2013 SPICE Cup Open - $11,000 guaranteed

July 17, 2013, 10:00 am

≫ Next: The Janisch Gambit by GM Leonid Kritz ... and more

2013 SPICE Cup Open
Sponsored by Webster University
and the Susan Polgar Foundation

St. Louis, Missouri
October 15-19, 2013

GM/IM norm opportunity - Minimum rating (FIDE) 2100
Limited to first 50 entries
4 IM/GM norms were earned last year: http://susanpolgar.blogspot.com

PRIZES: $11,000 guaranteed

$4,000-$2,000-$1,500-$1,000-$500
U/2400 FIDE $500-$250-$125
U/2300 FIDE $500-$250-$125
top female $250

October 2013 rating will be used

Limited FREE hotel accommodation (double occupancy) at the Crown Plaza available to foreign GMs.

ENTRY FEES:

Free to all GMs, IMs, WGMs and all FIDE rated players over 2300 (must complete all 9 rounds), if registered by September 30, 2013. $50 later or on site.

$100 to others if received by September 30, 2013. $150 later or on site.

VENUE:

Crown Plaza Clayton Hotel 7750 Carondelet Ave, St Louis, MO 63105 (FREE shuttle from the Lambert–St. Louis International Airport) $109/night, FREE Breakfast/Internet

Send entries to

Webster University - SPICE
470 E. Lockwood Ave
St. Louis, MO 63119

Questions or registration for titled players: Email: spice@webster.edu or call 314-246-8075

Schedule

Tuesday, October 15
5:00 pm - Round 1

Wednesday, October 16
10:00 am - Round 2
5:00 pm - Round 3

Thursday, October 17
10:00 am - Round 4
5:00 pm - Round 5

Friday, October 18
10:00 am - Round 6
5:00 pm - Round 7

Saturday, October 19
10:00 am - Round 8
5:00 pm - Round 9

All Rounds played at the Crown Plaza Clayton Hotel

↧

The Janisch Gambit by GM Leonid Kritz ... and more

July 17, 2013, 10:01 pm

≫ Next: Maiorov first at 2nd Anogia International Open

≪ Previous: 2013 SPICE Cup Open - $11,000 guaranteed

The Janisch Gambit by GM Leonid Kritz

The Janisch Gambit by GM Leonid Kritz
Posted on July 15,2013 By William in Strategy & Game Review, Chess Openings, All Articles w/ Videos. The Janisch Gambit is one of the most aggressive systems that black can play against the Ruy Lopez, closely resembling a reverse Vienna Gambit or King's Gambit as black offers a very early pawn sacrifice with 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 f5!? The Janisch Gambit (also known as the Schliemann Defense) is an extremely effective way for black to immediately fight for the initiative and put the pressure on white. The Janisch Gambit may look completely c[...]

Caro-Kann, Exchange Variation by GM Perelshteyn
Posted on July 08,2013 By William in Strategy & Game Review, Chess Openings, All Articles w/ Videos. The Caro-Kann Defense is an extremely tough nut to crack with the white pieces. Although it is certainly not one of the most popular chess openings ever played, you will see this eclectic system pop up from time to time at the Grandmaster level (and beginner/intermediate levels as well!). Notable Super-GMs playing the Caro-Kann Defense these days are Shakhriyar Mamedyarov and Hikaru Nakamura, and they are achieving some pretty good results with i[...]

Ivan Sokolov vs Peter Leko – Tata Steel 2013 (GM Damian Lemos)
Posted on July 05,2013 By William in Strategy & Game Review, Chess Openings, Tournament Updates, All Articles w/ Videos, General Chess Articles. GM Damian LemosToday we’re going to review a game from the 10th round of the 2013 Tata Steel Chess Tournament, played between GMs Ivan Sokolov and Peter Leko. This game is an excellent example of the Nimzo-Indian Defense with the main line 4. e3, demonstrating a very aggressive plan for the white pieces by GM Sokolov who rapidly sought to expose the defects in Leko’s solid defensive set-up. The main factors in Sokolov’s attack are the various sho[...]

FM Alisa Melekhina - Stunning Your Opponent in the 9.Nbd2 Gambit
Posted on July 03,2013 By OnlineChessLessons.NET Contributor in Strategy & Game Review, Chess Openings, All Articles w/ Videos, General Chess Articles. The rare 9. Nbd2 gambit in the Advanced French is an unexplored line that produces powerful positions for White, rich with tactical opportunities. Reminiscent of the c3 Sicilian, White utilizes a double-bishop piece attack coupled with a strong pawn on e5. The main game and its accompanying exciting sample miniatures demonstrate typical themes in the opening. White sacrifices a pawn for rapid development and devastating control of the c-file. A f[...]

OnlineChessLessons.net is a producer of thousands of free chess articles and free chess videos by FIDE chess masters. They recently released the renowned Empire Chess series that has been taking the chess world by storm. Please consider checking out their chess blog and chess shop with tons of free updated previews.

↧

Maiorov first at 2nd Anogia International Open

July 17, 2013, 10:02 pm

≫ Next: Bocharov edges Chigvintsev to win the Maestro Open 2013

≪ Previous: The Janisch Gambit by GM Leonid Kritz ... and more

Nikita Maiorov was the lucky winner of the 2nd International Chess Tournament of Anogia “Ideon Andron” 2013, which took place on 10-17th July at the Piraeus Bank Event Venue, Anogia, Crete.

