The Mechanics' Institute Chess Club News 534I have lots of them, too many to mention. I like looking at their games, admiring them. I really loved playing through the games of Larsen and Gligoric - very aggressive chess players, but then my taste changed a little, and I began to study the games of Petrosian. Among contemporaries there are also a lot of interesting, colorful players: Ivanchuk always impressed me, and Boris Gelfand - I've always thought we had a similar style.
Levon Aronian talking about his favorite players
1) Mechanics' Institute Chess Club News 1) Mechanics' Institute Chess Club NewsCanadian NM Kyle Morrison defeated front runner Uyanga Byambaa last night to tighten up the field in the Spring Tuesday Night Marathon. Byambaa and Oleg Shakhnazrov lead the 57-player field with 5 from 6 but half a point behind them with two rounds to go are Morrison, NM Peter Zavadsky, NM Russell Wong, expert Ted Belanoff and Class A player Ethan Chamberlain. The latter has beaten three experts and drawn a master in this event. Byambaa defeated Shakhnazrov in round 3 and will likely face Zavadsky, who like Morrison, took half point byes the first three rounds. IM Walter Shipman and expert Michael De Cruz tied for first with 3-1 scores in the Walter Lovegrove Senior Championship held last weekend at the Mechanics'. Ray Robson, the youngest Grandmaster in the United States at age 16, and his father Dr. Gary Robson, who teaches at St. Petersburg College, will give a talk and book signing at the Mechanics' Institute on Tuesday, June 14th, from 5:15 to 6:15 pm. All are welcome to attend this event. 2) 2011 US Chess ChampionshipThe battle between youth and experience is creating a very exciting US Championship in Saint Louis. Through five of the seven rounds youth is having its way with 19-year-old Robert Hess leading Group B with 4 points from 5 games followed by favorite Alex Onischuk and Sam Shankland with 3 points. Sam, playing in his fourth US Championship at only age 18, is doing much better than previous times and was leading until a loss yesterday in a sharp game against Alex Shabalov. The other players contending for the two tickets to the final four are Larry Christiansen and Yasser Seirawan with 2.5. These two veterans will face Robert Hess in rounds six and seven. Group A is preceding more closely to the form charts with top seeds Gata Kamsky and Yury Shulman leading with 3.5 from 5. There is big bunch on 50 percent which includes Ray Robson, Alexander Ivanov, Varuzhan Akobian and Daniel Naroditsky. The latter, the youngest participant in the event and like Sam a fixture on the Mechanics' US Chess League for many seasons, is making an excellent debut. The four spots for the womens final matches are almost locked up by Irina Krush in first with four from five and Camilla Baginskaite, Sabina Foisor and Tatev Abrahamyan sharing second a half point back, but one and a half points ahead of the next player. 3) Alex Lenderman wins 2011 Samford Fellowship by Allen KaufmanThe FRANK P. SAMFORD, JR. CHESS FELLOWSHIP, marking its twenty-sixth annual award, has selected Grandmaster Aleksandr Lenderman of Brooklyn, New York, as its 2011 fellow. The Samford is the richest and most important chess fellowship in the United States. It identifies and assists the best young American chessmasters by providing top-level coaching, strong competition and access to study materials. The Fellowship also supplies a monthly stipend for living expenses so that the winners may devote themselves to chess without having financial worries. The total value of the Fellowship has been increased several times over the years and is now $42,000 annually. The prize is awarded for one year and can be renewed for a second year. All in all, it