Eastern New York Chess Association

Staunton Club Announces April and May Schedule

2009-04-19T14:44:00.003-05:00

April 19, 2009 is Computer Chess Software Night. Mike Mockler and Alan LeCours will lead a discussion on the use of Chessbase software. In addition we will discuss inexpensive software and some free software such as Beta Arena chess and ChessDB, and Bookup/Chess Openings Software. The idea is to share information about these interesting ways to use our computers to improve our chess.

April 26, 2009 Gary Farrell will lecture on the Two Knights Fritz-Ulvestad Variation. This is a very interesting opening sequence: 1. e5 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 d5
5. exd5 The Ulvestad move sequence is 5...b5 The main line is 6. Bf1 Nd4 7. c3 Nxd5. The Fritz move order is 5....Nd4 6. c3 b5 and if white playes 7. Bf1 we have transposed. There are various alternatives to this move order and the Fritz and the Ulvestad both have their peculiarities. One of the featured games for the lecture will be one of greatest games of alltime, the postal game between Berliner and Estrin, 1967.

May 3, 2009. Chess Matches: (1)Saratoga A vs. Albany and
(2) Saratoga B vs. Schenectady Geezers.

May 10, 2009. Quick Chess Tournament on Fritz/Ulvestad Theme. G/20. Rated. Free EF. Book prizes.

May 17, 2009. Quick Chess Tournament. No Theme. G/20. Would players prefer an EF and $$ prizes or Free EF and Book/Medal prizes?

May 24, 2009 Memorial Day. Nothing Scheduled.

May 31, 2009. Jon Leisner will give a lecture on the King's Gambit: Falkbeer Counter Gambit. Turning the tables on the Gambiteer!
1. e4 e5 2. f4 d5

June 7, 2009 Skittles Night. Possible Match Saratoga A v. Saratoga B.

Two Staunton Club Quick Chess Events

2009-04-19T14:36:00.002-05:00

On March 29, 2009 4 players participated in the Staunton Club Quick Chess "Schliemann Thematic". This tournament was based upon the lecture given by Alan LeCours on the Spanish Schlieman: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 f5 4. d4 fxe4
5. Nxe5 Nxe5 6. dxe5 c6. There were some very interesting games, hard to figure out at G/20. Alan LeCours and Jeff Hrebenach were tied for first at 2-1, Lee Battes and Ray Alguire finished at 1-2.

On April 12, 2009 Easter Sunday David Connors topped a field of 4 in the G/20 Saratoga Staunton Easter Quick Quad. He scored 2 1/2-1/2. In second was Alan LeCours with 2-1, followed by Ray Alguire 1-2 and Jeff Hrebenach 1/2-2 1/2.

Deepak Aaron Wins Staunton Club Blitz Championship

2009-04-19T14:27:00.002-05:00

On March 22, 2009 Deepak Aaron won 6 games in a row besting a field of 12 in the Saratoga Staunton Club 2009 Blitz Championship. Second place at 5-1 was Jon Leisner. Lee Battes and Dilip Aaron were tied for the 3rd through 4th prize each scoring 4-2. Places 5 through 9 all at 3-3 were Gordon Magat, Alan LeCours, Ashok Aaron and newcomer Jeffrey Hrebenach. Jon Feinberg, Ray Alguire, David Connors and Donald Bullard also participated.

Lee Battes was the Top Staunton Club Member, so he earns the Title of Staunton Club Blitz Chess Champion for the year. Deepak earned $35 for his performance.

Saratoga Tournament

2009-03-25T10:03:00.001-05:00

Eclectic Chess Promotions
Summer Tune-up
Chess Tournaments
@ the
Adirondack Sports & Fitness Summer Expo
Saratoga Springs City Center

April 4th & 5th, 2009

Registration at 10:00-10:25 am daily

Saturday April 4th:
Breakfast blitz 10:30 am -11:30 am; 5 Rds. G/5min
After-Lunch Active Chess 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm; 4 Rds. G/25min

Sunday April 5th
Morning Glory Active Chess 10:30 am - 3:30 pm; 5 Rds. G/25min
Afternoon Blitz 4:00 pm – 5 pm; 5 Rds. G/5min;

Entry Fee for Blitz $15 in advance; $20 @ door
Entry Fee for Active Chess $20 in advance; $25 @ door
Online entries http://www.eclecticchesspromotions.com
or
Checks before 3/31 to Andrew Walker, 28 Locust Park, Albany, NY, 12205
Trophies to top four places for each tournament
The horse in front is a likely winner, come be at the forefront of the chess renaissance!

Saratoga Staunton Club Announces February and March 2009 Schedule

2009-02-18T19:51:00.004-05:00

On Sunday Night, February 22 the Saratoga Staunton Chess Club holds a beginner's and new members night. The event will start at 7:00 P.M. Go to the clubs section for directions to the club. We welcome new members of all levels. Perhaps you have never been in a chess club, perhaps you did not know that one existed so nearby. Please join us.

March 1, Chess Books Night. Members are encouraged to bring the chess books that they feel were the most instructive to them. Samples of Secrets of Chess Opening Surprises, New In Chess Yearbooks, The Worlds Greatest Chess Books, Modern Chess Openings, and many other books will be available for your perusal. You will have the opportunity to meet and join the Staunton Club players, share your experiences with chess and chess books.

March 8. This is an opportunity to Present Games from recent events. We will try to present about 4 games using about 15 to 20 minutes for each game on a display board. If you want to present a game contact Alan LeCours.

March 15. Alan LeCours will Lecture on the Ruy Lopez Schlieman/Jaenisch Gambit the 4. d4 Line. 1. e4 e5, 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 f5 4. d4 fxe4 5. Nxe5 Nxe5 6. dxe5 c6
7. Nc3 cxb5 (White sacrifices a bishop!) Written material provided at lecture. Thematic quick chess to be held on 3/29.

