certificate
is to be used for secondary education at an accredited institution at some
point in the future. We will redeem the certificate and pay directly to the
institution. It is the sponsor’s expectation to make this scholarship a yearly
annual award in which a player may win more than once. Trophies for top
20 individuals and top 15 teams in each section plus participation medals
for all, and plus Score Awards for players scoring 4 or more points that do
not win an individual trophy. Top 5 Grand Champion trophies. The 3 Primary
sections will be merged and using the top 15 players, a grand champion
will be crowned. This will also be done for the 3 Elementary sections and
the 3 Middle School Sections. For the High School the two sections will be
merged and the top 10 players will be used to determine the grand champions.
Note that trophies will not be given out in advance and must be picked up
at awards ceremony. Please make arrangements for picking up trophies at
award ceremony or to get trophy shipped. Schedule: Round times vary
depending on the Section. For round times check website. Time controls:
All High School and Middle School Championship Sections: Rds. 1 G/45 d5;
Rounds 2-4 G/60 d5, Rds. 5-7 G/75 d5. All Elementary and Primary and K-
1 sections as well as MS JV and MS Novice: rds. 1-4 G/45 d5, rds. 5-7
G/60 d5. For round times see: www.dallaschess.com/2019%20Texas%20
Scholastic/index.htm. Side Events: See website for side events. Side event
registration on site only. All registrations (except Side events) available on
line: see www.dallaschess.com/2019%20Texas%20Scholastic/index.htm
and you can download flyers and entry forms. Checks payable to Dallas
Chess Club. Mail entries to Dallas Chess Club, c/o Barbara Swafford, 2709
Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX 76036-47195. For tournament info, visit our
website or contact Barbara Swafford, info@dallaschess.com or 214-632-
9000. Refunds will be given only up to 3/1 with a $10 surcharge for
withdrawing, after 3/6 there will be no refunds. There will be no substitution
of team members. There will be a $10 change fee for changes after 3/1.
There will be a $5 surcharge per player for phone registrations USCF mem-
bership is required. Proof of membership is required or player must
join/renew their memberships. No registration/changes/or withdrawals
by phone or email after 3/6/19 as we are driving to the site; after that
date you must make changes at site (Houston WestChase). W.
MAR. 22-24, Lone Star Open
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24, 23rd annual Mid-America Open (MO)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 30-31, DCC FIDE Open IV
See Grand Prix.
APR. 13-14, DCC FIDE Open V
See Grand Prix.
APR. 26-28, 2019 National Junior High School (K-9)
Championship
See Nationals.
MAY 11-12, DCC FIDE Open VI
See Grand Prix.
JUNE 11-12, 2019 U.S. Women’s Open (NV)
See Nationals.
JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open (NV)
See Nationals.
JUNE 15-16, International Youth Championship (NV)
See Nevada.
UTAH
MAR. 1-3 OR 2-3, 26th annual Western Class Championships
(CA-S)
See Grand Prix.
JUNE 11-12, 2019 U.S. Women’s Open (NV)
See Nationals.
JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open (NV)
See Nationals.
JUNE 15-16, International Youth Championship (NV)
See Nevada.
VERMONT
FEB. 17, Sunday Quick Chess in Middlebury (QC)
5SS, G/25 d3. Recreation Center, 154 Creek Rd., Middlebury, VT 05753.
Two sections. Open: $$ based on 20 paid entries: 210-140, U2050 130,
U1800 120. Under 1550: $$ based on 16 paid entries: 120-80, U1300
75, U1050 50, U800 25. Both: EF $25 if rec’d by Feb 15 or $32 later;
free to Unr. Reg. 9:15-10:05 a.m., Rds. 10:30-11:50-1:40-3-4:20. H-
bye OK. Ent: Parker “Monty” Montgomery, PO Box 831, Middlebury, VT
05753–0831; vermonty64@earthlink.net, 802-349-7739.
FEB. 23, 6th Queen City Tornado (NH)
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 9-10, 52nd annual New York State Scholastic
Championships (out of state welcome) (NY)
See New York.
MAR. 23-24, 3rd annual Bill Little Memorial (NY)
See Grand Prix.
APR. 5-7 OR 6-7, 28th annual Eastern Class Championships (MA)
See Grand Prix.
APR. 17-21, 18-21 OR 19-21, 13th annual Open at Foxwoods (CT)
See Grand Prix.
MAY 17-19 OR 18-19, 27th annual New York State Open and
Senior (NY)
See Grand Prix.
