tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72886083443397824132024-03-06T00:20:26.761-08:00fpawn chess blogMichael Aignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166841797285152190noreply@blogger.comBlogger766125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7288608344339782413.post-89877013539945986432020-12-04T20:44:00.008-08:002020-12-08T13:26:42.983-08:00Fpawn Featured By Agadmator<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qo8s_uZo7go" width="560"></iframe></div><br />The legendary internet commentator <b>Agadmator</b>, whose <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/AGADMATOR">YouTube channel</a> attracts more than 875,000 subscribers, <b>nominated your humble pawn for the Brilliancy Prize </b>at the Online Olympiad for People with Disabilities. Watch the video above for the game against Adriano Albiani Barata of Brazil, complete with cogent analysis.</div><p>Other internet chess celebrities have likewise been tasked to determine the best game from the Olympiad. FIDE will announce the winner, who receives a special trophy sponsored by <a href="https://www.gazprom.com/">Gazprom</a>, the largest natural gas company in Russia. </p><p><b>Nominees:</b> (<i>click on the winner to view the games</i>)</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.chessbomb.com/arena/2020-fide-online-olympiad-for-people-with-disabilities/07-Aigner_Michael-Barata_Adriano_Albiani">Michael Aigner</a> (USA) versus Adriano Albiani Barata <b>1-0</b></li><li>Nikolay Mukha versus <a href="https://www.chessbomb.com/arena/2020-fide-online-olympiad-for-people-with-disabilities/08-Mukha_Nikolay-Nowak_Lukasz">Lukasz Nowak</a> (Poland) <b>0-1</b></li><li>Leonel Amato versus <a href="https://www.chessbomb.com/arena/2020-fide-online-olympiad-for-people-with-disabilities/05-Amato_Leonel-Sargissyan_Sargis">Sargis Sargissyan</a> (Armenia) <b>0-1</b></li><li>Lukasz Nowak versus <a href="https://www.chessbomb.com/arena/2020-fide-online-olympiad-for-people-with-disabilities/11-Nowak_Lukasz-Smirnov_Alexey">Alexey Smirnov</a> (Russia) <b>0-1 </b></li><li><a href="https://www.chessbomb.com/arena/2020-fide-online-olympiad-for-people-with-disabilities/02-Song_Guannan_Terry-Meshkov_Yuri_A_">Guannan "Terry" Song</a> (Canada) versus Yuri Meshkov <b>1-0 </b></li><li><a href="https://www.chessbomb.com/arena/2020-fide-online-olympiad-for-people-with-disabilities/07-Trkaljanov_Vladimir-Ostry_Irina">Vladimir Trkaljanov</a> (North Macedonia) versus Irina Ostry <b>1-0</b></li></ul><p></p>Michael Aignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166841797285152190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7288608344339782413.post-66152106659847378792020-12-04T15:27:00.008-08:002020-12-04T20:02:41.553-08:00Looking Back at the Olympiad for Disabled<div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIamlneO8rP-0f91QteXA_F-xRsmBAi_HrOPABgY51f88UjdZRgwb4J71mPhp3K1vQHsHVojNVGqaFYtaTdKJVw4vm_HfyWuQWF_8V-Wzd9oQns9zSKFV_P9ktgdN2gzXqxRCZs0A8Yzi/s493/FinalStandings-2.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="493" height="503" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIamlneO8rP-0f91QteXA_F-xRsmBAi_HrOPABgY51f88UjdZRgwb4J71mPhp3K1vQHsHVojNVGqaFYtaTdKJVw4vm_HfyWuQWF_8V-Wzd9oQns9zSKFV_P9ktgdN2gzXqxRCZs0A8Yzi/w400-h366/FinalStandings-2.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The first <b>FIDE Online Olympiad for People with Disabilities</b> proved a success with the participation of nearly 400 players on <b>60 teams</b> representing 44 countries from 5 continents. No doubt many would have been unable to travel to an over the board Olympiad, even sans pandemic. The level playing field allowed unheralded outsiders to compete with veteran champions, and upsets naturally occurred. After seven rounds, squads from Russia, Ukraine, Poland, the Philippines, Germany, Croatia and Israel finished among the Top 10. <b>Russia-1</b> took first, <b>Ukraine-3</b> got second and <b>Poland-1</b> recovered from an earlier upset to slip into third place.<p></p><p>Four leading teams were invited to battle for the medals in a knockout format. After an extensive fair play analysis resulted in one disqualification, the underrated <b>Poland-3</b> selection moved up to claim the fourth spot in the semifinals, narrowly edging Philippines-1 on tiebreaks. <b>Match play semifinals</b> saw Russia-1 edge past Poland-3 while Poland-1 thumped Ukraine-3. In the two-day final match, Russia-1 claimed the early lead, but <b>top seeded Poland-1 roared back to seize the gold medal.</b> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVjtgXiQeCQEVrsjBjqAjKdPfsItd-pfrgVjX-_kc9kqNAWADtUKxnKwrOi_EL8-0cnjQoZifgg9jMRbt_5_XpjXYc5QNDho1q5di8eQF7OJ9l0lqUhnMJinG9BsLp1ky2E6U5ztCRfek/s571/OnlineolympiadforDisabled.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="226" data-original-width="571" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVjtgXiQeCQEVrsjBjqAjKdPfsItd-pfrgVjX-_kc9kqNAWADtUKxnKwrOi_EL8-0cnjQoZifgg9jMRbt_5_XpjXYc5QNDho1q5di8eQF7OJ9l0lqUhnMJinG9BsLp1ky2E6U5ztCRfek/w400-h159/OnlineolympiadforDisabled.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><b><a href="http://chess-results.com/tnr539368.aspx?lan=1&art=0&rd=7&flag=30">Final Standings</a>:</b></p><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: gold;">GOLD = Poland-1</b></li><li><b style="background-color: silver;">SILVER = Russia-1</b></li><li><b style="background-color: #cd7f32;">BRONZE = Ukraine-3</b></li><li><span style="background-color: #6aa84f;"><b>FOURTH = Poland-3</b></span></li><li>10 MP = Philippines-1, Poland-2, Germany, Russia-2, Croatia</li><li>9 MP = Israel, Hungary, Venezuela, India-2, North Macedonia, Ukraine-2, <b><span style="color: red;">United States of America</span></b>, Chile, India-1</li><li>8 MP = Cuba, Russia-3, Kyrgyzstan, Canada, Turkey-1, Brazil, Ukraine-1</li><li>Total of 58 teams completed all seven rounds</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div>Team USA surprised the world and <b>exceeded all expectations by sharing 10th place</b> in the final standings. Seeded 39th out of 60 with an average FIDE rating of 1582, the Americans competed each day against the top half of the field, including three opponents seeded among the top 10 with lofty ratings over 2000. Nobody can forget the first round<b> tie with the mighty Russians</b>, the <b>miraculous comeback</b> versus Romania-2 or the <b>stunning blowout</b> of North Macedonia. The team shed the underdog label during the final round by confidently clinching a fifth upset on the strength of three crushing games, each decisive within 30 moves. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="http://chess-results.com/tnr539368.aspx?lan=1&art=20&snr=39&flag=30">Team USA Results</a>:</b></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Tied 2-2 with #9 <b>Russia-2</b></li><li>Lost 0-4 to #3 <b>Philippines-1</b></li><li>Won 2.5-1.5 against #30 <b>Romania-2</b></li><li>Won 3.5-0.5 against #10 <b>North Macedonia</b></li><li>Lost 1-3 to #18 <b>Chile</b></li><li>Won 3-1 against #25 <b>Argentina</b></li><li>Won 3-1 against #24 <b>Brazil </b></li></ol><br /></div><div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWN7ufR0orY9GcSOjA5Bi13K-9QwheETBarS2yVcj657PmTB9FbKASz0bpFZQWJHXVUet6pr_aGqBGMNUbh7Y8em_SqJ9sq6as8HhyC-6r_TEmimMfkRrew497RSstApXKOc3O8LRSGduq/s223/Jessica.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="123" data-original-width="223" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWN7ufR0orY9GcSOjA5Bi13K-9QwheETBarS2yVcj657PmTB9FbKASz0bpFZQWJHXVUet6pr_aGqBGMNUbh7Y8em_SqJ9sq6as8HhyC-6r_TEmimMfkRrew497RSstApXKOc3O8LRSGduq/w320-h177/Jessica.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr></tbody></table>The success arose from a full team effort. Playing board 4, <b>Jessica Lauser</b> was the most indispensable member since the regulations mandated the participation of one woman each round. Paired against underrated opponents in most rounds, she won twice and stayed true to her aggressive playing style.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnyUX0EM8L5sr-zDrpLz2kFVpN98O6J_CYTJ7KBgoA7Q1_I08QVKlb34Yu8BHCsBGrqnIDO8I8yeRj_Yd0qtmUEwcbzr4GyCMkkpl20aLhylJzP0yLnKILPP0g9j_1HnS6jThb55kvhgTQ/s720/Jessica.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnyUX0EM8L5sr-zDrpLz2kFVpN98O6J_CYTJ7KBgoA7Q1_I08QVKlb34Yu8BHCsBGrqnIDO8I8yeRj_Yd0qtmUEwcbzr4GyCMkkpl20aLhylJzP0yLnKILPP0g9j_1HnS6jThb55kvhgTQ/s320/Jessica.gif" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jessica Lauser vs Marija Arsova (1-0)<br />USA against North Macedonia</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfzGpTaniLNkbrDsF-OPqyMl0LvIm3kRDyaS7Loz1pUeD1SiSsOx-nBgP85_2aVduNi2qwWugNej6AQNeljggqeTPWo26fDhI2cXJtTdZGO4hTHLmD1ohzuIFQ3SSq07vOpt1dAI_U-pp/s379/Pranav.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="379" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfzGpTaniLNkbrDsF-OPqyMl0LvIm3kRDyaS7Loz1pUeD1SiSsOx-nBgP85_2aVduNi2qwWugNej6AQNeljggqeTPWo26fDhI2cXJtTdZGO4hTHLmD1ohzuIFQ3SSq07vOpt1dAI_U-pp/w320-h182/Pranav.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr></tbody></table><b>Pranav Shankar</b> scored five wins on board 3, with his results mimicking the team outcomes. A fearless warrior, the 13 year old crossed swords daily, delivering a pair of checkmates in under 30 moves to conclude the tournament. Pranav also distinguished himself by defeating an opponent later forfeited for cheating.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYCRQjwOQom32o9pE0wMIg12ndfU7QqQveIUNuTyykW3VsNZiA4bKPqC_J2y86MqkrAFW9SJ6Y8dp8z266uV0hTwX_Y0JKFBmls6W70SDkuR56p5kfUT0HM9mN9ks1DyJBk4GnpWK59vi/s720/Pranav.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYCRQjwOQom32o9pE0wMIg12ndfU7QqQveIUNuTyykW3VsNZiA4bKPqC_J2y86MqkrAFW9SJ6Y8dp8z266uV0hTwX_Y0JKFBmls6W70SDkuR56p5kfUT0HM9mN9ks1DyJBk4GnpWK59vi/s320/Pranav.gif" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pranav Shankar vs Elias Moyses Sobrinho (1-0)<br />USA against Brazil</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXW82RhMKT2kj4ZOFIwZqJozjOIpWuDp6ut9h8kTRbXBgTFsjlVNybDloyWUQOHFiS2GA_siOP8U0OItaoAOLu4leRkpZ8Yd1kGZ8ZA8DG4f7oNY_elC76w46ZhwfXr0E_1rFQOwIlJ3f/s223/Griffin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="129" data-original-width="223" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXW82RhMKT2kj4ZOFIwZqJozjOIpWuDp6ut9h8kTRbXBgTFsjlVNybDloyWUQOHFiS2GA_siOP8U0OItaoAOLu4leRkpZ8Yd1kGZ8ZA8DG4f7oNY_elC76w46ZhwfXr0E_1rFQOwIlJ3f/w320-h186/Griffin.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr></tbody></table>
Board 2 <b>Griffin McConnell</b> persevered in spite of challenging foes and medical distress every day, finishing with four wins. The 16 year old became the team magician, twice winning hopeless positions many others would have resigned. Griffin showed his class against North Macedonia, calmly converting a complex middlegame.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjLViPqixjtkjKNUA2CGxhaYBU2RSWs4zNax3YJTXS_8MAw-9r2JuRlRHDylfuXiQtc-QU7OSBSDfVP60r-XU2wp0h53HX8n6rANU4fAYkOv7JuRCdkBN5_6655KcnztWFw3n-tZnFqgi/s720/Griffin.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjLViPqixjtkjKNUA2CGxhaYBU2RSWs4zNax3YJTXS_8MAw-9r2JuRlRHDylfuXiQtc-QU7OSBSDfVP60r-XU2wp0h53HX8n6rANU4fAYkOv7JuRCdkBN5_6655KcnztWFw3n-tZnFqgi/s320/Griffin.gif" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Griffin McConnell vs Vladimir Trkaljanov (1-0)<br />USA against North Macedonia</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>Your reporter NM <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92Ie05sAzTTkrnzmSg9KbO9mriZzFe98DPDwMvOpqY_oMEFmn3wlXt8DS2e7wIeW4T5SDx5E8T5e0AWpU9UGADFwR7Ph3obloP5BiejyFX57JfIwRi4vtJO7DIfIhiKrCUCRGNPPd0WX5/s378/Michael.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="219" data-original-width="378" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92Ie05sAzTTkrnzmSg9KbO9mriZzFe98DPDwMvOpqY_oMEFmn3wlXt8DS2e7wIeW4T5SDx5E8T5e0AWpU9UGADFwR7Ph3obloP5BiejyFX57JfIwRi4vtJO7DIfIhiKrCUCRGNPPd0WX5/w320-h186/Michael.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr></tbody></table><b>Michael Aigner</b> manned the top board, scoring three wins and two draws versus the strongest disabled players around the world. While playing chess at six in the morning was brutal, the games proved enjoyable after all. Check out the positional squeeze from the last round against Brazil.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2cJOFkUblqygf0z7NliePX9LLFiRO6PqYq7a96z8HgToDiVgDtIsETv-R1G4RUD3VttN0W4YY7NiJJGjMxdxOzNlxVtUepA6hT7J2X1ltfFAOGXou2gno2flf0hYPZAjyRRjZI9p7300P/s720/Michael.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2cJOFkUblqygf0z7NliePX9LLFiRO6PqYq7a96z8HgToDiVgDtIsETv-R1G4RUD3VttN0W4YY7NiJJGjMxdxOzNlxVtUepA6hT7J2X1ltfFAOGXou2gno2flf0hYPZAjyRRjZI9p7300P/s320/Michael.gif" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael Aigner vs Adriano Albiani Barata (1-0)<br />USA against Brazil</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>The critical role of captain NM <b>Lior Lapid</b> must not be understated. He served as chief strategist, openings coach and team psychologist. He directed daily meetings on Zoom to debrief the players and prepare for subsequent matches. Nightly emails confidently prognosticated the team's future triumphs against the odds.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIcThK_YBRLFEdjaP92IcVTfgiF2LuzZj4Rcp4RTVa9kZQyI1WcQ2KZa7_hBqr2K05TH2t5lxQ2WAr664WOyz1aQFuleB0k_BBZSRKcFdfe0F8HfPRB7uQ4S-4RHY4eMb0OefEW7aYx2R/s443/CommentaryTeam.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="387" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIcThK_YBRLFEdjaP92IcVTfgiF2LuzZj4Rcp4RTVa9kZQyI1WcQ2KZa7_hBqr2K05TH2t5lxQ2WAr664WOyz1aQFuleB0k_BBZSRKcFdfe0F8HfPRB7uQ4S-4RHY4eMb0OefEW7aYx2R/w350-h400/CommentaryTeam.jpg" width="350" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USA Commentary Team<br />Captain Lior Lapid and alternate Oskar Zoffer </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>Neither of the alternates <b>Oskar Zoffer</b> and <b>Nguyen Tran</b> saw action, but their youth (ages 11 and 8) guarantees playing time in the coming years. Oskar seized the unique opportunity to become team mascot, always projecting positive vibes to the combatants. Two words: <i>enthusiasm wins</i>!</div><div><br /></div><div>Also check out the US Chess website: <a href="https://new.uschess.org/news/team-usa-shocks-world-first-ever-online-fide-chess-olympiad-people-disabilities">Team USA Shocks The World</a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Personal postscript:</b> I was deeply honored by this opportunity to represent the United States and compete against the best disabled chess players in the world. The camaraderie, team spirit and infectious enthusiasm made the experience all the more memorable. <b>Many thanks</b> to <a href="https://www.uschess.org/">US Chess</a>, our captain and my teammates. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qovRNlflO7CTzFPntFBbgLzxNwHM5-uyrPOyGeymYwNWet6tBwvZGto5OrhUVRS3gdAGNS8hILPeUnDhnumy2pO5ppBajXpdS6atcVVgFxAuw629M1f2pAUDZUue6pNNWGoQT0OyyB-2/s1200/FIDElogo.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qovRNlflO7CTzFPntFBbgLzxNwHM5-uyrPOyGeymYwNWet6tBwvZGto5OrhUVRS3gdAGNS8hILPeUnDhnumy2pO5ppBajXpdS6atcVVgFxAuw629M1f2pAUDZUue6pNNWGoQT0OyyB-2/w200-h134/FIDElogo.png" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The online format provided for a <b>more inclusive tournament</b>, eliminating concerns involving travel logistics. Frankly, the 36+ hour trip to Khanty-Mansiysk (Russia) would be impossible due to my power wheelchair and other serious daily medical limitations. I only hope <a href="https://dis.fide.com/">FIDE</a> sees fit to <b>continue this online event</b> even post pandemic, so people such as myself may participate.