March 22. The Saratoga Staunton Club Blitz Chess Championship (Unrated)G/5. EF $7/$5(SSC-members) Prizes: $35/15/5 based upon 12 entries.

March 29, 2009 Thematic Chess Tournament. Quick Chess Rated. 3-SS. G/20. Free. Prizes Book/Medals.

Katrein Wins 2008-9 Staunton Club Championship

2009-02-18T19:44:00.002-05:00

Matt Katrein has won the 2008-9 Saratoga Staunton Chess Club Chess Championship. He did this with a score of 9 out of 10. His only loss came to Bill Little. Steve Taylor finished second with a score of 8.5 out of 10. Both players played very solid chess. Raymond Alguire won the Under 1800 prize with the best score of 3.5 out of 10. Peter Michelman has 7 out of 10, and Bill Little has 6.5 out of 9 with one game to play, and can possibly surpass Peter with a win for third place.

Congratulations to all players for another great installment of the Championship. The earlier Blogs for the Saratoga Staunton Club Players showing the standings and the round by round results can be viewed for more information.

Cabin Fever Breakout Chess Tournament

2009-02-04T21:00:00.002-05:00

Cabin Fever Breakout Chess Tournament
Date: Feb 21st - Feb 22nd, 2009
Venue: Best Western Albany Airport Inn,
Wolf Road, Albany, NY
http://www.bestwesternalbanyairport.com (518) 458-1000

Four Rds SS - Two sections Open and U1800; Time Control G/90
EF: $45 for Open section & U1900 section, Students under 25yrs EF: $25 photo ID req.
REG 9:00am-10:00am, Rds @ 10:30am, 2:30pm both Sat & Sun.
Prizes $1325 based on 50 entries Depends on Entrants(DOE)
Open section - $300, $200, $100, best U2000 $75:
U1800 - $250, $175, $100, $50, best U1400 $75

Four Rds middle & elementary school kids tournament depending on entrants
EF: $15.00 Trophies to top 5 five places, G/60 (same times as above)

SAT BLITZ SS tourney - six rounds at G/5 mins in two sections: Open and U1900
Starts @ 6:00 PM on Saturday
EF: $15.00 Based on at least ten entrants
Open prizes: $65, $40, $25 U1900 prizes: $65, $40, $25

Advance Entries: Postal mail: Eclectic Chess Promotions, 28 Locust Park, Albany, NY 12205, cheque payable to Andrew Walker ; $5 surcharge at the door on Feb 21st, 2009. or http://www.eclecticchesspromotions.com Hotel room chess rate $74/day
50% of prizes in all sections guaranteed; max payout depends DOE but proportionately scaled.
Contact: eclecticchess@eclecticchesspromotions.com or (518)478-2634
http://www.eclecticchesspromotions.com

A final note

2009-02-03T20:51:00.005-05:00

Oh! I want to add one last blog. Because I want to acknowledge the people who work behind the scenes at to send daily reports in to ICC and Chessbase. They do not have a glamorous job, they work long hours, and I would think it takes a lot for them to "keep their head in the game."

First, let me correct my early misspelling of the name of Macauley Peterson.

Macauley welcomed me shortly after I entered the press room. At first I was "you're THE Macauley Peterson?? Wow!" And then it was like, "duh! where else would he be?!" Once over this revelation, I also met Peter Doggers of ChessVibes. And I spent most of one round with them. I came to really appreciate that their job of reporting on the world class tournaments is not as exciting as you might think.

So first, they are in the back rooms for many, many hours each day. And the back rooms are comfortable but it isn't where you want to spend half a day if you have your druthers. Then they are dealing with making sure all of the technology is working, trying to take photos and video footage ... of something ... something worth recording.

For the first few hours of the round, all games are being played and there is nobody to speak with. When the GM's finish their games, very few are cooperative with being interviewed, let alone willing to go over their game at an analysis board. Maybe it's just the players are tired but typically it seems like the reporters have to work hard to get anything to work with. Like they almost have to corner a player as they try to scoot out the back door just to get a few comments out of them. ** It would certainly help the public appeal of the sport if the top players could put a little more "oomph" into their being interviewed. ** And the reporters are there for hours after the last game ends sending in their reports.

So I really want to acknowledge Macauley and Peter for the jobs they do. They struck me as a couple of good guys who coaxed stories out of people who are, for the most part, quiet and introverted. They are exceptionally professional and dedicated to providing us chess players (and their customers) with interesting chess news even on the days when it all must be dreadfully dull. And, not to be overlooked, they are doing so far from home, much of the time in back rooms, and for weeks or months at a time. Thank you guys!

There was also a whole team of people there in the main control room (distinct from the press room) that I did not really meet. They may have a similar lifestyle and challenges and are just as deserving of some acknowledgement. I just cannot say. But they at least appeared to be a group, with comradery and mutual support, while Peter and Macauley seemed to be more on their own in the other room.

So when you are at home, all comfy and following games like Magnus vs Levon on your computer, I encourage you to appreciate that you are getting the service that you paid for and that the reporters "over there" are dedicated to finding the stories you will enjoy.

Now this reporter will sign off for the last time. I have really enjoyed sharing these tales from the other side of the pond. I hope you have enjoyed them, too. And if this sounds like a fun trip, I say go yourself to one of the top events like Corus or Linares and soak it up.

This is Phil Ferguson for ENYCA, saying goodbye from Corus 2009!

And I played, too!

2009-02-03T19:49:00.007-05:00

Meet Wout, my opponent in my final game of my own tournament in Wijk Ann Zee (pronounced VIKE-un-zae). I played poorly in my first game and I intentionally threw my second game so I could go be a reporter. But this day the GM's had an off day. I could completely focus on playing my game. This was to be my one good effort.