Maiorov, a 28 year-old grandmaster from Belarus, edged first seed Stelios Halkias on tiebreaks after both players finished the 9 rounds with 7 points.

The eventual champion arrived as sole leader to the final round but could not put down untitled Konstantinos Markidis, while Halkias defeated GM Dejan Antic with black to catch him in the standings.

Precisely Markidis got third place and added 16 points to his Elo rating.

The total prize fund is 4000 EUR. Top prizes are EUR 1300/ 1000/ 500/ 250.

Tournament website

Final Standings (top finishers):

1 GM Maiorov Nikita BLR 2538 7
2 GM Halkias Stelios GRE 2565 7

3 Markidis Konstantinos GRE 2376 6.5
4 GM Pap Misa SRB 2489 6.5
5 Goumas Georgios GRE 2380 6.5

6 GM Antic Dejan SRB 2470 6
7 WGM Cherednichenko Svetlana UKR 2290 6
8 Milonakis Georgios GRE 2213 6
9 GM Skembris Spyridon GRE 2458 6

10 IM Lekic Dusan MNE 2430 5.5

↧

Bocharov edges Chigvintsev to win the Maestro Open 2013

July 17, 2013, 10:05 pm

≫ Next: Chess Train 2013

≪ Previous: Maiorov first at 2nd Anogia International Open

Russian FM Ivan Bocharov edged his compatriot IM Andrei Chigvintsev on tiebreaks to get first place at the Maestro Chess Open 2013, which was held on 7th – 17th July at the 52nd District of Novosibirsk in Russia.

Both players arrived to the finish line with 7.5 points leaving three players half a point behind. GM Andrei Belozerov ended up getting the medal bronze, after beating FMs Alexandr Piskunov and Roman Kezin on tiebreaks.

159 players signed up to participate.

Besides the main open tournament, there were side events for different age categories. Both boys girls in the categories U-9, U-11, U-13 and U-15 of the region will have the chance to participate in a first rate event.

Tournament website

Final Standings (top finishers):

1 FM Bocharov Ivan 2469 RUS 7,5
2 IM Chigvintsev Andrei 2342 RUS 7,5

3 GM Belozerov Andrei 2514 RUS 7,0
4 FM Piskunov Alexandr 2303 RUS 7,0
5 FM Kezin Roman 2379 RUS 7,0

6 GM Yudin Sergei 2543 RUS 6,5
7 Shestak Viktor 2193 RUS 6,5
8 Labutin Danila 2105 RUS 6,5
9 Antonenko Vladimir 2204 RUS 6,5
10 Sozin Stepan 2231 RUS 6,5
11 IM Loskutov Oleg 2389 RUS 6,5
12 Nikolaev Alexander 2237 RUS 6,5
13 WFM Khlichkova Tatiana 2214 RUS 6,5
14 IM Lavrov Maxim 2387 RUS 6,5
15 Chernov Mikhail 2237 RUS 6,5

↧

Chess Train 2013

July 17, 2013, 10:10 pm

≫ Next: Beijing Grand Prix Final Round Report

≪ Previous: Bocharov edges Chigvintsev to win the Maestro Open 2013

Prague Chess Society and České Dráhy prepare another year of the chess tournament associated with a trip around five beautiful Central European cities. Chess Train 2013 has chosen the trail Prague – Regensburg (Germany) – Innsbruck (Austria) – Salzburg (Austria) – Český Krumlov (Czech Republic) – Prague in days of 11th to 15th of October 2013.

From Friday to Tuesday again, you will have the possibility to play 5 days rapid chess tournament in a specially launched train and to see several nice towns – ancient Regensburg, Innsbruck sunk in the Alps, thereafter Mozart´s Salzburg and also two most beautiful Czech towns – Český Krumlov and Prague.

Tournament regulations

- 13-rounds rapid chess open tournament by Swiss System
- rate of play: 2x 20 min with increment of 10 s per move
- number of participants limited by the capacity of the train (the organizer decides about the acceptance based on the order of received applications)
- all games are played in the train

- entry fee 1.490 CZK (60 EUR)
- train ticket 2.990 CZK (120 EUR)
Prize money: 50.000 CZK (2.000 EUR) and other material prizes and services in the value of at least 50.000 CZK (2.000 EUR).

October 11-th from Prague (departure at 10 a.m. from the Main Station) to Regensburg (1st – 3rd rounds)
October 12-th – from Regensburg to Innsbruck (4th – 5th rounds)
October 13-th – from Innsbruck to Salzburg (6th round)
October 14-th – from Salzburg to Český Krumlov (7th – 10th rounds)
October 15-th – from Český Krumlov to Prague (11th – 13th rounds)

The exact departure times (every day at about 10 a.m.) and the train stations will be specified. The schedule of individual rounds on particular days as well as the location of train stations may be changed according to the actual situation on the railway.

Organized by the Prague Chess Society in cooperation with Czech Railways
Director of the tournament: Mgr. Pavel Matocha

Official website

↧

Beijing Grand Prix Final Round Report

July 17, 2013, 10:30 pm

≫ Next: Oldie practical tactic

≪ Previous: Chess Train 2013

Two draws in the main games of the last round at the Beijing Grand Prix allowed Shakhriyar Mamedyarov to keep the lead and take home the winner’s trophy. The Azerbaijani could not defeat World Championship challenger Boris Gelfand, while his main rival Alexander Grischuk also hit a brick wall against the solid Peter Leko. Mamedyarov finished on +3 after getting five victories and two defeats throughout the event.

