A Game From Schenectady and a Correction From AACC

This is at least my 100th post to this blog! When I began it was uncertain how long and how frequently posting would continue. So far, so good. A couple of equipment and some software changes make it unclear if my count of posts includes everyone actually made, but I do have 100 recorded posts in the files now. It has some kind of odd sense of neatness to reach the 100 mark on the first day of the new year. It would have been neater if I could have gotten this post yesterday, but post-retirement work habits do not include the recognition of such artificial deadlines.

Wednesday evening the AACC held a G/15 Quick event. Arthur Alowitz finished in first place with a 4-1 score ahead of Tim Wright, Bill Little and Jon Leisner and others. A very nice result for Arthur to finish the old year.

Thursday there was only a single make up game played at the Schenectady Club; Bill Little and Patrick Chi played to a 26 move draw in the Caro-Kann. There are still several make up games to be played in both qualifying sections. A short discussion among Richard Chu, Bill Townsend and Little reached a consensus it will be the end of January before the Preliminaries finish.

John Phillips has had two rather successful years in a row in the Schenectady Championship. He made it to the Finals in both years. In last year’s Preliminary event Brij Saran defeated John, however Phillips overcame that small upset to go on and qualify. This year Mr. Phillips had a qualifying spot locked up before he and Mr. Saran met in a make up game after the last regularly scheduled round of play. Nevertheless, it was a tense game with both players making a serious effort.

Phillips, John - Saran, Brij [B10]

SCC Ch Prelim A Schenectady, NY, 23.12.2010

1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.Qg4,..

This move has been John’s favorite reply to the French this year. He played against Mockler in a short draw earlier in this event.

4..., Nc6 5.Nf3 Bd7

Capturing on d4 with the c-pawn is a more active way to treat this position. The position of the White Queen is looming threat to the Black K-side, that is if she does not get run off. The usual argument in the French is; will Black’s better pawn structure balance the space advantage White has on the K-side? And, can Black build enough pressure on the potential White pawn chain b2/c3/d4/e5 to obtain active employment for his pieces?

6.Bd3 cxd4

As often is the case in early Qg4 variations, White sacrifices a center pawn in hopes of using the time gained to make the K-side utterly inhospitable for the Black King. The pawn won is by no means secure, but Black is not terribly concerned about hanging on to material. He now has the slightly better pawn formation which is his strategic aim in the French.

7.0–0 Nb4!?

Motivated by the general wisdom that it is good to have the two Bishops, Brij errs ever so slightly. It is better to focus some force on the other White center pawn at e4 to make the recovery of the pawn difficult. Saran could do that with 7..., Qc7; or could reinforce d4 with 7..., Qb6; or even take a measured approach with 7..., Nge7; eyeing both f5 and g6 as opportunity presents itself.

8.Nbd2!?,..

More reasonable is 8 Qxd4, when White will have a small edge. Mr. Phillips is determined to make this a difficult game, for himself as well as his opponent.

8..., Nxd3 9.cxd3 Nh6 10.Qxd4 Nf5 11.Qg4?,..

This move gives Black a clear advantage. Better 11 Qf4, if White wants to continue pressing on the K-side.

11..., Bb5 12.Ne1 h5

Mr. Saran puts a finger on the bruise. The White Queen will now have to give up her aggressive post. Black now has a small but clearly discernable

advantage.

13.Qd1 Qb6 14.Nb3?!,..

Better is 14 a4, driving back the Bb5.

14..., d4!?

There is some doubt about this move not so much for some immediate tactical problem, rather because it goes completely contrary to the positional needs for the Black side of the French, or at least the generally accepted wisdom about the positional needs. One big issue for Black almost always is what to do with the light squared Bishop. The text foregoes the chance to get rid of this problem child of the French by pinning the Nb3 over the Queen with 14..., Ba4. After that move White would be fighting for equality with his best hope being to get to a double Rook ending where his wrecked pawn formation is not so vulnerable. There is no way White can avoid doubled b-pawns.

The move Black plays is creative. He is thinking of using the light squared Bishop on the long diagonal maybe. Creativity is a good thing but sometimes it can go too far. This may be the case here. There is a good enough idea behind Black’s play that the weakness of the artificially isolated d-pawn does not become a factor.

15.Bg5 Be7?

This is not the best way to continue. A more cogent plan is 15..., a5; threatening to evict the Knight from b3. If then 16 a4 Bc6; and b4 is a good future post for Black’s dark squared Bishop. Otherwise, 15..., a5 16 Rc1 a4 17 Nd2 Bc6 18 Qc2 a3 19 b3 Bb4; again finding a comfortable home for the dark squared Bishop. None of this by any means says Black has a significant edge. It is, however, a way to fight for an advantage. The text move surrenders the Bishop pair. It was here perhaps that Brij decided on a general liquidation of forces. Equality follows.