How the three day tournament for amateurs works is they break the whole 400+ players up into quads. So I had seen Wout play twice already and he seemed to play quiet, positional games. I was very happy to have the opportunity to play a Morra Gambit against him. I kept the tension high throughout the game and he burned up a LOT of time early on. I dominated the center and he never got his rooks into the game. I was relishing the whole game!

Ferguson,Phil (1813) - Van Wynen,Wout (1827) [B21] 2009 Corus, Round 3

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.c3 dxc3 5.Nxc3 d6 6.Bc4 e6 7.0-0 Be7 8.Qe2 a6 9.a3 Qc7 10.Bf4 Bd7 11.Rac1 Qb8 12.Rfd1 Nf6 13.Rd2 Ne5 14.Ba2 Nxf3+!? Here I chose to open more lines to keep his king in the center. 15.gxf3 g5 So he will attack after all! BUT he is down to just 18 minutes. 16.Be3 Rg8 17.Bb6 Qc8 18.Qd1 Bc6 19.b4 g4 20.f4 Qb8 21.Qe2 Nd7 22.Be3 Bf6 23.f5 Fritz prefers 23. b5 but I wanted to create more pressure in the center. He is down to 7 minutes for his next 18 moves. 23...exf5 24.Bd5 Ne5 25.Bxc6+ [25.exf5 Nf3+ 26.Kh1 Be5= (26...Nxd2? 27.Bxc6+ with threats of Ba7+ or Nd5) ] 25...bxc6 26.Kh1 Qb7? Just when it dawned on me that I have lost my initiative he blunders. [26...fxe4 27.Bf4 Rg6 28.Nxe4 Be7-/+] 27.Rxd6 Be7 28.Rdd1 a5 29.Bf4 [better was 29.exf5 ] 29...Ng6 30.Bd6 axb4 31.axb4 Bxd6 32.Rxd6 Ne7 33.exf5 Kf8 34.Qe4 Nd5 35.Nxd5 cxd5 36.Rxd5 Qe7 37.Re5 Qd8 38.Re1 Rc8 39.Qf4 with a subtle threat that he misses completely 39...Qd3?? 40.Qh6+ Rg7 41.f6 1-0

As I played my last move, two guys watching the game start fussing over the board and talking in Dutch. They move my pawn back and start pointing to the clock, which looked to me like my opponent just made the time control. But there is much consternation and I assume his clock fell but nobody will speak English! Arr! So I keep saying "it doesn't matter, I'm playing this and it's over." Eventually they agreed and peace was restored.

What I loved next was that Wout said aloud in English "that was a real fighting game!" Then we went into the bar that was in the same building, enjoyed some tasty Dutch beers, went over the game and just talked. A very warm ending to my 3 day adventure.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the Corus setting is how social it is. Aside from when the games are going on, the place is buzzing with people talking it up! You hear Dutch, German and who knows what other languages. And it is a very relaxed atmosphere. In the playing hall, you can order split pea soup, beer, coffee, uniquely Dutch cookies, etc and enjoy them at your board. The adjacent bar serves pretty lame sandwiches (to be honest) and lots of great beer. But those Dutch people love to hang out together and talk and it was that buzz of people talking and enjoying each others company that I will remember fondly.

I heard that there were other pubs in town that were fun, and you might even see GM's there. Unfortunately, I never made those rounds as I was too tired my first night and too sick my second night. I hope somebody else goes next year and reports back to us about what that's like.

GM Lecture and Simul - Free

2009-02-03T09:07:00.003-05:00

GM Ronen Har-Zvi will give a talk followed by a simul at Williams College, Williamstown MA, 01267, on February 8th at 2pm. The simul will be at 3. The event will be held in Griffin 3. If you want a seat at the simul, drop me a line at tmurphy at williams.edu. I will be happy to reserve your spot. Seats are limited.

Day of, you will want to park in the "lower lot" which is behind, or north of Griffin. A map can be found at http://www.williams.edu/home/campusmap/. You would take Southworth and take a left after St. Patricks followed by a left into the parking area.

After thoughts

2009-02-02T07:15:00.003-05:00

The 2009 Corus Tournament ended yesterday with Sergey Karjakin pulling away from the pack in the last round to win the event outright. I am not surprised. When I had the privelege of being in the back rooms at Corus, I had a sense that he was in the best mental shape for the tournament (in the A Group). He was playing confidently, taking risks, while many of the other top GM's just seemed to be struggling.

And with the end of the tournament, I realize if I am to write any more about my experience there, now is the time. So I will add a couple more blogs this week and that will be it. They will be short as that will encourage me to actually get them done. (Not requiring much time.)

I have one anecdote with Karjakin, pronounced Keer-ee-AH-kin. It was at the very end of my big day as a reporter. I was tired, and ready to call it a day, when I came upon Karjakin watching two "B Group GM's", Alexander Motylev and Jan Werle, going over their game. It was a wild and extremely complicated position and they were looking for better lines. Wow, this was so cool. Their ratings were 2706, 2676 and 2607 respectively and I am just watching them explore ideas I couldn't fathom, and I was loving it.

But I was needing to get some rest and it went on for a while. And knowing my press pass was used up (as the next day the GM's were off), I decided to try something - I suggested a move. Ha!!! It took some gall, yes, but what the heck, let's see what happens!

Well it was subtle but very clear ... Motylev's hand over the board just paused for a second, he frowned and then kept talking to Werle. While Karjakin, who was quietly slumped in a chair next to them, slowly lifted his head and looked me in the eye curiously. The look was "you actually said something ... patzer??!!" I felt a chill and just smiled and shrugged my shoulders.

That seemed like the right time to end my 24 hours as a chess reporter. They kept going and I went on to my room. Tired but totally satisfied with my great time so far - and tomorrow I had a real chess game of my own to play!