gives these brilliant young American chessmasters the support and resources necessary to enhance their skills and reach their full potential. Shortly before his tenth birthday Aleksandr was taught the game by his grandfather. Two years later the young chessplayer began achieving surprising results in open tournaments. He captured first place (and the $2,700 prize) in the under-1600 section of the Foxwoods Open. That same year he tied for second in the World Open under-1800 section, collecting $2,900. Next, Aleksandr decided to concentrate on improving his chess rather than winning big cash prizes. For the next three years he studied with Mikahil Trosman going from 1800 to 2300 rating level. He captured first place in the 2005World Youth Chess Championship under 16 division and two years later won the High School National Chess Championship. More recent results include winning the Marshall Chess Club Championship and the Eastern Open. Aleksandr's term as Samford Fellow will begin on July 1, 2011. He will now be able to increase his lesson time with his current coach, grandmaster Giorgi Kacheishvili and also work with other trainers. To quote the new Samford Fellow, "I love chess more than anything else in the world aside from my family." The winner was chosen by the Samford Fellowship Committee, consisting of Frank P. Samford III (son of Samford Fellowship founder Frank P. Samford, Jr.), former U.S. Chess Champion Grandmaster Arthur Bisguier and International Master John Donaldson. The winner's potential was determined based on his chess talent, work ethic, dedication and accomplishments. The Fellowship is administered by the U.S. Chess Trust with particularly valuable services provided by Barbara DeMaro. The Samford Chess Fellowship was created by the late Frank P. Samford, Jr. of Birmingham, Alabama. Mr. Samford was a distinguished attorney and CEO of Liberty National Life Insurance Company (now Torchmark). He was active in civic, business, political, educational and cultural affairs. Mr. Samford was also an enthusiastic competitor in chess tournaments. After providing financial support for several chess projects he decided to do something significant for American chess. The result was the Samford Fellowship. Since its inception the Fellowship has proven very successful. Several Samford Fellows have become grandmasters and a few have won the U.S. Chess Championship or played on the U.S. team in the chess olympiad. America's two top players today, both potential world champions, are Gata Kamsky and Hikaru Nakamura. Both are former Samford Fellows. Generous contributions from the late Mrs. Virginia Samford and Torchmark Corporation support the Fellowship. The Samford Fellowship is a fitting memorial to an extraordinary man. The dedication, creativity and achievement that marked Mr. Frank P. Samford, Jr.'s life are examples for all chessplayers to admire and emulate. 4) 2011 USCF Award WinnersThe annual USCF awards were voted on this weekend and the winners will be honored at the US Open awards banquet in Orlando, Florida, this August. Among those being recognized is Andy Ansel of Syosset, New York, who grew up in the Bay Area and has long been a friend of the Mechanics'. Mr. Ansel was chosen for his efforts in preserving tens of thousands of American games, particularly US Championships from the 1930s and US Opens from the 1950s and 60s. He did this by entering them into Chess Base thus making them available to all chess players. The games came from a variety of sources including regional magazines, chess columns from old newspapers and score sheets. The award winners:
