Friday, October 24, 2008
North Carolina Open
I have been in touch with Thad's wife, Janet. Thad is in the hospital with a high fever, the origin of which has yet to be determined. A short time ago Thad had his gall bladder removed. Jan has asked me to post on the blog that the NC Open WILL be held! Although I had planned to come with the Legendary Georgia Ironman to play in the tournament, it may be that I will be coming with Jan if Thad's condition improves. Things are pretty much up in the air at the moment, but, THE SHOW MUST GO ON! And it will...
Saturday, October 18, 2008
The Ironman in Cave City
Bloggin' from the home of the Legendary Georgia Ironman today. Tim left Thursday evening for the Indiana state championship in Logansport. He will go a great distance for a standard, 40/2; SD/1, time limit! I am left back here, holding down the fort and giving updates on the world championship match when the Ironman calls. After dropping Aunt Millie off with relatives in the great state of Tennessee, he stopped in Cave City, Kentucky, for the night.
When the phone rang the next morning, I knew it had to be Tim, ready for an update. Unfortunately, I had overslept! I was graciously allowed a quarter hour to get my head together before his return call. By then I had booted up ICC and had Mig and Jan Gustafsson spouting out variations faster that I could keep up with them! The excitement in their voices was palpable; it was obvious something extraordinary was happening...
Tim had his travel set ready to go as I relayed the moves up to that point in the game. After seeing the position after Vishy had taken with the g-pawn, the Ironman shouted, "It's like a fighting Kann, Bacon!" That is was, and Anand had the open g-file with which to work. The excitement in the voice of the Ironman was also palpable!
While awaiting the moves, we reminisced about all the other world championships we've followed. He mentioned getting the USA TODAY the day after the game and going over it with his friend, dubious Dave; while I talked of going by one of the hotels in Buckhead early in the morning (or real late at night, depending on how one looks at it) to buy a copy of the NYTimes to play over the moves while sitting in my Buckhead Safety Cab! As fans of chess, we know all too well that any world championship match is special.
Tim had to pack, telling me he would call just before he left to get one more update. When he called, I was informed he had his laptop up and running and intended on putting the moves into CHESSBASE.
The next call was from a Ponderosa Steak House. By then the outcome was known, so I asked if he wanted the moves, or the result. "I'm hungry, man, so just tell me the result."
In my best Howard Cosell imitation, I yelled, "Down goes Kramnik! Down goes Kramnik!" From the phone I heard, "Kramnik goes down! Kramnik goes down!"
Expecting to hear from the road warrior long before I did, I'll admit to more than a little worry. When the call came, the news was that it had taken him much longer to arrive at his destination than he figured, and he had gone by the TD room to find that he was the only one entered into the Friday night 3-day schedule! To make it worse, the TD had actually told him that he may have to play in the quick first round game in the morning! The Ironman was not a happy camper, let me tell you.
The next call was a few hours later. They had managed to get eight players for the Friday night round in the open section, so Tim had played. Unfortunately, he lost. The phone call was a Joe Friday call-Just the facts.
As I sit here, the Saturday fourth game is finished. It was a draw, with none of the excitement of yesterday's game. And I've not heard from the Ironman. It's tough on the road...
When the phone rang the next morning, I knew it had to be Tim, ready for an update. Unfortunately, I had overslept! I was graciously allowed a quarter hour to get my head together before his return call. By then I had booted up ICC and had Mig and Jan Gustafsson spouting out variations faster that I could keep up with them! The excitement in their voices was palpable; it was obvious something extraordinary was happening...
Tim had his travel set ready to go as I relayed the moves up to that point in the game. After seeing the position after Vishy had taken with the g-pawn, the Ironman shouted, "It's like a fighting Kann, Bacon!" That is was, and Anand had the open g-file with which to work. The excitement in the voice of the Ironman was also palpable!
While awaiting the moves, we reminisced about all the other world championships we've followed. He mentioned getting the USA TODAY the day after the game and going over it with his friend, dubious Dave; while I talked of going by one of the hotels in Buckhead early in the morning (or real late at night, depending on how one looks at it) to buy a copy of the NYTimes to play over the moves while sitting in my Buckhead Safety Cab! As fans of chess, we know all too well that any world championship match is special.
Tim had to pack, telling me he would call just before he left to get one more update. When he called, I was informed he had his laptop up and running and intended on putting the moves into CHESSBASE.
The next call was from a Ponderosa Steak House. By then the outcome was known, so I asked if he wanted the moves, or the result. "I'm hungry, man, so just tell me the result."
In my best Howard Cosell imitation, I yelled, "Down goes Kramnik! Down goes Kramnik!" From the phone I heard, "Kramnik goes down! Kramnik goes down!"
Expecting to hear from the road warrior long before I did, I'll admit to more than a little worry. When the call came, the news was that it had taken him much longer to arrive at his destination than he figured, and he had gone by the TD room to find that he was the only one entered into the Friday night 3-day schedule! To make it worse, the TD had actually told him that he may have to play in the quick first round game in the morning! The Ironman was not a happy camper, let me tell you.
The next call was a few hours later. They had managed to get eight players for the Friday night round in the open section, so Tim had played. Unfortunately, he lost. The phone call was a Joe Friday call-Just the facts.
As I sit here, the Saturday fourth game is finished. It was a draw, with none of the excitement of yesterday's game. And I've not heard from the Ironman. It's tough on the road...
Thursday, October 16, 2008
The schedule was gruelling
From www.chessbase.com I found this in the report: Nigel Short wins Commonwealth Championship 2008.
The schedule was gruelling: two rounds on the first two days, then two games on the third day (9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.). This was repeated on the sixth day, so that the eleven games were crammed into nine days.
Gruelling?! This makes a typical American weekend swiss seem like a picnic! I tried to lobby the GCA for a schedule allowing only two hours between rounds for the Senior Open, and was rebuffed. My idea of a G/2 with rounds at ten am and four pm format was not even considered!
For the most part, the players participating in the Commonwealth are much younger than Seniors. Matter of fact, they could be the children, and granchildren, of our Senior players!
Speaking of Seniors...Congrats are in order to 93 year young Erik Karklins, who just tied for first in the expert section at the 2008 Midwest Class Championships, October 10-12th in Wheeling, Illinois!
The schedule was gruelling: two rounds on the first two days, then two games on the third day (9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.). This was repeated on the sixth day, so that the eleven games were crammed into nine days.
Gruelling?! This makes a typical American weekend swiss seem like a picnic! I tried to lobby the GCA for a schedule allowing only two hours between rounds for the Senior Open, and was rebuffed. My idea of a G/2 with rounds at ten am and four pm format was not even considered!