See, I told you.

2009-01-25T19:47:00.002-05:00

Hello again. My recent days of silence were related to finishing my trip, getting home, and having a chance to blog from my own computer. I will have more to post in the coming week, including more pics.

For now I just want to offer proof that I really was at Corus in the press room. Here I am giving analysis of what went horribly wrong in my own first round game. :)

Corus: Jan 20th Part II

2009-01-20T13:29:00.001-05:00

Meeting the GM's:

There I am walking through the media control room for ICC when I come across Nigel Short and Jonathan Speelman watching games and doing some analysis. I am star struck and just stand next to them and listen in, barely laughing along with Short's prattle of jokes and quips. He likes to not take things too seriously. His friend Mr. Speelman meanwhile keeps asking Nigel for his insights. Eventually, Nigel says "Why don't you think that one through yourself, John? You can do that, yeah? I just got off work today."

Nigel moves along to the room I am in now, where the laptops and display boards are. I gave him a few minutes before I follow and when I came in, he and Vassily Ivanchuk are now watching the boards and chatting. I listen in:

VI: Why isn't Garry (Kasparov) playing any more, Nigel. Be real.
NS: Because he's bored. Vassily, you are about the whole breadth of the game. He is into other things.
VI: No really...
NS: It takes a lot to prepare (for tournaments). And Gary is all about getting results. He's into big things.

Vassiliy, or "Chuckie" as Nigel calls him, stops talking. I am there once again listening in, petrified to say anything. (I am so startstruck!) But I chime in with a impromptu casual conversation.

PF: So do you still talk with Kaspaprov?
NS: Oh yes, we stay in pretty regular communication.
PF: How often is that?
NS: Once or twice a month maybe. But it's not like he is calling me up asking me for some of my novelties. Like I am not going to just up and share with him my TWO novelties! Ha! ... Hey Chuckie, do you miss playing Garry? Is that it? Well I don't. I wouldn't have missed playing him 20 years ago either! I've had quite enough of that.

Chuckie just smirks and eventually leaves the room.

PF: So what does Garry say about how it is going in Russia (politically)?
NS: Oh, pretty pessimistic stuff.

And Nigel realizes there is a dinner he is to attend and he gets ready to go. I summon up the courage to actual BE a reporter and formally ask him a question. He says “okay what’s your question?” I honestly had one prepared:

PF: Nigel, you certainly have a good sense of humor. What other top players have a great sense of humor?

NS: Well that’s an interesting question. (The other media guys agreed. Score one for me!)

NS: Lots of players. Hmmm. Certainly NOT Leko! Ha! But don’t quote me on that.” (Sorry, I am.)

NS: Chuckie is really a funny guy. He has a good sense of humor. You know he really has come around over the years. He used to be, well, pretty strange. But he really has become a good guy. He’s very approachable, too. (Too bad I didn’t take a chance to talk with him, I had a lot of opportunities.)

NS: Aronian has a good sense of humor. But Radjabov is VERY serious. Really. He was like that even when he was 12. You know last year Radja was the only one who didn’t know about my Cheparinov (sp?) incident! Even Anand got up from his game to find out what happened but Radja just stayed right at his board staring at his game. Very serious!

PF: Thank you very much Mr. Short, this has been my honor.

Booyah!

And later I was able to watch Aronian and Carlsen get interviewed briefly for the internet about their game. It was pretty dull.

I tried to take some digital pics today to share but that didn’t work out. They are blurred. Rats! I took many more film pics. Hopefully I will have something ready for posting by the end of January.

I may post more. But for now I think I will bask in all that happened today and go enjoy a dinner.

Till next time… this is Phil Ferguson, Live from Corus, for ENYCA

(I get a kick just writing that! Ha!)

Corus: Jan 20th

2009-01-20T10:55:00.001-05:00

Today is my first full day in Wijk aan Zee and as one emboldened as a member of the press corps! I woke up refreshed from the very quiet night in this very quiet town, then went to walk to the beach. Along the way I met the Team Captain for the Chinese players Wang Yue and Hou Yifan. I didn't catch her name but we had already met twice yesterday and we walked and talked about chess in China and the USA. She had heard that chess was not doing well in the USA, I confirmed that. She also said the US government made a mistake by not supporting Bobby Fischer and subsequent chess clubs that sprung up like weeds in the US. In China, the government pays the coaches and I believe subsidizes the players. This woman's paid full time job was to manage the team on all international trips. (I didn't ask what that involved.) You is 15 years old and I asked if she has fun playing at these events or does she take it seriously. She said she enjoys herself up until the game starts and then she gets very serious. And she said that Hou is very smart and acts very adult already. I need to speak with her again because I gotta ask about those hair clips!

After my walk, I stopped for brunch at a hotel. There was Alexander Morozevich and his second four tables away. They are very relaxed, joking, and speaking French! (Later I learned that for most Russians, French is their second language due to their long historical roots.) As they finish their food, they go off for a seaside walk about an hour before the game today. As I am leaving, I see that Rustam Masimdzhanov is sitting alone just behind me, very deep in thought sipping some tea.

This is a cozy little town, eh?

At the tournament, I basically tossed my personal game away so I could enjoy the top grandmasters at work. Of course, for the first three hours, they ALL sit, stretch, pace around, stare, make faces, ... stare some more, pace, sip something ... and occassionally they make a move. I took a bunch of pictures but so far they are on film and they will be posted a bit after I get home. Maybe I'll get a couple in today before my last battery dies.

So these installments of my reports, as you might guess, will be lacking information about the actual chess playing. I am not good enough to do that justice. And I will be doing installments as I don't know how often and for how long I'll be able to grab an internet connection in the press room. When I do report, I want to convey the personal side of being here, whatevr that may be. So enjoy that if it appeals to you.