</div>Michael Aignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166841797285152190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7288608344339782413.post-60698503287328557462020-11-27T15:20:00.009-08:002020-12-10T12:46:00.933-08:00USA Wins Again, Finishes in Top 10<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGJGJ4iWT5fJoo513qaChcJZZJw8LDL5THt3XhyphenhyphenINFN2h8czJEuwAKPNId0ZIoyRcNwZrCtDt8Ruhp2BXX5X-86KSDWncMKe-0jo067zv37auRGrbDtke0yHasNBpu9malB5omkDKYDT5/s625/USA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="625" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGJGJ4iWT5fJoo513qaChcJZZJw8LDL5THt3XhyphenhyphenINFN2h8czJEuwAKPNId0ZIoyRcNwZrCtDt8Ruhp2BXX5X-86KSDWncMKe-0jo067zv37auRGrbDtke0yHasNBpu9malB5omkDKYDT5/w400-h255/USA.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><i>This will be a short update. A longer article will follow.</i><div><br /></div><div>Once again Team USA defied pre-tournament seedings to defeat a higher rated opponent. After losing to Chile and beating Argentina over the past two days, the <b>Americans dominated Brazil</b>. Coincidentally, the score in all three matches was identical: 3-1. This morning, Michael, Pranav and Jessica each established a large opening advantage and never looked back, all winning around move 30. <i>Veni, vidi, vici</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>Round 7: #39 USA vs #24 Brazil == <span style="color: red;">3-1</span></b></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Michael</b> vs Adriano Albiani Barata (2144) == <b><span style="color: red;">1-0</span></b></li><li>Jose Eduardo Bastos Maia (2043) vs <b>Griffin</b> == <span style="color: red;"><b>1-0</b></span></li><li><b>Pranav</b> vs Elias Moyses Sobrinho (1884) == <b><span style="color: red;">1-0</span></b></li><li>Marcia Maria Dias Lopes (1363) vs <b>Jessica</b> == <b><span style="color: red;">0-1</span></b></li></ol></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mGM2gmZbXT3GLZmyK6Ns3wIvTeFv71TceTuQrn32WReXsuAhMZdUiDIPUVrqhyM9EMUfodQFTygs3ZbrOAChn_FRRDHSrPeGC9YPnqYKG6D65lV8IziTp2PpY6fbzht4F02WNTV9rsM_/s720/board.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mGM2gmZbXT3GLZmyK6Ns3wIvTeFv71TceTuQrn32WReXsuAhMZdUiDIPUVrqhyM9EMUfodQFTygs3ZbrOAChn_FRRDHSrPeGC9YPnqYKG6D65lV8IziTp2PpY6fbzht4F02WNTV9rsM_/s320/board.gif" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lopsided, but fun attacking game.<br />Michael Aigner vs Adriano Albiani Barata (1-0)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>This win placed the Americans at <b>9 match points</b> out of a possible 14, good for a <b>share of 10th place overall</b>, 16th on tiebreaks. For perspective, consider that Team USA was seeded 39th out of 60 and that 14 squads started with an average rating greater than the FIDE rating of our board 1. </div><div><br /></div><div>US Chess released a <a href="https://new.uschess.org/news/team-usa-shocks-world-first-ever-online-fide-chess-olympiad-people-disabilities">press release</a> this afternoon. <i>Go U-S-A</i> !!!</div>Michael Aignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166841797285152190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7288608344339782413.post-72869953947529064782020-11-26T19:04:00.006-08:002020-11-26T19:06:29.282-08:00Argentina No Match for Team USA<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZQcQyWMXtel9udQuwJBxj3F0C0ql4tR-0DMNb0EK9CgMyhYSuJGPqQAsMIK5sQXVHjfqpzfyhNPobRKhao4w1KzEsuzXnriD3F9i_wl8evrrNCAlOtIFzdijZNnqQY42ljVsqKzNIN6X/s367/MaradonaChess.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="367" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZQcQyWMXtel9udQuwJBxj3F0C0ql4tR-0DMNb0EK9CgMyhYSuJGPqQAsMIK5sQXVHjfqpzfyhNPobRKhao4w1KzEsuzXnriD3F9i_wl8evrrNCAlOtIFzdijZNnqQY42ljVsqKzNIN6X/w400-h354/MaradonaChess.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The late soccer great Diego Maradona also promoted the royal game.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />One day after falling against Chile, the Americans crossed the Andes to <b>defeat Argentina</b>, a country mourning the passing of its soccer hero Diego Maradona. First, <b>Pranav Shankar</b> unleashed his inner f-pawn, advancing f5-f4-f3 to checkmate the white monarch on g1. Meanwhile on top board, <b>Michael Aigner</b> resisted playing his favorite pawn until move 43 and instead nursed a positional advantage into an endgame victory. Even the magician on board 2 came through, somehow escaping checkmate to seal a 3-1 result. <p></p><p><b>Round 6: #25 Argentina vs #39 USA == <span style="color: red;">1-3</span></b></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Leonel Amato (2100) vs<span> </span><b>Michael</b><span> </span>==<span> </span><b><span style="color: red;">0-1</span></b></li><li><b>Griffin</b><span> </span>vs Luis Sanz (2186) ==<span> </span><b><span style="color: red;">1-0</span></b></li><li>Valeria Simone (1453) vs<span> </span><b>Pranav</b><span> </span>==<span> </span><b><span style="color: red;">0-1</span></b></li><li><b>Jessica</b><span> </span>vs Raul Grosso (1746) ==<span> </span><b><span style="color: red;">1-0</span></b></li></ol><p>Team USA improved to a <b>tie for 16th place</b> with 7 match points, clinching a minimum 50% final score despite difficult opposition rated more than 200 points higher in every round.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4oHBH8_OjucvpdIlsLBDDh2iIYfW4qnqT-RalzreUfj8uywUOuoAE9Xr-H7fr6RK8v-uyB9O-02__zs50eDGW2OVmJBccf_A4Q0Cy7KnVy7TzJHkQsin8ejd7Adq2G5cLOtWnIG65yIt/s720/Pranav6.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4oHBH8_OjucvpdIlsLBDDh2iIYfW4qnqT-RalzreUfj8uywUOuoAE9Xr-H7fr6RK8v-uyB9O-02__zs50eDGW2OVmJBccf_A4Q0Cy7KnVy7TzJHkQsin8ejd7Adq2G5cLOtWnIG65yIt/s320/Pranav6.gif" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valeria Simone vs Pranav Shankar (0-1) <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ObiiHUfkjb5eDTXBQ3IHXRRNybyQfrUTriLrelRv5lCnNjC8S34k34SfqdtaU4cLs69ZNEflkv47iLFeeDv01wPF8aJuBZH00wg8NNf_tVYfkzosDyy4Zu2utoYeEYQsMzSGNmi6t6l8/s720/Michael6.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ObiiHUfkjb5eDTXBQ3IHXRRNybyQfrUTriLrelRv5lCnNjC8S34k34SfqdtaU4cLs69ZNEflkv47iLFeeDv01wPF8aJuBZH00wg8NNf_tVYfkzosDyy4Zu2utoYeEYQsMzSGNmi6t6l8/s320/Michael6.gif" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leonel Amato vs Michael Aigner (0-1) <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Round 7 tomorrow concludes the swiss stage of this Online Olympiad and <b>four top teams advance</b> to a knockout semifinal. After a tie today, <b>Russia-1</b> leads with 11 match points while four countries lurk one point behind (<b>Poland-2</b>, <b>Germany</b>, <b>Philippines-1</b>, <b>Ukraine-3</b>) and three more trail by another point (<b>Poland-1</b>, <b>Russia-2</b>, <b>India-1</b>). Since as many as six teams may reach the 11 point plateau, tiebreaks (most game points) become decisive. An interesting quirk is the pairing of the two Polish squads in essentially an elimination match. Stay tuned for some wild scrambling!</p><p><b><a href="http://chess-results.com/tnr539368.aspx?lan=1&art=2&rd=7&flag=30">Round 7 Pairings:</a></b></p><div><ol><li>Russia-1 (11) vs Philippines-1 (10)</li><li>Ukraine-3 (10) vs Germany (10)</li><li>Poland-1 (9) vs Poland-2 (10)</li><li>Russia-2 (9) vs India-1 (9)</li></ol></div><p><b><a href="http://chess-results.com/tnr539368.aspx?lan=1&art=0&rd=6&flag=30">Standings After Round 6:</a></b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>11 MP = Russia-1</li><li>10 MP = Poland-2, Germany, Philippines-1, Ukraine-3</li><li>9 MP = Poland-1, Russia-2, India-1</li><li>8 MP = Israel, Poland-3, Kyrgyzstan, Hungary, Philippines-2, Ukraine-1, Croatia</li><li>7 MP = Romania-1, Canada, India-2, Ecuador, Venezuela, Chile, Brazil, Ukraine-2, USA, North Macedonia, Turkey-1</li><li>Total of 58 teams remaining</li></ul><div><br /></div><div>Team USA concludes its tour of South America with a match against #25 seed <b>Brazil on Friday at 6:00 AM</b> PST. Once again the Americans enter as underdogs, but past success brings cautious optimism. Check out all of the games at <a href="https://chess24.com/en/watch/live-tournaments/fide-online-olympiad-for-people-with-disabilities-2020">Chess24</a> or <a href="https://live.followchess.com/#!fide-online-olympiad-for-people-with-disabilities-2020">FollowChess</a>.</div><div><br /></div><p></p>Michael Aignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166841797285152190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7288608344339782413.post-11940897772265217232020-11-25T16:03:00.005-08:002020-11-26T17:12:02.240-08:00Chile Wins in Round 5<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixz7nugcAjbuh_XOZKOkwWHs2BjTziruq0n0kC_RMLHfzPhuAEQCB7cWSsmYk4BMKDQ3Rb0LYhN36n9apIFUpF6SzpWYX3_wJuaLtQg8wtykOj3L1hQyWAQ-2P0Z6b7yvsEv73nndsvijQ/s650/AignerBrowne11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="650" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixz7nugcAjbuh_XOZKOkwWHs2BjTziruq0n0kC_RMLHfzPhuAEQCB7cWSsmYk4BMKDQ3Rb0LYhN36n9apIFUpF6SzpWYX3_wJuaLtQg8wtykOj3L1hQyWAQ-2P0Z6b7yvsEv73nndsvijQ/w400-h266/AignerBrowne11.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael Aigner (left) playing blitz against the late GM Walter Browne.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The two match winning streak by Team USA abruptly ended this morning as <b>Chile dominated the lower boards</b>. An admittedly lucky win against Romania-2 followed by a convincing result versus highly ranked North Macedonia left the Americans feeling optimistic, but Chile iced those aspirations with a 3-1 victory. This reporter, playing on top board, <b>earned his first win</b> of the Olympiad in full Capablanca style, confidently trading into an endgame up a pawn.<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikhpT5YsVmv6pQpEq646tykOvaPiG2z4HiJuBZ-t3HqQxztnGRBA7oln86eDqzT2Yx1k_AbO7hOQytSA81jOVv1ErHpAW1IBTqPaKBb_E8hbK8Y4ZMMecK7aKdLAspPsVDQYHo6pjqY5u8/s720/board+%25284%2529.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikhpT5YsVmv6pQpEq646tykOvaPiG2z4HiJuBZ-t3HqQxztnGRBA7oln86eDqzT2Yx1k_AbO7hOQytSA81jOVv1ErHpAW1IBTqPaKBb_E8hbK8Y4ZMMecK7aKdLAspPsVDQYHo6pjqY5u8/s320/board+%25284%2529.gif" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael Aigner vs Cristian Gonzalez Astete (1-0)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The defeat dropped the USA to an even record and a <b>tie for 25th place</b>,<b> </b>32nd on tiebreaks.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>Round 5: #39 USA vs #18 Chile == <span style="color: red;">1-3</span></b></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Michael</b> vs Cristian Gonzalez Astete (2130) == <b><span style="color: red;">1-0</span></b></li><li>Tomas Figueroa Morales (2093) vs <b>Griffin</b> == <b><span style="color: red;">1-0</span></b></li><li><b>Pranav</b> vs Andres Saul Tapia Loncon (1890) == <b><span style="color: red;">0-1</span></b></li><li>Valeska Rozas Lazcano (1435) vs <b>Jessica</b> == <b><span style="color: red;">1-0</span></b></li></ol></div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Russia-1</b> emerged from the showdown against <b>Germany</b> to move into sole first place with 10 match points. However, the results on tables 2 and 3 surprised many. Poland seized clear second place, but it was <b>Poland-2</b> which upset <b>India-1</b> with the lopsided margin of 3.5-0.5. The top rated <b>Poland-</b>1 team, led by 2018 <a href="http://www.worldchess-disabled.com/en/172-gm-marcin-tazbir-wins-3rd-world-chess-championship-for-the-disabled.html">World Champion for the Disabled</a> GM <b>Marcin Tazbir</b>, lost to #3 seed <b>Philippines-1</b>. The Filipinos currently share third place with a quintet of squads, including Germany and two from <b>Ukraine</b>. After round 7, the top four teams (if necessary by tiebreaks) advance to the knockout phase of the championship.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="http://chess-results.com/tnr539368.aspx?lan=1&art=0&rd=5&flag=30">Standings after Round 5</a>:</b> </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>10 MP = Russia-1</li><li>9 MP = Poland-2</li><li>8 MP = Germany, Philippines-1, Israel, Ukraine-1, Ukraine-3, Croatia</li><li>7 MP = Poland-1, Russia-2, Ecuador, Romania-1, Chile, India-1</li><li>6 MP = Vietnam, Russia-3, Poland-2, Ukraine-2 and six others</li><li>5 MP = Canada, Argentina, USA, North Macedonia and six others</li><li>Total of 58 teams remaining</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div>The Americans seek to <b>bounce back against Argentina</b>, yet another higher rated opponent. Each of the first six opposing teams have been ranked in the top half of the field, while Team USA came in seeded 39th out of 60. Games begin on <b>Thursday at 6:00 AM</b> PST and will be broadcast on both <a href="https://chess24.com/en/watch/live-tournaments/fide-online-olympiad-for-people-with-disabilities-2020">Chess24</a> and <a href="https://live.followchess.com/#!fide-online-olympiad-for-people-with-disabilities-2020">FollowChess</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div><i>Happy Thanksgiving to all readers</i>! </div>Michael Aignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166841797285152190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7288608344339782413.post-71819635339177524492020-11-24T15:23:00.004-08:002020-11-26T17:12:32.897-08:00USA Crushes North Macedonia<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_pVYW6monla1aGuqJYx5psE-EIa-DDidFmATD72ndez8zFCw56V9tVUPq198gGIhMCOTXeIXmb4voOqKyE4gKwlTkDO7ZHV5f9UdweddmaJO-WjsfMnBTQdNYMJx3Az71OSpxp4h6V-5/s797/NorthMacedonia.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="797" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_pVYW6monla1aGuqJYx5psE-EIa-DDidFmATD72ndez8zFCw56V9tVUPq198gGIhMCOTXeIXmb4voOqKyE4gKwlTkDO7ZHV5f9UdweddmaJO-WjsfMnBTQdNYMJx3Az71OSpxp4h6V-5/w400-h294/NorthMacedonia.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Macedonia is the southern part of the former Yugoslavia.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />After the dramatic conclusion of Monday's round, the American victory against the highly ranked lineup of <b>North Macedonia</b> was surprisingly anticlimactic. The combination of opening preparation and tactical opportunism resulted in a <b>sweep boards 2-4</b>. Three-time US Blind winner <b>Jessica Lauser</b> had lost her first three games at the Olympiad, but she knocked out her opponent this morning with a flurry of middlegame tactics. <div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQktEaPUJSNZQs_nhF6PPVCnhn9DxO3KKFbPAnt573JkLfUEgQj4l4n6k2wmICPmcfqcKDuXX9-gZCkH774P3t5aOSKbjiSVj2nmAtDSkigIp7UGDLM7i-CKG8vFk63FcJzADZl1zKEPqB/s720/board+%25283%2529.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQktEaPUJSNZQs_nhF6PPVCnhn9DxO3KKFbPAnt573JkLfUEgQj4l4n6k2wmICPmcfqcKDuXX9-gZCkH774P3t5aOSKbjiSVj2nmAtDSkigIp7UGDLM7i-CKG8vFk63FcJzADZl1zKEPqB/s320/board+%25283%2529.gif" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jessica Lauser vs Marija Arsova (1-0)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Team USA advanced to 5 match points out of a possible 8 despite being paired up every round, including facing three top 10 countries, and are <b>tied for 15th place</b>.