16.Nf3 Bc6 17.Bxe7 Kxe7 18.Re1 Rac8 19.Rc1 Bd5 20.Nfd2 Rxc1 21.Qxc1 Qc6 22.Ne4 Qxc1 23.Rxc1 Rd8 24.Ng5 f6 25.exf6+ gxf6 26.Ne4 Rd7 27.Kf1 e5 28.Nbd2 Nd6 29.Nxd6 Rxd6 30.b3 Rc6 31.Rxc6 Bxc6; and a draw was agreed. Even now in circumstances of reduced material Black can make life difficult for White, but the ending is drawn. ½–½

Harking back to a post in early December, last Wednesday night Jonathan Lack and Glen Perry questioned my comments about their recent game. In particular they had some doubts about the sacrifice of a Knight on e6 at move 14. We did not have the game score at hand and reconstruction of the position from memory was a bit off. Coupled with the uncertain position was my inability to exactly recall the line my electronic friend Rybka had pointed out. As soon as I could the subject position was tossed once more into the maw of the electronic wizard. The following is the result.

Lack, Jonathan - Perry, Glen [B23]

AACC Prelim 2 Guilderland, NY, 01.12.2010

1.e4 c5 2.Nc3 a6 3.a4 Nc6 4.Nge2 Nf6 5.g3 d5 6.exd5 Nxd5 7.Bg2 Be6 8.d4 Nxc3 9.bxc3 Bd5 10.0–0 e6 11.Be3 b6 12.Nf4 Bxg2 13.Kxg2 g5?

My original comment in a posting from 12/5/10 was: “This a more significant error by Glen. White now can have a marked advantage with the sacrificial line; 14 Nxe6! fxe6 15 Qh5+ Kd7 16 cxd5 Qe8 17 Rfd1+ Kc7 18 cxb6+ Kb7 19 Qxg5, netting four pawns for the piece and keeping the initiative.”

In the game Jonathan played 14.Qf3. Rybka and my recommendation was 14 Nxe6. The question by Lack and to a lesser extent by Perry was; what about 14..., Qd5+(!?)?

a) 15 Kg1, and of course 15..., Qxe6; is met by 16 d5, forking the Queen and Knight recovering material. Then if; a1) 16..., Qd6 17 dxc6 Qxc6 18 Bxg5, and White is a pawn to the good. Or if; a2) 16..., Qd6 17 dxc6 Rg1 18 Bxg5! Insisting upon a piece sacrifice, then 18..., Rxg5 19 Qf3, sets up powerful threats of c6-c7+ and Ra1-d1. And if a3) Black trades Queens right away things are not much better: 18..., Qxd1 19 Raxd1 Rxg5 20 Rfe1+ Be7 21 Rd7, leading to White having both Rooks on the 7th rank and a winning position.

The alternative b) is 15..., fxe6. White then should play 16 Qh5+, and b1) 16..., Kd7; loses to 17 dxc5. Black can obtain nominal compensation, R+N for his Queen, but the White Queen is well placed to do what Queens are especially equipped to do; move fast and far attacking multiple weaknesses picking up material along the way. Example: 16 Qh5+ Kd7 17 dxc5 Bxc5 18 Rad1 Bxe3 19 Rxd5 exd5 20 fxe3 Raf8 (Probably best, other moves allow 21 Rf7+ and disaster looms for Black.) 21 Rxf8 Rxf8 22 Qxh7+ Ne7 23 e4 dxe4 24 Qxe4 Rf6 25 Qb7+ Ke8 26 Qxa6 Rc6 27 Qb5, and the Rook and Knight simply can’t cope with the Queen’s appetite for pawns. A key feature to keep in mind in such endings is all pure pawn end games are likely lost so even a mating net with the Knight magically on e3 and the Rook charging down the f-file to f1 are adequately defended by the Queen covering f1.

The remaining choice is b2), 16..., Ke7. Then White continues; 17 dxc5 Rg8 18 Rad1 Qf5 19 cxb6 g4 20 Qxf5 exf5 21 Rfe1 Kf6 22 Bf4, and here Rybka says White is better by 1.27 pawns. A nice advantage in theory but very long way from a won game. The challenge to White is can he hang on to the three pawns that compensate for the missing Knight? His pieces; both Rooks and the Bishop are active and there is no immediate danger to his King. All to the good, but how to continue?

Black’S best move is likely 22..., Rg7; preventing 23 Rd7. White then has to find the difficult move 23 Bd6!?, with idea of threatening to bring both Rooks to the 6th rank after 23..., Kg5 24 Re6, and so on. This is quite murky and one has to be alert tactically to play this way. The notion of offering a trade of the finely placed Bf4 for the fairly inactive Bf8 is one that I suspect to be hard for a club level player to choose. I believe we would see it and put it aside for the general principle of not trading well developed pieces for undeveloped pieces. In this case, such a trade makes sense. In hindsight and with the aid of a strong chess engine, the trade frees d6 for a Rook increasing the activity of both Rooks.