For the most part, the players participating in the Commonwealth are much younger than Seniors. Matter of fact, they could be the children, and granchildren, of our Senior players!
Speaking of Seniors...Congrats are in order to 93 year young Erik Karklins, who just tied for first in the expert section at the 2008 Midwest Class Championships, October 10-12th in Wheeling, Illinois!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Another Tuesday Night at the Fights
Thirteen players entered the TNF, with eight rated 1600 or better, led by The Stud, who,at 2220 was 149 points higher rated than The Pipe. When Alan went down to Gautam Narula (1764) in the second round, The Stud, gesticulating wildly, could not have been happier. Alexander Foster, a student of Mr Studen was puzzled, saying he did not think The Stud feared any opponent. Damir explained that The Pipe was always a tough opponent because he played "weird stuff" and he would prefer to play the High Plains Drifter rather than The Pipe! Damir won his last round game versus Narula to win the $28 forst prize.
Dr Cano, held to a draw by Zimmy in round two and Michael Matthias (1669) in the last round, tied with Narula and Mr Zimmerman, won took a half point bye in the last round, each winning $4.67, which the House rounded off to an even five bucks.
James Stack (1600) beat Mr Foster in the lst round to finish with two points, as did Robert Steen (1386), with each winning $11. Mr Steen beat House man Nick Nikley in the first round, lost to Matthias in the second round, and beat the rapidly improving youngster, Richard Lin (1384) in the last round. It is good to see Mr Steen have a good night at the fights, as it was only a short time ago he did the goose egg shuffle and was awarded a "Woody" prize for his effort!
Robert Steen was the big rating winner, advancing 29 points. Mr Narula picked up 20.
Dr Cano, held to a draw by Zimmy in round two and Michael Matthias (1669) in the last round, tied with Narula and Mr Zimmerman, won took a half point bye in the last round, each winning $4.67, which the House rounded off to an even five bucks.
James Stack (1600) beat Mr Foster in the lst round to finish with two points, as did Robert Steen (1386), with each winning $11. Mr Steen beat House man Nick Nikley in the first round, lost to Matthias in the second round, and beat the rapidly improving youngster, Richard Lin (1384) in the last round. It is good to see Mr Steen have a good night at the fights, as it was only a short time ago he did the goose egg shuffle and was awarded a "Woody" prize for his effort!
Robert Steen was the big rating winner, advancing 29 points. Mr Narula picked up 20.
A simple proposal to reduse draws
Since it is much more difficlut to win, or draw, with Black, I propose awarding 4 points for a win with Black; 3 for a win with White; 2 for a draw with Black; and 1 for a draw with White.
The three move draws and 'group hugs' in the last round would become a thing of the past! What possible reason could there be for offering a short draw with White if by doing so you give your opponent an extra point? It would, therefore, increase the need to FIGHT!
My proposal is especially good for the traditional five round swiss, which is inherently unfair in that one player will always receive an extra Black. This proposal will help to offset the advantage of the player receiving three Whites, as the player with Black in the last round will have the possibility of out-scoring his opponent.
As an example, take the current Russian Superfinal. Heading into the penultimate round, the traditional standings look like this:
Alekseev 6
Timofeev 6
Jakovenko 5 1/2
Vitiugov 5 1/2
Svidler 5 1/2
Morozevich 5
Under my proposal, the standings would look like this:
Alekseev 20
Timofeev 19
Jakovenko 19
Vitiugov 17
Svidler 17
Morozevich 17
This being a twelve player event means the color distribution will be uneven for the players. At least this way the players receiving the extra Black will have a chance to make up for it!
The three move draws and 'group hugs' in the last round would become a thing of the past! What possible reason could there be for offering a short draw with White if by doing so you give your opponent an extra point? It would, therefore, increase the need to FIGHT!
My proposal is especially good for the traditional five round swiss, which is inherently unfair in that one player will always receive an extra Black. This proposal will help to offset the advantage of the player receiving three Whites, as the player with Black in the last round will have the possibility of out-scoring his opponent.
As an example, take the current Russian Superfinal. Heading into the penultimate round, the traditional standings look like this:
Alekseev 6
Timofeev 6
Jakovenko 5 1/2
Vitiugov 5 1/2
Svidler 5 1/2
Morozevich 5
Under my proposal, the standings would look like this:
Alekseev 20
Timofeev 19
Jakovenko 19
Vitiugov 17
Svidler 17
Morozevich 17
This being a twelve player event means the color distribution will be uneven for the players. At least this way the players receiving the extra Black will have a chance to make up for it!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Georgia G/45 Championship
34 players, rated between 1104 and 2483 entered the 2008 Georgia G/45 Championship. In his first tournament in his new home, IM Kirill Kuderinov went through the field like a hot knife through butter, winning all four games with seeming ease. They were, in order, Zimmy (1696); Michael Easterwood (2032); Joe Moon (2096); and the current holder of both the State Champion and Georgia Senior Champion, Mr David Vest (2201). For his efforts the IM took $250 from the House.
With his short last round victory vs The Pipe, Hartley Chiang (2066) took clear second and $150. Mr Chiang was held to a draw by Joe Scott (2085) in the penultimate round. It's good to see Joe back in action! Years ago the argument could be made that Joe was second only to the great IM Boris Kogan in Georgia. Joe, along with Wayne Christensen (2075), Misael Mestres (2049), Daniel Gurevich (2023), Joe Moon (2085), and Alan Piper each finished 3-1 and won $30. Klaus and The Drifter also finished with a 3-1 score, but, because they have devoted themselves to the royal game and become MASTERS, they went home empty-handed!
Although performing over two hundred points lower than his rating (1962-PR 1741), Paul Taylor won the class A prize of $150 by scoring 2 1/2 points. Such are the vagaries of the swiss system...
GCA board member Mike Mulford (1773), Ben Moon (1763), Carter Peatman (1698), and Ryan Christianson (1648) each took home $37.50 with an even score.
There was a four way tie in the Under 1600 section between Reece Thompson (1476), Gary Loveless (1420), Ananth Punyala (1291), and David Mbonu (1242), each with 2 points, good for $37.50 each.
Mr Mbonu, who was so excited about the tournament he called the House at 8 am, five hours before the start of the first round, and an hour and a half before we opened, had a PR of 1902 and gained 119 points! Ananth Punyala gained 59 with his 1615 PR. Ryan Christianson gained 26 points with his 1933 PR.
