Chess Room Newsletter #529 | Mechanics' Institute

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Chess Room Newsletter #529

Gens Una Sumus!

Mechanics' Institute Chess Club Newsletter # 529

In general, I feel as though I don't have enough contact with people because chess has made my way of life too closed off. In chess there's constant competition and it's important not to reveal your weaknesses, which has hurt me a little in life as I don't talk enough with people. Recently I've being trying to remedy that situation.

                                       Vassily Ivanchuk

  

1) Mechanics' Institute Chess Club News

2) Kaidanov and Robson earn last US Championship spots

3) Here and There 

4) Berkeley Chess Club News by Marc Newman

5) Special Events at the Mechanics' Institute Chess Club

6) Upcoming Events



1) Mechanics' Institute Chess Club News

15-year-old International Master Daniel Naroditsky continues to improve. The young Mechanics' member scored an undefeated 6 from 9, good for a 2524 FIDE performance, in the recently concluded giant Open in Cappelle la Grande. The performance included draws with the four Grandmasters he faced.

Daniel will not rest on his laurels for long as this this Saturday he starts play in the spring 2011 edition of the Spice Cup series in Lubbock, Texas, at the home of Texas Tech University. Competitors in the 10 player round robin averaging 2443 FIDE are:

1. SM Aleskerov, Faik 2324 FIDE - 2458 USCF (Azerbaijan)
2. FM Yang, Darwin 2416 FIDE - 2467 USCF (USA)
3. IM Naroditsky, Daniel 2438 FIDE - 2485 USCF (USA)
4. GM Kuljasevic, Davorin 2528 FIDE - 2558 USCF (Croatia)
5. IM Sipos, Istvan 2407 FIDE - 2458 USCF (Hungary)
6. IM Altounian, Levon 2432 FIDE - 2478 USCF (USA)
7. IM Esserman, Marc 2425 FIDE - 2530 USCF (USA)
8. GM Diamant, Andre 2520 FIDE - 2532 USCF (Brazil)
9. GM Bykhovsky, Anatoly 2517 FIDE - 2649 USCF (Israel)
10. IM Kleiman, Jake 2413 FIDE - 2470 USCF (USA)

This weekend the Mechanics' hosts its annual A.J. Fink Amateur Championship. The two day event is open to players rated under 2000.

Next Tuesday marks the start of the Spring Tuesday Night Marathon. The eight round event runs through May 8th.
 
Jules Jelinek, MI Weekly Wednesday Night Blitz Coordinator, reports the results of last week's event.

 

1st - Carlos D'Avila
2nd & 3rd- Arthur Ismakov & Jules Jelinek

Book and equipment donations to the Mechanics' are always welcome. All donations to the Mechanics' are tax deductible due to the M.I.'s 501(c) (3) nonprofit status. If you have any chess books or equipment that have been lying around unused for some time consider donating to the Mechanics'. You will not only get a tax write off but also the satisfaction of seeing things put to good use

2) Kaidanov and Robson earn last US Championship spots 

GMs Gregory Kaidanov and Ray Robson advanced to the US Championship by earning qualifying spots from the Saint Louis Invitational this past week. Kaidanov, who led the event for most of the way, won with 6 from 9 but Robson had to win his last round game against Joel Benjamin with Black and then defeat Alejandro Ramirez 1.5-.5 in a two game playoff to earn his ticket to Saint Louis.

GM Jesse Kraai of Berkeley, aiming to be the third Mechanics' Institute member in the championship (after Sam Shankland and Daniel Naroditsky), was clear fourth in the field which averaged 2524 FIDE, with 5 points.

The only two IMs in the event, veteran Michael Brooks and Texas teenager Darwin Yang, both performed well. 

Final standings:   

1. Kaidanov 6
2-3. Robson and Ramirez 5.5
4. Kraai 5
5-9. Brooks, Yang, Benjamin, Becerra and Perelshteyn 4
10. Khachian 3

Qualifiers for the 2011 US Championship.

These 16 players will be arranged into two 8 player round robins with the top two from each group advancing to knockout match play. 
  1. GM Gata Kamsky
  2. GM Alex Onischuk
  3. GM Varuzhan Akobian
  4. GM Yasser Seirawan
  5. GM Yury Shulman
  6. GM Jaan Ehlvest
  7. GM Alex Stripunsky
  8. GM Larry Christiansen
  9. GM Robert Hess
  10. GM Alex Shabalov
  11. GM Alexander Ivanov
  12. GM-elect Sam Shankland
  13. GM Ben Finegold
  14. IM Daniel Naroditsky
  15. GM Gregory Kaidanov 
  16. GM Ray Robson 

3) Here and There   

The 20th Amber Blindfold and Rapid Tournament will take place at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort in Monaco, from March 11 to 24, 2011. 
In this final jubilee edition the following grandmasters will take part:

World Champion Viswanathan Anand (India)
Magnus Carlsen (Norway)
Levon Aronian (Armenia)
Vladimir Kramnik (Russia)
Veselin Topalov (Bulgaria),
Alexander Grischuk (Russia)
Vasily Ivanchuk (Ukraine)
Sergey Karjakin (Russia)
Boris Gelfand (Israel)
Hikaru Nakamura (United States)
Vugar Gashimov (Azerbaijan)
Anish Giri (The Netherlands)

The total prize-fund is � 227,000.