Here are my first impressions of some of the players:

Vasily Ivanchuk is a tall and impressive person, dressed in black suits each day. He walks around most of the time, making a variety of faces, and tetering back and forth as he walks.

Teymour Radjabov reminds me of a young Paul Simon. He might be 5’4” and is not skinny (like many other players are here I have noticed).

David Navara appears to be a very timid soul. He walks around looking down, cautiously moving past people. He also is squinting most of the time.

Fabiano Caruana is simply looks a skinny kid with glasses.

Similar to Ivanchuk, Nigel Short does a lot of walking, looking around, and contorting his face. He is tall and slightly hunched over, even as he walks.

Krishnan Sasikiran, the top player in the B group, dresses in traditional Indian clothing. With such regal looking clothing and penetrating eyes, he leaves a very strong first impression.

Magnus Carlsen and Gata Kamsky have been disappointing for me - they sit at their boards a lot and stare, and haven’t done anything worth commenting on thus far. Yawn.

Levon Aronian on the other hand is dressed in a WILD shirt and he is very animated in his facial expression, yet he also looks so bored or aloof. In his game today with Carlsen, he sacrificed a knight for 2 pawns and that drew a large crowd of the other GM’s to check it out.

Let me leave this instalment at this. More to come.

This is Phil Ferguson, Live From Corus, for ENYCA

Live from Corus!

2009-01-19T14:20:00.000-05:00

Hello ENYCA chess fans!

Your intrepid reporter, moi, made it here today at Wijk aan Zee in the Netherlands for the Corus Tournament. Some of you have heard me speak about attending this world class event and, well, THIS IS IT!

I am playing in one of their three day events and today played my first game and lost to a very strong Dutch player. It was a Benko that I played badly but what the heck. It was fun.

But it is incredible to get that I am actually here, in the playing hall that I have seen on the internet for the past years. It is really happening, I am here and so are some of the top players in the world. Today was Day 3 of the Grandmasters tournament. And there they are ... Kamsky outplayed Morozevich, Ivanchuk lost to Radjabov, and draws occurred with Carlesen - Movsesian, Adams - Dominguez, and there were other results I won't spend time on here.

Because I am actually in the press room right now - SNAP! ... with Ivanchuk and what seems like his second nearby presumably going over the game he lost and using a computer. It is very quiet and when they do speak it is in Russian or something. And the press don't speak to the players, just let them be. It's all good - I am in the gosh darn press room with him! Wow!

Yes, this isn't much of a news report. I missed any analysis of the GM games while I was playing my own game. I am hoping to sit in on the analysis ofm Karjakin - Yue when it is over. It is a wild looking game on the monitor before me and they are still playing. Hopefully they will do some analysis but this place is empty so probably not happening.

So why I am soooooo excited is that I heard that no regular players were allowed to attend the news conferences. I informed them I am from the USA and a reporter for ENYCA. They allowed me in!!!! I got a 2 day pass!

Tomorrow I play again and the GM's as well. I am already starting to plan on playing blitz speed, losing my game in all likelihood, just so I can attend as many press briefings as possible and then report back to this blog. My last round, on Wednesday, will be my serious game as the GM's have that day off.

So for now chess fans, let me wrap up with whatever else I can think of that is kinda cool about being here. I'll report on GM analysis and what that is like once I get myself oriented and do that. Hmmm...

The weather today was just what I expected: NASTY! Wind whipped rain and cold. VERY dark and gloomy. I am having trouble even photographing outdoors with my 400 ASA film. I went to the store before the start of the round and had to change into dry pants to go back and play. The town is right by the sea and not much happening here outside of the tournament.

The hall itself has a bar for meeting, eating and consuming beverages before and after the chess. Inside the hall, there is a snack bar. I had an old fashioned glass bottle of Coke and later some tasty Dutch cookie and a coffee. All while I played. And the amateurs play in their sections broken down into quads. So I have met the other two Dutch players I will face in the next two days.

Haaaaaaaaaaaa! I just talked with McCauley Peterson from USCF and ICC fame (RIGHT?). He was sitting behind me this whole time. He had to get to the grocery store before it closed and we'll talk more tomorrow. How coool!

And I learned how the tech people and the software work for ICC purposes. I'll get back to that another time.

I am going back to watch Karjakin finish his game and see who else is around. More to come!!! Yea baby!

Phil Ferguson

6th Williams College Open

2009-01-12T11:21:00.004-05:00

Mark Bourque won the Williams College Open on Saturday with 3 wins. The door was open in the second round when the top four seeds all drew. 2nd place was shared by Williams College alum Arthur Xanthos, Williams College student Dan Grossman, and Michael Corrigan. Seven people shared 3rd place including Williams College faculty member Steven Gerrard, and Williams College staff member and alum John Germanowski. The prize fund was $650 for 28 players. Thanks to Williams College Alumni who donated to the prize fund.

2009 Studio Quad dates now posted on ENYCA site

2008-12-19T16:31:00.002-05:00

These fantastic and affordable USCF rated chess tournaments will be held on:
Jan. 25
Feb. 22
March 29
April 26
May 31
June 28
July 26
August 23
Sept. 20
October 25
Nov. 22

Four player round robins played at the rate of game in two hours. Entry fee is $7 and trophies will be awarded to the winners of each section.
Registration begins at 9 a.m. and play begins at 10 a.m. at the Studio of Bridge and Games, 1639 Eastern Ave., Schenectady

This would be a good place to have your first USCF rated tournament.

Results from the New York State Action and Quick Chess Championships

2008-11-20T13:52:00.001-05:00

Deepak Aaron won nine consecutive games over two tournaments on Saturday, November 8 in the New York State Action and Quick Chess Championships, held at the Quality Inn and Suites in Latham, a suburb of Albany. Aaron, a 14-year-old Expert who represented New York and placed third at the 2008 U.S. Cadet Championship in Lindsborg, Kansas this summer, won both championships.