The answer to the Lack/Perry question appears to be; 14..., Qd5+; is an excellent alternative that requires White to play actively entering tactically dangerous positions if he wants to win. White is further pressed by the fact that he has given up a piece for some pawns, and there are few paths that lead the game back to a balanced equality. This sort of decision is hard to make in an event where the players want to qualify for the next stage. This is even more true in a short tournament as is the AACC Preliminaries, six contestants playing five rounds for a single spot in the Final match. In light of the sporting conditions, and the complications on the board, Mr. Lack’s choice of 14 Qf3, is more than reasonable.

The question raised by Lack and Perry led us into interesting territory. It is the kind of discussion that uncovers much of the beauty in chess very often hidden in the variations of what might have been. Finding such questions is one of the goals I hope to reach when this series of blogs commenced.

Accuracy demands a correction to my comments. Black's 13th turn should be given (?!) as try with lots of risks attached rather than an outright error with (?). And, my recommendation 14 Nxe6; probably is only (!?), dangerous to Black but not entirely clear.

Happy New Year to all! More soon.

Tata For Now

It is time once again for the annual Corus Chess Tournament in the Netherlands. Although now it is called Tata, which is the new owner of the steel factory in Wijk aan Zee that has annually sponsored the event. Yes - I am psyched!

Regretably, I will not be reporting from there this year as I have done the past two tournaments. But I will be following the action every day. I hope you do, too, as it is one of the premier tournaments in the world and it is so easy to follow. Here are two sites anyone can access http://www.chessbase.com/ or http://www.tatasteelchess.com/tournament/information . And of course there are many other options for the chess internet savvy.

Recently, as I started looking forward to the daily action, I realized that I have materials from last year that I never published that might still be enjoyable reading or viewing. So I am passing them along before they get another year older.

I wrote an article for the pending issue of Empire Chess magazine - which you can now read on-line thru the NYSCA.NET website at http://www.nysca.net/winter11.pdf

Plus I will be posting stuff here from last year in the coming weeks as I only recently learned how to utilize YouTube to post my videos. Well, I thought I learned how ... but maybe I will have to start with beginner steps that hopefully will still work...

Anyway, here is my first real interview as a reporter last year. It was an easy one because Nigel Short just LOVES to be interviewed and he's very entertaining. He also came into the media room after being the first player to slow down Alexi Shirov. Alexi had ripped off 5 straight wins to start the tournament last year and Nigel made him play on his terms and Shirov ended up in a completely boring, even position. Draw. So Nigel was in a very good mood. Hope you like it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQGeZ5fdMuA

Follow Tata as the field looks even better than last year. NY's own Hikaru Nakamura is out to win it this year. It should be a very exciting event.

Update on the Schenectady Prelimns

The formal schedule for the Preliminaries of the Schenectady Championship ended on December 16. Delayed games yet to be played will take at least two more weeks to finish.

This past Thursday, Christmas Eve Eve you might say, two of those delayed games from the Prelim Section A were contested. John Phillips and Brij Saran fought to a draw in a French Defense in 30 moves. John tried out his favorite early 4 Qg4 variation, Brij countered well. A drawn position was reached early. At least that is how it looked to this observer. After Rybka chews on the game for awhile maybe we see a different conclusion.

In the other game Richard Chu lost to Bill Little in after missing a couple of tactics in the Exchange Slav. The game was over in 29 moves.

With the games above included the standings are:

Section A

Leading and with a lock on first place is Patrick Chi, the local scholastic star. His score is 7 ½ - ½ with one game to play versus Little.

In second is John Phillips. He has played all of his games and scored 7 - 2 winning all except draws with Saran and Mockler and a loss to Chi.

Third place is held for the moment by Richard Chu. He has completed his schedule. Losses to Phillips, Chi, Saran and Little gives him a 5 - 4 score.

Now tied for third is Brij Saran with the same score as Richard. He lost to Chi, Little and Northrup while drawing with Mockler and Phillips.

Trailing these two is Bill Little with a 4 ½ - 2 ½ score and two games to play, Chi and Stanley. These two games yet to be played are a big part of the drama left in the Section. Winning one and drawing the other will vault Little into the third qualifying spot from the section.

Behind Little is Michael Mockler. He has 3 ½ - 3 ½ score with two games to play, Yogi Kanakamedala and Mike Stanley. Based on rating Michael is likely to win both games. There is a ‘but’ in this. Mr. Mockler’s results this season have been unusual; one win, one loss (to Chu in the last regularly scheduled round) and no less than five draws. If one more draw slips into Michael’s results he will be unlikely to reach the third qualifying spot. More drama for Section A would be a playoff game between Little and Mockler for the third spot.

After Mockler the scores drop off with Zachery Calderon 4 -5, Northrup at 3 ½ - 5 ½, Kanakamedala at 1 - 7 and Stanley at 0 - 7 rounding out the field. Both Calderon and Northrup racked up good results this year and promise problems for the leaders next year.