</div><div><p></p><div><div><b>Round 4: #10 North Macedonia vs #39 USA == <span style="color: red;">0.5-3.5</span></b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Tode Zafirovsky (2138) vs <b>Michael</b> == 1/2-1/2</li><li><b>Griffin</b> vs Vladimir Trkaljanov (2096) == 1-0</li><li>Zarko Selkovski (2007) vs <b>Pranav</b> == 0-1</li><li><b>Jessica</b> vs Marija Arsova (unrated) == 1-0</li></ul></div></div><div><br /></div><div>As the <b>FIDE Online Olympiad for People with Disabilities</b> passed the halfway point, <b>Russia-1</b> and <b>Germany</b> shared the lead with a fourth straight match victory. Top rated <b>Poland-1</b> rested the tournament's only Grandmaster and only mustered a 2-2 tie against <b>India-1</b>. In the first heavyweight matchup of the week, #4 <b>Israel</b> held #3 <b>Philippines-1</b> to another 2-2 tie. The underrated team from <b>Vietnam</b> impressed with their third upset victory. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="http://chess-results.com/tnr539368.aspx?lan=1&art=0&rd=4&flag=30">Standings after Round 4</a>:</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>8 MP = Russia-1 and Germany </li><li>7 MP = Poland-1, Poland-2, India-1</li><li>6 MP = Israel, Philippines-1, Russia-3, Vietnam and five others</li><li>5 MP = India-3, Ecuador, Russia-2, Chile, USA and three others</li><li>Total of 58 teams remaining</li></ul><div><br /></div><div>Tomorrow morning, Team USA squares off against #18 seed <b>Chile</b> in a rare pairing of two countries from the Americas. Look for a competitive match despite the rating gap of 350 points between the teams. The first pawn moves on <b>Wednesday at 6:00 AM</b> PST. Check out the games at <a href="https://live.followchess.com/#!fide-online-olympiad-for-people-with-disabilities-2020">FollowChess</a> (live) and <a href="https://chess24.com/en/watch/live-tournaments/fide-online-olympiad-for-people-with-disabilities-2020">Chess24</a>.</div></div></div>Michael Aignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166841797285152190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7288608344339782413.post-42191048014554085232020-11-23T15:05:00.010-08:002020-12-04T20:55:52.593-08:00Miracle at the Chess Board<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_DsilSVJ0Or_shVD5Vhn7dhZRKRNfLrsoG2CadbnarNQxk1Mr1WQJWG-CUr3lrK0R6H13iUGuVoeelLotgDoO5gXjMLC_iXRFnflvv0-UKJ2XX5lDOiHkObY8tgDp2JIi4xudfs4F0dz/s960/USA-Griffin-TurkeyFederation.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="960" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_DsilSVJ0Or_shVD5Vhn7dhZRKRNfLrsoG2CadbnarNQxk1Mr1WQJWG-CUr3lrK0R6H13iUGuVoeelLotgDoO5gXjMLC_iXRFnflvv0-UKJ2XX5lDOiHkObY8tgDp2JIi4xudfs4F0dz/w400-h274/USA-Griffin-TurkeyFederation.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The magician himself! Please meet Griffin McConnell.<br />Credit: Turkish Chess Federation<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Nobody knows exactly what happened. <i>It was a miracle</i>! After an opening crush by Pranav and a solid draw by Michael, the match was knotted at 1.5. <b>Griffin McConnell</b> carefully nursed an advantage on board 2 when everything went amiss. At first, a peaceful conclusion seemed likely, until black dropped his knight. Alas, white struggled to convert the win, and each spite check brought Griffin closer to a draw. Inexplicably, white returned the favor, abruptly blundering his knight - and the match point. <i>The Americans stole the match</i>! Indeed, a popular chess proverb says nobody ever won by resigning. <p></p><p><b>Round 3: #39 USA vs #30 Romania-2 == <span style="color: red;">2.5-1.5</span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Michael</b> vs Constantin Stroe (1917) == <b><span style="color: red;">1/2-1/2</span></b></li><li>Mihai Dima (1997) vs <b>Griffin</b> == <b><span style="color: red;">0-1</span></b></li><li><b>Pranav</b> vs Eugen-Cezar Vieru (1798) == <b><span style="color: red;">1-0</span></b></li><li>Maria Lupascu (1480) vs<b> Jessica</b> == <b><span style="color: red;">1-0</span></b></li></ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtsr_FWyOc-Wo97TzxRXSWNowEbRupkaUCojl8sD3NdheaDMyTX_VPEam6ldy-g0zrXvlwOrIRiaX1DHvSU2Dhz0tyVQjDJqlfiP9JbRQEKxq6zSWKCGlNBJYfquhityiNuWE7JIsUtSK/s720/board+%25282%2529.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtsr_FWyOc-Wo97TzxRXSWNowEbRupkaUCojl8sD3NdheaDMyTX_VPEam6ldy-g0zrXvlwOrIRiaX1DHvSU2Dhz0tyVQjDJqlfiP9JbRQEKxq6zSWKCGlNBJYfquhityiNuWE7JIsUtSK/s320/board+%25282%2529.gif" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It wasn't pretty, but a win is a win.<br />Mihai Dima vs Griffin McConnell (0-1)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The tournament field continues to thin out. After three rounds, <b>only six teams remain perfect</b> at 6 match points, all among the top dozen seeds. <b>Poland-1</b> and <b>Russia-1</b> annihilated their opponents, scoring an impressive 11.5 and 11.0 game points out of 12. Three additional countries have 5 match points. Other notable results include <b>Philippines-1</b> beating <b>Russia-2</b> by 3-1 and the upset by Kyrgyzstan over its northern neighbor Kazakhstan by 3.5-0.5.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="http://chess-results.com/tnr539368.aspx?lan=1&art=0&rd=3&flag=30">Standings after Round 3</a>:</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>6 MP = Poland-1, Russia-1, Germany, Ukraine-1, Croatia, India-1</li><li>5 MP = Israel, Philippines-1, Poland-2</li><li>4 MP = 15 teams</li><li>3 MP = Canada, Russia-2, North Macedonia, USA and seven others</li><li>Total of 58 teams remaining</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div>The new pairing pits Team USA against #10 seed <b>North Macedonia</b>, previously known as Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The challenging matchups continue as the Americans face a third team rated in the top 10. Games begin on <b>Tuesday at 6 AM</b> PST. Find the games at <a href="https://chess24.com/en/watch/live-tournaments/fide-online-olympiad-for-people-with-disabilities-2020">Chess24</a> or <a href="https://live.followchess.com/#!fide-online-olympiad-for-people-with-disabilities-2020">FollowChess</a>.</div><div><br /></div>Michael Aignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166841797285152190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7288608344339782413.post-67360991440426555852020-11-22T17:38:00.007-08:002020-11-24T15:31:29.388-08:00Highly Ranked Philippines-1 Shuts Out USA<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJqNhcXqFL-IdS9BFyrejFQdUtejKDaa3zvHw-Ri59reuSy70H7lZCYhQkosczxtXs_Mm6xG6ZUn92ngIz0ko2ll3WpdMIAZQ3e7y-TdHFU-tv-8Km7FXwVpN4X-hGwy323taR1iH0u485/s960/SanderSeverino.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJqNhcXqFL-IdS9BFyrejFQdUtejKDaa3zvHw-Ri59reuSy70H7lZCYhQkosczxtXs_Mm6xG6ZUn92ngIz0ko2ll3WpdMIAZQ3e7y-TdHFU-tv-8Km7FXwVpN4X-hGwy323taR1iH0u485/w400-h266/SanderSeverino.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filipino board 1 FM Sander Severino<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />After a successful debut against Russia, Team USA crashed back to Earth, losing four fighting games to one of the Olympiad favorites: Philippines-1. FM <b>Sander Severino</b>, the reigning IPCA (International Physically Challenged Association) <a href="https://okay-nowwhat.com/2020/06/20/world-chess-champion-sander-severino/">World Rapid Champion</a>, dominated this writer from the black side of the Caro Kann. Unfortunately, our other three boards suffered a similar fate.<div><br /></div><div><div><b>Round 2: #39 USA vs #3 Philippines-1 == <span style="color: red;">0-4</span></b></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Michael</b> vs FM Sander Severino (2364) == <b><span style="color: red;">0-1</span></b></li><li>Henry Lopez (2107) vs <b>Griffin</b> == <b><span style="color: red;">1-0</span></b></li><li><b>Pranav</b> vs Darry Bernardo (2114) == <b><span style="color: red;">0-1</span></b></li><li>Cheyzer Crystal J. Mendoza (1639) vs <b>Jessica</b> == <b><span style="color: red;">1-0</span></b></li></ol></div></div><div><div><div><br /></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkgY4ModBwgxEPIDuEYJj9MZU0kclY8nBDP8pYk7dKVFpEQ6hE1XwVloWOmK1ExsnLNWdb4D9NNNGQcjswy9rtiDGO8oOtqhOyfVwNwv1AtU95r3noZ_um9ttxhTmPp9MoEwiI92ZoXNb/s720/board.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkgY4ModBwgxEPIDuEYJj9MZU0kclY8nBDP8pYk7dKVFpEQ6hE1XwVloWOmK1ExsnLNWdb4D9NNNGQcjswy9rtiDGO8oOtqhOyfVwNwv1AtU95r3noZ_um9ttxhTmPp9MoEwiI92ZoXNb/s320/board.gif" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael Aigner vs Sander Severino (0-1)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />After two rounds, <b>14 teams remain perfect</b> with four match points, including 6 of the original top 10 seeds. Two noteworthy upsets saw Hungary defeat Cuba while North Macedonia fell to Turkey-1. However, the biggest surprise must be Vietnam, who scalped a pair of stronger squads from Kazakhstan and Romania-2. <br /><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="http://chess-results.com/tnr539368.aspx?lan=1&art=0&rd=2&flag=30">Standings after Round 2</a>:</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>4 MP = three Polish teams, Israel, two Russian teams, two Ukrainian teams, Germany, Turkey-1, Vietnam, Hungary, India-1 and Croatia</li><li>3 MP = Philippines-1 and Russia-2</li><li>2 MP = 26 teams</li><li>1 MP = Canada, USA, Romania-2 and Mali </li><li>0 MP = 14 teams</li></ul><div><br /></div><div>The pairing for the third round pits <b>Team USA against Romania-2</b>, rated roughly 200 points higher in average FIDE rating. Interestingly, our previous opponents, Philippines-1 and Russia-2, meet in a heavyweight showdown. <i>This is a brutal competition!</i> The round time is <b>Monday at 6:00 AM</b> PST. Although not a live broadcast, <a href="https://chess24.com/en/watch/live-tournaments/fide-online-olympiad-for-people-with-disabilities-2020">Chess24</a> uploads all games upon conclusion. </div></div></div>Michael Aignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166841797285152190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7288608344339782413.post-3050768151775952482020-11-21T15:13:00.023-08:002020-11-23T15:19:20.124-08:00USA Ties Russia-2 in Round 1<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnB0R4w17qebOcIZKtqjiZsn8Pbhriwn6Co2Xo57tBFc3CTCBKue9MbcBQrOVBRkBf04ZLYDkMHJuPBlaAlM2JJeGDFEyl2VWrqeFao8tPo2EBM0qCdU7Uma_Yw-HNqYbf2i6dSVikNDAs/s783/FIDEOlympiad-Practice2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="783" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnB0R4w17qebOcIZKtqjiZsn8Pbhriwn6Co2Xo57tBFc3CTCBKue9MbcBQrOVBRkBf04ZLYDkMHJuPBlaAlM2JJeGDFEyl2VWrqeFao8tPo2EBM0qCdU7Uma_Yw-HNqYbf2i6dSVikNDAs/w400-h226/FIDEOlympiad-Practice2.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team USA meeting on Zoom.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />What a roller coaster! The first round of the <b>Online Olympiad</b> saw a bit of everything for <b>Team USA</b>: aggressive openings, inexplicable blunders, strong endgame technique and even a flag fall. No doubt <b>Russia-2</b> expected both International Masters to score a point. While Yuri Meshkov took care of business on board 1, his colleague Alexey Pakhomov got lost in cyberspace and flagged after just 7 moves. The lower boards split too and the teams shared the match points. <p></p><p><b>Round 1: #9 Russia-2 vs #39 USA ==<span style="color: red;"> 2-2</span></b></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>IM Yuri Meshkov (2351) vs <b>Michael</b> ==<b> <span style="color: red;">1-0</span></b></li><li><b>Griffin</b> vs IM Alexey Pakhomov (2315) == <b><span style="color: red;">1-0 (<i>time</i>)</span></b></li><li>Polina Taranenko (1445) vs <b>Pranav</b> ==<b> <span style="color: red;">0-1</span></b></li><li><b>Jessica</b> vs Maksim Ermakov (1611) == <b><span style="color: red;">0-1</span></b></li></ol><p></p><p>Board 3 <b>Pranav Shankar</b> had opportunities throughout his game, but technique brought home the point in the endgame. Well done!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSIrErPKQguCn1xudxu0shfxhjnPCpk_GCxjKP22d3hfomMIF9OOJsv2YJhFsznvZhoPHmyFMgWrZDaHZ39ZGN2qSqarjMnfc-E2H5ah5LxIX6M9bLHWqpbbzWd4KQa1nMK84hUy5G2oC/s720/PranavRound1.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSIrErPKQguCn1xudxu0shfxhjnPCpk_GCxjKP22d3hfomMIF9OOJsv2YJhFsznvZhoPHmyFMgWrZDaHZ39ZGN2qSqarjMnfc-E2H5ah5LxIX6M9bLHWqpbbzWd4KQa1nMK84hUy5G2oC/s320/PranavRound1.gif" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Polina Taranenko vs Pranav Shankar (0-1)</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span>Aside from the USA match, the first round followed form with the higher rated country winning 25 of the 30 matches. Lower rated </span><b>India-4</b><span> and </span><b>Vietnam</b><span> scored impressive upsets against Venezuela and Romania-2, respectively, while three matches were drawn. In addition to #9 Russia-2, one other top 10 squad drew; #3 seed Philippines-1 could not defeat our neighbors from </span><b>Canada</b><span>.</span></p><p><b><a href="http://chess-results.com/tnr539368.aspx?lan=1&art=0&rd=1&flag=30">Standings after Round 1</a>:</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>2 MP = 27 teams including 11 of the top 13 rated</li><li>1 MP = Philippines-1, Russia-2, Canada, USA and two others</li><li>0 MP = the remaining 27 teams</li></ul><p></p><p>As reward for splitting the match with the #9 seed, Team USA was paired against the #3 seed <b>Philippines-1 in round 2</b>. Indeed, Canada and USA swapped their opponents. Game time is <b>Sunday at 6:00 AM</b> PST. Follow the action on <a href="https://chess24.com/en/watch/live-tournaments/fide-online-olympiad-for-people-with-disabilities-2020">Chess24</a>.</p><p></p>Michael Aignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166841797285152190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7288608344339782413.post-88564378835537188982020-11-20T19:25:00.004-08:002020-11-20T19:40:01.306-08:00Opening Ceremony<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="400" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/L2Qekv8F3tc" width="480" youtube-src-id="L2Qekv8F3tc"></iframe></div><br />The first <b>FIDE Online Olympiad for People with Disabilities</b> kicked off this morning with a brief Opening Ceremony streamed live on YouTube. Highlights included the obligatory rendition of the FIDE anthem and speeches by Chief Arbiter <b>Jirina Prokopova</b> of the Czech Republic and FIDE President <b>Arkady Dvorkovich</b> of Russia. Replay the video above.<p></p><p>The organizers scheduled a test round after the ceremony to work out any kinks in accessing the <a href="https://tornelo.com/chess">Tornelo website</a> or screen sharing on Zoom. Technical difficulties meant a delay of more than an hour. Finally, each participant faced a random opponent from another country. While officially meaningless, Team USA gained momentum with a perfect 5-0 result, including several upsets! </p><p>Alas, the <b>first round pairings</b> offer a stark reminder of challenge that lies ahead. The Russians are coming! Ranked in the bottom half, the Americans drew Russia-2, powered by a veteran pair of International Masters. Wish us luck!