This 20th Amber tournament will be the final edition of this famous series of events made possible by Joop van Oosterom. 


Robert Hess of New York, the 2010 Samford scholarship winner, is playing in the 2011 Reykjavik Open which just started. Top seeds in the event are Luke McShane  (2683), Evgent Mirosnichenko (2670) and Jan Gustafsson (2647).

America's top rated female player, Anna Zatonskih, who is almost 2500 FIDE, is presently playing in a very strong womens round robin (average 2455 FIDE) in Romania where she has 4 from 7 including a win over the current tournament leader, Valentina Gunina of Russia. Two rounds remain in the event.


  4) Berkeley Chess Club News by Marc Newman   

A new six-week tournament has started at the Berkeley Chess Club.  It's not too late to request a half-point bye and to enter in time for round two this Friday.

http://www.berkeleychessschool.org/pages/show/20

NM Roger Poehlmann won the previous tournament with 5.0 out of 6.0 points. 

   


5) Special Events at the Mechanics' Institute Chess Club  

Talk and book signing with two-time US Womens Champion Jennifer Shahade  - March 29th from 5:15 to 6:30 pm.


5th Annual Ray Schutt Memorial Blitz Tournament
May 15   
Location:
   Mechanics' Institute
   57 Post Street
   San Francisco, CA, 94104
   United States  

 

This tournament is unrated. (Membership in the United States Chess Federation is not required for participation.)   
ENTRY FEE: $10 (free for International Masters and Grandmasters)   
PRIZES: $750 total (guaranteed)
1st place: $300
2nd place: $200
3rd place: $100
4th place: $75
5th place: $50
6th place: $25

The prizes are guaranteed due to the generosity of the Schutt Family.

FORMAT: Five double-round Swiss or Roundrobin, depending on the number of entries. Each player will probably play ten blitz (fast) games in this tournament.   
TIME CONTROL: 5 minutes per player per game (G/5). 

REGISTRATION: 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. on May 15, 2010
There will be no registration in advance. Register at the tournament site on May 15. 
The tournament will be held  between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. The entire event will last between 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Refreshments will be available during the event. There will be an informal awards ceremony immediately following the tournament at approximately 4 p.m.
 
  MI Advanced Chess Camp with GM Nick deFirmian - July 24-29  Go to www.chessclub.org for more information.    6) Upcoming Events 
 
MECHANICS' TOURNAMENTS (go to www.chessclub.org for more information)

2011 Events  

A.J. Fink Amateur Championship - March 12-13
Max Wilkerson Open - March 19
WGM Jennifer Shahade talk and book signing - March 29
Imre Konig Memorial - April 9
Walter Lovegrove Senior Open - April 16-17
Charles Powell Memorial - May 14
5th Annual Ray Schutt Memorial Blitz - May 15
Arthur Stamer Memorial - June 4-5
William Addison Open - June 11   

BAY AREA TOURNAMENTS   
6th Annual Frank Doyle Open - April 16-17
Santa Rosa, CA
Exchange Bank, 444 Aviation Blvd., Santa Rosa, CA 95401. 4 round Swiss, G/120. In
3 Sections, Open:
$$GTD: $250-175.
Reserve: Open to 1899 & under.
$$GTD: $200-125.
Booster: Open to 1499 & under.
$$GTD: $150-100. Unr. must play in Booster Section. Unrated players winning prizes will only receive half of the prize.
ALL: EF: $35 advance until 4/13, $45 at site.
Reg.: 04/16 8:30am - 9:30am.
Rds.: Sat 10, 3; Sun 10, 3.
ENT: Paul Stagnoli, 4233 Kintyre Rd., Santa Rosa, CA 95409-4127.
INFO: (707)478-4385 [email protected].
No phone or e-mail entries. Bring equipment, none provided. No Cell phones allowed. NS. NC. W.