Section B

The winner in this Section is clear. Philip Sells has won seven games with one left to play and no one can challenge mathematically for first place.

In second at the moment is Ricahrd Moody. His score is 4 ½ - 2 ½ with games to play; the redoubtable Mr. Sells. If this were a wagering situation, the odds favor Sells to win that game on rating and performance in this event. However, Moody has a “puncher’s chance”. He did defeat Alan Le Cours. On the other side of the ledger, a distracted loss to Dilip Aaron and a draw with David Connors show Richard is not always consistently strong yet. Should Mr. Moody bring his best game to the table and win there could well be a three way tie for the last two qualifying spots.

Barring an upset John Barnes (4 - 2 with two games to play; Connors and Le Cours) and Alan Le Cours (4 - 2 with two games to play; Barnes and Capitummino) may be expected to finish at 5 ½ points each - a draw with each other and winning their other game. A defeat for either Barnes or Le Cours in their head-to-head clash lets the winner through to the Finals pretty certainly. So, in sum, much remains to be resolved in Section B.

Trailing those in contention for a qualifying spot are; Dilip Aaron with 3 ½ - 3 ½ , and a game to play versus David Connors; Herman Calderon with 2 ½ - 5 ½, David Connors with 2 - 4 and two games to play, Barnes and Dilip Aaron, Jeff Capitummino on 1 ½ - 4 ½ still to play Clough and Le Cours, and in last place Matthew Clough with 1 - 6 and a game to play against Capitummino.

Overall in the Section it must be said that Philip Sells has again demonstrated a high level of chess skill. Other noteworthy results were Moody’s win over Le Cours, Matt Clough’s sound defeat of Barnes and Jeff Capitummino’s strong fight in a losing effort versus Sells. These successes signaled the lower rated participants that they have the ability to do more at chess, and are a warning to the higher rated players that next year may not be as easy as in the past.

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday. More soon.

A Recent Game from the Schenectady Prelims

An addition to the Schenectady Chess Club’s roster this year are the Calderon’s father and son. Zack, the son took my scalp a few weeks ago. His dad, Herman, has done well also. In today’s game, Herman had chances to upset John Barnes, one of the contenders for a spot in the finals.

Barnes, John - Calderon, Herman [B40]

SCC Ch Prelim B Schenectady, NY, 08.12.2010

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.Bd3!?,..

A quirky line that is not as bad as first impressions might lead us to believe.

3..., g6!?

Baffled by the White setup, Herman makes a move that weakens his K-side formation. If he wants to play there, more pointed is 3..., g5; threatening to dislocated the Nf3 and provoking White to make a defensive move such as 4 h3. If White plays something like 4 Nc3, ignoring the aggression, Black then can probably safely chase the White pieces with pawn advances.

4.c3 Bg7 5.Bc2 Nc6 6.d3 Nge7 7.Be3 b6 8.Nbd2 0–0 9.g4?!,..

If White really wants to get in his own aggressive actions on the K-side, it may well be better to begin with 9 h4. Putting the pawn on g4 carries with it the obligation for a follow-on move if Black reacts correctly by advancing his d-pawn.

9..., d5

The correct answer. We can see now that 10 exd5, is less than tempting because 10..., exd5; and the g-pawn is hit by the Bc8 with play continuing 11 h3 f5; threatening 12..., f4; and suddenly things are sticky for White. He has his King in the center with a couple moves to be made before the King can castle long, or he can castle short into a very airy fortress because of the early advance of the pawns. If opening the center is not a good idea, what then? Not much apparently, we see the Nd2 soon sent to b3, dismal post for a gallant horseman and the c-file open making any notion of the Q-side as a refuge for the White King doubtful, and Black has the initiative in hand.

10.Nb3 e5 11.Rg1 Be6

This move can not be labeled an error, it is however, not quite the best either. 11..., Ba6; is more active. Black should not be angling for a locking up of the center while the safety of the White King is open to question.

12.h4 d4 13.cxd4 cxd4 14.Bd2 a5?!

Move order matters more often than not. An approach that pays attention to defensive needs whilst preparing for further aggression is 14..., Qc8; threatening the pawn on g4, then 15 Nh2, a posting that is less dangerous for Black than at f3, and following with 15..., a5; planning to put the Queen on a6 and the Knight on b4 to pressure d3. Playing this way Black would have given White much to think about. Black threatens to occupy the c-file and wants to use c2 for a Knight or a Rook.

15.h5,..

Black is somewhat better and White thinks to create some counter-play with direct threats on the Black King.

15..., h6?!

This move has long term consequences. It leads to some weaknesses around the King. Better is 15..., Nb4; giving White something to be concerned about on the Q-side and retaining an advantage. Jeremy Silman, the IM and noted chess teacher, on John Watson’s ICC show “Chess Talk” recently commented more or less as follows: One of the differences between better players and more ordinary players is their attitude towards threats made by the opponent. The better players seem to react by saying to themselves “BS - that can’t be a serious threat” and set about proving the opponent wrong. More ordinary players take the threats seriously and react to them. Here Mr. Calderon reacts when he could have made his own threats. After the game move the edge goes to White.