After the tournament I had an opportunity to interview the new IM in town, Kirill Kuderinov. He said he considered his best result to have been the 7 out of 10 oints he scored in the 2004 Olympiad on boards 2 and 3, against 6 GM's and 4 IM's! He was working at Six Flags in Texas and hopes to attend college in the area. I asked about the forfeit in the last round of the US Open and he said the TD's had been notified that he would be leaving early to travel to Chicago and it was their mistake that he was paired. The player with whom he was paired thereby received a gift last round point and won big money.
On a more somber note, I must report that the owner of the House of Pain, Thad Rogers has recently undergone major surgery. Our thoughts are with him and his wife, Janet.
A couple of games from the last round...The Pipe had called earlier in the week checking on the round times. He laughed when I asked him in how many of these G/45's he had played. Seems Alan had somewhere to be at 6 pm. He decided to play, hoping for a short game. Be very careful what you ask for...
Chiang (2066) - Piper (2071) [B12]
1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.f3 dxe4 4.fxe4 e5 5.Nf3 Bg4 6.Bc4 Nf6 7.Bxf7+ Ke7 8.Bb3 Bxf3 9.Qxf3 Qxd4 10.Nc3 Nbd7 11.Be3 Qb4 12.0–0–0 Nc5 13.Bxc5+ Qxc5 14.Qf5 Ke8 15.g4 Qe7 16.g5 Nh5 17.g6 Qc7 18.Bf7+ Ke7 19.Qe6# 1–0
Seeing the game puts me in the awkward position of wondering why The Pipe did not avail himself of the half point bye in the last round. Although it is an abomination, it is legal...
The second game features two opponents with a 'history.' Seems Mr Walker shows no respect for the venerable 'Viktor Korchnoi of Southern Chess', LM Klaus Pohl. Like the great Bobby said, "Sometimes you give a lesson; sometimes you take a lesson." The 72 year young Klaus gave Mr Walker yet another lesson today! It is not often one gets to announce mate. I happened to be standing at the board when mate was announced. It was a BEAUTIFUL THING!
Pohl (2218) - Walker (1987) [B50]
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bc4 e6 4.d3 a6 5.0–0 b5 6.Bb3 Qc7 7.c3 Nf6 8.Re1 Nc6 9.Nbd2 Be7 10.a4 Bb7 11.d4 c4 12.Bc2 e5 13.Nf1 0–0 14.Ng3 Rfe8 15.Nf5 Bf8 16.Bg5 Nd7 17.h3 f6 18.Bd2 Nd8 19.N3h4 Kh8 20.Qh5 Ne6 21.d5 Nec5 22.Re3 Nb6 23.Rg3 Nbxa4 24.Ng6+ Kg8 25.Nh6+ gxh6 26.Ne7+ Kh8 27.Rg8# 1–0
With his short last round victory vs The Pipe, Hartley Chiang (2066) took clear second and $150. Mr Chiang was held to a draw by Joe Scott (2085) in the penultimate round. It's good to see Joe back in action! Years ago the argument could be made that Joe was second only to the great IM Boris Kogan in Georgia. Joe, along with Wayne Christensen (2075), Misael Mestres (2049), Daniel Gurevich (2023), Joe Moon (2085), and Alan Piper each finished 3-1 and won $30. Klaus and The Drifter also finished with a 3-1 score, but, because they have devoted themselves to the royal game and become MASTERS, they went home empty-handed!
Although performing over two hundred points lower than his rating (1962-PR 1741), Paul Taylor won the class A prize of $150 by scoring 2 1/2 points. Such are the vagaries of the swiss system...
GCA board member Mike Mulford (1773), Ben Moon (1763), Carter Peatman (1698), and Ryan Christianson (1648) each took home $37.50 with an even score.
There was a four way tie in the Under 1600 section between Reece Thompson (1476), Gary Loveless (1420), Ananth Punyala (1291), and David Mbonu (1242), each with 2 points, good for $37.50 each.
Mr Mbonu, who was so excited about the tournament he called the House at 8 am, five hours before the start of the first round, and an hour and a half before we opened, had a PR of 1902 and gained 119 points! Ananth Punyala gained 59 with his 1615 PR. Ryan Christianson gained 26 points with his 1933 PR.
After the tournament I had an opportunity to interview the new IM in town, Kirill Kuderinov. He said he considered his best result to have been the 7 out of 10 oints he scored in the 2004 Olympiad on boards 2 and 3, against 6 GM's and 4 IM's! He was working at Six Flags in Texas and hopes to attend college in the area. I asked about the forfeit in the last round of the US Open and he said the TD's had been notified that he would be leaving early to travel to Chicago and it was their mistake that he was paired. The player with whom he was paired thereby received a gift last round point and won big money.
On a more somber note, I must report that the owner of the House of Pain, Thad Rogers has recently undergone major surgery. Our thoughts are with him and his wife, Janet.
A couple of games from the last round...The Pipe had called earlier in the week checking on the round times. He laughed when I asked him in how many of these G/45's he had played. Seems Alan had somewhere to be at 6 pm. He decided to play, hoping for a short game. Be very careful what you ask for...
Chiang (2066) - Piper (2071) [B12]
1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.f3 dxe4 4.fxe4 e5 5.Nf3 Bg4 6.Bc4 Nf6 7.Bxf7+ Ke7 8.Bb3 Bxf3 9.Qxf3 Qxd4 10.Nc3 Nbd7 11.Be3 Qb4 12.0–0–0 Nc5 13.Bxc5+ Qxc5 14.Qf5 Ke8 15.g4 Qe7 16.g5 Nh5 17.g6 Qc7 18.Bf7+ Ke7 19.Qe6# 1–0
Seeing the game puts me in the awkward position of wondering why The Pipe did not avail himself of the half point bye in the last round. Although it is an abomination, it is legal...
The second game features two opponents with a 'history.' Seems Mr Walker shows no respect for the venerable 'Viktor Korchnoi of Southern Chess', LM Klaus Pohl. Like the great Bobby said, "Sometimes you give a lesson; sometimes you take a lesson." The 72 year young Klaus gave Mr Walker yet another lesson today! It is not often one gets to announce mate. I happened to be standing at the board when mate was announced. It was a BEAUTIFUL THING!
Pohl (2218) - Walker (1987) [B50]
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bc4 e6 4.d3 a6 5.0–0 b5 6.Bb3 Qc7 7.c3 Nf6 8.Re1 Nc6 9.Nbd2 Be7 10.a4 Bb7 11.d4 c4 12.Bc2 e5 13.Nf1 0–0 14.Ng3 Rfe8 15.Nf5 Bf8 16.Bg5 Nd7 17.h3 f6 18.Bd2 Nd8 19.N3h4 Kh8 20.Qh5 Ne6 21.d5 Nec5 22.Re3 Nb6 23.Rg3 Nbxa4 24.Ng6+ Kg8 25.Nh6+ gxh6 26.Ne7+ Kh8 27.Rg8# 1–0
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Harry Turner R.I.P.