The final round saw two decisive results: Wang Hao obtained his second victory of the event over Gata Kamsky and Veselin Topalov defeated Alexander Morozevich, both games favored the player with white. Topalov’s victory is relevant because it allowed him to keep first place at the overall standings of the Grand Prix.

Live games with analysis / Full list of participants

During the last round, all eyes were set on the games that would decide the eventual champion. Both Mamedyarov and Grischuk had very hard tasks ahead, given the solidity of the players they were facing. Boris Gelfand avoided the main lines and tried to create some play with a kind of Benoni against the Azerbaijani, but when white started to simplify the position, the draw became the most likely outcome.

The battle between Grischuk and Peter Leko did not even quite left the opening stage. The Hungarian closed the position with a quick c4 in a Nimzo-Indian and Grischuk did not push too hard against his rival’s great opening preparation. They started repeating the position on move 17. Leko finished as the only undefeated player, and his only win over Karjakin was enough to share 3rd-4th place with Veselin Topalov.

Wang Hao finished his event at home with an important win over Gata Kamsky. The Chinese got an overall score of -1, while the American remained on the cellar of the standings on -4. This disastrous event for Kamsky cost him 22 rating points and six positions in the live ratings list.

Kamsky deviated from his usual Slav Defense and went for a more adventurous opening with a fianchettoed bishop on b7. His experiment did not prove successful as the Chinese already had an important advantage by move 24. Despite the fact that Wang Hao did not use his advantage the most efficient way, his position was overwhelming enough to get the full point with a kingside attack.

The other decisive game of the day saw Veselin Topalov using the white pieces to defeat Alexander Morozevich. The Bulgarian got his third good result after playing four events of the Grand Prix. He shared first in London, got a clear win in Zug and now shared 3rd-4th in Beijing. Meanwhile, Morozevich had a roller-coaster performance in China, signing three wins and three losses in the eleven rounds played.

Morozevich answered to white’s 1.e4 with a Pirc Defense. The pawn structure and general setup of the pieces soon started to resemble a Ruy Lopez, and the maneuvering battle began. Topalov gave up the bishop pair for activity and started to control the center. The Bulgarian used his initiative decisively, cramping black’s position very effectively. This eventually turned into a winning material advantage that forced Morozevich to resign on move 42.

Both Ivanchuk – Karjakin and Wang Yue – Giri were long strategic battles that finished peacefully. Except Ivanchuk, all these players got an even score.

The final leg of the Grand Prix is set to begin on September 18th. We expect FIDE to announce the playing venue soon.

Final Standings:

1 S. Mamedyarov 2761 AZE 7

2 A. Grischuk 2780 RUS 6½

3 V. Topalov 2767 BUL 6
4 P. Leko 2737 HUN 6

5 S. Karjakin 2776 RUS 5½
6 Y. Wang 2705 CHN 5½
7 A. Morozevich 2736 RUS 5½
8 A. Giri 2734 NED 5½

9 B. Gelfand 2773 ISR 5
10 H. Wang 2752 CHN 5
11 V. Ivanchuk 2733 UKR 5

12 G. Kamsky 2763 USA 3½

↧

Oldie practical tactic

July 18, 2013, 4:00 am

≫ Next: 2013 National Championship of Switzerland

≪ Previous: Beijing Grand Prix Final Round Report

Black to move. How should black proceed?

Source: ChessToday.net

↧

2013 National Championship of Switzerland

July 18, 2013, 5:00 am

≫ Next: Cristhian Barros and Paula Rodriguez are 2013 Pan-american U20 champions

≪ Previous: Oldie practical tactic

The 2013 Swiss National Chess Championship is taking place on 11th-19th July in Grächen, a municipality in the district of Visp in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.

It will be played using the Swiss system during 9 rounds with a classical time control.

87 players from seven different countries signed up to participate, including 8 Grandmasters and 8 International Masters. French GM Christian Bauer is the first seed, followed by Serbian Mihajlo Stojanovic and French GM Andrei Sokolov.

After seven rounds, the favorites are at the top of the standings. Bauer is clear first on 6/7, followed by the second, third and fourth seeds tied on 5.5 – Stojanovic, Sokolov and Normunds Miezis.

Tournament website

Standings after 7 rounds:
1 GM Bauer Christian FRA 2637 6
2 GM Miezis Normunds LAT 2548 5.5
3 GM Sokolov Andrei FRA 2563 5.5
4 GM Stojanovic Mihajlo SRB 2564 5.5
5 GM Cebalo Miso CRO 2438 5
6 IM Huss Andreas SUI 2365 5
7 FM Friedrich Norbert SUI 2315 5
8 GM Raetsky Alexander RUS 2412 5
9 GM Kosteniuk Alexandra SUI 2521 5
10 IM Buss Ralph SUI 2395 5

Kosteniuk is bouncing back after a disastrous start with 1.5 in the first 3 rounds, including a loss to a 2183 and drawing a 2037. She got her performance up to around 2350 after 7 rounds. Let's hope she can continue her turn around.