16.g5 hxg5 17.Nxg5 Qd7 18.Nxe6?!..,

Mr. Barnes could have tried a more imaginative approach. Here the sacrificial line; 18 hxg6 fxg6? 19 Nc5! Bxc5 20 Nxe6, and if 20..., Qxe6 21 Bb3 wins. If Black can not recapture on g6 with the f-pawn, he must take with the Knight, so; 18..., Nxf6 19 Qh5, and White is making progress in building his attack.

18..., Qxe6 19.Qf3 Qf6!?

Black does not see that he needs an escape route for his King. Better 19..., Rfc8; or 19..., a4; driving the Knight followed by 20..., Rfc8.

20.Qh3,..

White is thinking about a sequence where the h-pawn is pushed to h6, then to h7 with check leading to mate on h6 by the Queen . Herman sees the same thing but he does not think about other ways to counter other than playing minor pieces to obstruct the g-file.

20..., Nb4?

This the resource Calderon has been counting on, but it is not quite right.

21.Bb1?

Much better is 21 Bxb4, then the required 21..., axb4 22 h6 Bh8 23 h7+ Kg7 24 Nd2, leads to a marked advantage for White. The problem with the text is Black can play 24..., Qc6; and if 25 h6 Bf6; removes much of the sting from the charging h-pawn. Had Herman taken advantage of this chance, John would have had to return to maneuvering and searching for an opportunity.

21..., gxh5?

One more time missing the idea of an escape square for the King. Necessary is 21..., Rfc8.

22.a3 Nbc6 23.Qxh5 Nd8

It is an unnecessary quibble to be critical of this move. Some better is 23..., Ng6 right away. In either case White has an strong attack.

24.Ba2 Rc8 25.Nxd4!,..

After a bit of uncertainty in the beginning, John Barnes got his pieces into very active play, he then took advantage of the errors his opponent made.

25..., exd4 26.Bh6 Ng6?

The better alternative is 26..., Rc5; then 27 Bxg7 Qxg7 (If 27..., Rxh5 28 Bxf6+ and 29 Bxe7 leaves White up a minor piece and a pawn.) 28 Rxg7+ Kxg7 29 Qg4+ when the Queen is more than a match for the R&N compensation, but there are certainly some technical difficulties for White to deal with. GM Har-Zvi pointed out frequently to us in his Saturday group that, when there is no choice, accepting a disadvantage that sets technical problems is the correct way to proceed.

27.Rxg6 Black resigns 1-0.

\

If now 27..., Rc5 28 Qg4 Rg5 29 Qxg5 Qxg5 30 Rxg5, and Black will be at a great material disadvantage, too great for the game to long continue.

More tomorrow.

8th Williams College Open

8th Williams College Open
Saturday, JANUARY 8th, 2011
WILLIAMS COLLEGE
Griffin Hall, Rooms 3 and 4
Williamstown, MA 01267

Here is a printable Microsoft Word flier of this event.
Here are driving directions to get to Williams College.
PARKING: Park behind Griffin in the lower lot. Access the parking lot by taking Rt. 2/main street to Southworth and taking the first left. The parking area will be on the left with Griffin Hall being at the top of the hill.
Here is the Williams College Museum of Art map. Griffin Hall is on Route 2, it has a small gold dome on top and a statue of a soldier in front. It is next to Thompson Memorial Chapel, which has a large stone tower that is easy to see from the road.

FORMAT: Three-round Swiss system, Game/90 minutes, USCF Rated (Must be a USCF member or join at the tournament).
REGISTRATION: 9:00am to 9:45am
ROUND TIMES: 10:00am, 1:30pm, and 5:00pm

$$340 based on 17 paid entries. (Yes, the prizes equal the entry fees collected.)

SECTIONS//PRIZES: OPEN// First $100, Second $80.
U1600// First $80, Second $60.
Top Williams College Student $20.

ENTRY FEE: $20. Free for Williams College students.
U.S.C.F. MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED: USCF membership can be purchased on site.

Last week in Schenectady

In a mild upset Jeff Capitummino won an interesting game from Saratoga’s David Connors. Mr. Connors made the long commute from Saratoga Springs to play in the Schenectady tournament the past two or three years. He is a player with a curious record. Versus strong opponents David is very dangerous. For example, 2010 he won games from Ed Frumkin (2000), Lee Battes (2000) and Alan LeCours (1940) and drew with Philip Sells (2000) as well as knocking off more than one player around 1700. When facing folks further down the rating list, his performance has not been consistent. Connors” rating, therefore has stayed right about 1550. Authoring no less than four upsets of more than four hundred rating points surely indicates the skill is there. One or two such results could be called luck, four is a trend that the Class A crowd should note when David is in an event.