 

 
 
11th Annual RENO-FAR WEST OPEN  April 22-24  
Reno, Nevada
 
6SS,40/2,20/1,G/1/2.Sands Regency Hotel/Casino, 345 N. Arlington Ave., Reno, NV 89501.1-866-386-7829 or (775) 348-2200. $$21,400 b/250. $$14,400 Gtd. (Prizes 1-10 in Open Section Gtd. plus 1/2 of all other prizes). A "Tribute to GM Larry Evans". 5 Sections. FIDE. Open (2000 & above) EF: $137, (1999 & below = $151) (GMs & IMs free but must enter by (4/1) or pay late fee) .$$2,000-1,200-1000-800-600-500-400-300-300-300,(2399/below)- $1,000, (2299/below)- $1,000, (2199/below) -$1000-500-300-200 (If a tie for 1st then a playoff for $100 out of prize fund plus trophy). Sec. A (1800-1999) EF: $136; $$1,000-500-400-300-200-100-100. Sec. B (1600-1799) EF: $135; $$900-500-400-300-200-100-100. Sec. C (1400-1599) EF: $134; $$700-500-400-300- 200-100-100. Sec. D/under (1399-below) EF: $133; $$600-400-300-200-100-100-100; Top Senior (65+) -$200; Club Champ.-$400-200. ALL: Entries must be postmarked by 4/1 or pay late fee-$11 until 4/14 (do not mail after 4/14), $22 at site. All classes have trophies 1st - 3rd. Unrated players are free entry but not eligible for cash prizes- must join USCF for 1 full year thru this tournament. 1st Unrated = trophy + 1 yr. USCF Mem. $10 discount to Seniors (65+ yrs.) & Juniors (19-under). Players may play up. Provisionally rated players may only win 1/2 of 1st place money. CCA ratings may be used. Note: pairings not changed for color unless 3 in a row or a plus 3 and if the unlikely situation occurs 3 colors in a row may be assigned. SIDE EVENTS: Thurs. (4/21) 6-7:15pm "Tribute to GM Larry Evans" hosted by IM John Donaldson (FREE); 7:30pm-TBA- Simul ($15); 7:30pm-Blitz (5 Min) tourney($20) 80% entries = Prize Fund. Sat. (4/23) (3-4:30pm) Free Game/Position Analysis - IM John Donaldson. ALL REG.: (4/21) 5-10pm, (4/22) 9-10am. RDS.: (Fri) 12-7, (Sat) 10-6, (Sun) 9:30-4:30. Byes available any round (if requested by Rd.1). ENT: make checks payable and send to: SANDS REGENCY (address listed above), postmarked by 4/1. $11 late fee if postmarked after 4/1 and before 4/14. Do not mail after 4/14 or email after 4/19. $22 late fee at site. HR: (Sun-Thurs. $27!) (Fri. & Sat. $47!) + tax.1-866-386-7829 mention (Code) CHESS421 (Reserve by 4/11/11) to get Chess rate. INFO: Jerry Weikel, 6578 Valley Wood Dr., Reno, NV 89523, (775) 747-1405, [email protected] Or check out our website at: www.renochess.org/fwo. To verify entry check website. Chess Magnet School JGP.
 

Berkeley Open May 7-8

Berkeley, CA
4-SS, 30/90; G/60.  Hillside School; 1581 Le Roy Ave., Berkeley, CA 94720.
$$B 60 paid entries (not counting unrated entries).
Three Sections: Open Section: $300-160, U2100 $150-75;
U1900 Section: $240-130, U1700 $125-75;
U1500 Section: $240-125; U1300 $125-75, Unr: Trophy First.
All, EF: postmarked by 5/2 $50, $60 on site. Unrateds $20 in the Reserve section or may play up to the Open section for the regular fee. $5 discount to Berkeley Chess Club Members.  USCF memb. req'd. May play up for add'l $5 per section.
Reg.: Sat 5/7 9:00-9:45 am.
RDS.: Sat 10:00-3:30; Sun 10:00-3:30; One 1/2 pt bye available if requested in advance, a bye in rds 3 or 4 must be requested before rd 1. 2011 May Ratings List, CCA minimums and Directors discretion will be used to place players as accurately as possible. Please bring clocks and equipment.
INFO: Richard Koepcke (650)-224-4938. Email: [email protected]. Ent: Richard Koepcke, P.O. Box 1432, Mountain View, CA 94042. No Phone entries.
Chess Magnet School JGP.
 

May 28-30 or 29-30 or 28-29   CalChess Open State & Class Championship     6SS, 30/90 G/60 (2-day opt rds 1-3 G/60). Sections D/E 6SS G/90 only. Hotel: Marriott, 46100 Landing Pkwy., Fremont, CA 94539. Chess rate $89. Prizes: $13,000 b/207. 80% guaranteed. 6 sections. Open (2200+ FIDE rated): 2000-1000-400-200-100-100. Expert (2000-2199), A (1800-1999), B (1600-1799), C (1400-1599): $1000-400-200-100-100-100. Section D/E (u1400): 600-300-100-u1200:300-200-100. Unr prize limit $300 except in Open. EF mail/online by 5/24: 3day=99 2day=98 onsite+25 Play-up+20. GMs/IMs free-EF subtr from prize. Re-entry $40. Saver EF = EF-$20 & 2/3 of calc. prize. Refunds: $20 fee. May 2011 Supp, CCA min, TD desc to place players accurately. Sched: 3day: Reg Sat10-10:30, Rds Sat/Sun 11 5:15, Mon 10 3:30. 2day: Reg Sun9-9:30, Rds Sun 10 12:25 2:40 5:15, Mon 10 3:30. D/E 2-day only: Reg Sat9-9:30, Rds Sat/Sun 10 1:30 5. Max two 1/2-pt byes - must commit bef rd 3. Quest: [email protected]. More Info/Ent: BayAreaChess.com/memo. NS, NC, W. Chess Magnet School JGP