VIRGINIA
FEB. 16, Kasparov Chess Foundation Presents 10th Annual
Greater Mid-Atlantic Scholastic Chess Championship (MD)
See Maryland.
FEB. 22-24 OR 23-24, 4th annual George Washington Open
See Grand Prix.
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
A State Championship Event!
MAR. 9-10, Virginia Scholastic & College Championships
5SS, Rds. 1-2 G/60 d5; Rds. 3-5 G/90 d5. Organized by the VA Chess
Federation at Monticello HS in Charlottesville, VA. Blitz Championships
Friday Mar. 8 at 6PM. Main tournament Saturday and Sunday, Mar. 9-
10. NEW SECTIONS being introduced this year! Players must be in
grades pre-K, K through 12, or College full time in Virginia as of Jan.
2019. Open to Virginia residents only, including children of Military sta-
tioned in VA. VA residency NOT REQUIRED for Friday Night Blitz. Parents
& Friends tournament on Sat. and Sun. Simultaneous Exhbition on Sat.
9 Mar. by 3-Time VA State Champion FM Macon Shibut. Tournament
schedule, Details about new Sections, Prizes, Registration, Player
Eligibility, Hotel Info and other information at: www.vachess.org.
Questions to: NTD Anand Dommalapati, adommalapati@yahoo.com.
MAR. 22-24, 52nd Annual Virginia Open
See Grand Prix.
JUNE 27-JULY 1, 13th annual Philadelphia International (PA)
See Grand Prix.
JUNE 28-30 OR 29-30, 13th annual Philadelphia Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
JULY 1-2, 11th annual World Open Under 13 Championship (PA)
See Pennsylvania.
JULY 1-2, 8th annual World Open Women’s Championship (PA)
See Grand Prix.
JULY 1-2, 9th annual World Open Senior Amateur (PA)
See Pennsylvania.
JULY 1-2, World Open Warmup (PA)
See Grand Prix.
JULY 2, 7th annual World Open Action Championship (PA)
See Grand Prix.
JULY 2-7, 3-7, 4-7 OR 5-7, 47th Annual World Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
JULY 3, 8th annual World Open Game/7 Championship (PA)
See Grand Prix.
JULY 6, World Open G/10 Championship (PA)
See Grand Prix.
JULY 7, World Open Blitz Championship (BLZ) (PA)
See Grand Prix.
WASHINGTON
FEB. 23-24, 27th Dave Collyer Memorial
See Grand Prix.
MAR. 1-3 OR 2-3, 26th annual Western Class Championships
(CA-S)
See Grand Prix.
JUNE 11-12, 2019 U.S. Women’s Open (NV)
See Nationals.
JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open (NV)
See Nationals.
JUNE 15-16, International Youth Championship (NV)
See Nevada.
WISCONSIN
A Heritage Event!
MAR. 9, Waukesha Memorial (38th Annual)
A Wisconsin Tour Event! 4SS. G/60 d5. USCF rated (Dual rated). To obtain
USCF membership, see uschess.org. Country Inn & Suites, 1250 S. Moorland
RD., Brookfield, WI (1-262-782-1400) Exit 301(AB) from I-94. $$Non-monetary;
traveling trophy to First, books for class winners. Open to all. EF: $15 by
3/08 ($20 at site). Reg.: 8:00-9:15; 1/2 point bye if registered after 9:15;
groups of 4 or more must pre-register; pre-registrants check in by 9:30 to
assure pairing. Rds.: 10:00; 1:00; 3:30; 6:00. No state memb. req’d. OSA.
Mail entries to Waukesha CC, 1911 Stardust DR., Waukesha, WI 53186.
Phone Info: Jim Nickell (262) 544-6266. Online info: jnickell@wi.rr.com
MAR. 9, Rated Beginners Open (RBO)
4SS, G/60 d5. Dual rated. USCF rated; for USCF membership see
uschess.org. Country Inn & Suites, 1250 S. Moorland RD., Brookfield,
WI (1-262-782-1400); Exit 301 (AB) from I-94. Open to players rated
under 1200 or unrated. Prizes: Trophies to top 3, book prizes for class
winners. EF: $15 by 3/08 ($20 at site). Reg.: 8:00-9:15, 1/2 point bye if
registered after 9:15; groups of 4 or more must pre-register; pre-reg-
istrants check in by 9:30 to assure pairing. Rds.:10:00; 1:00; 3:30; 6:00.