Meritorious Service: David Causey (SC), Cesar Lawrence (AL), Barbara Reed, (FL) 5) Here and ThereThe Armenian national press agency AFP recently reported that all children in the former Soviet Republic will be taught how to play chess. Armenia is to make chess a compulsory subject in primary schools in an attempt to turn itself into a global force in the game, the education ministry said on Friday. "Teaching chess in schools will create a solid basis for the country to become a chess superpower," an official at the ministry, Arman Aivazian, told AFP. The authorities led by President Serzh Sarkisian, an enthusiastic supporter of the game, have committed around $1.5 million (one million euros) to the scheme -- a large sum in the impoverished but chess-mad country. Children from the age of six will learn chess as a separate subject on the curriculum for two hours a week. Aivazian said the lessons which start later this year would "foster schoolchildren's intellectual development" and teach them to "think flexibly and wisely". The game is hugely popular in Armenia, where grandmasters are stars and important match results make headline news. The country of 3.2 million people has already established itself as a serious competitor in global tournaments. The national team won gold at the biennial International Chess Olympiad in both 2006 and 2008, and the country's top player Levon Aronian is currently ranked number three in the world, according to the World Chess Federation. The 5th Metropolitan Chess FIDE Invitational, an IM norm RR event, will be held from May 11 to 15 in Suite C998 at the California Market Center, in Los Angeles, CA. The field will be finalized in the coming week. Marking his first visit to Metropolitan Chess, Chess.com's own IM David Pruess of Berkeley has committed to the next IM norm tournament. Expert Arthur Ismakov won the 6th Annual Frank Doyle Open held in Santa Rosa with a score of 3.5 from 4. NM Richard Kopecke was second with 3 points in the multi-section event directed by Paul Stagnoli which attracted 45 participants. 6) Upcoming Special Events at the Mechanics'
5th Annual Ray Schutt Memorial Blitz Tournament
This tournament is unrated. (Membership in the United States Chess Federation is not required for participation.) The prizes are guaranteed due to the generosity of the Schutt Family. FORMAT: Five double-round Swiss or Roundrobin, depending on the number of entries. Each player will probably play ten blitz (fast) games in this tournament. TIME CONTROL: 5 minutes per player per game (G/5). REGISTRATION: 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. on May 15, 2010 There will be no registration in advance. Register at the tournament site on May 15. The tournament will be held between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. The entire event will last between 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Refreshments will be available during the event. There will be an informal awards ceremony immediately following the tournament at approximately 4 p.m. MI Advanced Chess Camp with GM Nick deFirmian - July 24-29 Go to www.chessclub.org for more information. 7) Upcoming EventsMECHANICS' TOURNAMENTS (go to www.chessclub.org for more information) 2011 Events Charles Powell Memorial - May 14 5th Annual Ray Schutt Memorial Blitz - May 15 Arthur Stamer Memorial - June 4-5 William Addison Open - June 11 11th Annual RENO-FAR WEST OPEN April 22-24 Reno, Nevada 6SS,40/2,20/1,G/1/2.Sands Regency Hotel/Casino, 345 N. Arlington Ave., Reno, NV 89501.1-866-386-7829 or (775) 348-2200. $$21,400 b/250. $$14,400 Gtd. (Prizes 1-10 in Open Section Gtd. plus 1/2 of all other prizes). A "Tribute to GM Larry Evans". 5 Sections. FIDE. Open (2000 & above) EF: $137, (1999 & below = $151) (GMs & IMs free but must enter by (4/1) or pay late fee) .