Connors, David - Capitummino, Jeff [A07]

SCC Ch Prelim B Schenectady. NY, 08.12.2010

1.Nf3 Nf6 2.g3 g6 3.Bg2 Bg7 4.0–0 d5 5.d3 0–0 6.Nbd2 Nbd7

Although the World Champions have not used the approach White is using, nor have they had to defend the Black side, many 2500+ players are willing to take either side in this argument. Long ago this sort of setup for White was called the Reti Opening (Barcza System). It was all the rage in the middle 1950’s. The recently departed and lamented Larry Evans wrote a tournament book for the Lessing Rosenwald Tournament, NYC, 1954-55. It was called “Trophy Chess” published by Charles Scribner’s Sons, NYC, 1956. The book was one of my early purchases of chess literature. Surreptitiously going over that book in my room when I was supposed to be doing homework was when I first learned of this variation of the Reti. No less than Reshevsky used it to win his first round game against Sherwin and Evans played it twice scoring a win and a draw. Fascinated by the odd early moves so different from what the chess writers I had so far encountered recommended, the Barcza became my favorite, but only for a brief while. My chess understanding was not up to the demands the typical middle games presented, and I returned to 1 e4, after several losses. It faded from prominence in the 1960s but never disappeared entirely.

Incidentally, 6..., Nbd7; is not quite correct. Probably 6..., Nc6; 6..., c5; or 6..., b6; are better choices. The Knight on d7 slows down the development of the Black pieces.

7.e4 dxe4 8.dxe4 Nb6?!

It is unclear where this piece is going, perhaps to a4 to hit b2? That is easily countered in the game.

9.a4 a5

Now the Nb6 will have to be rerouted somewhere, or he will stand a lonely vigil without purpose.

10.Ra3 Bg4 11.Rd3!? Qc8 12.b3,..

The White Rook is a trifle exposed on d3, but Connors has the use of an extra piece down the d-file. This is not such a bad trade off. The Rook on d3 forced the Black Queen to c8 delaying the connection of the Black Rooks.

12..., Nfd7

Oddly, nothing looks better than this move. The position is about level, but finding a plan for Black that offers activity is no easy task. For White it is a somewhat different story. He is going to pile up on the d-file, the dark squared Bishop goes to a3, with the only remaining question being what to do with the Nd2.

13.Ba3 Re8!?

Jeff passes on the opportunity to play sharply. After 13..., Ne5; White must be careful. If right away 14 Bxe7, Nxd3 15 Bxf8?! Nb3 16 Qc1 Qxf8 17 e5 N2xa4; leaving Black with an extra pawn and a very nearly winning game. If White tries a more thoughtful line with 14 Re3, Black can offer the e-pawn in the following way; 14..., Bh6 15 Rc3 Rd8; when 16 Bxe7, is immediately refuted by 16..., Rxd2! White has to play 16 Qe1, then Black retires the Ne5 to c6 with a small advantage.

14.h3 Bxf3

Jeff answers the question about the future of the Nd2 unnecessarily. This trade grants the two Bishops to White and relieves the congestion on the d-file. Better for Black is 14..., Be6; and the Black pieces are a little awkwardly placed, but White has not yet resolved the issue of the exposed Rd3. After 14..., Be6; should White try 15 Ng5, Black coolly plays 15..., Ne5; then 16 Nxe6 Qxe6; maintaining a balanced position. Rather than going after the Be6 White can play 15 c4, then 15..., c5 16 Qc2 Nb8; opening the battery of the Black Queen and Bishop and contemplating putting the Nb8 on a6 where it eyes b4 and overprotects the c5-pawn.

15.Nxf3 e6 16.Qe2 Bf8

Another ill advised trade. Absent his dark squared Bishop, Black now has weak squares all around his King.

17.Bxf8 Rxf8 18.Rfd1

Somewhat better is 18 Qe3, keeping the Knight out of c5 for the moment.

18...Nc5 19.R3d2 Qe8 20.Qe3 Qe7 21.Nh4?,..

This move fails to take advantage of the weakened dark squares. Better is 21 e5, then 21..., Nd5 22 Qh6 f6 23 exf6, leaving Black with weak pawns to go along with the dark square holes. Black has the resources to defend the position, but it is a grim task that leaves little chance for a counter-attack.

21..., Ncd7

Rybka suggests 21..., Nxa4; but this line seems to peter out after 22 bxa4 Nc4 23 Qb3, to equality.

22.f4,..

Straight away 22 e5, promises more for White.

22..., Qc5 23.Qxc5 Nxc5 24.Bf3,..

Again 24 e5, is better. White for whatever reason does not want to push the e-pawn to the fifth rank. The game now simplifies by mutual agreement to a B+N versus 2Ns ending. Theoretically this imbalance favors White with pawns on both sides of the board. The computer sees the game as about even here.