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkM_xYhW6KlzYpDYYWu4MKSLjMNDDpUeHtLR5FGJh24zySyQGIHebjxPRpQaLUfl0_NwzFewCCIGdLjiFbgbceO1hL_ku42drQssHUloFrNgHBUvdFLFl56pJB4s6sJyDDhv1GAtNRIqH1/s960/YuriMeshkov.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkM_xYhW6KlzYpDYYWu4MKSLjMNDDpUeHtLR5FGJh24zySyQGIHebjxPRpQaLUfl0_NwzFewCCIGdLjiFbgbceO1hL_ku42drQssHUloFrNgHBUvdFLFl56pJB4s6sJyDDhv1GAtNRIqH1/s320/YuriMeshkov.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IM Yuri Meshkov plays board 1.<br />He's a former IBCA (Braille Chess)<br />World Champion and a regular at<br />the Chess Olympiad. Credit: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/IBCAchess/">IBCA</a></td></tr></tbody></table><p><b>Round 1: #9 Russia-2 vs #39 USA</b></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>IM Yuri Meshkov (2351) vs <b>Michael</b></li><li><b>Griffin</b> vs IM Alexey Pakhomov (2315)</li><li>Polina Taranenko (1445) vs <b>Pranav</b></li><li><b>Jessica</b> vs Maksim Ermakov (1611)</li></ol><div>Game time is <b>Saturday at 6:00 AM</b> PST. Follow the action live on <a href="https://chess24.com/en/watch/live-tournaments/fide-online-olympiad-for-people-with-disabilities-2020">Chess24</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/fidechannel/videos?view=2&sort=dd&live_view=502&shelf_id=7">YouTube</a>.</div><p></p>Michael Aignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166841797285152190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7288608344339782413.post-46484993854127813562020-11-18T22:38:00.007-08:002020-11-20T19:40:29.617-08:00Meet Team USA<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTe0qJVsaX0oT8BevmLSaY_VABpzBxelEe1YqIJnyktvarQTQ3JPth40SqKSucU3oMvZi9EtFLOWfv37jNilmLVkiPvgNu-MIxRtPtT9DqdFDHXsTpwA3D3dw0HpdtlyRQ4NpkMF2naMoC/s1024/USA-Griffin-and-Pranav-CopyrightDoraMartinez.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="1024" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTe0qJVsaX0oT8BevmLSaY_VABpzBxelEe1YqIJnyktvarQTQ3JPth40SqKSucU3oMvZi9EtFLOWfv37jNilmLVkiPvgNu-MIxRtPtT9DqdFDHXsTpwA3D3dw0HpdtlyRQ4NpkMF2naMoC/w400-h251/USA-Griffin-and-Pranav-CopyrightDoraMartinez.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pranav and Griffin battle at the 2018<br />World Junior for Players with Disabilities.<br />Credit: Dora L. Martinez</td></tr></tbody></table><br />This article does not introduce the usual suspects named Fabiano, Wesley and Hikaru. While those gentlemen play a mean game of chess, they are not special enough to qualify for this team. The six members of Team USA competing at the <b>FIDE Online Olympiad for People with Disabilities</b> drive wheelchairs, wear limb supports, endure surgeries and therapies, perceive the world from one eye, struggle with social interactions and still thrive amidst a laundry list of unique circumstances.<p></p><p>Without further ado, please meet <a href="http://chess-results.com/tnr539368.aspx?lan=1&art=8&snr=39&flag=30">Team USA</a>:</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>NM <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/13/crosswords/chess/13chess.html">Michael Aigner</a> from California, 2207 USCF, 2006 FIDE</li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wq_F47jCKWM">Griffin McConnell</a> (age 16) from Colorado, 2051 USCF, 1823 FIDE </li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugluhfjlNIo">Pranav Shankar</a> (age 13) from New Jersey, 1914 USCF, 1499 FIDE</li><li><a href="https://dailychessmusings.com/2019/03/04/chess-chat-qa-with-jessica-lauser-u-s-blind-champion/">Jessica Lauser</a> from Missouri, 1804 USCF, unrated FIDE</li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDTgW8zF38A">Oskar Zoffer</a> (age 11) from Massachusetts, 1680 USCF, unrated FIDE</li><li>Nguyen Tran (age 8) from Louisiana, 1132 USCF, unrated FIDE</li></ol><div>Team captain is NM <a href="https://palschess.com/coach/">Lior Lapid</a> from Colorado, 2302 USCF, 2124 FIDE.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWOTD9ovcHhWD-704GID2C0t0bZW-q2WwiInY5YFOCWOM8tB4FR-iJ-zz_l70YtTbEIsKLFoC53oW8qbAoqAGu1lJ3Qq9fzLg0_HBUyNXyhrHFGZkGawN8uxcVO-bzqB68jlaYrx9ofgUm/s262/USA-JessicaLauser-MaineChess.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="262" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWOTD9ovcHhWD-704GID2C0t0bZW-q2WwiInY5YFOCWOM8tB4FR-iJ-zz_l70YtTbEIsKLFoC53oW8qbAoqAGu1lJ3Qq9fzLg0_HBUyNXyhrHFGZkGawN8uxcVO-bzqB68jlaYrx9ofgUm/s0/USA-JessicaLauser-MaineChess.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jessica Lauser won the US Blind<br />Championship the last three years!<br />Credit: Mike Dudley of Maine Chess</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>While the top four boards have an average USCF rating of 1994, the tournament uses an average FIDE rating of 1582 by assigning unrated players as 1000. This leaves the Americans <b>seeded 39th out of 61 teams</b>. Winning a medal seems unlikely given the fierce competition, but this young team aspires to surprise opponents and improve on its initial ranking. <div><br /></div><div>Stay tuned for updates. The first round begins on <b>Saturday at 6:00 AM</b> Pacific time. All games should be <a href="https://chess24.com/en/watch/live-tournaments/fide-online-olympiad-for-people-with-disabilities-2020">broadcast on Chess24</a>. Go U-S-A!</div><p></p></div>Michael Aignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166841797285152190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7288608344339782413.post-21081072913927660052020-11-16T23:14:00.015-08:002020-11-21T16:35:39.774-08:00Online Olympiad for People with Disabilities<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxrQssF8jvKhe0UJ9oCRKeSQsEbyxd10ikF1zxt876dIXJ2ZBNyqDbNCj6WRRhkdYQQTfgGz_TwVxyU9aJZmuuQdBa3moWcB8zBcyYe4h4bsMHoJ-5W1TK3yq_lTBD2LfDZuEYamBou3z/s571/OnlineolympiadforDisabled.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="226" data-original-width="571" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxrQssF8jvKhe0UJ9oCRKeSQsEbyxd10ikF1zxt876dIXJ2ZBNyqDbNCj6WRRhkdYQQTfgGz_TwVxyU9aJZmuuQdBa3moWcB8zBcyYe4h4bsMHoJ-5W1TK3yq_lTBD2LfDZuEYamBou3z/w400-h159/OnlineolympiadforDisabled.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />In response to the cancellation of over-the-board chess events around the globe due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) organized a series of online championships. The <b>first FIDE Online Olympiad for People with Disabilities</b> follows the <a href="https://www.fide.com/news/721">Online Chess Olympiad</a>, jointly won by India and Russia, and two smaller events for players with disabilities, the <a href="https://fide.com/news/536">Online Cup</a> and the <a href="https://www.fide.com/news/597">Online Junior Cup</a>.<div><br /></div><div>The Olympiad opens on November 20 and closes on December 3, the International Day for Persons with Disabilities. Each participating country is represented by one or more <b>teams of four players</b> and up to four alternates. Teams may mix players with different impairments: physical, visual, hearing and social. However, at least one woman must play in every match. The <b>initial stage</b> involves a <b>seven-round match play swiss</b> played at one round per day. Four top teams face off in a pair of two-day <b>semifinal</b> matches, and then the winners meet for a two-day <b>final</b>. Players compete on the <a href="https://tornelo.com/chess">Tornelo chess platform</a>, which implements FIDE regulations with a Zoom meeting to monitor for fair-play violations. The rapid time control for all stages is game in 25 minutes plus a 10 second increment.<div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hy7bIds918UYJ1OUM5V3Cf5intIMtX1xTUZ2flo2JG4k6WRncBZoKdAFiKiA5jQ_3JZ39Gt939Jm-FpzhnGLhL9br-YP3qdVOW5cJzqoT5RxAcay6BzIS8crKfYpN-2kZa4Pvlvziq6q/s1200/FIDElogo.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1200" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hy7bIds918UYJ1OUM5V3Cf5intIMtX1xTUZ2flo2JG4k6WRncBZoKdAFiKiA5jQ_3JZ39Gt939Jm-FpzhnGLhL9br-YP3qdVOW5cJzqoT5RxAcay6BzIS8crKfYpN-2kZa4Pvlvziq6q/w226-h151/FIDElogo.png" width="226" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>A total of <a href="http://chess-results.com/tnr539368.aspx?lan=1&art=32&flag=30">60 teams registered</a>, representing <b>44 countries</b> on five continents (Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America). Counting the alternates, <b>nearly 400 players</b> will participate, ranging in age from 8 to 77! On one hand, Team Israel boasts a Grandmaster and two International Masters. On the other hand, two African rosters comprise entirely of players lacking an official international rating. Here are some <b>other interesting statistics</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Favorites </b>(by average team rating): Poland (2259), Germany (2219), Philippines (2197), Israel (2172), Cuba (2166), Russia (2164), Ukraine (2131)</li><li><b>Teams rated over 2000 average</b>: 14</li><li><b>Countries with most teams</b>: India and Turkey both with 4 teams</li><li><b>Other countries with multiple teams</b>: Poland (3), Russia (3), Ukraine (3), Philippines (2), Romania (2), Colombia (2) and Malaysia (2) </li><li><b>Titled masters</b>: 2 GM, 12 IM, 22 FM, 4 WIM, 3 WFM </li><li><b>Players rated over 2400 FIDE</b>: 2</li><li><b>Players rated over 2200 FIDE</b>: 32</li><li><b>Players rated over 2000 FIDE</b>: 89</li><li><b>Teams from North America</b>: Cuba, Canada, USA, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and El Salvador</li><li><b>Seeding of Team USA</b>: 39th out of 60 </li></ul></div></div></div>Michael Aignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166841797285152190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7288608344339782413.post-83601442905923787842020-06-11T15:53:00.000-07:002020-06-11T17:36:05.113-07:00Weekly Online Tournaments for Sacramento<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8QdxeBDl1S3KsKYe5R1BrY4coly3GMtI82i-X7qU26zsUQ711FIdT8KqklRqYt2YLkMW3-oW__yFNnk-Zz4v0RDFXg15h_1M_5-ffDIQ2Afvl6d5mEL_rl9NRlPgA4f0uiqqI1snuuD_/s1600/PawnStorm11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="1023" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8QdxeBDl1S3KsKYe5R1BrY4coly3GMtI82i-X7qU26zsUQ711FIdT8KqklRqYt2YLkMW3-oW__yFNnk-Zz4v0RDFXg15h_1M_5-ffDIQ2Afvl6d5mEL_rl9NRlPgA4f0uiqqI1snuuD_/s400/PawnStorm11.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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Let the <b><a href="https://www.chess.com/club/sacramento-pawns">Sacramento Pawns</a></b> club help fulfill your craving for competitive chess during this era of social distancing. Join one of our <strong>weekly online tournaments on Saturday afternoon</strong>. Kids & Amateurs rated under 1400 in Chess.com rapid rating play at 1:30 while everyone else should log in shortly before 3:00. Be there - and don't forget to invite your buddies!<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><strong>Sac Kids & Amateurs</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><strong>When:</strong> Weekly every Saturday from 1:30 to 3:00 PM</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>Who:</strong> Open to club members <strong>under 1400</strong> Chess.com rapid rating</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>Format:</strong> FOUR (4) ROUND Swiss in one section</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>Link:</strong> Find the Kids & Amateurs under the Tournament tab</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><strong>Sac Pawn Storm</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><strong>When:</strong> Weekly every Saturday from 3:00 to 5:00 PM</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><strong>Who:</strong> Open to all club members regardless of rating</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><strong>Format:</strong> FIVE (5) ROUND Swiss in one section</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><strong>Link: </strong>Find the Pawn Storm under the Tournament tab</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><strong>Additional information</strong> for both events</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><strong>Where:</strong> <a href="https://www.chess.com/live">Chess.com Live Server</a> under the Tournaments tab at the upper right</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><strong>Time control:</strong> G/10 + 3 second increment</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Minimum:</b> Need at least 4 players to avoid automatic cancellation</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><strong>USCF Rated:</strong> No</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><strong>Entry:</strong> Free</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><strong>Prizes:</strong> Glory and Chess.com rating points</span><br />
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If this is your first time playing, 1. <a href="https://www.chess.com/club/sacramento-pawns"><strong>sign up for the Sacramento Pawns club</strong></a> and 2. <a href="https://www.chess.com/news/view/sac-pawn-storm-1-on-saturday-3-00-pm"><strong>read the instructions to join the tournament</strong></a>. Questions or comments? Please message fpawn on Chess.com or send an email to michael AT fpawn DOT com.<br />
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Past results: <a href="https://www.chess.com/club/live-tournaments/sacramento-pawns">https://www.chess.com/club/live-tournaments/sacramento-pawns</a><br />