Paul Benoit called to report the passing of one the members of our community, Harry Turner. A quick check of the USCF site showed that Harry was 'inactive' and had not played 'A.C.' (after computers). His last published rating was 1702. Any information on Mr Turner would be greatly appreciated.
The obituary from the Atlanta Journal & Constitution:
Turner, Harry
News Obituary ArticleACWORTH: Harry Turner, helped smart kids help themselvesBy RICK BADIE
Harry Turner was a great student in grad school. That hadn't always been the case.
"He was kind of bored by school," said his wife, Faith Waldron Turner of Acworth.
Mr. Turner made a career out of working with kids who mirrored him --- smart but disengaged in their elementary and high school years. He became known for his work with bright underachievers as a school psychologist for DeKalb County Schools.
"He worked with a lot of the alternative students," his wife said. "He thought that many of them weren't sufficiently challenged, like he had been in high school. He felt that children put in [group settings] could help one another better than an adult."
Harry Milburn Turner, 78, of Acworth died Monday. The funeral is noon today at St. Teresa Episcopal Church in Acworth. Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home & Memorial Park is in charge.
Dr. Turner earned a doctorate in psychology from the University of Georgia and went to work for DeKalb's public schools. The Atlanta native and ex-Marine wrote a manual for schools that dealt with suicidal teenagers. He retired in 1987. Dr. Turner volunteered at a summer program for disadvantaged children at Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church in Sandy Springs. A master chess player, he recently taught the game at the Paulding County Boys and Girls Club in Dallas.
"He started out teaching one child and ended up with 21," said Marvin McGill, the club's program director. "He had quite an impact on the children. What he taught will be with them a long time."
Other survivors include two sons, Hal Turner of Athens and Roger Dilworth of Dacula; three daughters, Theresa Waldron of Marietta, Mary Beasley of Augusta and Anne Pitts of Acworth; and five grandchildren.
The obituary from the Atlanta Journal & Constitution:
Turner, Harry
News Obituary ArticleACWORTH: Harry Turner, helped smart kids help themselvesBy RICK BADIE
Harry Turner was a great student in grad school. That hadn't always been the case.
"He was kind of bored by school," said his wife, Faith Waldron Turner of Acworth.
Mr. Turner made a career out of working with kids who mirrored him --- smart but disengaged in their elementary and high school years. He became known for his work with bright underachievers as a school psychologist for DeKalb County Schools.
"He worked with a lot of the alternative students," his wife said. "He thought that many of them weren't sufficiently challenged, like he had been in high school. He felt that children put in [group settings] could help one another better than an adult."
Harry Milburn Turner, 78, of Acworth died Monday. The funeral is noon today at St. Teresa Episcopal Church in Acworth. Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home & Memorial Park is in charge.
Dr. Turner earned a doctorate in psychology from the University of Georgia and went to work for DeKalb's public schools. The Atlanta native and ex-Marine wrote a manual for schools that dealt with suicidal teenagers. He retired in 1987. Dr. Turner volunteered at a summer program for disadvantaged children at Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church in Sandy Springs. A master chess player, he recently taught the game at the Paulding County Boys and Girls Club in Dallas.
"He started out teaching one child and ended up with 21," said Marvin McGill, the club's program director. "He had quite an impact on the children. What he taught will be with them a long time."
Other survivors include two sons, Hal Turner of Athens and Roger Dilworth of Dacula; three daughters, Theresa Waldron of Marietta, Mary Beasley of Augusta and Anne Pitts of Acworth; and five grandchildren.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
What is a state champion?
The headline from the Google Alert-chess reads: Hilton Head High senior wins state chess event. Reading further I found: Hilton Head Island High School senior Rade Musulin tied for first place in the state chess championship. Rade, 17, competed over the weekend in the event ...
Before clicking on the link, I thought to myself, "That's strange. I just checked out the crosstables after Inga Gurevich called and I saw that IM Kurill Kuderinov finished clear first." Then I had another thought, maybe the young man tied for the first resident of the great state of South Carolina, always first in the hearts of a true Southerner. I then surfed on over to the SCCA website (a fine one, I might add, which puts the GCA site to shame), and found the sole state champion is NM Philipp Lamby, who although born in Aachen, Germany, currently teaches and does research at the University of South Carolina. "How can that be?" I asked myself.
Upon reading the story on the www.islandpacket.com website, I found the answer. It says, "He tied in the amateur category."
That is the problem when a completely separate tournament is held in conjunction with a title event. This young fellow did not win a state championship; he tied for first place in a tournament for weaker players, not ready for prime time, held in conjunction with the SOUTH CAROLINA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP!
I can understand why the people of Hilton Head would be proud of their native son, but to call him a "state champion" is not only confusing, but it cheapens the title for the player who actually holds the title of CHAMPION OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA!
This Saturday the House will hold a G/45 one day event. The GCA , in it's wisdom, has decided to call the winner the "state champion." I assume the winner will be known as the G/45 champion of the state of Georgia. If so, it would only seem to cheapen the actual title of Georgia State Champion, obtained at what is now referred to as a "standard" time control. Was any thought given to that fact? Was there any discussion before it was decided to call the winner of this particular G/45 the state champion? If someone, such as the new IM, Kurill Kuderinov, happens to win 4-0 and there is a six way tie at 3-1 among Georgians, does that mean we will have six MORE state champions (to go with the three who tied at the actual State Championship)?
Before clicking on the link, I thought to myself, "That's strange. I just checked out the crosstables after Inga Gurevich called and I saw that IM Kurill Kuderinov finished clear first." Then I had another thought, maybe the young man tied for the first resident of the great state of South Carolina, always first in the hearts of a true Southerner. I then surfed on over to the SCCA website (a fine one, I might add, which puts the GCA site to shame), and found the sole state champion is NM Philipp Lamby, who although born in Aachen, Germany, currently teaches and does research at the University of South Carolina. "How can that be?" I asked myself.
Upon reading the story on the www.islandpacket.com website, I found the answer. It says, "He tied in the amateur category."
That is the problem when a completely separate tournament is held in conjunction with a title event. This young fellow did not win a state championship; he tied for first place in a tournament for weaker players, not ready for prime time, held in conjunction with the SOUTH CAROLINA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP!