24..., Rfe8 25.Ng2 Kf8 26.Ne3 h5 27.g4 hxg4 28.hxg4 Ke7 29.g5 Red8 30.f5 exf5 31.exf5 Rxd2 32.f6+ Ke8 33.Rxd2 Rd8 34.Rxd8+ Kxd8 35.Kf2 c6 36.Ng4?

A slip that hands Black a significant advantage. David misses the need to immediately guard the pawn on g5. Required is 36 Kg3, and while there is tension in the position, a draw is the likely outcome.

36..., Ne6 37.Ke3 Nxg5 38.Be2 Nh7 39.Ke4?,..

Either 39 Ke4, or even 39 Kf4, are better options. On e4 the King is exposed to a check that steals a vital tempo. If, for example, White plays 39 Kf4, and Black proceeds more or less as in the game, after 39..., Nd7 40 Bc4 Ke8 41 Nh6, and White gets the pawn on c7 when Black captures on f6. Compare this line to the game continuation and the difference is clear.

39..., Nd7 40.Bc4 Nhxf6+ 41.Nxf6 Nxf6+ 42.Ke5 Ke7 0–1

A serious disappointment for Mr. Connors and a good result for Mr. Capitummino. Both players missed chances, but they fought hard throughout.

More soon.

An Endgame Fight from AACC

Somewhere along the line in all I have written in recent months on this site I said something about a renaissance in the local chess scene in the Capital District. Here is one more indicator of how things are moving forward for chess. Peter Henner has been for some time one of the better local players. He recently began writing a chess column in The Altamont Enterprise & Albany County Post, a weekly newspaper focused on the doings in Guilderland and the Hill Towns of Albany County. In the columns I have seen so far, Peter has been exploring chess history and presenting some classic chess problems. In a brief conversation at the Albany Area Chess Club (AACC) a week or two ago, Henner said he was thinking about putting some local games in the column. That is a good idea I think.

How many medium sized metro areas such as the Capital District have two chess columns; Townsend’s in the Gazette and Henner’s in the Enterprise? Additionally, there are six active chess clubs or groups; Schenectady, AACC, Saratoga, Troy, RPI and the Friday night Guilderland Library group. Two things really have driven this resurgence: Brother John’s ongoing “Make the Right Move” scholastic program teaches kids chess and introduces them to competition, and the recent few years when we had out own local GM, Ronen Har-Zvi in residence. The “Make the Right Move” program has provided youthful new club members for the established clubs, and Har-Zvi inspired the return to more active participation a number of older players. Together these have generated more widespread chess activity than I can remember in the sixty years I have been playing the game locally, except for that brief period 1970-72, the “Fischer Boom”.

We have an interesting game today from the AACC Preliminaries. In it Jason Denham, a player new to USCF chess who has a provisional rating in the upper 1600s, battles Glen Perry, a strong Class B player poised to go over 1800 into Class A. A rating such as Denham’s is unusual. Provisional ratings, based on a few games - I think Jason has played in only one or two events - does not tell much about a player’s true strength. In this case we have an adult coming to rated chess a bit later in life, and adults typically don’t obtain this sort of rating right away. His success here against Mr. Perry hints we have new player who can make a mark for himself locally.

Denham, Jason - Perry, Glen [A20]

AACC Ch Prelim 2 Guilderland, NY, 08.12.2010

1.c4 e5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5

I don’t know what this line may be called. English/Catalan/ KIA/Reversed Sicilian are all terms that come to mind.

5.Nf3 Nc6

Of course, 5.., e4 6 Qa4+, collects the e-pawn.

6.0–0 Be7

We have under consideration another game where the locals are sticking with the practice of the best players. This position has been contested by Topalov and Korchnoi as White against Karpos and Timman.

7.d4 e4 8.Ne5 Nxe5

Up to here we have been following Topalov - Timman, Wijk ann Zee, 1999, a win for White in 36 moves. That game continued 8..., f5 9 Nxc6 bxc6 10 Qa4 Qd7. Perry’s move is an error. It permits White to pocket a pawn without compensation. Timman’s 8..., f5; is superior.

9.dxe5 Bf5 10.Bxe4 Bxe4 11.Qa4+ c6 12.Qxe4,..

White has the pawn but it is not all that secure. Black sets to work to recover the material. A reasonable plan for White is; Nb1-c3, and Bc1-e3, getting his forces into play and tempting Black to trade off his well place Nd5. White has a measurable advantage, not quite winning but significant.

12..., Qc7 13.Bd2 0–0 14.Nc3 Rad8 15.Nxd5?,..

This trade helps Black even though the well placed Nd5 is no more.

15..., Rxd5 16.Bf4?

Better is 16 Bc3. The move played allows Black to recover the material for only a slight compromise on the K-side. After 16 Bc3, the extra pawn is secured, but Black has all the say on the d-file as solace for that. Deep Rybka sees the position as slightly in favor of White. This probably because an extra pawn has to mean something in its electronic brain. I see Black as having the initiative. He gets to make threats while White is on his “back foot” for a long time. Still-in-all, the onus is on Black to find moves to recover the material or improve his compensation.