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<b>Other chess clubs</b> based in Northern California are also active on Chess.com. I can recommend the historic <a href="https://www.chess.com/club/mechanics-institute-chess-club-1"><b>Mechanics' Institute</b></a> of San Francisco, which hosts free blitz or rapid tournaments literally <a href="https://www.milibrary.org/chess-tournaments/free-online-tournaments-events-every-day-chesscom">every day of the week</a>, and the <a href="https://www.chess.com/club/auburn-ca-cc"><b>Auburn Chess Club</b></a>. Good luck!Michael Aignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166841797285152190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7288608344339782413.post-46687601787552231712020-06-11T14:44:00.000-07:002020-06-11T17:52:31.982-07:00Play US Chess Rated Online!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcMKtJniWdJEabVEbyX84xYWpJR1rYWew_BXO9ZOOvy4fKQqfCgYiG4k_dwAbDPpH3ZsrvilsW1jPzLBbKWS66QAo_v0Kc0YSpIOT92dE_GQEkv8C-t8dOchMUvbS4ISXBmOE56ddcsn7/s1600/Dasher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="772" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcMKtJniWdJEabVEbyX84xYWpJR1rYWew_BXO9ZOOvy4fKQqfCgYiG4k_dwAbDPpH3ZsrvilsW1jPzLBbKWS66QAo_v0Kc0YSpIOT92dE_GQEkv8C-t8dOchMUvbS4ISXBmOE56ddcsn7/s400/Dasher.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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The <a href="http://www.uschess.org/">US Chess Federation</a> partners with two leading online chess sites to offer <b>weekly rated quick (G/11-G/29) and blitz (G/5-G/10) tournaments</b> on the internet. Determine which rating to use by adding increment to starting time, e.g. 3+2 counts as G/5 - the fastest blitz time control permitted. Participants earn <a href="https://new.uschess.org/news/online-rated-us-chess-events/">online quick or online blitz ratings</a> that are separate from the traditional over-the-board quick and blitz categories. Breaking news: US Chess just announced a new <a href="https://new.uschess.org/news/us-chess-release-online-regular-rating/">online regular rating</a> for G/30 or longer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblKhzrBSVDhjr3QXtJtpjNt3tGCwRqZ3UCpwuyQf4TUhaYcadKXrmW8v3QvBXFAUCvVG6SydnFRh8dxq8WciAAIz0C8_BwyDKBCXId90_WpTNp5PLq8_ZNd_iSSYu8F2ZwxIrOACC5ydQ/s1600/USChess.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblKhzrBSVDhjr3QXtJtpjNt3tGCwRqZ3UCpwuyQf4TUhaYcadKXrmW8v3QvBXFAUCvVG6SydnFRh8dxq8WciAAIz0C8_BwyDKBCXId90_WpTNp5PLq8_ZNd_iSSYu8F2ZwxIrOACC5ydQ/s200/USChess.png" width="200" /></a>You must have a current <a href="https://secure2.uschess.org/webstore/member.php">US Chess membership</a> in addition to an active account at one of the online partners. Find your ID number, expiration date and PIN code on your renewal email or magazine label; otherwise <a href="https://secure2.uschess.org/pin-request.php">complete this form</a>. The <b><a href="http://www.chessclub.com/">Internet Chess Club</a></b> (ICC) requires a paid account to play in online events. <i>Special: USCF members may claim a <a href="https://store.chessclub.com/uscf">20% discount</a>!</i> While <b><a href="http://www.chess.com/">Chess.com</a></b> does allow free basic accounts, frankly the <a href="http://www.chess.com/membership?c=navbar">premium features</a> are well worth the price.<i> Although I am a longtime ICC administrator, I enjoy chess on both sites.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBR-rPXuTleVhyTngjAEXO6lHVq8DEsuQq_nF5izi67xQ3vL5m1k_v9Fs6HjXFFk5ugMK5-2bzlOVRJTELXv-_CRal10ZWivRsB1Oqs9mCmmRpzFrc00kbOaeaa1sG9iKJw5t3F4vXgzbE/s1600/ICClogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBR-rPXuTleVhyTngjAEXO6lHVq8DEsuQq_nF5izi67xQ3vL5m1k_v9Fs6HjXFFk5ugMK5-2bzlOVRJTELXv-_CRal10ZWivRsB1Oqs9mCmmRpzFrc00kbOaeaa1sG9iKJw5t3F4vXgzbE/s200/ICClogo.png" width="250" /></a><span style="color: magenta; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>ICC schedule</u></b></span> </span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: medium;">(<a href="https://www.chessclub.com/USChess"><i>click here for more info</i></a>)</span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b>3+2 blitz on Mondays @ 4pm Pacific</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><b>15+5 quick on Fridays @ 5pm Pacific</b></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><b>12+3 quick on Saturdays @ 2pm Pacific</b></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><b>5+2 blitz on Sundays @ 11am Pacific</b></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: magenta;">Download one of the official interface apps (recommend Dasher for Windows users). Log into the main server and register under the Activities or Events console. Alternatively, you can type "<u>/tell uscf join</u>" without quotes to sign up with the tourney robot. If this is your first time, enter your US Chess ID + PIN. Tournaments open about 20 minutes before start time and you may join late.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><br />
<a href="http://www.uschess.org/msa/AffDtlTnmtHst.php?A6014381"><span style="font-size: large;">View past ICC Rating Reports</span></a></span><br />
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<i>
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the </i><b style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.chesstour.com/">Continental Chess Association</a></b><i> has partnered with ICC to organize online rated tournaments with substantial cash prizes, including a replacement of the World Open on July 3-5. Read the special </i><a href="https://www.chessclub.com/cca" style="font-style: italic;">online event rules</a><i>. Note that players must participate in a Zoom session to become eligible to win prizes. Check the schedule for </i><a href="http://www.chesstour.com/refs.html" style="font-style: italic;">tournament details</a><i> and </i><a href="http://www.chessaction.com/" style="font-style: italic;">enter online</a><i> when available.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2W5iVh6qxDBbD2B1KO7_MZ1uWMH6UtRtmglcYqXoGLGRe65kc91R21tR124LmhHuWN3kj_m-jKbESl2QUwgZN7ntXqJQgnPYsrJ73w3aFdVPwysL4xXWqYIq54MWMeLrvJly74gRW07Sx/s1600/ChesscomLogo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="67" data-original-width="200" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2W5iVh6qxDBbD2B1KO7_MZ1uWMH6UtRtmglcYqXoGLGRe65kc91R21tR124LmhHuWN3kj_m-jKbESl2QUwgZN7ntXqJQgnPYsrJ73w3aFdVPwysL4xXWqYIq54MWMeLrvJly74gRW07Sx/s200/ChesscomLogo.gif" width="300" /></a><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Chess.com schedule</b></span></u> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: medium;">(<a href="https://www.chess.com/clubs/forum/view/frequently-asked-questions-faq-1"><i>click here for more info</i></a>)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDu34RYXSP6EAwduVGIxnx7yweKA_PHH5CqpO5wlUi6GBBIAuyc5l0QyKt-JGsgHuqM5xGjpLxEo-rhhbxbQSbdyJ-pocQ80wgMPlxJOox5yvH3PvO-NxAMpuC8cjsDygAlnDcFGqCBfYZ/s1600/ChesscomLogo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
</a><br />
<b>10+0 blitz on Mondays @ 3pm Pacific</b><br />
<b>5+0 blitz on Mondays @ 8pm Pacific</b><br />
<b>3+2 blitz on Wednesdays @ 5pm Pacific</b><br />
<b>15+10 quick on Fridays @ 5pm Pacific</b><br />
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Variety on Saturdays @ 11am Pacific</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
At least a day in advance, enter your ID + PIN on the <a href="http://www.chess.com/news/uscf-member-authentication-9266">US Chess Authentication form</a> and request to join the <a href="https://www.chess.com/club/uschess-members-only">US Chess - Members Only</a> online club. Log into the <a href="https://www.chess.com/live">Live Chess</a> server from the Play menu and join via the Tournaments tab on the upper right side. Tournaments open one hour before start time and you may join late. Choose from two sections: Open or Under 1450 in Chess.com rating.<br />
<i style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></i>
<a href="http://www.uschess.org/msa/AffDtlTnmtHst.php?A6044892"><span style="font-size: large;">View past Chess.com Rating Reports</span></a></span><br />
<br />
<i>Also in response to the pandemic, the historic <b>Mechanics' Institute</b> of San Francisco has begun hosting US Chess online rated tournaments with modest cash prizes on Chess.com. Check out the weekly <a href="https://www.milibrary.org/chess-newsletters">chess newsletter</a> and join the <a href="https://www.chess.com/club/mechanics-institute-chess-club-1">online club</a> (both free!) for the latest information. Good luck! </i>Michael Aignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166841797285152190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7288608344339782413.post-85391396270109754452020-05-28T15:53:00.000-07:002020-06-11T17:53:29.038-07:00Results at Online Cup for Disabilities<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUkRYfVnC4RYuzMcKWcqVVkFDvUIbSnIXguqbeTclHoywd4fToEJYF4WrTpsQaaXz3m-_X7f8N3-l4EeXxlK9etk4RsXTSQ99Aiq9Oq1H5G98FdqwfpFc6mMSLVFaTBa9erKhm3MtehrK/s1600/Cup4Disabilities-Zoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="359" data-original-width="700" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUkRYfVnC4RYuzMcKWcqVVkFDvUIbSnIXguqbeTclHoywd4fToEJYF4WrTpsQaaXz3m-_X7f8N3-l4EeXxlK9etk4RsXTSQ99Aiq9Oq1H5G98FdqwfpFc6mMSLVFaTBa9erKhm3MtehrK/s400/Cup4Disabilities-Zoom.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The participants joined an international Zoom meeting. (credit: FIDE)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The <b><a href="https://fide.com/news/536">1st FIDE Online Cup for Players with Disabilities</a></b> on May 21st saw 36 competitors representing 27 countries on five continents battle for five intense rounds of rapid chess at the <a href="http://www.playchess.com/">PlayChess.com</a> platform. The diverse field included amateurs and professionals, ranging from one Grandmaster and six International Masters to a handful of unrateds. A quarter of the participants were women. <a href="https://en.chessbase.com/post/marcin-tazbir-wins-1-fide-online-cup-for-players-with-disabilities-on-playchess">Click for an article at the ChessBase website</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnb7dzpWqad53je7N7d3P6jU1NR-VmV7hshWTgcjARp3sgy5tgpjslT5vWx09VZw4yGHW3AxynssQtW99m85eczD_595n4OIfm4OSqe2GzJ8jJH2TCJ_BlnkD3YIum7nj1Rer0RYt-AkMu/s1600/FIDElogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1200" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnb7dzpWqad53je7N7d3P6jU1NR-VmV7hshWTgcjARp3sgy5tgpjslT5vWx09VZw4yGHW3AxynssQtW99m85eczD_595n4OIfm4OSqe2GzJ8jJH2TCJ_BlnkD3YIum7nj1Rer0RYt-AkMu/s200/FIDElogo.png" width="200" /></a>The <a href="https://www.fide.com/">World Chess Federation</a> (FIDE) organized the tournament as part of a global effort to promote chess and <a href="https://www.checkmatecoronavirus.com/">Checkmate Coronavirus</a>. During the brief opening ceremony on Zoom, FIDE President <b>Arkady Dvorkovich</b> of Russia welcomed the players and encouraged everyone to "<i>stay safe and play chess</i>." International Arbiter Marco Biagioli of Italy directed a smooth event.<br />
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When the bits finally settled, GM <b>Marcin Tazbir</b> of Poland took first place on tiebreaks over FM <b>Sander Severino</b> of the Philippines. Tazbir currently ranks as the strongest blind chess player in the world while Severino suffers from ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) and is confined to a wheelchair. Two Russians shared third place with the Hungarian representative.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Final Standings</span></u></b> (see <a href="http://chess-results.com/tnr527179.aspx?lan=1&art=1&turdet=YES&flag=30">Chess-Results</a>) </div>
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<ol>
<li>GM<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Marcin Tazbir </b>(2510 from Poland) <b>4.5</b> out of 5</li>
<li>FM<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Sander Severino</b> (2364 from Philippines) <b>4.5</b></li>
<li>IM<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Yuri Meshkov</b> (2351 from Russia) <b>4.0</b></li>
<li><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Denis Palin</b> (2110 from Russia) <b>4.0</b></li>
<li><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Gabor Acs</b> (2047 from Hungary) <b>4.0</b></li>
<li>FM<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Mihail-Dacian Pribeanu</b> (2207 from Romania) <b>3.5</b></li>
<li>IM<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Dmitrij Scerbin</b> (2260 from Russia) <b>3.0</b></li>
<li>FM<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Vit Valenta</b> (2127 from Czech Republic) <b>3.0</b></li>
<li>IM<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Andrei Gurbanov</b> (2301 from Israel) <b>3.0</b></li>
<li>FM<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Ilia Lipilin</b> (2189 from Russia) <b>3.0</b></li>
<li>WIM <b>Natasha Morales Santos</b> (1949 from Puerto Rico) <b>3.0</b></li>
<li>FM<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Sargis Sargissyan</b> (2269 from Armenia) <b>3.0</b></li>
<li><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Handenur Sahin</b> (1997 from Turkey) <b>3.0</b></li>
<li>WCM <b>Annegret Mucha</b> (1998 from Germany) <b>3.0</b></li>
<li><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Ezekiel Masiko</b> (1830 from Uganda) <b>3.0</b> </li>
</ol>
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Competing in my maiden international invitational as the lone American, I aspired to perform sufficiently well to earn a signature win. The results were mixed. <b>My score of 2.0 out of 5</b> seemed respectable considering the <a href="http://chess-results.com/tnr527179.aspx?lan=1&art=9&fed=USA&turdet=YES&flag=30&snr=17">challenging pairings</a> - two IMs and two FMs. Unfortunately, detailed analysis of the games showed that I missed too many tactical combinations, even considering the time control of G/10 + inc/5. In the first round, I achieved a dominant position within a dozen moves as black against an Israeli IM, yet inexplicably left my rook en prise on move 19. At least I could blame the 6:00 AM start time for that blunder. Three rounds later, I gleefully forced a draw by repetition after an inferior opening, but failed to even consider a crushing zwischenzug.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRh1Dv6nCoXJrBBng3F5kPdT8ZY0XdnZXZh2jDZTUjbWkHAB_eIJoF5McJa5WLPHdLXGPvNS4uvkXrJ7-StLKUyuira59lAIT0aQYl0t37qIq5FQb6L-UN06EMYpn0DWl8pAjtPmGb5sGW/s1600/AndreiObodchuk.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="443" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRh1Dv6nCoXJrBBng3F5kPdT8ZY0XdnZXZh2jDZTUjbWkHAB_eIJoF5McJa5WLPHdLXGPvNS4uvkXrJ7-StLKUyuira59lAIT0aQYl0t37qIq5FQb6L-UN06EMYpn0DWl8pAjtPmGb5sGW/s320/AndreiObodchuk.jpeg" width="209" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IM Andrei Obodchuk<br />
(credit: ChessFest2019)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1WQ_FULbbDvgGE3IFEpUKawipOHzWXTa3AYuRMYhXJkAJd6D5Lq6undS6LvPxLyFA15lrq0NDoGC8dX598AIaMgp3EiiIiqaixjmYtiy_fJy6pC-UUkFTSKQZwK8WJqJomIebFHDq_IY/s1600/IliaLipilin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="308" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1WQ_FULbbDvgGE3IFEpUKawipOHzWXTa3AYuRMYhXJkAJd6D5Lq6undS6LvPxLyFA15lrq0NDoGC8dX598AIaMgp3EiiIiqaixjmYtiy_fJy6pC-UUkFTSKQZwK8WJqJomIebFHDq_IY/s320/IliaLipilin.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FM Ilia Lipilin<br />
(credit: Dora Martinez)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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While I did defeat an underrated young man from Uganda, my signature result was a draw versus Russian IM <b>Andrei Obodchuk</b>, the 8-time (former) world champion of the <a href="http://www.ipca.online/">Physically Disabled Chess Association</a> (IPCA). Nobody would confuse this game with a brilliancy, but my students know how much I cherish saving difficult endgames.<br />
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" id="6727508" src="//www.chess.com/emboard?id=6727508" style="border: none; width: 100%;"></iframe><script>window.addEventListener("message",e=>{e.data&&"6727508"===e.data.id&&document.getElementById(`${e.data.id}`)&&(document.getElementById(`${e.data.id}`).style.height=`${e.data.frameHeight+30}px`)});</script>
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In the final round, I faced FM <b>Ilia Lipilin</b> from Russia, the 2-time defending <a href="http://www.uschesstrust.org/the-world-junior-chess-championship-for-players-with-disabilities-wraps-up-with-a-successful-3rd-edition/">World Junior Champion for Players with Disabilities</a>. The opening went well, but my opponent turned the tables after a missed opportunity on move 27. Well played young master!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" id="6730056" src="//www.chess.com/emboard?id=6730056" style="border: none; width: 100%;"></iframe><script>window.addEventListener("message",e=>{e.data&&"6730056"===e.data.id&&document.getElementById(`${e.data.id}`)&&(document.getElementById(`${e.data.id}`).style.height=`${e.data.frameHeight+30}px`)});</script>