I can understand why the people of Hilton Head would be proud of their native son, but to call him a "state champion" is not only confusing, but it cheapens the title for the player who actually holds the title of CHAMPION OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA!
This Saturday the House will hold a G/45 one day event. The GCA , in it's wisdom, has decided to call the winner the "state champion." I assume the winner will be known as the G/45 champion of the state of Georgia. If so, it would only seem to cheapen the actual title of Georgia State Champion, obtained at what is now referred to as a "standard" time control. Was any thought given to that fact? Was there any discussion before it was decided to call the winner of this particular G/45 the state champion? If someone, such as the new IM, Kurill Kuderinov, happens to win 4-0 and there is a six way tie at 3-1 among Georgians, does that mean we will have six MORE state champions (to go with the three who tied at the actual State Championship)?
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Blue Moon's
The turnout for the TNF was a top heavy fifteen, only four of whom were rated below 1475. The big news in the first round was Alexander Foster's (1217) draw with Ben Moon! Alex has been taking lessons from The Stud, including one right before the Fights. The Stud was once again "too tired" to play Fight Night. Seems having to attend school has cramped his style, although he did say he slept until 2 pm!
James Stack (1600) took out Mr Foster in the second round, while Ben beat a late arriving and half point bye taking Reece Thompson (1476). Top rated Joe Moon (2096) beat Dr Cano (1808), and Longshot Larry Johnson (2056) beat Pinky Peatman (1698). Chris Wiley (1857) sent Soloman Zelman (1700) home and also moved to 2-0.
Another Longshot came through, as Larry, proving need really does focus the mind, beat Joe Moon, while Chris Wiley bested his little brother, Ben. They each won $22.
James Stack upset the good Doctor to win the under prize of $20. The thing is that if there had only been prizes for first, second, and third, Mr Stack would have tied for third with Joe Moon, who would then have entered the prize fund with his 2 points, the same as Mr Stack.
Alexander Foster received the full point bye in the last round and thereby won $5 for the 'Under under' prize.
Elevyn Chen, with her upset win over visitor William Hodson (1511) gained 39 points. James Stack gained 24 and Chris Wiley advanced 16. Mr Hodson, a friend of Bob Peatman, from Indiana, learned the hard way why it's called the "House of Pain" as he lost to Mr Wiley in the first round before losing to Elevyn and withdrawing. He donated 33 rating points to the House!
BLUE MOON The Marcels - words by Lorenz Hart, music by Richard Rodgers
Blue Moon, you saw me standing alone/ Without a dream in my heart /Without a love of my own/ Blue Moon, you knew just what I was there for /You heard me saying a prayer for/ Someone I really could care for /And then there suddenly appeared before me /The only one my arms will ever hold /I heard somebody whisper, "Please adore me" /And when I looked, the moon had turned to gold/ Blue Moon, now I'm no longer alone/ Without a dream in my heart/ Without a love of my own
James Stack (1600) took out Mr Foster in the second round, while Ben beat a late arriving and half point bye taking Reece Thompson (1476). Top rated Joe Moon (2096) beat Dr Cano (1808), and Longshot Larry Johnson (2056) beat Pinky Peatman (1698). Chris Wiley (1857) sent Soloman Zelman (1700) home and also moved to 2-0.
Another Longshot came through, as Larry, proving need really does focus the mind, beat Joe Moon, while Chris Wiley bested his little brother, Ben. They each won $22.
James Stack upset the good Doctor to win the under prize of $20. The thing is that if there had only been prizes for first, second, and third, Mr Stack would have tied for third with Joe Moon, who would then have entered the prize fund with his 2 points, the same as Mr Stack.
Alexander Foster received the full point bye in the last round and thereby won $5 for the 'Under under' prize.
Elevyn Chen, with her upset win over visitor William Hodson (1511) gained 39 points. James Stack gained 24 and Chris Wiley advanced 16. Mr Hodson, a friend of Bob Peatman, from Indiana, learned the hard way why it's called the "House of Pain" as he lost to Mr Wiley in the first round before losing to Elevyn and withdrawing. He donated 33 rating points to the House!
BLUE MOON The Marcels - words by Lorenz Hart, music by Richard Rodgers
Blue Moon, you saw me standing alone/ Without a dream in my heart /Without a love of my own/ Blue Moon, you knew just what I was there for /You heard me saying a prayer for/ Someone I really could care for /And then there suddenly appeared before me /The only one my arms will ever hold /I heard somebody whisper, "Please adore me" /And when I looked, the moon had turned to gold/ Blue Moon, now I'm no longer alone/ Without a dream in my heart/ Without a love of my own
Energy
The headline on Chessbase (http://www.chessbase.com/) reads: Peter Svidler leads in Russian Super Final. The story begins with: In round four he took a 14-move break... Think of it, the GM has won his first three games and he makes a draw after the opening in the fourth round, with the rest day the NEXT DAY! He only has to play one game a day, and he cannot even do that... Obviously, he lacks ENERGY. That is what set the great Bobby Fischer apart from his fellow GM's; he had the energy to play every game TO WIN! Mikhail Botvinnik once said he was "first among peers." Bobby Fischer HAD NO PEERS! He had no peers because he played UNCOMPROMISING chess. When Bobby sat down across from his opponent, the opponent KNEW, without a doubt, that Bobby was there for one reason, and ONLY one reason; and that was to WIN! Bobby Fischer did not come to draw.
I have been thinking about energy lately after reading the September 24 Dutch Treat by Hans Ree, from the Chess Cafe (http://www.chesscafe.com/). The article concerns the so-called 'Rising Stars' versus the 'Experience' tournament and the videos, such as "Korchnoi speaks." (http://www.nhchess.com/) Viktor talks about the fact that elo points do not only signify chess understanding, but also how much 'energy' a player contains. The main advantage younger players have when playing most older players is more energy. That's why it's so disappointing seeing the older Longshot Larry come down the stairs at the House grinning, saying, "A bird in the hand..." after offering a short draw and having it accepted by the young Ben Moon to share first place in the TNF. Or a player like The Stud give a short draw to a Senior like Wayne Christensen in the third round of a weekend swiss on Saturday night, especially when the older man considers it a favor! I sometimes wonder...If these young players knew of Bobby Fischer's will to win, would they still give these short draws? They put a few bucks in their pocket, but they learn nothing. The combined energy of these two young players does not compare to the energy of the 72 year-old 'Viktor Korchnoi' of Southern chess, LM Klaus Pohl!