Rd.	Bo.	SNo		Name	Rtg	FED	Club/City	Pts.	Res.
1	6	28		Meylan André	2183	SUI	Echallens	4.0	s 0
2	13	30		Levrand Roland	2162	SUI	Zürich Réti Ask	4.5	w 1
3	14	51		Künzli Simon	2037	SUI	Simme	3.5	s ½
4	16	44		Deubelbeiss René	2081	SUI	Riehen Schachgesellschaft	3.0	w 1
5	8	26	WGM	Hund Barbara	2195	SUI	Reichenstein Sf	4.0	s 1
6	4	13	IM	Carron Julien	2376	SUI	Sion	4.5	w 1
7	2	4	GM	Miezis Normunds	2548	LAT	Lettland	5.5	w ½
8	3	14	IM	Huss Andreas	2365	SUI	Winterthur Sg	5.0	s

↧

Cristhian Barros and Paula Rodriguez are 2013 Pan-american U20 champions

July 18, 2013, 6:00 am

≫ Next: North American Youth Chess Championships

≪ Previous: 2013 National Championship of Switzerland

The Americas Chess Confederation and the Colombian Chess Federation organized the 2013 Pan-american U20 Championships for Men and Women on 9th-14th July in Bogota, Colombia.

The tournament was played at the Salon Presidente del Instituto Distrital de Recreación y Deportes (IDRD), Centro de Alto Rendimiento de Coldeportes, calle 63 47-06.

Colombian WIM Paula Rodriguez was crowned U20 Pan-american women’s champion for the third time.

Ecuadorian FM Cristhian Barros got his IM title and first GM norm by winning the Absolute tournament, edging favorites IM Martin Martinez, who finished second, and Peruvian IM Giuseppe Leiva, who got the bronze medal.

The championships were very hard-fought and the titles were not decided until the very last round. The organization published all the games played and relayed more than 50% of the games live.

Official website

Final Standings – Absolute:

1 FM Barros Rivadeneira Cristhian ECU 2214 7.5

2 IM Martinez Romero Martin COL 2402 6.5
3 IM Leiva Giuseppe PER 2424 6.5

4 IM Ruiz C Joshua D COL 2409 6
5 FM Martinez Alcantara Jose Eduar PER 2250 6
6 FM Hernandez Sanchez Jairo Andre COL 2320 6
7 IM Bassan Remo VEN 2344 6

8 FM Cuellar Diego PER 2350 5.5
9 Ochoa De La Rosa Manuel Dario CUB 2262 5.5
10 FM Principe Alexander PER 2271 5.5
11 FM Torres Juan Camilo COL 2341 5.5

Final Standings – Women’s Tournament:

1 WIM Rodriguez Rueda Paula Andrea COL 2209 7

2 WIM Castrillon Gomez Melissa COL 2153 6.5
3 WCM Rovira Tairu VEN 2065 6.5

4 WFM Rosales Pierina PER 1810 6
5 WFM Pachon Adriana COL 2033 6

6 Garcia Contreras Ana PER 1832 5.5
7 Sanchez Zambrano Vanessa PER 1927 5.5

8 WFM Liao Simone USA 2025 5
9 WIM Jorquera Cabello Valentina CHI 2014 5
10 WIM Castro Natalia Patricia COL 2001 5

↧

North American Youth Chess Championships

July 18, 2013, 7:00 am

≫ Next: David vs Goliath

≪ Previous: Cristhian Barros and Paula Rodriguez are 2013 Pan-american U20 champions

URGENT!! URGENT!! URGENT!! REGISTER TODAY!! REGISTER TODAY!!

EARLY-BIRD ENTRY CLOSES THIS SATURDAY 20 JULY (IN 2 DAYS), FOR THE SUPER
2013 NORTH AMERICAN YOUTH CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR KIDS - ENTER TODAY!!

From AUGUST 14-18 - at The Chestnut Conference Centre, downtown Toronto,
North America's biggest international youth chess tournament, with super prizes!

http://chess-math.org/toronto/naycc/

FREELY OPEN TO ALL CHILDREN IN NORTH AMERICA !

FIDE's GIVEN A HOST OF SUPER TITLES TO BE WON - IM, WIM, FM, WFM, CM, WCM, ETC!!

Early-bird registration at the above website. Or pre-register to reserve a place:
http://www.chesstalk.com/registration/ (ignore ID or rating, if unknown)

Your once-in-a-lifetime chance to play an international event here at home, against the world's finest players, enjoy 4.5 days of magnificent chess, win lots of marvelous prizes, and gain international titles!

URGENT!! URGENT!! 2 DAYS LEFT!! REGISTER TODAY!! REGISTER TODAY!! 2 DAYS LEFT!!

Kind regards,

Francis

Francis Rodrigues, Regional Director
Chess'n Math Association; toronto@chess-math.org
tel: 416-488-5506; 416-486-3395; 647-232-6014 (cell)
701 Mt. Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON, M4S 2N4
fax:416-486-4637; website: www.chess-math.org

↧

David vs Goliath

July 18, 2013, 8:00 am

≫ Next: Vila de Sitges Open

≪ Previous: North American Youth Chess Championships

Gillian seeks coach, funds for Norway games
By Prudence Phiri
Thu 18 July 2013, 14:00 CAT

GILLIAN Bwalya says he needs a coach to adequately prepare him for next month's Chess World Cup games in Norway.

Bwalya, Zambia's sole representative at the games, said he had no money to hire a coach and the Chess Federation of Zambia had also failed to secure him one.

"It's difficult to train without a coach. The Federation has no money to get me a coach but this has motivated me to train hard, it gives me a fighting spirit," Bwalya said.