$$2,000-1,200-1000-800-600-500-400-300-300-300,(2399/below)- $1,000, (2299/below)- $1,000, (2199/below) -$1000-500-300-200 (If a tie for 1st then a playoff for $100 out of prize fund plus trophy). Sec. A (1800-1999) EF: $136; $$1,000-500-400-300-200-100-100. Sec. B (1600-1799) EF: $135; $$900-500-400-300-200-100-100. Sec. C (1400-1599) EF: $134; $$700-500-400-300- 200-100-100. Sec. D/under (1399-below) EF: $133; $$600-400-300-200-100-100-100; Top Senior (65+) -$200; Club Champ.-$400-200. ALL: Entries must be postmarked by 4/1 or pay late fee-$11 until 4/14 (do not mail after 4/14), $22 at site. All classes have trophies 1st - 3rd. Unrated players are free entry but not eligible for cash prizes- must join USCF for 1 full year thru this tournament. 1st Unrated = trophy + 1 yr. USCF Mem. $10 discount to Seniors (65+ yrs.) & Juniors (19-under). Players may play up. Provisionally rated players may only win 1/2 of 1st place money. CCA ratings may be used. Note: pairings not changed for color unless 3 in a row or a plus 3 and if the unlikely situation occurs 3 colors in a row may be assigned. SIDE EVENTS: Thurs. (4/21) 6-7:15pm "Tribute to GM Larry Evans" hosted by IM John Donaldson (FREE); 7:30pm-TBA- Simul ($15); 7:30pm-Blitz (5 Min) tourney($20) 80% entries = Prize Fund. Sat. (4/23) (3-4:30pm) Free Game/Position Analysis - IM John Donaldson. ALL REG.: (4/21) 5-10pm, (4/22) 9-10am. RDS.: (Fri) 12-7, (Sat) 10-6, (Sun) 9:30-4:30. Byes available any round (if requested by Rd.1). ENT: make checks payable and send to: SANDS REGENCY (address listed above), postmarked by 4/1. $11 late fee if postmarked after 4/1 and before 4/14. Do not mail after 4/14 or email after 4/19. $22 late fee at site. HR: (Sun-Thurs. $27!) (Fri. & Sat. $47!) + tax.1-866-386-7829 mention (Code) CHESS421 (Reserve by 4/11/11) to get Chess rate. INFO: Jerry Weikel, 6578 Valley Wood Dr., Reno, NV 89523, (775) 747-1405, wackyykl@aol.com Or check out our website at: www.renochess.org/fwo. To verify entry check website. Chess Magnet School JGP. Berkeley Open May 7-8 Berkeley, CA 4-SS, 30/90; G/60. Hillside School; 1581 Le Roy Ave., Berkeley, CA 94720. $$B 60 paid entries (not counting unrated entries). Three Sections: Open Section: $300-160, U2100 $150-75; U1900 Section: $240-130, U1700 $125-75; U1500 Section: $240-125; U1300 $125-75, Unr: Trophy First. All, EF: postmarked by 5/2 $50, $60 on site. Unrateds $20 in the Reserve section or may play up to the Open section for the regular fee. $5 discount to Berkeley Chess Club Members. USCF memb. req'd. May play up for add'l $5 per section. Reg.: Sat 5/7 9:00-9:45 am. RDS.: Sat 10:00-3:30; Sun 10:00-3:30; One 1/2 pt bye available if requested in advance, a bye in rds 3 or 4 must be requested before rd 1. 2011 May Ratings List, CCA minimums and Directors discretion will be used to place players as accurately as possible. Please bring clocks and equipment. INFO: Richard Koepcke (650)-224-4938. Email: ricahrdkoepcke@yahoo.com. Ent: Richard Koepcke, P.O. Box 1432, Mountain View, CA 94042. No Phone entries. Chess Magnet School JGP. May 28-30 or 29-30 or 28-29 CalChess Open State & Class Championship 6SS, 30/90 G/60 (2-day opt rds 1-3 G/60). Sections D/E 6SS G/90 only. Hotel: Marriott, 46100 Landing Pkwy., Fremont, CA 94539. Chess rate $89. Prizes: $13,000 b/207. 80% guaranteed. 6 sections. Open (2200+ FIDE rated): 2000-1000-400-200-100-100. Expert (2000-2199), A (1800-1999), B (1600-1799), C (1400-1599): $1000-400-200-100-100-100. Section D/E (u1400): 600-300-100-u1200:300-200-100. Unr prize limit $300 except in Open. EF mail/online by 5/24: 3day=99 2day=98 onsite+25 Play-up+20. GMs/IMs free-EF subtr from prize. Re-entry $40. Saver EF = EF-$20 & 2/3 of calc. prize. Refunds: $20 fee. May 2011 Supp, CCA min, TD desc to place players accurately. Sched: 3day: Reg Sat10-10:30, Rds Sat/Sun 11 5:15, Mon 10 3:30. 