I have been thinking about energy lately after reading the September 24 Dutch Treat by Hans Ree, from the Chess Cafe (http://www.chesscafe.com/). The article concerns the so-called 'Rising Stars' versus the 'Experience' tournament and the videos, such as "Korchnoi speaks." (http://www.nhchess.com/) Viktor talks about the fact that elo points do not only signify chess understanding, but also how much 'energy' a player contains. The main advantage younger players have when playing most older players is more energy. That's why it's so disappointing seeing the older Longshot Larry come down the stairs at the House grinning, saying, "A bird in the hand..." after offering a short draw and having it accepted by the young Ben Moon to share first place in the TNF. Or a player like The Stud give a short draw to a Senior like Wayne Christensen in the third round of a weekend swiss on Saturday night, especially when the older man considers it a favor! I sometimes wonder...If these young players knew of Bobby Fischer's will to win, would they still give these short draws? They put a few bucks in their pocket, but they learn nothing. The combined energy of these two young players does not compare to the energy of the 72 year-old 'Viktor Korchnoi' of Southern chess, LM Klaus Pohl!
Monday, October 6, 2008
New IM in Town
Inga Gurevich reports that the winner of the 2008 South Carolina Championship, IM Kirill Kuderinov has moved to Atlanta and will be staying with the Gurevich family. He has been in Texas, but is listed by FIDE as being from Kazakhstan. His FIDE rating is 2413 and his USCF rating before the SCC was 2483. The young man, born in 1987, will be attending college in the area. Kirill was nicked for a draw by the always tenacious LM Klaus Pohl, who, at 72 years young, is the South's answer to Viktor Korchnoi!
Daniel Gurevich finished with 3 points, which included a first round draw with NM Chris Mabe, and his habitual half point bye in the third round, something I like to see. Three games of chess in one day is at least one too many! It is not just Senior's who can benefit from a half point bye in the third round on Saturday night...Paul Taylor and Gerald Battaglia both finished with 2 points. Eighty players participated, an increase of twenty from the 2007 event!
Daniel has been gaining strength with every tournament and having an IM teacher can only help to improve his already strong game. The arrival of this young titled player could be just the thing for whom some players have been praying to Caissa. I look for the addition of this IM to benefit players such as Carter Peatman and Samuel Zimmerman immensely! These strong young players could see their playing strength rise by at least one class. This IM could be the tonic the greater Atlanta chess community has needed! With a strong player like this to anchor a team, it may be possible for the community to come together and place a team in the USCL from the "capital of the South!" The Atlanta Phoenix could rise!
The International Master will be playing in the G/45 at the House this Saturday. The GCA has decided to grant this tournament the desigination of a State Championship tournament. I am not entirely certain what that means. If the winner will be called the G/45 champ, does that mean we will have a G/60; G/75; & G/90 champion in the future? What about speed chess? What about G/30; G/20; G/15; G/10? Will we have a "Limbo" champion? How low will they go?
I would ask the GCA about this matter, but, rumor has it that at the last board meeting a motion to declare me the GCA's "least favorite person" was passed unanimously! I've tried to learn whether there is any truth to the rumor, but as with everything GCA, it is rather "hush-hush." My inquiries have been referred to the department of chessland security! I am afraid to press the issue any further as the possibility exists that I could be visited by the "Men in Black."
Eagles
New Kid In Town
There's talk on the street; it sounds so familiar /Great expectations, everybody's watching you /People you meet, they all seem to know you /Even your old friends treat you like you're something new /Johnny come lately, the new kid in town /Everybody loves you, so don't let them down /You look in her eyes; the music begins to play/ Hopeless romantics, here we go again /But after awhile, you're lookin' the other way/ It's those restless hearts that never mend/ Johnny come lately, the new kid in town/ Will she still love you when you're not around? /There's so many things you should have told her,/ but night after night you're willing to hold her,/ Just hold her, tears on your shoulder /There's talk on the street, it's there to/ Remind you, that it doesn't really matter/ which side you're on. /You're walking away and they're talking behind you /They will never forget you 'til somebody new comes along /Where you been lately? There's a new kid in town/ Everybody loves him, don't they? /Now he's holding her, and you're still around /Oh, my, my /There's a new kid in town just another new kid in town/ Ooh, hoo Everybody's talking 'bout the new kid in town,/ Ooh, hoo /Everybody's walking' like the new kid in town /There's a new kid in town /There's a new kid in town/ I don't want to hear it /There's a new kid in town/ I don't want to hear it/ There's a new kid in town /There's a new kid in town /There's a new kid in town
Daniel Gurevich finished with 3 points, which included a first round draw with NM Chris Mabe, and his habitual half point bye in the third round, something I like to see. Three games of chess in one day is at least one too many! It is not just Senior's who can benefit from a half point bye in the third round on Saturday night...Paul Taylor and Gerald Battaglia both finished with 2 points. Eighty players participated, an increase of twenty from the 2007 event!
Daniel has been gaining strength with every tournament and having an IM teacher can only help to improve his already strong game. The arrival of this young titled player could be just the thing for whom some players have been praying to Caissa. I look for the addition of this IM to benefit players such as Carter Peatman and Samuel Zimmerman immensely! These strong young players could see their playing strength rise by at least one class. This IM could be the tonic the greater Atlanta chess community has needed! With a strong player like this to anchor a team, it may be possible for the community to come together and place a team in the USCL from the "capital of the South!" The Atlanta Phoenix could rise!
The International Master will be playing in the G/45 at the House this Saturday. The GCA has decided to grant this tournament the desigination of a State Championship tournament. I am not entirely certain what that means. If the winner will be called the G/45 champ, does that mean we will have a G/60; G/75; & G/90 champion in the future? What about speed chess? What about G/30; G/20; G/15; G/10? Will we have a "Limbo" champion? How low will they go?
I would ask the GCA about this matter, but, rumor has it that at the last board meeting a motion to declare me the GCA's "least favorite person" was passed unanimously! I've tried to learn whether there is any truth to the rumor, but as with everything GCA, it is rather "hush-hush." My inquiries have been referred to the department of chessland security! I am afraid to press the issue any further as the possibility exists that I could be visited by the "Men in Black."