Aaron swept the Action Championship first with a perfect 4-0 score, winning the 10-player Open section by a full point while playing the next four highest placing players. Philip Sells was clear second with a 3-1 score, and there was a four-way tie for third among William Little, tournament director Karl Heck, rising junior Patrick Chi and Heather Har-Zvi. Chi and Har-Zvi, wife of Grandmaster Ronen Har-Zvi, won the class prize.

Joshua Jaffe, a junior player from the Syracuse area, won the eight-player Scholastic section while upsetting top-rated David Antonucci, Jr. in the third round despite a 300-point rating difference. Antonucci was clear second in the section with three points.

In the six-round Quick Championship held later the same day, Aaron continued his magic by winning his first five games. One of the victories was a win over prohibitive favorite GM Ronen Har-Zvi in the third round. Needing only a draw, Aaron got one against local class-A player Peter Henner in the final round, ending the day with two State titles and 9 1/2 points out of 10 for the day. Har-Zvi was clear second in the 14-playeer Open section with a 5-1 score, and Ashok Aaron was clear third with four points. The class prize was won by RPI student Wayne Powers with three points.

David Antonucci won the four-player Scholastic section with a 5-1 score. The event was conducted as a double round robin. Joshua Jaffe was second with a 3-3 score.

Both tournaments were organized and directed by Empire Chess editor and NYSCA Treasurer Karl Heck for the third consecutive year. It is the fifth consecutive year that the Quick Championship has been in the Albany area, and the turnout of 18 players for each event was sufficient to ensure its return for a sixth time in 2009. It is believed that the format for these championships is unique among the states.

Upcoming Tournaments

2008-11-18T13:13:00.002-05:00

11TH ANNUAL GREENWICH HOLIDAY OPEN
December 6th
3 Round Swiss System
Round 1 g/75, Rounds 2 and 3 g/90 Greenwich Free Library, Academy and Main St. (NYS Rt. 29), Greenwich, NY. Setions: Open - Entry Fee $20. U1500 - Entry Fee $15; Both sections are $5 less for LIfe and New members who join at the site.
Prizes: based on 16 paid entries, Open: $70, $35. U1750: $50; U1500: $50, $25 U1250: $40.
Registration is from 9 to 9:45am.
Rounds are at 10:00, 1:15, and 5. Contact John Hartnett at truhart2@verizon.net for more information

WILLIAMS COLLEGE OPEN

WHAT: USCF Rated Chess Tournament
(Must be a USCF member or join at the tournament.)
Game/90 minute
WHEN: Saturday, January 10th, 2009
WHERE: Griffin 3 and 4.
REGISTRATION: 9:00AM-9: 45 AM
ROUNDS: 10:00 AM; 1:30 PM; and 5:00 PM
Accelerated pairings will be used.
ENTRY FEE: $15. Free for college students.
Advanced entry fee of $10 if received by January 5th to Trevor Murphy, 23 Meadow Street, Williamstown, MA 01267.

PRIZES (based on 15 paid entries):
Top half
1st $100
2nd $60
3rd $40

Bottom half
1st $80
2nd $50
3rd $30

Top Unrated $25
Top College Student $25
Top High School Student $25
Top Middle School Student $25
DIRECTIONS:
Driving directions to Williamstown, MA 01267 can be found at
http://www.williams.edu/home/visitors/
or by using mapquest.com with 844 Main Street, Williamstown, MA 01267.
A Campus Map depicting Griffin Hall can be found at http://www.williams.edu/home/campusmap/map_f.php
PARKING: Park behind Griffin in the lower lot. Access the parking lot by taking Rt. 2/main street to Southworth and taking the first left. The parking area will be on the left with Griffin Hall being at the top of the hill.
QUESTIONS: Trevor Murphy at tmurphy@williams.edu

Schenectady Chess Club Championship--Round by Round Results

2008-10-30T16:38:00.008-05:00

October 9, 2008--Round One
Section A
W. Little 1/2--1/2 J. Barnes
G. Dipre--1-0--D. Aaron
B. Saran--0-1--C. Adamec
A. LeCours--1-0--M.Miletta
P. Sells--1-0--M.Stanley
Section B
B.Rotter--Y.Kamakamedala--reschedule
D. Howard--1-0--J. Schanz
R. Chu--1-0--D. Malone
J.Lack--M.Mockler--reschedule
M.Clough--0-1--P.Henner

October 16,2008--Round Two
Section A
J.Barnes--P.Sells--reschedule
M.Stanley--0-1--A.LeCours
M.Miletta--0-1--B.Saran
C.Adamec--1-0--G.Dipre
D.Aaron--0-1--W.Little
Section B
Y.Kamakamedala 0--1 M.Clough
P.Henner 1--0 J.Lack
M.Mockler--1/2-1/2--R.Chu
D.Malone--0-1--D.Howard
J. Schanz--0-1--B.Rotter

October 30, 2008--Round Three
Section A
D.Aaron--0-1--J.Barnes
W.Little--1/2-1/2-- C.Adamec
G.Dipre--1-0--M.Miletta
B. Saran--1-0--M.Stanley
A.LeCours--1-0--P.Sells
Section B
J.Schanz--1--0--Y.Kamakamedala
B.Rotter--D.Malone--reschedule --Rotter W/D
D.Howard--1--0--M.Mockler
R.Chu--0-1--P.Henner
J.Lack--1-0--M.Clough

November 6, 2008--Round Four
Section A
J.Barnes--0-1--A.LeCours
P.Sells--1-0--B.Saran
M.Stanley--0-1--G.Dipre
M.Miletta--0-1--W.Little
C.Adamec--1-0--D.Aaron