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Regardless of my personal result, the Online Cup for Players with Disabilities was well organized and a truly enjoyable opportunity for the players. I deeply appreciated the invitation from FIDE and US Chess to participate.<br />
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<b>Stay home. Be safe. Play chess. </b>#<i>checkmatecoronavirus</i>Michael Aignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166841797285152190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7288608344339782413.post-69529025389522371042020-05-19T14:32:00.003-07:002020-05-19T14:41:52.183-07:00Fpawn Interview on Chess.com Blog<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDUGoni1gyq7xFWpIAy15Ms6umGmQKfxt33HQexjtxOFVDVTfGnkFOVbvVqLBWDXlLrboJ0QkYISFv4UWevvOulKyIh5wGXkgS6ZOo0p0RMpDYGwd617fnIbjkUOI8gw5OyFcJOLtxgOB/s1600/KirkGhazarian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDUGoni1gyq7xFWpIAy15Ms6umGmQKfxt33HQexjtxOFVDVTfGnkFOVbvVqLBWDXlLrboJ0QkYISFv4UWevvOulKyIh5wGXkgS6ZOo0p0RMpDYGwd617fnIbjkUOI8gw5OyFcJOLtxgOB/s400/KirkGhazarian.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kirk Ghazarian (credit: David Llada<br />
at 2019 <a href="http://www.sfinternationalchess.com/">Bay Area International</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><i>How well do you really know fpawn?</i></b> Chess blogger and longtime mentee NM <b>Kirk Ghazarian</b> was determined to find out. Kirk asked the right questions and I gave him my honest replies. Check out the following sample of the topics:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>How did you improve as a player to reach the NM title?</li>
<li>How do you inspire your students to achieve their goals?</li>
<li>Do you have advice for a player who stagnated in improvement.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br />
Kirk included several photos and three games to illustrate the power of the King's Bishop Pawn - a trio of Black wins in my favorite Dutch Defense opening.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.chess.com/blog/2Bf41-0/12-questions-for-americas-most-influential-chess-mentor"><b>Chess Improvement Guide Blog</b></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thank you Kirk for inviting me for this interesting interview. Keep up your good work!</div>
Michael Aignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166841797285152190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7288608344339782413.post-14996328744357391552020-05-17T23:11:00.000-07:002020-06-11T16:16:38.827-07:00FIDE Online Cup for Players with Disabilities<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiOsDOtar6vnxG1bt0R08RFJzyhy-VmXzHZ2FQ138xCcCz1EtG3d5Pse3gxBlmIMrE5fj0NkLgNc68co5-kY-r1hizDjD3ag47mPhi6hZUvE0GFXYMqjd0h5baNd5RFbz9KysoXml0A7n4/s1600/WorldJuniorDisabilities2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="382" data-original-width="700" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiOsDOtar6vnxG1bt0R08RFJzyhy-VmXzHZ2FQ138xCcCz1EtG3d5Pse3gxBlmIMrE5fj0NkLgNc68co5-kY-r1hizDjD3ag47mPhi6hZUvE0GFXYMqjd0h5baNd5RFbz9KysoXml0A7n4/s400/WorldJuniorDisabilities2019.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Participants at 2019 <a href="http://www.worldjuniorchess.org/">World Junior Chess Championship</a><br />
<a href="http://www.worldjuniorchess.org/">for Players with Disabilitie</a>s in New Jersey.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The cancellation of chess tournaments around the globe due to COVID-19 also forced the postponement of the first <b><a href="https://fide.com/news/325">Chess Paralympiad</a></b> scheduled for late July in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia. In its place, the World Chess Federation (FIDE) introduced a new <b><a href="https://fide.com/calendar/50685">Online Cup for Players with Disabilities</a></b>.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5sAFn-cbqi0Di-8QkgMMwJMqGqA6FNWnprWRLT5_sA1PLNk4NcwT9igCsMuQBS_SutIMBWu-9j2oJtZ4UG86zviPr6bgJKkAOh8XIm5mPwcaQP5qGKz1f-PyAv8cC9qIcPdCpL9xN9sT/s1600/FIDElogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1200" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5sAFn-cbqi0Di-8QkgMMwJMqGqA6FNWnprWRLT5_sA1PLNk4NcwT9igCsMuQBS_SutIMBWu-9j2oJtZ4UG86zviPr6bgJKkAOh8XIm5mPwcaQP5qGKz1f-PyAv8cC9qIcPdCpL9xN9sT/s200/FIDElogo.png" width="237" /></a>Unfortunately, a small Online Cup can in no way replace the larger Paralympiad. Instead of teams of four players plus an alternate from each invited nation, only 38 individuals will battle for five rounds of rapid chess at <a href="http://www.playchess.com/">PlayChess.com</a> on <b>Thursday morning, May 21st</b>. The first round begins at 6:00 AM Pacific time.<br />
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<b>I felt honored to be able to accept the invitation to represent the United States!</b><br />
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The <a href="http://chess-results.com/tnr527179.aspx"><b>registration list</b></a> shows that I start near the middle of the pack. The field of 38 includes one GM, six IMs and a total of twelve players rated above 2200 FIDE. Nine women were invited. Most participants hail from Europe or Asia, with just three from Africa and four from the Americas.<br />
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<ul>
<li><b>Europe (22)</b>: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Czech Republic, Georgia, Germany (2), Hungary, Israel (2), Moldova, Poland (2), Romania, Russia (6), Turkey, Ukraine </li>
<li><b>Asia (9)</b>: China (2), India (2), Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Philippines, Vietnam</li>
<li><b>Africa (3)</b>: Kenya, Uganda, Zambia</li>
<li><b>Americas (4)</b>: Canada, Puerto Rico, United States, Venezuela</li>
</ul>
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Wish me luck, as I will certainly need it against this competitive field. Since there are only five rounds, even the pairings may boil down to luck.</div>
Michael Aignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166841797285152190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7288608344339782413.post-8677962291694673482020-05-12T15:24:00.000-07:002020-06-11T15:22:33.978-07:00All Fpawn Masters - Peak USCF Rating<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNoK0mtrJYHN1cIL0dwiHeuCs7WZSND6z6JfsnGxVc8OyKVbBoLWGyFfqdEMrgltyOygqzftK1iQOvm-nuDZ1S1X9onNyIK4aVm8f-eBvBQjptvDkxf-a9SULy9R8DT6iPYf9Yn3ktin0J/s1600/DanyaSteven2008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNoK0mtrJYHN1cIL0dwiHeuCs7WZSND6z6JfsnGxVc8OyKVbBoLWGyFfqdEMrgltyOygqzftK1iQOvm-nuDZ1S1X9onNyIK4aVm8f-eBvBQjptvDkxf-a9SULy9R8DT6iPYf9Yn3ktin0J/s400/DanyaSteven2008.JPG" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Future Grandmasters Daniel Naroditsky and Steven Zierk<br />
at 2008 CalChess Scholastic Championships</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<ol>
<li><b><span style="color: red;">GM</span></b> <b>Daniel Naroditsky</b> <b><span style="color: red;">2738</span></b> - became NM in 2007</li>
<li><b><span style="color: red;">GM</span></b> <b>Steven Zierk</b> <b><span style="color: red;">2608</span></b> - became NM in 2008</li>
<li><b><span style="color: red;">IM</span></b> <b>Yian Liou</b> <b><span style="color: red;">2502</span></b> - became NM in 2009</li>
<li>FM <b>Gregory Young</b> <b><span style="color: red;">2477</span></b> - becamw NM in 2007</li>
<li><b><span style="color: red;">IM</span></b> <b>Gabriel Bick</b> <b><span style="color: red;">2475</span></b> - became NM in 2015</li>
<li>NM <b>Daniel Schwarz</b> <b><span style="color: red;">2370</span></b> - became NM in 2006</li>
<li>NM <b>Kirk Ghazarian <span style="color: red;">2321</span></b> - became NM in 2018</li>
<li>NM <b>Richard Yi</b> <b><span style="color: red;">2290</span></b> - became NM in 2017</li>
<li>NM <b>Matt Zavortink</b> <b><span style="color: red;">2279</span></b> - became NM in 2017</li>
<li>NM <b>Nicholas Karas</b> <b><span style="color: red;">2273</span></b> - became NM in 2012</li>
<li>NM <b>Neel Apte</b> <b><span style="color: red;">2244</span></b> - became NM in 2015</li>
<li>NM <b>Evan Sandberg</b> <b><span style="color: red;">2242</span></b> - became NM in 2010</li>
<li>NM <b>Daniel Liu</b> <b><span style="color: red;">2214</span></b> - became NM in 2012</li>
<li>NM <b>Michael Lin</b> <b><span style="color: red;">2213</span></b> - became NM in 2013</li>
<li>NM <b>Joshua Cao</b> <b><span style="color: red;">2202</span></b> - became NM in 2017</li>
</ol>
<div>
</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Peak USCF Rating Updated May 2020.</li>
<li>Students took private lessons for at least 6 months.</li>
<li>Includes results achieved after we stopped lessons.</li>
<li><i>A teacher merely lays the foundation and cultivates love for chess. Ultimate success depends on personal effort and motivation. Elite students often study with several coaches, all who deserve credit.</i></li>
</ul>
Michael Aignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166841797285152190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7288608344339782413.post-90932092054862146702020-05-12T13:30:00.001-07:002020-06-11T16:18:26.524-07:00Zkid, Students Dominate Birthday Blitz<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHiiql44YjMgLOxvYqLJjlH8Y0d0UBoXjkrXQOsaGhImDNjrgcpQcxOgZAicalE49WYDPoaeuDXexdXDN-YdeCKRLhY9ifSAqfSOKSMEW905SpKp2A_uG535H9D2jzmQyg5BXCDNyCnbaL/s1600/BirthdayBlitzwinners.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="605" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHiiql44YjMgLOxvYqLJjlH8Y0d0UBoXjkrXQOsaGhImDNjrgcpQcxOgZAicalE49WYDPoaeuDXexdXDN-YdeCKRLhY9ifSAqfSOKSMEW905SpKp2A_uG535H9D2jzmQyg5BXCDNyCnbaL/s640/BirthdayBlitzwinners.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dkCQ2SZlE8_uPLC7uNQWVkhzOU6IiG2Xrg2aQR1JCsnXCI_Q9CVqcxEYDPB12ZHiLv9JhyphenhyphenkbqBXdZVPhI08E0c7hqcvrKnc-4Os6C2wrR7wmCPUNEYnYY7hHCidjVQ0zdKqpQYTrOdMO/s1600/Zierk2006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dkCQ2SZlE8_uPLC7uNQWVkhzOU6IiG2Xrg2aQR1JCsnXCI_Q9CVqcxEYDPB12ZHiLv9JhyphenhyphenkbqBXdZVPhI08E0c7hqcvrKnc-4Os6C2wrR7wmCPUNEYnYY7hHCidjVQ0zdKqpQYTrOdMO/s200/Zierk2006.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steven Zierk at age 12.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Grandmaster <b>Steven Zierk</b> won the first eight rounds en route to victory in the Fpawn Birthday Blitz Bash on <b>Chess.com</b>. For the second straight Sunday, Zkid dominated Northern California's best at blitz, scoring a combined 19.5 out of 22. This week, after overcoming difficult positions in rounds 3 and 4, the GM asserted himself with the white pieces in the English opening. This game would determine the top medals, as IM <b>Yian Liou</b> became the lone competitor to finish within shouting distance of the region's 800 lb gorilla.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNz0Sv6C9KiP2RXI_PomYlhonQnvbs2Brm2L2zq-eBmTkHc_6dMqECr_yL0PJNHR2L8rgfWJeje23Jo6G8v6B5J0Xa8or8q7lZp0Ebhcn2l5FwBmjb-Z1MN4K4sh2hbK13SfiDMedTHu0r/s1600/board.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNz0Sv6C9KiP2RXI_PomYlhonQnvbs2Brm2L2zq-eBmTkHc_6dMqECr_yL0PJNHR2L8rgfWJeje23Jo6G8v6B5J0Xa8or8q7lZp0Ebhcn2l5FwBmjb-Z1MN4K4sh2hbK13SfiDMedTHu0r/s320/board.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFSL-opIDYZFwJtDT7hVDrsJlnVaizTr7Xv-pyBhRilWrYn8Ylqff0HkwaPDXl06eKXJkYopprQWUCD4nJoYBx26ainwc40s5KpIphU2vuCEMbQOKiXXyinNhgoIXb537d23VcOeR2q9P/s1600/Saratoga2007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFSL-opIDYZFwJtDT7hVDrsJlnVaizTr7Xv-pyBhRilWrYn8Ylqff0HkwaPDXl06eKXJkYopprQWUCD4nJoYBx26ainwc40s5KpIphU2vuCEMbQOKiXXyinNhgoIXb537d23VcOeR2q9P/s200/Saratoga2007.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saratoga HS and Redwood MS<br />
teams in 2007.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This evening of socially distanced blitz doubled as the birthday party for Coach Fpawn. Nearly half of the 36 participants were either current (5) or former (12) private students. Here's a big shout out to four members of the <b>Saratoga High School</b> team that captured six consecutive state titles from 2005 to 2010: <b>Brian</b>, <b>Charles</b>, David and <b>Evan</b>! Kudos to school captain <b>David Chock</b> for a strong performance a dozen years after his last USCF rated chess tournament. Other past students who joined the virtual party were <b>Alex</b>, <b>Andrew</b>, <b>Dan</b>, <b>Eric</b>, <b>Gabe</b>, <b>Josh</b>, Steven and Yian.<br />
<br />
Perhaps it comes as small surprise that the top six places were occupied by five former students and one current mentee. <b>The domination was complete</b>; only one unaffiliated player scored more than 5 out of 10! Thanks guys for making your coach proud even after so many years.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Final Standings of the Fpawn Birthday Blitz Bash</u></b> (<a href="https://www.chess.com/tournament/live/fpawn-birthday-blitz-bash-1217374?&players=1">full results here</a>)<br />
<ol>
<li>GM <b>Zkid</b> (Steven Zierk) 9.0 out of 10</li>
<li>IM <b>RolyPolySword</b> (Yian Liou) 8.5</li>
<li>NM <b>2Bf41-0</b> (Kirk Ghazarian) 7.5</li>
<li>IM <b>cheese111</b> (Gabe Bick) 7.0</li>
<li>NM <b>DSchwarz</b> (Dan Schwarz) 7.0</li>
<li><b>chockbored</b> (David Chock) 6.0</li>
<li><b>chessforme17</b> (Advay Bansal) 6.0</li>
<li>Ten tied at 5.0: mzhong21, fpawn, ericlgame, agrossman, mykehawke, championps, EM-TheChessShark, vish1080, knvsback and Mangonel</li>
</ol>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZZZYj7bZbp-N-0cCPLvoXk2fgerLDck6jE9CBxrq5fioOtS0cRow6z1z2TZPOvS1U0Czn_dibbNZXqHkev6WPH8D-AWe-AhYgj7P_znZLqTV1tQfpRWp52zFk-vbE0T82ORu7ciSgsi2/s1600/MechanicsFlag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="222" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZZZYj7bZbp-N-0cCPLvoXk2fgerLDck6jE9CBxrq5fioOtS0cRow6z1z2TZPOvS1U0Czn_dibbNZXqHkev6WPH8D-AWe-AhYgj7P_znZLqTV1tQfpRWp52zFk-vbE0T82ORu7ciSgsi2/s200/MechanicsFlag.jpg" width="138" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mechanics' Institute<br />
in San Francisco</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Unfortunately, yours truly failed to play up to his usual standards. The frustration ran deep, e.g. flagging up a pawn with two extra minutes on the clock or moving a knight into capture in an easily winning position. Then came the inexcusable 21 move loss against the hippo. Next time!<br />
<br />