Eagles
New Kid In Town
There's talk on the street; it sounds so familiar /Great expectations, everybody's watching you /People you meet, they all seem to know you /Even your old friends treat you like you're something new /Johnny come lately, the new kid in town /Everybody loves you, so don't let them down /You look in her eyes; the music begins to play/ Hopeless romantics, here we go again /But after awhile, you're lookin' the other way/ It's those restless hearts that never mend/ Johnny come lately, the new kid in town/ Will she still love you when you're not around? /There's so many things you should have told her,/ but night after night you're willing to hold her,/ Just hold her, tears on your shoulder /There's talk on the street, it's there to/ Remind you, that it doesn't really matter/ which side you're on. /You're walking away and they're talking behind you /They will never forget you 'til somebody new comes along /Where you been lately? There's a new kid in town/ Everybody loves him, don't they? /Now he's holding her, and you're still around /Oh, my, my /There's a new kid in town just another new kid in town/ Ooh, hoo Everybody's talking 'bout the new kid in town,/ Ooh, hoo /Everybody's walking' like the new kid in town /There's a new kid in town /There's a new kid in town/ I don't want to hear it /There's a new kid in town/ I don't want to hear it/ There's a new kid in town /There's a new kid in town /There's a new kid in town
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Blast from the Past
One of the nice things about working at the House is being able to renew acquaintances with former warriors. Today Jim Houston came by the House to purchase several sets, etc. Jim lives down in Jackson these days, and owns J-Houston Plumbing (770-775-9904). He ran a chess club in the Atlanta in the past, and now runs the online ( www.grizzlychessclub.com ). He has over 200 members all over the world. Check it out! Jim reports that he will be having a gathering at his place next weekend and, when informed of the $1000 G/45, said he would try to bring them to the House! Also, look for Jim to play in the annual Boris Kogan Memorial, aka, the BoKo!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Interview with the Champ
After winning the Georgia Senior Chess Championship I had a chance for a brief interview with Mr David Vest, who now holds both the title of Georgia State Chess Champion and Georgia Senior Champion. When asked how it felt to win the Senior again, he said, "Pretty good, but there's still work to do." I'm reminded of something someone wrote concerning the last time they saw the great man, Emanuel Lasker. He said he intended on going home and studying endings in order to "become a more well-rounded player."
David went on to say he was happy to "unify" the titles and that there should "be more unity in chess." He said he won the exchange vs Scott Parker, an always tough opponent, but was unable to overcome the "stubborn resistence." He said that fact only caused him to concentrate harder in the following rounds. The game with Wayne Christensen in round two could maybe have been a draw, but for his opponents time trouble. He thought his best game was the round three game versus his arch nemesis, Alan Piper, a game he won in combination style. Mr Vest said he was fortunate to get the White pieces in the last round (because all of his potential opponents had to have the Black pieces) against a true gentleman and lover of the game, Mr Donny Gray.
The Champ said he would like to thank Rich Mielke, the TD, for a well run tournament, and the GCA for having it, and the Atlanta Chess and Game Center for hosting the Georgia Senior. He went on to say that all were "fine people." David said he would not change a thing.
Working at the House of Pain this weekend gave me a different perspective, as I was able to renew acquaintances with former opponents, like Jared Radin, and travelling companions, like John Smith, who proclaimed that not only does he not snore, but never did! The one thing I heard most from the players with whom I spoke was that they did not like playing at night. One elderly player had to drive one and a half hours, each way, to attend the tournament. Although he said he slept very well Saturday night, he would rather have gotten home much earlier. Moving the first round ahead two hours may have helped those who drove in Saturday morning, but adversely affected those who had to travel a great distance to get to the House, something obviously not taken into account by those who "tinkered" with the already published format of the tournament. From talking with Seniors all over the country, the one thing I've heard most often is that we have the most energy in the morning, and it fades as the day goes on. Many of the players told me that they usually go to bed between ten and eleven and it was a hardship to try and think when their body was usually beginning to "shut-down."
There did not seem to be any problems with the G/2 format, in lieu of the G/150 that was advertised until the GCA board, in it's wisdom, changed it at the late date. All of the players agreed that two hours was plenty of time, especially if one is to play two games a day. I did hear many longing for the old days of only one round a day...
Here is the last round game sent to me by Mr Donny Gray. He was a half point behind The High Plains Drifter and needed a win. I would like to thank Donny for sending this game, a loss. I'm reminded of seeing two first round opponents, LM Klaus Pohl, and John Smith, eating together at the Dekalb Farmers Market. Although "Smitty" lost the game, one would never have known it. That's the kind of comraderie one finds at any Senior chess tournament!
White: LM David Vest Black: Donny Gray (2128)
[Opening "Caro-Kann: classical, 6.h4"][ECO "B18"][NIC "CK.12"]
1. d4 c6 2. e4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Bf5 5. Ng3 Bg6 6. h4 h6 7. h5 Bh7 8.Nf3 Nd7 9. Bd3 Bxd3 10. Qxd3 Qc7 11. Rh4 e6 12. Bf4 Bd6 13. Bxd6 Qxd6 14.O-O-O Ngf6 15. Qe2 Qd5 16. Kb1 O-O-O 17. c4 Qa5 18. Rd3 a6 19. Ra3 Qc7 20.Ne5 Rhf8 21. b4 Nb8 22. c5 Nd5 23. Nc4 Qe7 24. Rg4 f5 25. Rg6 Rf6 26. Qe5Rxg6 27. hxg6 Qf6 28. Nd6+ Kd7 29. Nxb7 Qxe5 30. dxe5 Rg8 31. Nh5 Nxb4 32.Rb3 Nd5 33. Nd6 a5 34. Rb7+ Nc7 35. Nxg7 Na6 36. Nde8 Rxe8 37. Nxe8 Kxe8 38.Rb6 Kf8 39. Rxc6 Kg7 40. Kb2 Kxg6 41. Kb3 f4 42. Ka4 h5 43. Kxa5 h4 44. f3Nxc5 45. Rxc5 Ne8 46. Rc4 Kf5 47. Re4 Nc7 48. Kb4 Nd5+ 49. Kc4 Ne3+ 50. Kd3Nxg2 51. Ke2 h3 52. Kf2 Ne3 53. Kg1 Nd1 54. a3 Nc3 55. Re1 Nb5 56. a4 Nd457. Kf2 Nb3 58. Rb1 Nd2 59. Rh1 Kxe5 60. a5 Nc4 61. Rxh3 Kd4 62. Rh6 Nxa563. Rxe6 Kd5 64. Re4 Nc6 65. Rxf4 Ke5 66. Ke3 Ne7 67. Re4+ Kf6 1-0
David went on to say he was happy to "unify" the titles and that there should "be more unity in chess." He said he won the exchange vs Scott Parker, an always tough opponent, but was unable to overcome the "stubborn resistence." He said that fact only caused him to concentrate harder in the following rounds. The game with Wayne Christensen in round two could maybe have been a draw, but for his opponents time trouble. He thought his best game was the round three game versus his arch nemesis, Alan Piper, a game he won in combination style. Mr Vest said he was fortunate to get the White pieces in the last round (because all of his potential opponents had to have the Black pieces) against a true gentleman and lover of the game, Mr Donny Gray.