2day: Reg Sun9-9:30, Rds Sun 10 12:25 2:40 5:15, Mon 10 3:30. D/E 2-day only: Reg Sat9-9:30, Rds Sat/Sun 10 1:30 5. Max two 1/2-pt byes - must commit bef rd 3. Quest: ask@BayAreaChess.com. More Info/Ent: BayAreaChess.com/memo. NS, NC, W. Chess Magnet School JGP Oct. 1 2011 U.S. Game/60 Championship - Santa Clara 4SS, G/60 - $4,000 b/117 fully paid entries - 75% guaranteed. Hotel rate $99 by 9/16: Hyatt Regency, 5101 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA 95054. Free Parking. In 3 sections, Open Section: $500-201-105, u2300 $200-110, u2100 $150, u2000 $130, u1900 $100. 1400-1799 Section: $500-201-100, u1700 $200, u1600 $150, u1500 $100. Under 1400 Section: $500-201-100, u1300 $200, u1200 $150, u1100 $100. Unrated may play in any section but maximum prize is $100 except no limit in the Open Section. Trophies for top 3 places in each section. Entry Fee: Mailed by Mon 9/26 or online by Tue 9/27: $60. Online 9/28-29 or onsite: $75. Add $20 to play-up in a higher section. DISCOUNTS: $10 off each event if also registering for G/30 on Oct 2. $10 cash rebate onsite if staying at the hotel under chess rate. Byes: One 1/2 pt bye allowed must commit by start of Rd 2. Reenter with 1/2pt bye in Rd 1 for $39. September 2011 Supp, CCA min, TD discretion used to place players accurately. SIDE KIDS EVENT for K-12 students rated under 1000: 4SSxG/60 in 2 sections, 600-999 and under 600. Prizes: Trophies to Top 10 players and Top 5 teams in each section. Best 4 players count for team score. Also trophies to top u800, top u700 in 600-999 section and top u400, top u300, and top u200 in u600 section. EF by Mon 9/26 or online by Tue 9/27: $39. Online 9/28-29 or onsite: $54. Add $10 to play-up in a higher section. Schedule: Onsite Registration 8:30-9:30am; Round Times: 10:00am, 12:30, 3:00, and 5:30pm. Mail payments to: Bay Area Chess, 1590 Oakland Rd., Suite B213, San Jose 95131. $20 for refunds. T: 408-786-5515. E: ask@BayAreaChess.com, Info/Form/Entries: BayAreaChess.com/usg60g30. NS, NC, W. Oct. 2 2011 U.S. Game/30 Championship - Santa Clara 4SS, G/30 - $3,006 b/88 fully paid entries - 75% guaranteed. Hotel rate $99 by 9/16: Hyatt Regency, 5101 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA 95054. Free Parking. In 3 sections, Open Section: $400-200-102, u2300 $101, u2100 $101, u2000 $100, u1900 $99. 1400-1799 Section: $400-200-102, u1700 $101, u1600 $100, u1500 $99. Under 1400 Section: $400-200-102, u1300 $101, u1200 $100, u1100 $99. Unrated may play in any section but maximum prize is $100 except no limit in the Open Section. Trophies for top 3 places in each section. Entry Fee mailed by Mon 9/26 or online by Tue 9/27: $60. Online 9/28-29 or onsite: $75. Add $20 to play-up in a higher section. DISCOUNTS: $10 off each if also registering for G/60 on Oct 1. $10 cash rebate onsite if staying at the hotel. Byes: One 1/2 pt bye allowed must commit by start of Rd 2. Reenter with 1/2pt bye in Rd 1 for $39. September 2011 Supp, CCA min, TD discretion used to place players accurately. SIDE KIDS EVENT for K-12 students rated under 1000: 5SSxG/30 in 2 sections, 600-999 and under 600. Trophies to Top 10 players and Top 5 teams in each section. Best 4 players count for team score. Also trophies to top u800, top u700 in 600-999 section and top u400, top u300, and top u200 in u600 section. EF by Mon 9/26 or online by Tue 9/27: $39. Online 9/28-29 or onsite: $54. Add $10 to play-up in a higher section. Schedule: Onsite Registration 8:30-9:30am; Round Times: 10:00am, 12:30, 3:00, and 5:30pm. Mail payments to: Bay Area Chess, 1590 Oakland Rd., Suite B213, San Jose 95131. $20 for refunds. T: 408-786-5515. E: ask@BayAreaChess.c om, Info/Form/Entries: BayAreaChess.com/usg60g30. NS, NC, W. |