Thanks to everyone who joined! It felt great watching some of you push pawns after so many years. Also thanks to <b>Judit Sztaray</b> of the <a href="http://www.chessclub.org/">Mechanics' Institute Chess Club</a> for promoting the evening and hosting the virtual Meet & Greet on Zoom before the first round.Michael Aignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166841797285152190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7288608344339782413.post-36677678812640770602020-05-04T23:17:00.003-07:002020-05-05T20:20:45.862-07:00GM Zierk Wins Mechanics' Memorial Blitz<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfsdvSgeiHymxJHn_KWVOwEUckJQsQjPJNTBH4PUEQD1nYaHcheAwPARRAPB_ygCh-AMcT_oB0HzmDdgh0rEWd7Vf-CfXMxOsyL79gABllY1agiPvaNMqX0a6pbPb3OnF7Ezl3vqZiffp/s1600/MechanicsBlitzWinners.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="253" data-original-width="681" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfsdvSgeiHymxJHn_KWVOwEUckJQsQjPJNTBH4PUEQD1nYaHcheAwPARRAPB_ygCh-AMcT_oB0HzmDdgh0rEWd7Vf-CfXMxOsyL79gABllY1agiPvaNMqX0a6pbPb3OnF7Ezl3vqZiffp/s640/MechanicsBlitzWinners.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Due to the COVID pandemic, the <b><a href="http://www.chessclub.org/">Mechanics' Institute</a></b> organized its annual Memorial Blitz online at <b><a href="http://www.chess.com/">Chess.com</a></b>. This special event honors the memory of three masters who have departed after leaving their mark on the Bay Area chess community: NM <b>Ray Schutt</b>, SM <b>Steve Brandwein</b> and IM <b>Jay Whitehead</b>. In previous years, the large crowd of participants would socialize and munch on snacks between rounds of serious chess.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwKxEiz1o3x1kPO14w3CuKCrYP8trPkWsDRmcOA7R_leblzSeS_2553JCiFPvggxyznHYl16t5H_2m464wmLMfGSVK2oVemCLsPJ79oU2lx0awlrMmwySgPYY_QsJD3_ggFUmY5Nfr59jE/s1600/Zierk-Calgary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="638" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwKxEiz1o3x1kPO14w3CuKCrYP8trPkWsDRmcOA7R_leblzSeS_2553JCiFPvggxyznHYl16t5H_2m464wmLMfGSVK2oVemCLsPJ79oU2lx0awlrMmwySgPYY_QsJD3_ggFUmY5Nfr59jE/s400/Zierk-Calgary.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GM Steven Zierk<br />
(credit: Alberta Chess)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Fortunately, the mandatory move online did little to dampen attendance - <b>104 players joined</b>, including two Grandmsters, two International Masters, three FIDE Masters and at least seven National Masters. The competition was fierce starting in the first round, when three titled players lost or drew and a fourth overslept. No doubt, Ray, Steve and Jay would have enjoyed watching all of the fighting chess, even while socially distanced.<br />
<br />
Veteran IM <b>Elliott Winslow</b> stormed out of the gate for the early lead, winning six straight games. The top seed, super-GM <b>Rauf Mamedov</b> of Azerbaijan, finally reeled him in. After round 7, four players shared the lead with 6-1: GM Mamedov and IM Winslow were joined by GM <b>Steven Zierk</b> and talented 13-year old IM <b>Christopher Yoo</b>.<br />
<br />
The two Grandmasters clashed in round 9. Zierk, playing the black pieces, emerged victorious in a theoretical line of the Tarrasch variation of the French, gaining the advantage of two minor pieces against a rook and extra pawn.<br />
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Both Zierk and Mamedov held serve in rounds 10 and 11, allowing the local GM to clinch the tournament despite blundering into last round draw by repetition against this reporter. <i>Congratulations Steven!</i><br />
<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Final Standings of the Memorial Blitz</u> (<a href="https://www.chess.com/tournament/live/schuttbrandweinj-whitehead-memorial-blitz-online-blitz-1214487">full results here</a>)<br />
<ol>
<li>GM <b>Zkid</b> (Steven Zierk) 10.5 out of 12</li>
<li>GM <b>Muisback26</b> (Rauf Mamedov) 10.0</li>
<li>FM <b>KyronGriffith</b> 9.0</li>
<li><b>qing29</b> (Abhinav Penagalapati) 9.0</li>
<li>IM <b>ChristopherYoo</b> 8.5</li>
<li>NM <b>2007checkmate</b> (Vyom Vidyarthi) 8.0</li>
<li>FM <b>Marty435</b> (Jason Liang) 8.0</li>
<li>IM <b>ecwinslow</b> (Elliott Winslow) 8.0</li>
<li>NM <b>jij2018</b> (Ruiyang Yan) 8.0</li>
<li>NM <b>fpawn</b> (Michael Aigner) 8.0</li>
<li><b>Atrozen</b> (Anthony Rozenvasser) 8.0 </li>
</ol>
<div>
The blitz tournament was <b>broadcast on Twitch with live commentary</b> from the multi-talented Mechanics' Institute staff, including GM Nick de Firmian and FM Paul Whitehead. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XaY3MJcrpA">Replay the entire show at your leisure on YouTube</a>! The game Mamedov vs Winslow begins at 1:25:00 while Mamedov vs Zierk starts at 1:48:40. Readers of this blog might enjoy the tense final round match between Zierk and Aigner at 2:20:25.</div>
Michael Aignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166841797285152190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7288608344339782413.post-14903521869073094922019-03-08T17:07:00.000-08:002019-03-08T17:49:35.606-08:00CalChess State Scholastics History<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSo12BRwSZxFHTI5CBa7ebACr8WrIW-duJC5WEvxEZjA47WG8-p3ihbBBMOqjIcoPUMwq8AJR1o-xRNc0e_CqGgvqAqZSFvQ5buwnPmnqDclYeBsT3SD17D6ysWJl6SQO0vwnZV_XpS-Y/s1600/BayAreaChess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="231" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSo12BRwSZxFHTI5CBa7ebACr8WrIW-duJC5WEvxEZjA47WG8-p3ihbBBMOqjIcoPUMwq8AJR1o-xRNc0e_CqGgvqAqZSFvQ5buwnPmnqDclYeBsT3SD17D6ysWJl6SQO0vwnZV_XpS-Y/s320/BayAreaChess.jpg" width="245" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAlBJJjotR1LVAhIQ9fsLpQ4nq9-p0myvjfOMBWpQVUdxA8sBrLz4RLOWUtpDhOlFmRb-uwYZ4UFQw6XTf6HDm0ewwUgcTKq9uSPbEyHbXU5tZCRb7gAlciLN5wisl9_MVGoJRL0gZ-Cy/s1600/CalChessBear.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="65" data-original-width="84" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAlBJJjotR1LVAhIQ9fsLpQ4nq9-p0myvjfOMBWpQVUdxA8sBrLz4RLOWUtpDhOlFmRb-uwYZ4UFQw6XTf6HDm0ewwUgcTKq9uSPbEyHbXU5tZCRb7gAlciLN5wisl9_MVGoJRL0gZ-Cy/s320/CalChessBear.gif" width="280" /></a></div>
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<br />
<b><a href="http://www.bayareachess.com/">Bay Area Chess</a> </b>hosts the annual <a href="http://www.calchess.org/"><b>CalChess</b></a><b> State Scholastic Championships</b> this weekend in Santa Clara. This year is the <b>44th edition</b> of a tradition that started at a school, but has grown to fill several halls of a major convention center. Roughly 1200 children compete in 16 sections divided by age and chess skill. On Sunday evening, state champions will be crowned for the five Championship divisions: K-3, K-5, K-6, K-8 and K-12.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.fpawn.com/CalChessChampions.htm">List of Scholastic Champions from 1986 to present</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Check out the following trivia from more than three decades. Unfortunately, the records from 1976 through 1985 are not readily available.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>First exceeded 500 players</b> = 1997</li>
<li><b>First exceeded 1000 players</b> = 2001</li>
<li><b>Largest turnout</b> = 1319 in 2006</li>
<li><b>New sections added</b> = Elementary K-5 section was only introduced in 2007 while Kindergarten began in 1997</li>
<li><b>Most High School individual titles</b> = Vinay Bhat won 4 from 1998-2002. Three masters won 3 times: Andy McManus (1987-1990), Dmitry Zilberstein (1994-1997) and Cameron Wheeler (2013-2015).</li>
<li><b>Most High School team titles</b> = 6 shared by Lowell High (1986-1994) and Saratoga High (2005-2010)</li>
<li><b>Youngest High School winner</b> = 5th grader Daniel Naroditsky</li>
<li><b>Three 5-time champions</b> = Vinay Bhat (K-3, K-12, K-12, K-12, K-12), Neel Apte (K-3, K-5, K-6, K-8, K-8), and Cameron Wheeler (K-5, K-6, K-12, K-12, K-12)</li>
<li><b>Four 4-time champions</b> = Micah Fischer-Kirshner (K-3, K-6, K-6, K-12), Adam Lischinsky (K-3, K-3, K-8, K-12), Daniel Naroditsky (K-3, K-6, K-12, K-12), and James Kwok (K-3, K-6, K-8, K-8) </li>
<li><b>Eleven 3-time champions</b> = Andy McManus, Alan Stein, Dmitry Zilberstein, Keith Yost, Daniel Schwarz, Steven Zierk, Yian Liou, Kyle Shin, Tanuj Vasudeva, Siddharth Banik, Kevin Pan</li>
<li><b>Grand Slam champions</b> = None! Must win all four of K-3, either K-5 or K-6, K-8, and K-12. Eight juniors have won 3 out of 4. </li>
<li><b>Champions to become GM</b> = Vinay Bhat, Steven Zierk, Daniel Naroditsky</li>
<li><b>Champions to become IM</b> = Alan Stein, Dmitry Zilberstein, Philip Wang, Yian Liou, Vignesh Panchanatham, Cameron Wheeler, Kesav Viswanadha</li>
<li>Current <b>US Champion</b> Sam Shankland never won at the CalChess Scholastics. However, he became adult State Champ at age 16 (a record that was recently broken).</li>
<li>The <b>Schism of 2005</b> saw the CalChess Scholastics in Oakland compete against the CalNorth Regional in San Jose on same weekend. The Regional drew over twice as many kids (906 to 397).</li>
<li>More than 20 <b>false 9-1-1 calls</b> from public telephones marred the 1998 edition at the Santa Clara Convention Center.</li>
<li><b>Kudos to the main organizers</b> = Ray Orwig, Dr. Alan Kirshner, Richard Peterson, Dr. Salman Azhar, and Dr. Judit Sztaray</li>
</ul>
<div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>Please contact Michael Aigner with errors, omissions, or additional trivia. Many thanks to Dr. Alan Kirshner for maintaining the records from 1986 to 2011. </i></div>
Michael Aignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166841797285152190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7288608344339782413.post-53625209868826474502019-01-06T23:26:00.001-08:002019-01-14T12:36:24.007-08:00San Francisco Mechanics - PRO Chess League<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2HnPG9T1Q-IkSGFitHEE-nM0ie1QJuNH8KeI41DmIseYJkAOl4QP87oVQvVsNwW2daiuEltI5-c2AZY3-GD0e529UcM41MknzLeL7dlHs_V7Yl76o2hYb95BaDw1ctATFDSTQT4mnt9o/s1600/Shankland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="193" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2HnPG9T1Q-IkSGFitHEE-nM0ie1QJuNH8KeI41DmIseYJkAOl4QP87oVQvVsNwW2daiuEltI5-c2AZY3-GD0e529UcM41MknzLeL7dlHs_V7Yl76o2hYb95BaDw1ctATFDSTQT4mnt9o/s320/Shankland.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7BXRV0yPdXjlwJlOdK_vV-vjf8krSxImrf2LqjgrIgFLubOYKZ4JzqfCDYViFk0aoVafkaIEAumdSXwgVjxP4kdHiub70l2NQJ2M2DZ_2DzF37imMo3mVR_8qhQsZAqSxaJ83Jbe0jX5/s1600/Naroditsky-Llada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="638" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7BXRV0yPdXjlwJlOdK_vV-vjf8krSxImrf2LqjgrIgFLubOYKZ4JzqfCDYViFk0aoVafkaIEAumdSXwgVjxP4kdHiub70l2NQJ2M2DZ_2DzF37imMo3mVR_8qhQsZAqSxaJ83Jbe0jX5/s320/Naroditsky-Llada.jpg" width="228" /></a><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos: GM Shankland (left, credit St. Louis CC) and GM Naroditsky (right, credit Llada). </span></i><br />
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The <b>Professional Rapid Online (PRO) Chess League</b> returns to action this week on the <b><a href="http://chess.com/">Chess.com</a></b> live server. The Bay Area is fortunate to have two strong teams in this worldwide competition. They battle in the Pacific Division against squads from San Diego, Seattle, Minnesota, Dallas, Australia and Chengdu (China). Each week, usually on Tuesday evenings, four team members rated under 2500 average each play four online games with the opposition at G/15 time control. After ten weeks, the top four teams in each Division advance to the league playoffs!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XK_WWicxX46BtCkdvfmc7R_eVGgbpxt26nwMcAK2lJHcMQjaxZg1JAHCjsdgPSMGUjOBvGbCUWqN_uouVugFgLUeK4-qXVXL5J6jsMmMSLOWEetu7297LY_JWdXb7yrzIgropz9adNK6/s1600/MechanicsLogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="208" data-original-width="208" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XK_WWicxX46BtCkdvfmc7R_eVGgbpxt26nwMcAK2lJHcMQjaxZg1JAHCjsdgPSMGUjOBvGbCUWqN_uouVugFgLUeK4-qXVXL5J6jsMmMSLOWEetu7297LY_JWdXb7yrzIgropz9adNK6/s200/MechanicsLogo.png" width="200" /></a></div>
The <b>San Francisco Mechanics</b> are co-hosted by the <a href="http://www.chessclub.org/"><b>Mechanics' Institute</b></a> and the <a href="http://www.berkeleychessschool.org/"><b>Berkeley Chess School</b></a>. After failing to qualify for the inaugural season, the Mechanics took top honors in the league <a href="https://www.chess.com/news/view/eight-teams-qualify-for-2019-pro-chess-league-season">qualifier</a> last November. The franchise actually has an extensive online history as one of the eight founding clubs of the now-defunct <a href="http://www.uschessleague.com/"><b>US Chess League</b></a>. The Mechanics even brought home the USCL championship in 2006, led by a fearless young master who earned first team All Star honors on board 4!<br />
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That young master became the 2017 US Champion and is currently ranked #27 in the World. <b>Sam Shankland</b> will lead his hometown club after returning from Holland, where he faces Magnus Carlsen at the <a href="https://www.tatasteelchess.com/">Tata Steel Masters</a> beginning on Saturday. Fear not, San Francisco features five other Grandmasters, including child prodigy <b>Parimarjan Negi</b> of India and local superstar <b>Daniel Naroditsky</b>, who both studied at Stanford University. GM <b>Vinay Bhat</b> and GM <b>Steven Zierk</b> also sharpened their skills as juniors in the Bay Area and eagerly represent the Mechanics. The final Grandmaster is free agent <b>Yannick Gozzoli</b> of France, one of the 2018 co-national champions (<a href="https://www.chess.com/blog/SFMechanics/meet-the-mechanics-yannick-gozzoli">check out this interview</a>).<br />
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The roster includes two International Masters and a quintet of nationally ranked juniors who frequent tournaments at either the San Francisco or Berkeley clubs. IM <b>Yian Liou</b> and IM <b>John Donaldson</b> participated on the USCL teams of the past decade. These two veterans are reinforced by teenagers IM-elect <b>Andrew Hong,</b> IM-elect <b>Ladia Jirasek</b> and three other masters. Expect the Mechanics to spread weekly assignments around to give all the opportunity to shine.<br />
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San Francisco kicks off the season against their regional rivals, the <a href="https://www.prochessleague.com/san-jose-hackers.html"><b>San Jose Hackers</b></a>. Hoping for a strong start, they unveil a triple GM lineup for <b>Week 1</b>: GM Naroditsky, GM Gozzoli, GM Bhat and FM Ezra Chambers. Check out the action on Tuesday evening starting at 5:25PM!<br />
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While this writer enthusiastically supports both Bay Area squads in the league, his true allegiance remains with three former students (<i>GM Naroditsky, GM Zierk and IM Liou</i>) plus several longtime friends who play for the Mechanics. <b><i>Let's go San Francisco! Fix all those cars!</i></b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.prochessleague.com/san-francisco-mechanics.html">Team roster and schedule</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.prochessleague.com/standings.html">PRO Chess League standings</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.chess.com/member/sfmechanics">Team homepage and blog</a></li>
<li><a href="https://twitter.com/SFMechanics">Twitter</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.chess.com/club/san-francisco-mechanics-fan-club">Fan club at Chess.com</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.chess.com/blog/SFMechanics/support-us">Sponsor the Mechanics</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.twitch.tv/dpruess">Twitch - IM David Pruess</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.twitch.tv/drdragonitsky">Twitch - GM Daniel Naroditsky</a></li>
</ul>