The Champ said he would like to thank Rich Mielke, the TD, for a well run tournament, and the GCA for having it, and the Atlanta Chess and Game Center for hosting the Georgia Senior. He went on to say that all were "fine people." David said he would not change a thing.
Working at the House of Pain this weekend gave me a different perspective, as I was able to renew acquaintances with former opponents, like Jared Radin, and travelling companions, like John Smith, who proclaimed that not only does he not snore, but never did! The one thing I heard most from the players with whom I spoke was that they did not like playing at night. One elderly player had to drive one and a half hours, each way, to attend the tournament. Although he said he slept very well Saturday night, he would rather have gotten home much earlier. Moving the first round ahead two hours may have helped those who drove in Saturday morning, but adversely affected those who had to travel a great distance to get to the House, something obviously not taken into account by those who "tinkered" with the already published format of the tournament. From talking with Seniors all over the country, the one thing I've heard most often is that we have the most energy in the morning, and it fades as the day goes on. Many of the players told me that they usually go to bed between ten and eleven and it was a hardship to try and think when their body was usually beginning to "shut-down."
There did not seem to be any problems with the G/2 format, in lieu of the G/150 that was advertised until the GCA board, in it's wisdom, changed it at the late date. All of the players agreed that two hours was plenty of time, especially if one is to play two games a day. I did hear many longing for the old days of only one round a day...
Here is the last round game sent to me by Mr Donny Gray. He was a half point behind The High Plains Drifter and needed a win. I would like to thank Donny for sending this game, a loss. I'm reminded of seeing two first round opponents, LM Klaus Pohl, and John Smith, eating together at the Dekalb Farmers Market. Although "Smitty" lost the game, one would never have known it. That's the kind of comraderie one finds at any Senior chess tournament!
White: LM David Vest Black: Donny Gray (2128)
[Opening "Caro-Kann: classical, 6.h4"][ECO "B18"][NIC "CK.12"]
1. d4 c6 2. e4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Bf5 5. Ng3 Bg6 6. h4 h6 7. h5 Bh7 8.Nf3 Nd7 9. Bd3 Bxd3 10. Qxd3 Qc7 11. Rh4 e6 12. Bf4 Bd6 13. Bxd6 Qxd6 14.O-O-O Ngf6 15. Qe2 Qd5 16. Kb1 O-O-O 17. c4 Qa5 18. Rd3 a6 19. Ra3 Qc7 20.Ne5 Rhf8 21. b4 Nb8 22. c5 Nd5 23. Nc4 Qe7 24. Rg4 f5 25. Rg6 Rf6 26. Qe5Rxg6 27. hxg6 Qf6 28. Nd6+ Kd7 29. Nxb7 Qxe5 30. dxe5 Rg8 31. Nh5 Nxb4 32.Rb3 Nd5 33. Nd6 a5 34. Rb7+ Nc7 35. Nxg7 Na6 36. Nde8 Rxe8 37. Nxe8 Kxe8 38.Rb6 Kf8 39. Rxc6 Kg7 40. Kb2 Kxg6 41. Kb3 f4 42. Ka4 h5 43. Kxa5 h4 44. f3Nxc5 45. Rxc5 Ne8 46. Rc4 Kf5 47. Re4 Nc7 48. Kb4 Nd5+ 49. Kc4 Ne3+ 50. Kd3Nxg2 51. Ke2 h3 52. Kf2 Ne3 53. Kg1 Nd1 54. a3 Nc3 55. Re1 Nb5 56. a4 Nd457. Kf2 Nb3 58. Rb1 Nd2 59. Rh1 Kxe5 60. a5 Nc4 61. Rxh3 Kd4 62. Rh6 Nxa563. Rxe6 Kd5 64. Re4 Nc6 65. Rxf4 Ke5 66. Ke3 Ne7 67. Re4+ Kf6 1-0
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Ben Moon Arising
Twelve players arrived for the Tuesday Night Fights, with usual House man, Bob Bassett, taking a half point bye in the first round, making it a total of thirteen for the fight night. As usual, form held in the first round with the top half clubbing the bottom half. The action heated up in the second round with Ben Moon (1766) upsetting his top rated brother, Joe (2073). Samuel Zimmerman (1647) inflicted pain upon the good doctor Cano (1800), while #2 seed, Longshot Larry Johnson beat James Stack (1648). Carter Peatman (1595) beat Bob Bassett (1554). The last round saw Longshot Larry offer a quick draw which was accepted by young Ben, and they both joined Zimmy, who had taken a half point bye in the last round, to split first prize, with each winning $14. Pinky Peatman also took a half point bye in the third round to finish with a point and a half. Bob Bassett received a full point bye in the last round, to go with his half point bye in the first round, to tie for the Under 1600 prize, with both winning $10. According to the manager, this is the first time a player has played only one of the three possible games, losing it, and won money! Let us hope it is the last...
The big winners, rating wise, were the youngsters, Ben Moon (+29) and the Z-man (+20). The big losers were the old(er) guys, Dr Cano (-15) and Bassett (-14).
Between the second and third rounds, Joe Moon was heard singing:
I see the bad ben moon arising./I see trouble on the way./I see earthquakes and lightnin./I see bad times today./Chorus: Don't go around tonight,/Well, he's bound to take your knight, Theres a bad ben moon on the rise. /I hear hurricanes ablowing./I know the end is coming soon./I fear rivers over flowing./I hear the voice of rage and ruin./ Chorus All right!/Hope you got your things together./Hope you are quite prepared to lose./Looks like were in for nasty weather./One pawn is taken for an pawn.
(With apologies to JOHN FOGERTY and Creedence Clearwater Revival )
The big winners, rating wise, were the youngsters, Ben Moon (+29) and the Z-man (+20). The big losers were the old(er) guys, Dr Cano (-15) and Bassett (-14).
Between the second and third rounds, Joe Moon was heard singing:
I see the bad ben moon arising./I see trouble on the way./I see earthquakes and lightnin./I see bad times today./Chorus: Don't go around tonight,/Well, he's bound to take your knight, Theres a bad ben moon on the rise. /I hear hurricanes ablowing./I know the end is coming soon./I fear rivers over flowing./I hear the voice of rage and ruin./ Chorus All right!/Hope you got your things together./Hope you are quite prepared to lose./Looks like were in for nasty weather./One pawn is taken for an pawn.
(With apologies to JOHN FOGERTY and Creedence Clearwater Revival )
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