Bwalya said he was still scouting for money to meet his logistics in Norway after the Swedish Embassy gave him US$3,000 (about K16,500).

"I appreciate the Swedish Embassy for giving me the money. It will cater for my travel expenses but I still need logistics in Norway," Bwalya said.

Bwalya, who is seeded 126 among the 128 players that will compete at the World Cup games, has been paired with former world champion Grand Master Vladimir Kramnik in the first round of the tournament.

Kramnik, a Russian, was the Classical World Chess champion from 2000 to 2006 and was the World Chess champion from 2006 to 2007.

Kramnik has won three gold medals and three individual medals at the Chess Olympiads.
Bwalya is among six Africans that will participate in the tournament where no African has gone beyond the first round.

The other five Africans are Amin Bassem, Ahmed Adly, Samy Shoker, Essam Gindy from Egypt and Ali Sebber of Morocco.

Bwalya qualified to the World Championships after winning the Zone 4.3 in Botswana.

Source: http://www.postzambia.com

↧

Vila de Sitges Open

July 18, 2013, 9:00 am

≫ Next: FIDE Grand Prix Standings after the fifth stage in Beijing.

≪ Previous: David vs Goliath

The 39th Open Internacional Escacs “Vila de Sitges” will be held on 22-31st July at the Casino Prado Theatre Hall. c/ Francesc Gumà, 6-14. 08870 Sitges, Spain.

The tournament is organized by the Penya d’Escacs Casino Prado Suburense and Hotels & Apartaments Sunway Playa Golf.

The playing format is 9-round Swiss in two groups – Open A for players rated above 2000 FIDE (valid for title norms) and Open B for players rated under 2000.

The prize fund is 4175 EUR. The tournament is part of the 10th Circuit Català d’Oberts internacionals.

Last year winner was GM Evgeny Vorobiov

Official website

Participants – Group A (top seeds):

1. GM Kovchan Alexander UKR 2577
2. GM Grigoryan Karen H. ARM 2550
3. GM Vocaturo Daniele ITA 2536
4. GM Barsov Alexei UZB 2530
5. GM Firman Nazar UKR 2526
6. GM Movsziszian Karen ARM 2499
7. GM Perez Mitjans Orelvis ESP 2495
8. IM Hansen Torbjorn Ringdal NOR 2492
9. GM Hayrapetyan Hovik ARM 2486
10. IM Escobar Forero Alder COL 2466
11. GM Munoz Pantoja Miguel ESP 2457
12. IM Beltran Rueda Santiago ESP 2420
13. IM Ynojosa Felix Jose VEN 2411
14. IM Fernandez Aguado Enrique ESP 2364
15. FM Espinoza Palomino Willyam PER 2359

↧

FIDE Grand Prix Standings after the fifth stage in Beijing.

July 18, 2013, 10:00 am

≫ Next: Andriasian Vice Champion of Universiade

≪ Previous: Vila de Sitges Open

www.fide.com

↧

Andriasian Vice Champion of Universiade

July 18, 2013, 11:00 am

≫ Next: Bid to back 11–year old girl chess wiz

≪ Previous: FIDE Grand Prix Standings after the fifth stage in Beijing.

GM Zaven Andriasian Vice Champion of Universiade

Armenian GM Zaven Andriasian had an excellent performance and took the silver medal at the chess tournament of the World Universiade held in Kazan, Russia.

Andriasian had no defeat and scored 6.5 points out of 9. Another eight GMs had the same results. By the tie-break Andriasian and Wesley So (Philippines) shared 1st-2nd places, according to armchess.am.

An Armageddon play-off game was held between these two players to determine the winner of the Universiade. So became the winner, and Andriasian is the vice-champion.

Source: http://www.aysor.am

↧

Bid to back 11–year old girl chess wiz

July 18, 2013, 12:00 pm

≫ Next: Brilliant practical tactic

≪ Previous: Andriasian Vice Champion of Universiade

Bid to back 11–year old girl chess wiz
Jimmy Laking

Chess aficionados in Baguio City and Benguet last week began a search for sponsors who could help bankroll the schooling of 11-year old Bea Mendoza, the reigning National Age Group Champion in the girls under 12 category.

Mendoza is currently a student of the University of Baguio preparatory high school.

Businessman Joseph Haight and an active chess promoter said while Mendoza is a scholar of UB, her parents can hardly cope in providing her the books and other support she needed in school since her scholarship covers only tuition.

Haight said the girl’s father worked as janitor while her mother is a fulltime housewife. She has two other siblings who are equally gifted in chess.

Mendoza anchored the national team that won the gold in the 14th Asean age group chess championship in Thailand on June 5 to 17.

Before this, she represented the country in the Asian Youth Chess Championships on June 20 to 27 in Iran.

Haight said Mendoza’s chess vision and understanding for the game is beyond her years.

“You can see it in her eyes and the concentration she brings into the game,” he said.

Haight said a group of chess aficionados are reaching to individuals, organizations or companies who could help provide to enable Mendoza to finish her education.

Source: http://baguiomidlandcourier.com.ph

↧

Brilliant practical tactic

July 18, 2013, 1:00 pm

≫ Next: Inteligencia precoz en niños ajedrecistas

≪ Previous: Bid to back 11–year old girl chess wiz

Black to move. How should Black proceed?