Oct. 1
 
2011 U.S. Game/60 Championship  - Santa Clara      
4SS, G/60 - $4,000 b/117 fully paid entries - 75% guaranteed. Hotel rate $99 by 9/16: Hyatt Regency, 5101 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA 95054. Free Parking. In 3 sections, Open Section: $500-201-105, u2300 $200-110, u2100 $150, u2000 $130, u1900 $100. 1400-1799 Section: $500-201-100, u1700 $200, u1600 $150, u1500 $100. Under 1400 Section: $500-201-100, u1300 $200, u1200 $150, u1100 $100. Unrated may play in any section but maximum prize is $100 except no limit in the Open Section. Trophies for top 3 places in each section. Entry Fee: Mailed by Mon 9/26 or online by Tue 9/27: $60. Online 9/28-29 or onsite: $75. Add $20 to play-up in a higher section. DISCOUNTS: $10 off each event if also registering for G/30 on Oct 2. $10 cash rebate onsite if staying at the hotel under chess rate. Byes: One 1/2 pt bye allowed must commit by start of Rd 2. Reenter with 1/2pt bye in Rd 1 for $39. September 2011 Supp, CCA min, TD discretion used to place players accurately. SIDE KIDS EVENT for K-12 students rated under 1000: 4SSxG/60 in 2 sections, 600-999 and under 600. Prizes: Trophies to Top 10 players and Top 5 teams in each section. Best 4 players count for team score. Also trophies to top u800, top u700 in 600-999 section and top u400, top u300, and top u200 in u600 section. EF by Mon 9/26 or online by Tue 9/27: $39. Online 9/28-29 or onsite: $54. Add $10 to play-up in a higher section. Schedule: Onsite Registration 8:30-9:30am; Round Times: 10:00am, 12:30, 3:00, and 5:30pm. Mail payments to: Bay Area Chess, 1590 Oakland Rd., Suite B213, San Jose 95131. $20 for refunds. T: 408-786-5515. E: [email protected], Info/Form/Entries: BayAreaChess.com/usg60g30. NS, NC, W.

Oct. 2
 
2011 U.S. Game/30 Championship - Santa Clara
4SS, G/30 - $3,006 b/88 fully paid entries - 75% guaranteed. Hotel rate $99 by 9/16: Hyatt Regency, 5101 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA 95054. Free Parking. In 3 sections, Open Section: $400-200-102, u2300 $101, u2100 $101, u2000 $100, u1900 $99. 1400-1799 Section: $400-200-102, u1700 $101, u1600 $100, u1500 $99. Under 1400 Section: $400-200-102, u1300 $101, u1200 $100, u1100 $99. Unrated may play in any section but maximum prize is $100 except no limit in the Open Section. Trophies for top 3 places in each section. Entry Fee mailed by Mon 9/26 or online by Tue 9/27: $60. Online 9/28-29 or onsite: $75. Add $20 to play-up in a higher section. DISCOUNTS: $10 off each if also registering for G/60 on Oct 1. $10 cash rebate onsite if staying at the hotel. Byes: One 1/2 pt bye allowed must commit by start of Rd 2. Reenter with 1/2pt bye in Rd 1 for $39. September 2011 Supp, CCA min, TD discretion used to place players accurately. SIDE KIDS EVENT for K-12 students rated under 1000: 5SSxG/30 in 2 sections, 600-999 and under 600. Trophies to Top 10 players and Top 5 teams in each section. Best 4 players count for team score. Also trophies to top u800, top u700 in 600-999 section and top u400, top u300, and top u200 in u600 section. EF by Mon 9/26 or online by Tue 9/27: $39. Online 9/28-29 or onsite: $54. Add $10 to play-up in a higher section. Schedule: Onsite Registration 8:30-9:30am; Round Times: 10:00am, 12:30, 3:00, and 5:30pm. Mail payments to: Bay Area Chess, 1590 Oakland Rd., Suite B213, San Jose  95131. $20 for refunds. T: 408-786-5515. E: [email protected], Info/Form/Entries: BayAreaChess.com/usg60g30. NS, NC, W. 

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