Section B
Y.Kamakamedala--0-1--J.Lack
M.Clough--0-1--R.Chu
P.Henner--D.Howard--reschedule
M.Mockler--Bye
D.Malone--0-1--J.Schanz

November 20, 2008--Round Five
Section A
C.Adamec 1--0 J.Barnes
D.Aaron 0--1 M.Miletta
W.Little 1--0 M.Stanley
G.Dipre 0--1 P.Sells
B.Saran 1/2 --1/2 A.LeCours

Section B
D.Malone 0--1 Y.Kamakamedala
J.Schanz 0--1 M.Mockler
Bye--P.Henner
D.Howard 1--0 M.Clough
R.Chu 0--1 J.Lack

December 4, 2008
Section A
J. Barnes 1--0 B. Saran
A. LeCours -- G. Dipre--reschedule
P.Sells 0--1 W. Little
M.Stanley 0--1 D. Aaron
M.Miletta 1/2-1/2 C. Adamec

Section B
Y.Kamakamedala 0--1 R. Chu
J. Lack 1--0 D. Howard
M.Clough--Bye
P. Henner 1--0 J.Schanz
M.Mockler 1--0 D.Malone

December 18, 2008
Section A
M.Miletta 0--1 J. Barnes
C.Adamec 1--0 M. Stanley
D. Aaron 0--1 P.Sells
W.Little 0--1 A. LeCours
G.Dipre 0--1 B. Saran

Section B
M.Mockler 1--0 Y. Kamakamedala
D.Malone -- P. Henner --rescheduled
J.Schanz 1--0 M.Clough
J.Lack--Bye
D.Howard 1--0 R.Chu

January 8, 2009
Section A
J.Barnes -- G.Dipre
B.Saran 0F--1F W. Little
A.LeCours 1--0 D. Aaron
P.Sells 1/2--1/2 C.Adamec
M.Stanley 0--1 M.Miletta

Section B
Y.Kamakamedala -- D.Howard
R. Chu--Bye
J. Lack -- J.Schanz
M.Clough -- D. Malone
P.Henner 0--1 M.Mockler

January 22, 2009
Section A
M.Stanley -- J.Barnes
M.Miletta 0--1 P. Sells
C.Adamec 1--0 A.LeCours
D.Aaron -- B.Saran
W.Little 1--0 G.Dipre

Section B
P.Henner --Y.Kamakamedala
M.Mocker -- M.Clough
D.Malone 0--1 J.Lack
J.Schanz -- R.Chu
D.Howard --Bye

Schenectady Chess Club Championship--The Players

2008-10-17T07:15:00.008-05:00

The Schenectady Chess Club Championship Began on October 9, 2008
This year the Championship will have two preliminary Sections, and 8 players will qualify for the finals.

Section A (Listed in Rating Order/Rating/Pairing Number)
1. C. Adamec-- 2031 #3-- 7.5/9--83.3%
2. W. Little --1958 #5 -- 7/9--77.7%
3. P. Sells --1951 #9 -- 5.5/8-- 68.8%
4. A. LeCours-- 1874 #8 -- 5.5/6--81.3%
5. J. Barnes --1859 #10 --3.5/6--58.3%
6. B. Saran --1603 #7 --3.5/8--43.8%
7. M. Miletta-- 1442 #2 -- 2/9--22.2%
8. G. Dipre --1434 #6 --3/7--42.9%
9. M. Stanley-- 973 #1 --0/7--0%
10. D. Aaron-- 914 #4 --1/9--11.1%

Section B
1. D. Howard --2000 #6 -- 6/7--85.8%
2. M. Mockler-- 1960 #2 -- 5.5/8--78.6%
3. P. Henner --1930 #1 --4/5--80%
4. B. Rotter --1923 #5 -- 1/1 --Withdrawn
5. J. Lack --1882 #8 -- 6/7--85.8%
6. R. Chu --1500 #7 --3.5/7--50%
7. J. Schanz-- 1449 #4 -- 3/8--37.5%
8. M. Clough--1290 #9 --1/6--16.7%
9. D. Malone --1157 #2--0/7--0%
10. Y. Kamakamedala-- 652 #10--1/7--14.3%

Staunton Club Championship--List of Players

2008-10-17T07:01:00.011-05:00

Players Listed in Rating Order
1. Matt Katrein 2240----- 9/10.....90.0%
2. Steven Taylor 2126----- 8.5/10....85%
3. Peter Michelman 2047----- 7/10......70%
4. Lee Battes 2000----- 2.5/9.....27.8%
5. Gordon Magat 1954----- 5.5/10....55%
6. Bill Little 1949----- 6.5/9......72.2%
7. Alan LeCours 1878----- 6.5/10......65% (plus win Salage)
8. Ray Alguire 1637----- 3.5/10....35%
9. David Connors 1539----- 2/9......22.2%
10. Peter Sparagna 1427----- .5/9.....5.5%
11. Gary Salage 1410----- 0/1......0% withdrawn
12. Heather Har-Zvi 1402----- 1.5/10.....15%

Staunton Club Championship 2008

2008-10-12T09:15:00.014-05:00

Round by Round Results

Round One 9/28/08
Wm. Little 1/2-1/2 S. Taylor
L.Battes 0-1 G. Magat
P. Sparagna 0-1 R. Alguire
D. Connors 1-0 H. Har-Zvi
M. Katrein 1-0 P. Michelman (Played 10/5/08)
G. Salage 0-1 A. LeCours