Michael Aignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166841797285152190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7288608344339782413.post-51191214486658519832019-01-06T20:27:00.000-08:002019-01-07T13:11:25.250-08:00San Jose Hackers - PRO Chess League<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9QZzbRL6AN38k6QRRq0Pi77ZEAUJ5tno1yvgMtVNZXc57R5kYwxJ6Z0NuhDdZeI9qGpmBYJj-seC4iJJQwP15JbF6pIjRnuVB852gf5w_qT2frNqi2kOUZB9an9tKU2fySjJkQJM-Mv9/s1600/Yoo-Llada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="684" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9QZzbRL6AN38k6QRRq0Pi77ZEAUJ5tno1yvgMtVNZXc57R5kYwxJ6Z0NuhDdZeI9qGpmBYJj-seC4iJJQwP15JbF6pIjRnuVB852gf5w_qT2frNqi2kOUZB9an9tKU2fySjJkQJM-Mv9/s320/Yoo-Llada.jpg" width="228" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVU2Nuh7F3H7rH84VMLMZP7KMHJKAHMTeqzMCAo8M9UHx0jELl0hzbPX8-DWHUPTi8ZzxgtpH-yjzQrzmFyainw-9Lh8roOUf1vEYpnGHM8GVLsS6-HOUK0hSyTfkN1XdT6vRYc3cIZOkz/s1600/Mamedyarov.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="161" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVU2Nuh7F3H7rH84VMLMZP7KMHJKAHMTeqzMCAo8M9UHx0jELl0hzbPX8-DWHUPTi8ZzxgtpH-yjzQrzmFyainw-9Lh8roOUf1vEYpnGHM8GVLsS6-HOUK0hSyTfkN1XdT6vRYc3cIZOkz/s320/Mamedyarov.jpg" width="228" /></a><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos: GM Mamedyarov (left) and IM-elect Yoo (right, credit Llada). </span></i><br />
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The <b>Professional Rapid Online (PRO) Chess League</b> returns to action this week on the <a href="http://chess.com/"><b>Chess.com</b></a> live server. The Bay Area is fortunate to have two strong teams in this worldwide competition. They battle in the Pacific Division against squads from San Diego, Seattle, Minnesota, Dallas, Australia and Chengdu (China). Each week, usually on Tuesday evenings, four team members rated under 2500 average each play four online games with the opposition at G/15 time control. After ten weeks, the top four teams in each Division advance to the league playoffs!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsPNJCDSXczWWifOfbVLNIQrRhl7X6jGNEtC_J6G3KTB8qTaWMzyINkW36Qc_9iEwzNvF_QKGSf09pyvXAJRY61Yclimgg-A1VrZaIi8Cpu6AmuGaaB5xiJcd9gGAu86hWS9SEqCaUMbg/s1600/HackersLogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="166" data-original-width="166" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsPNJCDSXczWWifOfbVLNIQrRhl7X6jGNEtC_J6G3KTB8qTaWMzyINkW36Qc_9iEwzNvF_QKGSf09pyvXAJRY61Yclimgg-A1VrZaIi8Cpu6AmuGaaB5xiJcd9gGAu86hWS9SEqCaUMbg/s200/HackersLogo.png" width="200" /></a>The <b>San Jose Hackers</b> are organized by <a href="http://www.bayareachess.com/"><b>Bay Area Chess</b></a> and most team members either coach or participate in local chess classes, camps and tournaments. The star of the Hackers is World #3 <b>Shakhriyar Mamedyarov</b> of Azerbaijan. Two countrymen join "Shak" as free agents for San Jose: World #39 <b>Rauf Mamedov</b> and World #63 <b>Eltaj Safarli</b>. The three Azeris will need to split duties on the top board, since league rules permit only one free agent to play each week.<br />
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The other Hackers all reside in the Bay Area. Grandmaster coaches <b>Zviad Izoria</b> and <b>Enrico Sevillano</b> expect to platoon on second board. Coach and journalist IM <b>Kostya Kavutskiy</b>, 12 year old newly minted IM-elect <b>Christopher Yoo</b> and rapid specialist NM <b>Faik Aleskerov</b> will play significant roles throughout the season. Four teen masters, all current or former students of Bay Area Chess, share duties on board 4.<br />
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San Jose narrowly missed out on the playoffs last season and will seek to improve this year. Perhaps to make a statement, the Hackers rolled out their strongest lineup for the <b>Week 1 showdown</b> against their rivals, the <a href="https://www.prochessleague.com/san-francisco-mechanics.html"><b>San Francisco Mechanics</b></a>: GM Mamedyarov, GM Izoria, IM-elect Yoo and FM Ivan Ke. Check out the action on Tuesday evening starting at 5:25PM!<br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.prochessleague.com/san-jose-hackers.html">Team roster and schedule</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.prochessleague.com/standings.html">PRO Chess League standings</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://bayareachess.com/sanjosehackers/">Hackers page at Bay Area Chess</a></li>
<li><a href="https://twitter.com/SanJoseHackers">Twitter</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/sanjosehackers/">Facebook</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.chess.com/club/san-jose-hackers-fan-club">Fan club at Chess.com</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.twitch.tv/hellokostya">Twitch - IM Kostya Kavutskiy</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.twitch.tv/nurmi99">Twitch - FM Teemu Virtanen</a></li>
</ul>
Michael Aignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166841797285152190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7288608344339782413.post-39648472540385400012018-11-05T08:27:00.001-08:002018-11-15T13:13:11.212-08:00World Cadet Underway in Spain<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_k7jXYNgWcDiaKDK-kvJPxXThq2na1BMc7d_TSfCkp20fA0fyE2rtg38OFU6YPQdWw7PNsHpCZeGlT-nhmEyJsoNQTcrCLpXc9ynsU5qTpasrjiEirRSTUyw5xn7ptDARK_gib6Y9wh5E/s1600/CiudadDeLaCulturalSantiago.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="1200" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_k7jXYNgWcDiaKDK-kvJPxXThq2na1BMc7d_TSfCkp20fA0fyE2rtg38OFU6YPQdWw7PNsHpCZeGlT-nhmEyJsoNQTcrCLpXc9ynsU5qTpasrjiEirRSTUyw5xn7ptDARK_gib6Y9wh5E/s400/CiudadDeLaCulturalSantiago.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The playing venue is at the Ciudad de la Cultura. (<a href="http://www.cidadedacultura.gal/">website</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The <b><a href="https://www.wccc2018.com/">2018 World Cadet Chess Championships</a></b> kicked off on Sunday at the Christian pilgrimage city of <b>Santiago de Compostela</b> located in northwestern Spain. Nearly 850 young chess players from around the world compete in six sections: <b>Open and Girls for age U8, U10 and U12</b>. The Open U10 and Open U12 divisions both have over 200 participants. After eleven rounds, gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded on November 15.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPV6rgcrN3izkOdiKJxCiYgXu09qcNFp-SF6OUNy2WpM5H48Hb8RQ7wslPMHP1p37zYL0YNdYySmDvZnGlEl-wTODLw-vuK4dn7d4wDbvBKdEt6lmdLZVgJ9DievX7mtSk9QcPpDXovY7F/s1600/CadetLogo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="124" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPV6rgcrN3izkOdiKJxCiYgXu09qcNFp-SF6OUNy2WpM5H48Hb8RQ7wslPMHP1p37zYL0YNdYySmDvZnGlEl-wTODLw-vuK4dn7d4wDbvBKdEt6lmdLZVgJ9DievX7mtSk9QcPpDXovY7F/s200/CadetLogo.jpeg" width="155" /></a><b>Team USA includes 74 players</b>, at least that many parents, 6 official team coaches and several private trainers. The American medal chances seem greatest in Open U12, where 21 kids rock the red, white and blue, including 4 of the top 10 seeds. Top contenders include <b>Rachael Li</b> (<i>1st seed in Girls U8</i>), FM <b>Christopher Yoo</b> (<i>2nd seed in Open U12</i>), IM <b>Arthur Guo</b> (<i>4th seed in Open U12</i>), NM <b>Kirk Ghazarian</b> (<i>8th seed in Open U12</i>), <b>Dimitar Mardov</b> (<i>8th seed in Open U10</i>), CM <b>Jason Wang</b> (<i>10th seed in Open U12</i>) and <b>Crystal Gu</b> (<i>10th seed in Girls U8</i>). Note that seeds are ranked by FIDE ratings, and the order may differ from USCF ratings.<br />
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Team USA hails from 17 states, including 16 youngsters from New York, 12 from California, 10 from New Jersey and 6 each from Illinois and Texas. The other states represented are: AZ, CT, FL, GA, MA, MI, OH, OR, PA, VA, WA and WI.<br />
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The <b>official website is <a href="http://www.wccc2018.com/">http://www.wccc2018.com/</a></b>. The <b>daily rounds begin at 7:30am PST</b> except on November 10 (<i>free day</i>) and November 15 (f<i>inal round starts 2.5 hours sooner</i>). <b>Watch the top boards at </b><a href="http://live.followchess.com/#!world-cadets-2018" style="font-weight: bold;">FollowChess</a><b> or at </b><a href="https://chess24.com/en/watch/live-tournaments/fide-world-cadets-championship-2018-u12/" style="font-weight: bold;">Chess24</a> (<i>with a 30 minute delay to deter cheating</i>).<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><u>FINAL STANDINGS</u></span></b></div>
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<b><i>Top American scores plus California kids</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Rating from November USCF supplement</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Age given as of December 31, 2018</i></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">OPEN U12 </span><a href="https://info64.org/world-cadets-chess-championships-2018-u12-open/standings">results link</a> (21 players)</b><br />
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<ul>
<li><b><span style="color: #38761d;">FM Chasin, Nico<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>(12 NY 2320) = 8.5 - <span style="font-size: large;">BRONZE MEDAL</span> (<i>tied for 2nd</i>)</span></b></li>
<li><b>IM Guo, Arthur (12 GA 2387) = 8.5 - 4th place (<i>tied for 2nd</i>)</b></li>
<li><b>FM Yoo, Christopher (12 CA-N 2455) = 8.0 - 7th place (<i>tied for 6th</i>)</b></li>
<li><b>CM Wang, Jason (12 OH 2317) = 8.0 - 8th place (<i>tied for 6th</i>)</b></li>
<li>Tian, Eddy (12 NJ 2270) = 7.5</li>
<li>CM Zhou, Liran (10 NY 2291) = 7.5</li>
<li>NM Ghazarian, Kirk (12 CA-S 2230) = 7.0 </li>
<li>CM Xu, Arthur (11 IL 2158 = 7.0</li>
<li>Nathan, Krishna (12 CA-N 2115) = 6.5</li>
<li>Clasby, Derek (12 NJ 2231) = 6.5</li>
<li>Park, Evan (11 PA 2177) = 6.5</li>
<li>Yu, Jason (12 WA 2208) = 6.5</li>
<li>Sethuraman, Sandeep (11 AZ 2149) = 6.5</li>
<li>Oberoi, Shelev (12 TX 2045) = 6.5</li>
<li>Gu, Andy (12 CA-S 1693) = 4.5</li>
</ul>
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<b style="color: red; font-size: large;">GIRLS U12 </b><b><a href="https://info64.org/world-cadets-chess-championships-2018-u12-girls/standings">results link</a> (11 players)</b><br />
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<ul>
<li><b>WCM Pang, Ashley (11 CA-N 1737) = 8.0 - 6th place (<i>tied for 3rd</i>)</b></li>
<li><b>WFM Wang, Ellen (11 NY 2015) = 7.5 - 12th place (<i>tied for 8th</i>)</b></li>
<li>WCM Ke, Rianne (12 CA-S 2102) = 7.0</li>
<li>WCM Velea, Stephanie (11 WA 1668) = 6.5</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">OPEN U10 </span></b><b><a href="https://info64.org/world-cadets-chess-championships-2018-u10-open/standings">results link</a> (12 players)</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Zhao, Erick (10 FL 2067) = 9.0 - <span style="font-size: large;">SILVER MEDAL</span> (<i>tied for 1st</i>)</span></b></li>
<li><b>Mardov, Dimitar (10 IL 2178) = 8.0 - 8th place (<i>tied for 7th</i>)</b></li>
<li>Ngo, Bach (10 FL 2075) = 7.5</li>
<li>Lee, Jayden (10 AZ 2022) = 7.5</li>
<li>Shivakumar, Shawnak (10 CA-N 1991) = 7.0</li>
<li>Sloan, Jed (10 NY 1912) = 6.5</li>
<li>Tay, Brian (10 VA 1822) = 6.5</li>
<li>Sivakumar, Shaaketh (10 CA-N 1861) = 5.5</li>
<li>Huang, Brian (10 CA-S 1924) = 5.5</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b style="color: red; font-size: large;">GIRLS U10 </b><b><a href="https://info64.org/world-cadets-chess-championships-2018-u10-girls/standings">results link</a> (15 players)</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>WCM Velea, Sophie (10 WA 1782) = 8.0 - 7th place (<i>tied for 5th</i>)</b></li>
<li>Liu, Kelsey (10 MA 1944) = 7.0</li>
<li>Evans, Serena (10 CT 1475) 7.0</li>
<li>WCM Wen, Kally (10 CA-N 1681) = 6.5</li>
<li>Elangovan, Ramya (10 TX 1593) = 6.5</li>
<li>Peng, Sophia (10 AZ 1697) = 6.5</li>
<li>Zhu, Florina (10 NJ 1623) = 6.5</li>
<li>Field, Lila (9 NJ 1310) 6.5</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">OPEN U8 </span></b><b><a href="https://info64.org/world-cadets-chess-championships-2018-u08-open/standings">results link</a> (8 players)</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Chennareddy, Yuvraj (8 IL 1901) = 10.5 - <span style="font-size: large;">GOLD MEDAL</span></span></b></li>
<li><b>Wang, Alexander (8 NJ 1960) = 8.0 - 10th place (<i>tied for 6th</i>)</b></li>
<li>Jiang, Andrew (8 GA 1864) = 7.0</li>
<li>Woodward, Andy (8 TX 1812) = 7.0</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">GIRLS U8 </span></b><b><a href="https://info64.org/world-cadets-chess-championships-2018-u08-girls/standings">results link</a> (7 players)</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b><span style="color: #38761d;">WCM Qiao, Evelyn (8 GA 1641) = 8.5 - <span style="font-size: large;">BRONZE MEDAL</span></span></b></li>
<li><b>Prakash, Nandini (8 IL 1554) = 7.5 - 9th place (<i>tied for 8th</i>)</b></li>
<li>Gu, Crystal (8 CA-S 1578) = 7.0</li>
<li>Li, Rachael (8 TX 1994) = 6.5</li>
</ul>
Michael Aignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166841797285152190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7288608344339782413.post-5406235559836142742018-11-04T12:25:00.001-08:002018-11-04T12:28:03.466-08:00Online Mate In One Test<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJIg09LItEsv0Xi3J6jHZahDC1-gF5WSZj6RAE1NpFWBJl7yhDzHiTeZOjaKN_VFLyGkkWtKEarP-lmAbjyIjZ_TKviuBdcmU8n-jSai4U5w_hBvdxd6xBgzmdO5DEkWAHDOTtsufrsXc/s1600/MateInOne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="571" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJIg09LItEsv0Xi3J6jHZahDC1-gF5WSZj6RAE1NpFWBJl7yhDzHiTeZOjaKN_VFLyGkkWtKEarP-lmAbjyIjZ_TKviuBdcmU8n-jSai4U5w_hBvdxd6xBgzmdO5DEkWAHDOTtsufrsXc/s320/MateInOne.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Test your ability to <a href="http://sebastianlague.site/chess/mate-trainer/?timed=true&suddenDeath=true&resetTimerOnSolve=true&startTime=10"><b>solve mates in one</b></a> using this fun web application. You get <b>10 seconds</b> to find the correct move. If you're right, then you immediately get another position. The program stops when your move is not checkmate, or when your time expires.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYCktTC8ZrRS_qx1-DVQSaK9qX8XVs078DvvUwHcH55GbPbrwY84zRdmhE8ks8KuhyphenhyphenfQ1y4BRdtXzYj1y9YT4WkSGfg3Zo3Zdp6gId7JMJkj4DO2gOuGCTYUCdJXWa2XhN_teUi3Ombv4/s1600/CheckMate.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="616" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYCktTC8ZrRS_qx1-DVQSaK9qX8XVs078DvvUwHcH55GbPbrwY84zRdmhE8ks8KuhyphenhyphenfQ1y4BRdtXzYj1y9YT4WkSGfg3Zo3Zdp6gId7JMJkj4DO2gOuGCTYUCdJXWa2XhN_teUi3Ombv4/s200/CheckMate.png" width="200" /></a>Many of the positions are trivially winning, but the goal is to checkmate in one. Multiple solutions exist for some problems, and the program will accept any of them. After you have solved several hundred, you may notice that some positions repeat.<br />
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Parental warning: <b>This game is addictive.</b> I know several young masters who solved over 100 in a row. <i>At least two have reached 500!</i> At this time, yours truly only achieved a modest 41. If you wish to brag to your friends, then save a screenshot immediately after you messed up.<br />
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<i>Finally, if 10 seconds is too fast, then simply edit the number at the end of the URL.</i>Michael Aignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166841797285152190noreply@blogger.com0