Source: ChessToday.net

↧

Inteligencia precoz en niños ajedrecistas

July 18, 2013, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: The Janisch Gambit by GM Leonid Kritz ... and more

≪ Previous: Brilliant practical tactic

Inteligencia precoz en niños ajedrecistas
Posteado por Juan Ibáñez el 15-07-2013

¿Podría imaginarse a un niño de 7 años calculando jugadas de ajedrez con un nivel de anticipación de 8 a 10 movidas, con sus respectivas variantes por movida? ¿O un niño jugando ajedrez en simultánea contra 8 adultos, y ganando todas sus partidas?

El potencial de inteligencia de los niños es aún un tema que intriga e interesa a la comunidad científica. En ese sentido, en el ámbito ajedrecístico podemos conocer casos en los que el ajedrez ha sido asimilado muy tempraneramente por las personas con sus efectos positivos en todos los aspectos.

Lo anterior hace que el ajedrez sea unos de los pocos deportes en donde un niño pueda competir con un adulto en igualdad de condiciones. Y lo anterior aunque parezca asombroso, no debería sorprender ya que detrás de la pintoresca imagen (un niño frente a un adulto) se encuentra en pleno funcionamiento una de las partes del cuerpo más complejas y estudiadas a nivel académico: el cerebro humano.

Muy conocido entre los ajedrecistas precoces es el caso de Samuel Reshevsky, que con 8 años de edad hacía frente a los jugadores de club de su época, e incluso a profesionales del área.

En la década de los 80 aparecían las hermanas Polgar (Susan, Judit, Sofía), las cuales no asistieron en el colegio siendo solo educada por sus Padres (Sicólogo y Maestra) en su casa, para lo cual se limitaban a rendir los exámenes finales, con las mejores notas.

Ellas, y en especial Judit (posiblemente la mejor jugadora de la historia), cuando era niña revolucionaba el mundo de ajedrecísticas, al sentarse en los clubes frente a señores mayores y maestros ganando con contundencia y buen ajedrez. Obtuvo el máximo título (Grand Master) a los 15 años de edad.

Magnus Carlsen, actual número uno del mundo, ya destacó en su niñez, pues según anécdotas podía memorizándose todas las capitales y habitantes de las ciudades de Noruega, algo que para él era normal pero sorprendía a su familia.

A nivel regional, en el año 2005 un joven argentino llamado Gastón Needleman de tan solo 15 años de edad llamaba la atención de todos al vencer a a quien fuera campeón mundial, el ruso Anatoly Karpov.

También casos actuales reconocidos como lo del Peruano Jorge Cori, quien obtuvo el máximo título que otorga la Federación Internacional de Ajedrez (FIDE), el de (Grand Master titule) a los 14 años, y en Paraguay el caso más reciente es el del buen jugador con título de maestro FIDE Guillermo Vázquez, quien a sus 14 años ya se había consagrado campeón nacional en la categoría principal.

Si bien existen varios casos de inteligencia precoz en determinados deportes, el ajedrez adquiere relevancia por la frecuencia de apariciones y el hecho de que cada cierto tiempo se baten nuevos records.

Según el destacado sicólogo Jean Piaget, los niños de 5 a 7 años de edad desarrollan capacidades de operaciones lógicas usadas para la resolución de problemas. El niño en esta fase o estadio ya no sólo usa el símbolo, es capaz de usar los símbolos de un modo lógico y, a través de la capacidad de conservar, llegar a generalizaciones atinadas.

Dicho lo anterior, existe un alto grado de relación entre lo establecido por Piaget y los resultados obtenidos por los prodigios del ajedrez, su desempeño deportivo y el performance en otras áreas, en especial el escolar, lo que refleja como el ajedrez puede contribuir a mejorar esos procesos.

La inteligencia precoz no terminará de sorprendernos, así como las posibilidades inciertas que nos otorga un tablero limitado por 64 casillas para promocionar a lo largo del tiempo niños ajedrecistas profesionales cada vez más pequeños en edad.

Source: http://www.abc.com.py

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The Janisch Gambit by GM Leonid Kritz ... and more

July 18, 2013, 10:01 pm

≫ Next: Big 10th anniversary surprise for Girls chess! $5,000 cash prizes added!

≪ Previous: Inteligencia precoz en niños ajedrecistas

The Janisch Gambit by GM Leonid Kritz

The Janisch Gambit by GM Leonid Kritz
Posted on July 15,2013 By William in Strategy & Game Review, Chess Openings, All Articles w/ Videos. The Janisch Gambit is one of the most aggressive systems that black can play against the Ruy Lopez, closely resembling a reverse Vienna Gambit or King's Gambit as black offers a very early pawn sacrifice with 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 f5!? The Janisch Gambit (also known as the Schliemann Defense) is an extremely effective way for black to immediately fight for the initiative and put the pressure on white. The Janisch Gambit may look completely c[...]

Caro-Kann, Exchange Variation by GM Perelshteyn
Posted on July 08,2013 By William in Strategy & Game Review, Chess Openings, All Articles w/ Videos. The Caro-Kann Defense is an extremely tough nut to crack with the white pieces. Although it is certainly not one of the most popular chess openings ever played, you will see this eclectic system pop up from time to time at the Grandmaster level (and beginner/intermediate levels as well!). Notable Super-GMs playing the Caro-Kann Defense these days are Shakhriyar Mamedyarov and Hikaru Nakamura, and they are achieving some pretty good results with i[...]