Mail entries to Waukesha CC, 1911 Stardust DR., Waukesha, WI 53186.
Phone Info: Jim Nickell (262) 544-6266. Online info: jnickell@wi.rr.com.
MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24, 23rd annual Mid-America Open (MO)
See Grand Prix.
MAY 23-27, 24-27, 25-27 OR 26-27, 28th annual Chicago
Open (IL)
See Grand Prix.
MAY 26, 8th annual Chicago Open Blitz (BLZ) (IL)
See Grand Prix.

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Classifieds / Solutions / February
Solutions
PAGE 15 / 2018 WORLD CHESS PAGE 49 / PRACTICUM
OLYMPIAD
PROBLEM I. It appears that Black has chances
PROBLEM I. 25. Nd4! and 26. Nxc6 (Immediately connected with his passed pawn, but Wesley
fatal is 25. ... Nxd4? 26. Nxe7 mate), however, uncorks a pretty sequence to end Vidit’s hopes:
there are no good alternatives so Black gave up. 46. g5+! Kh7 A sad necessity, since 46. ... Bxg5
PROBLEM II. 38. Qxg6+! fxg6 39. Nh6+ Kh8 40. met with 47. Qh8 mate. 47. Qe7+ Kg8 48. Qe6+
Rxf8 mate or 38. ... Kh8 39. Nh6. PROBLEM III. Kg7 49. Qf6+ Kh7 50. Qf7+ Kh8 51. Qxg6. Also
29. Qh5! threatens 30. Ng5 and Nxf7+ (or multiple quite effective was 51. Qf8+ Kh7 52. Qf6+ Kg8
captures on f6 and then Qxh7 mate). PROBLEM 53. Qxg6+ Kf8 54. Qf6+ Ke8 55. g6. Black’s posi-
IV. 23. ... Bf3+! mates, e.g. 24. Kxf3 Rdf8+ (Also tion falls apart. 51. ... Qxf3 52. Qe8+ Kg7 53.
sufficient is 24. ... Qf4+ 25. Ke2 Rhe8+.) 25. Kg4 Qe7+ Kg8 54. g6 Qd5 55. Qh7+, Black resigned.
h5+ 26. Kh4 g5 mate. PROBLEM V. 19. ... Bg4!, PROBLEM II. The proper way to untangle the
e.g. 20. Qxg4 Rxf1+; 20. hxg4 Qh4 mate or 20. knight is through the brilliant move 42. ... e5!!
Nf3 Rxf3! 21. gxf3 Qh4. PROBLEM VI. 26. Bxe6! The point is that 43. Ke2 meets with 43. ... Ng1+,
threatens 27. Bxf7 mate but also 27. Rh8+! Kxh8 while 43. Nb7 allows a positional draw after 43.
28. Rh1+ Kg8 29. Rh8+! Kxh8 30. Qh1+ and mate ... exf4 44. exf4 Ke7! 45. Nxa5 Kd6 and White’s
(and a twist on the old theme as after 26. ... Rxe6 king is locked in. A very deep idea!
is 27. Rh8+ Kxh8 28. Rh1+ Kg8 29. Rh8+ Kxh8
30. Qh1+ Rh6 31. Qxh6+ because of the bishop
on b2).
ADVERTISE
PAGE 47 / ABCS OF CHESS
WITH US CHESS
PROBLEM I. Mating net: It is mate in three: 1. ...
Rh2+ 2. Kg3 Be5+ 3. Kf3 Rhf2 mate. PROBLEM US Chess accepts advertising in Chess
II. Mating net: Black mates by 1. ... Bc2+ 2. Ka2
Life, Chess Life Kids, and in our
Bb3+ 3. Ka3 Ra1 mate. PROBLEM III. Mating net:
It’s a two-mover: 1. ... Rf4+ 2. Kh2 (or 2. Kh1) 2.
tournament programs.
... Rh4 mate. PROBLEM IV. Mating net: Black The US Chess Federation has 94,000
mates by 1. ... Qb4+ 2. Ka2 Qa4 mate. PROBLEM
members, of whom 44,000 are adults and
V. Mating net: Mate comes about by 1. ... Qxb5+
50,000 are youth or scholastic members.
2. Kc3 Qb4 mate. PROBLEM VI. Mating net:
Mate is forced by 1. ... Bxg2+ 2. Rxg2 Rh1+ 3. The population is predominantly male.