Round Two 10/5/08
R. Alguire 1/2-1/2 L. Battes
G. Magat 1/2-1/2 W. Little
S. Taylor -- Bye
A. LeCours 1-0 D. Connors
H. Har-Zvi 0--1 M. Katrein (played Jan. '09)
P. Michelman 1--0 P. Sparagna
Round Three 10/12/08
P. Michelman 1-0 R. Alguire
P. Sparagna 1/2-1/2 H. Har-Zvi (Played 10/5/08)
M. Katrein 1-0 A. LeCours
D. Connors 0-1 S. Taylor
G. Magat --Bye
W. Little -- L. Battes (Rescheduled Battes)

Round Four 10/19/08
R. Alguire 0-1 W. Little
L. Battes -- Bye
G. Magat 1-0 D. Connors
S. Taylor 0-1 M. Katrein
A. LeCours 1--0 P. Sparagna
H. Har-Zvi 0-1 P. Michelman

Round Five 10/26/08
H. Har-Zvi 0-1 R. Alguire
P. Michelman 0-1 A. LeCours
P. Sparagna 0-1 S. Taylor
M. Katrein 1-0 G. Magat
D. Connors 1-0 L. Battes
Bye -- W. Little

Round Six 11/2/08
R. Alguire -- Bye
W. Little 1--0 D. Connors
L. Battes 0--1 M. Katrein
G. Magat 1--0 P. Sparagna
S. Taylor 1--0 P. Michelman
A. LeCours 0--1 H. Har-Zvi

Round Seven 11/9/08
A. LeCours 1--0 R. Alguire
H. Har-Zvi 0--1 S. Taylor
P. Michelman 1--0 G. Magat
P. Sparagna 0--1 L. Battes
M. Katrein 0--1 W. Little
D. Connors -- Bye

Round Eight 11/16/2008
R. Alguire 1--0 D. Connors
W. Little 1--0 P. Sparagna
L. Battes 0--1 P. Michelman
G. Magat 1--0 H. Har-Zvi
S. Taylor 1--0 A. LeCours
M. Katrein-- Bye

Round Nine 11/23/2008

S. Taylor 1--0 R. Alguire
A. LeCours 1--0 G. Magat
L. Battes 1--0 H. Har-Zvi
P. Michelman 1--0 W. Little
M. Katrein 1--0 D. Connors
P. Sparagna-- Bye

Round Ten 11/30/2008

R. Alguire 0--1 M. Katrein
D. Connors--P. Sparagna --rescheduled
W. Little 1--0 H. Har-Zvi --Jan. '09
L. Battes 0--1 A. LeCours
G. Magat 0--1 S. Taylor
P. Michelman-- Bye

Round Eleven 12/7/2008

R. Alguire 0--1 G. Magat
S. Taylor 1--0 L. Battes
A. LeCours 1/2--1/2 W. Little
D. Connors 0--1 P. Michelman
P. Sparagna 0--1 M. Katrein
H. Har-Zvi-- Bye

Chess Camps Summer 2008

2008-05-10T09:37:00.004-05:00

Scholarships available for both camps.

“MATCH” … Maurice Ashley Teaches CHampions … at Proctors in Schenectady
July 7-11 , 9am – 4 pm Ages: 8-14 years Fee: $420 ($460 after 5/25)
Contact Proctors at 382-3884.

“The MATCH chess camp trains participants by using world-renowned Grandmaster Maurice Ashley’s revolutionary teaching method. Participants learn from the Grandmaster himself as well as from coaches who have been specially trained in his techniques. Between matches students will enjoy fun activities, including films in the new GE Theater at Proctors.

Fee covers entire cost of a child’s participation in MATCH Chess Camp including lunch and extracurricular activities at Proctors. To learn more about Grandmaster Maurice Ashley, please visit his website mauriceashley.com “

HELDEBERG WORKSHOP includes a Chess Class … on Picard Rd, town of New Scotland.
July 7-18 mornings Grades 5 and up HW Fee: $200 per 2-week class
Contact: 765-2777 or www.heldebergworkshop.org. Some catalogs available at Tulip Festival.

Interested players should contact the Heldeberg Foundation without delay and mention CHESS.

“Join our experienced chess mentors as you develop your skills and strategies for two exciting weeks! Spend the first week reviewing the official rules, examples of traditional openings, simple combinations, opening strategy and basic endgames. Play your classmates and instructors, each day sharpening your skills for the second week mini-tournament, and maybe more, depending on student experience! We’ll have an end-of-class competition, with trophy award! Instructors: Ken Evans and William Little.”

Albany Tulip Festival Chess

2008-05-07T08:46:00.002-05:00

This weekend, chess playing will be part of the Albany Tulip Festival. http://www.albanyevents.org/tulip_festival/index.cfm. We will be under a large tent with boards set up for casual playing plus we are having a special exhibition anyone can participate in. All FREE!

On both Saturday and Sunday, the festival runs from noon to 6PM and we'll be open that whole time. From 1PM to 5PM, we will also hold a "simultaneous exhibition" when 1 very strong player takes on 20 players at the same time. It is a fun time and you can be one of the 20 opponants!

On Saturday, Grandmaster Ronen Har-Zvi will be taking on all comers. GM Har-Zvi was the under 16 World Champion and besides still being one of the strongest players in the world, he is a gentleman and it's a pleasure to play chess with him - even if he is going to beat everyone. :)

On Sunday, the champion playing 20 at once will be our local "young phenom", Deepak Aaaron. At 15 years of age, Deepak has already become one of the strongest players of this area. Can you beat the kid?? Better take your shot before he leaves you in his dust as he is getting stronger.

Signing up for the exhibitions will only happen at the festival. We'll start taking names at noon, the simul begins at 1:00 and when games end quickly, replacement players will be seated.

We will also have lots of information to share on local chess clubs and upcoming events. COME AND JOIN IN THE FUN!

We'll be located in the middle of the park on the State Street side in the designated "Family Fun" area. Look for a large tent near the playground. See you there!

Phil Ferguson, President ENYCA (Eastern New York Chess Association)