Ivan Sokolov vs Peter Leko – Tata Steel 2013 (GM Damian Lemos)
Posted on July 05,2013 By William in Strategy & Game Review, Chess Openings, Tournament Updates, All Articles w/ Videos, General Chess Articles. GM Damian LemosToday we’re going to review a game from the 10th round of the 2013 Tata Steel Chess Tournament, played between GMs Ivan Sokolov and Peter Leko. This game is an excellent example of the Nimzo-Indian Defense with the main line 4. e3, demonstrating a very aggressive plan for the white pieces by GM Sokolov who rapidly sought to expose the defects in Leko’s solid defensive set-up. The main factors in Sokolov’s attack are the various sho[...]

FM Alisa Melekhina - Stunning Your Opponent in the 9.Nbd2 Gambit
Posted on July 03,2013 By OnlineChessLessons.NET Contributor in Strategy & Game Review, Chess Openings, All Articles w/ Videos, General Chess Articles. The rare 9. Nbd2 gambit in the Advanced French is an unexplored line that produces powerful positions for White, rich with tactical opportunities. Reminiscent of the c3 Sicilian, White utilizes a double-bishop piece attack coupled with a strong pawn on e5. The main game and its accompanying exciting sample miniatures demonstrate typical themes in the opening. White sacrifices a pawn for rapid development and devastating control of the c-file. A f[...]

OnlineChessLessons.net is a producer of thousands of free chess articles and free chess videos by FIDE chess masters. They recently released the renowned Empire Chess series that has been taking the chess world by storm. Please consider checking out their chess blog and chess shopwith tons of free updated previews.

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Big 10th anniversary surprise for Girls chess! $5,000 cash prizes added!

July 18, 2013, 10:01 pm

≫ Next: 100th British Chess Championships

≪ Previous: The Janisch Gambit by GM Leonid Kritz ... and more

Around 12-13 years ago, the Executive Director of the United States Chess Federation (USCF) visited me at my Chess Center in Queens, NY, to ask me to help the federation in various important areas. Two of the things I was asked to help were:

- To create a serious US Women's Olympiad chess program as no women's team from the US has ever won any medal before that.

- To help boost girls' chess popularity in the US as they were being ignored at that time.

I said yes and immediately began to work to improve a number of different aspects. The first official business was to create the Susan Polgar Foundation (SPF).

Then, the Women's Olympiad training program was created in late 2002 / early 2003. The program included IM Irina Krush, IM Anna Zatonskih (at that time was a WGM), IM Rusa Goletiani (at that time was a WGM), and WGM Jennifer Shahade (at that time was a WIM). I even came out of retirement after nearly 9 years of hiatus to participate and lead this team.

In 2004, the US Women's team captured 4 medals (2 gold and 2 silver) at the Calvia Chess Olympiad. Since 2003, every single US Women's Champion has come from this Women's Olympiad training program which I created.

Also in 2003, I created the Susan Polgar National Invitational for Girls (it is now called the SPF Girls' Invitational), the most prestigious all-girls national championship in the US. This was the first all-girls national championship created in the United States and it was unanimously approved by the Executive Director and the USCF Executive Board.

A few months later, I persuaded the USCF to approve the All-Girls National Championship (sponsored by KCF). I also created two additional events: the Susan Polgar National Open for Girls and the Susan Polgar World Open for Girls (both sponsored by the SPF).

Since then, nearly $2 million in scholarships (through SPF and our partners) have been awarded to girls in events which my foundation organized and sponsored. This is the 10th year of the SPF Girls' Invitational, and it will be the largest one ever, with 58 young ladies qualified. To celebrate the tremendous success of this event, I decided to expand it by inviting some additional young female players from North, Central, and South America.

The total budget / prizes / scholarships for this championship is almost $250,000! It is unprecedented for girls' chess anywhere. All state representatives and qualifiers will receive free rooms and meals for the entire duration of the event. Over the years, thousands of girls have competed all across the United States to earn spots in the invitationals.

I am very proud to lead the charge to get more girls involved in chess, and to revolutionize girls' chess in America. To celebrate the special 1oth anniversary, I have just decided to personally sponsor $5,000 cash scholarship to the top 3 finishers ($3,000 to 1st, $1,500 to 2nd, and $500 to 3rd).

This is a surprise as it was not announced before. The winners can use the cash prizes toward school / tournament expenses, or additional coaching, however they wish. I also hope to attract additional sponsors next year to make this event even better.

Rules and Conditions for the 10th Annual Susan Polgar Foundation Girls' Invitational (SPGI)
July 20 – 25, 2013 at Webster University (St. Louis, Missouri)

THIS WILL BE THE BIGGEST SPGI EVER!

- Over $200,000 in chess scholarships, chess prizes, and iPad mini, etc. (Full tuition and fees scholarship to the top finisher! *)

- Webster University will provide complimentary room and meal accommodation on campus for qualifiers!

The annual Susan Polgar Girl’s Invitational, the most prestigious all-girls event in the United States, will be held at Webster University (St. Louis, Missouri).

• There will be an intense training session with Susan Polgar, followed by a 6 round (g/90+30) FIDE rated championship tournament.
• The traditional Blitz, Puzzle Solving, Bughouse events will stay the same as in previous years.
• There will be many chess prizes awarded, including iPad mini, and scholarships to Webster University.