Adult members are generally college-
Rg1 Rxg1 mate.
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www.uschess.org 71
 PHOTO CREDIT: COURTESY OF SUBJECT



Polly Wright
Qualifier, Aquabike
World Championship
and Class A player

I
love the challenge of competition, whether
it be physical (such as multisport) or mental
(like chess). Recently I’ve been concentrating
on the multisport discipline of aquabike.
Aquabike, as the name implies, is swimming and
biking only (no running). At nationals, aquabike
involves 1.2 miles of swimming followed by 56
miles of biking.
Multisport training has a carryover benefit
when playing in the typical weekend Swiss chess
tournament. Having good endurance helps one
to stay focused and not lose concentration due
to being tired, especially when playing several
rounds each day with games sometimes lasting
longer than four hours.
I apply general training principles to both chess
and triathlon. In preparing for competition it’s
important to identify and work on weaknesses.
In chess I’m weak on tactics, so I spend time
doing tactics problems even though I’d rather
just play. Biking is my strength and what I enjoy The most important trait for both
most, but swimming is where I need work. I’m
currently focusing on stroke mechanics so that I
can be more efficient in the water and save energy
chess and multisport is perseverance.
for the bike.
The most important trait for both chess and
multisport is perseverance. It’s so clichéd to say, NOTHING TO LOSE my last shot.
“When the going gets tough, the tough get going,” Michael Brooks (1646) 45. ... Nf3+ 46. Kg2 Ne1+ 47. Kh3 Qg4+
but it really applies when one is fighting inner Polly Wright (1701) 48. Kh2 Nf3+ 49. Kg2 Nxh4+ 50. Kf1
2nd Annual Saratoga Open! (6), Saratoga
demons who tempt you to walk away when things Qd1+ 51. Qe1 Qf3+ 52. Qf2
Springs, New York, 03.16.2008
aren’t going as well as one hoped. I’ve had lousy

52. ... Qd1+!
tournaments and races where I’ve just wanted to
call it quits. Instead of quitting, though, I’ve tried
to learn something that I can apply later.
In the following game it was what I didn’t do
that may have been my best move. I went into
the final round with a 5-0 score. Win, lose or
draw, I had already won my section. I could have
offered a quick draw or dropped out, collected
my first-place check, and gone home. But I wanted
to try for the perfect 6-0 score. It was not
happening when, within the first 17 moves, I
managed to drop the Exchange, followed by losing
a piece. I was down a rook for a pawn. I could
have resigned at that point; however, I didn’t
want to end my great weekend on such a note. I
had nothing to lose by playing on. One never
wins or draws by resigning.
72 February 2019 | Chess Life
AFTER 43. Kh2
Looking bad for me, but I have one last shot.
43. ... Nd4! 44. Rg7+ Kh8 45. Rxb7??
Pawn grabbing doesn’t pay! 45. Kg2 stops
 
Forcing the three-fold repetition: The
alternative variation 52. ... Qxb7 53. Qd4+
Kg8 54. gxh4 just loses.
53. Qe1 Qf3+, Draw agreed.
What got me through this game is what
helped me through the last 15 miles of the bike
portion in the Aquabike National Champi-
onships. Physically and emotionally I was spent.
My back and legs hurt. My personal goals were
shot. None of that mattered. If I wanted to
qualify for Team USA again, I needed to finish
in the top 18 in my age group. I finished sixth
and once again, on May 4th I will represent
the United States in the multisport world
championships in Pontevedra, Spain.
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The Queen’’s Indian Defence has the reputtation of a very reliable The Dutch defense is a highly popular opening nowa
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i i g th iti ti e even in
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i ti Ho
H w should
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deplo
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l y his d4 f5. Reading bothh Play
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Emanuel Lasker was world champion for a remarkable 27 The Dutch defense is a highly popular opening nowadays
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primarily regarded chess as a fight and considered that for including the Dutch in your repertoire, dealing with al
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h strongest move in a position was theh one that
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h D
greatest problems for the opponent and not necessarily the Part 1 and Part 2 will help you acquire a lifetime weapon, w
one that was objectively best. is especially efficient against solid players.

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From her first day in high school April knows she doesn’t have The most significant difference between a grandmaste
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In the last twenty or so years, the age of education for chess The Chigorin Vaariation is one of the oldest variations o
has dropped drasticallyy. There are more and more young Ruy Lopez. It is rich in ideas which can be used in a rang
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