Each state is allowed one representative to be nominated by June 1, 2013. Official representative alternates may be substituted no later than June 15. (Susan Polgar and/or the Polgar Committee may allow the host state to enter an additional qualified player.) Susan Polgar and/or the Polgar Committee may allow exceptions to the June 1 entry/alternate deadline. Should the state affiliate fail to respond to the notice for this tournament, Susan Polgar and/or the Polgar Committee may determine the candidate from that state.

Players must have been enrolled in a school (up to 12th grade) located in the state they represent, also of the year in which the tournament is held. Home-schooled students who are under the age of 19 on July 25th of the year in which the event is held or students who have never attended college on a full time basis prior to June 1 of the year in which the tournament is held, are eligible to represent the state in which they reside.

Exception: If a player graduates from high school early and is already attending college, she may still represent her state if nominated. This is the decision of each state affiliate.

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: The participants of the Susan Polgar Girl’s Invitational DO NOT have to be high school students. Any qualifier under the age of 19 (by July 25th of the year in which the tournament is held) is eligible!

Special invitation for this year only: All past participants of the SPNI and SPGI (Susan Polgar National Invitational/Susan Polgar Foundation Girls’ Invitational 2004-2012) are invited to participate in the 2013 SPGI. The idea is to have the past participants learn my method of training so they can go back home and share their knowledge with the younger players. However, registration MUST be made ASAP since space is limited. There will be mutual training sessions for all, however separate section & prizes for alumni participants over the age of 19.

Players are required to furnish the organizer an emergency phone number and the e-mail address of a parent/guardian.

There is no entry fee to participate in the 2013 SPGI; however, players are responsible for their own travel. For all state representatives, and qualifiers from the SPNO or SPWO, Webster University will provide complimentary room and meal accommodation on campus.

For alumni participants, wild card/special invites, coaches, parents, or other family members, inexpensive accommodations are available for housing and dining on Webster’s campus. Please note that all reservations and registrations MUST be made (and accommodation expenses prepaid) no later than June 25, 2013.

Prizes: Trophies / plaques will be awarded to the winners of the Susan Polgar Foundation Girl’s Invitational Puzzle Solving, Blitz, and the SPGI Championship. Co-champions are recognized in the case of a tie, with each champion receiving a Champion’s Plaque or Trophy. The Champion (or Co-Champions) will automatically be invited to defend her/their title (must meet age requirement).

Champion: Webster University scholarship (approximately $23,000+ per year x 4 years *) + iPad mini + Champion's Plaque / Trophy
2nd and 3rd place: Webster University scholarship (approximately $13,000+ per year x 4 years)
Top under 13: iPad mini
Top under 10: iPad mini

* The scholarship must be exercised no later than the Fall of 2016.

The New Polgar Committee’s goal is to have all 50 states (including two representatives for California, two for Texas, and two for Missouri) and the District of Columbia represented. We strongly encourage each state and the District of Columbia affiliate to hold a scholastic championship tournament to determine each state’s champion and representative. Failing this, rating criteria may be acceptable. A scholastic girls’ champion or the highest rated girls’ scholastic player in a state who has no state affiliate of the USCF should contact the Polgar Committee as soon as possible.

Susan Polgar and/or the Polgar Committee and its members may elect to award wild cards each year for the Susan Polgar Girl’s Invitational.

Special qualifying events: The Polgar Committee will award automatic qualifying spots to the reigning winners in each section of the annual Susan Polgar NO for Girls (New Orleans) and the Susan Polgar World Open for Girls (Chicago).

The new SPGI Chairperson is Martha Underwood (AZ).

NOTICE TO ALL STATE OFFICIALS: Please send the nomination from your state to the Polgar Committee (PolgarCommittee@gmail.com).

Contact info: Polgar Committee (PolgarCommittee@gmail.com)

The Susan Polgar Foundation can be contacted at 806-281-7424 or through info@PolgarFoundation.org.

Webster University is located at 470 E. Lockwood Avenue Webster Groves, MO 63119

BIG THANKS to President Dr. Beth Stroble and Webster University for hosting and sponsoring this very prestigious event for girls!

* Webster scholarships may be upgraded but may not be stacked. For previous winners of partial scholarships, a maximum of $1,000 per year may be added to the previous scholarship.

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100th British Chess Championships

July 18, 2013, 10:03 pm

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This event will take place from Sunday 28 July to Saturday 10 August 2013 at the Riviera International Centre, Torquay, England.

Further details can be found on http://www.britishchesschampionships.co.uk/

The event is expected to attract a record-breaking number of entrants of well over 1000. The current record is 1010 in Edinburgh in 2003. Players from England, Guernsey, Ireland, Jersey, Scotland and Wales are entitled to compete in the 32 Championships which include British, Seniors to Under 8 and even a Pairs Championship. In addition there are tournaments open to anybody from anywhere.

There are many highlights:

The event starts at 10am on Sunday 28 July with a THINK DRINK Bullet Chess (all the moves in one minute) Challenge Match between GM Keith Arkell and IM Gary Lane. It is hoped that the games will be broadcast live on the website, but there may be problems! The match will last one hour and will create a new World Record for the number of games in one hour.

People will be able to play on a Big Wheel.

A new play THE GAMBIT will be staged, including a performance on the Big Wheel. Surely that must be a first.

Nette Robinson with exhibit her works of art A 9 player round robin simultaneous display.

Gala dinner
Treasure Hunt
Quiz
Cricket match
Teamtalking chess - imported from Norway and never before tried in Britain.

Stewart Reuben

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