15..., g5 17.Rac1 Rfd8 18.Be3 Qxe5 19.Qxe5 Rxe5 20.Rfd1 Red5 21.Rxd5 Rxd5

Material recovered and the Black pieces are somewhat more active than are their White counterparts letting Black continue to hold on to the initiative. The game now favors Black by just a little bit. Normal play would go; 22 Bxa7 Ra5 23 Bd4 Rxa2 24 Kg2 f6 25 g4 Ra4; when Black’s advantage is minimal.

22.Rc2,..

White decides to remain passive until he sees what Black has in mind. Glen has ambitions in this game to snag the full point, and he strives to achieve that end.

22..., c5?!

But this move is too optimistic. Better 22..., f4.

23.Bd2?!,..

Missing a chance to devalue the Black Q-side with 23 b4!? Of course, White would have to know a great deal of endgame theory, have a refined positional judgment and calculate very accurately to make such a move. The primary line of play is; 23 b4 cxb4 24 Bxa7 and a) 24..., Rb5 with the following possibilities: a1) 25 Rc8+ Kg7 26 Bd4, counting on piece activity to offset the weak a-pawn. a2) 25 Rc7 Bf6 26 Be3 b3 27 axb3 Rxb3 h4 h6 trying to make an attack using the time required for Black to make his remaining b-pawn dangerous. a3) 25 Bd4 f5 26 h3, a “waiting” kind of approach with underlying ideas similar to a1) above. And b) 24..., f5!? when White has to make a difficult choice among; b1) Be3, b2) Rc7, b3) h3, b4) Bb6, and b5) e3. Without pasting on a bunch of lines Rybka generated to further clutter this document, we can easily grasp the position is devilishly complex. Jason’s decision in such a situation understandable; he wants not to drastically change the position and selects a move to wait for Black to make a direct threat.

23..., f5

Black has some kind of edge now and the initiative as well.

24.e3?,..

Not fatal but this move is just too passive. Active is 24 f4, or 24 Be3, contemplating b2-b4

24..., g4

Locking down a space advantage on the K-side at a cost of losing some flexibility in the pawn formation there. Also possible is 24..., b6; securing the c-pawn before centralizing the King and shifting the Bishop to the a1-h8 diagonal.

25.Bc3,..

A sensible alternative is 25 h3, to safely eliminate the potentially weak h-pawn. If Black does not capture on h3, White takes on g4 and then moves his King towards the center.

25..., b5 26.a3 c4,..

A reasonable try is; 26...Rd1+ 27.Kg2 Kf7 28.h3 h5 29.hxg4 hxg4 30.e4, when a rather technical Rook and pawn ending that with perfect play is likely drawn. The “fly in the ointment” is the need for very accurate play. The game would resolve itself into a race by passed pawns on the opposite sides of the board where there is a premium on getting the pawns down the board most efficiently.

Black has in mind trying to win the game based on the space advantage his advanced pawn formation gives him. To win in that way he will need to find an entry point for his King in the long run. Activating the King requires that the Rooks to be exchanged.

Rd2?,..

An error that should have cost White the game. By volunteering the Rook trade, White aids Black in the realization of his plan. Better 27 e4, taking the opportunity to break up the aggressive placement of the Black K-side pawns. The text gives Black a chance obtain a near winning edge.

27..., Rd3?

But not this way. Necessary is 27..., Rxd2; then 28 Bxd2 Bf6 29 Bc1 Kf7 30 Kf1 Ke6 31 f3 Kd5 32 Ke1 Kd5 33 Ke2 a5. Black is close to winning and I do not see a viable scheme for White to oppose the creation of an outside passed pawn and the eventual penetration of the Black King via e4.

28.Kf1?,..

Failing to take advantage of Glen’s mistake. With 28 Rxd3, White will easily win the race of the Kings to the center and pick up the pawn on d3. The game is then not clearly won for White, but he would have the extra pawn and most of the winning chances. Black immediately recognizes his error and acts to size the advantage.

28..., Rxd2 29.Bxd2 Bf6 30.Bc3 Kf7 31.Ke2 Bxc3 32.bxc3 Ke6 33.f3 h5?

An unnecessary move that throws away some of Black’s advantage. The best move is 33..., Ke5; closing in on the vital entry point, e4. A second more educational point is the text move wastes a “reserve move” in a pawn ending. The second World Champion, Lasker articulated long ago that in all endings, and in particular pawn endings, preserving “reserve moves” is crucial to winning many positions. Here Black has four reserve moves: two possibilities for the h-pawn, h7-h6 & h7-h5 and two similar moves for the a-pawn, while White but one: the f-pawn captures on g4 or advances to f4. Both of the White f-pawn moves gives up control of e4. Take the simplest line; 33..., Ke5 34 fxg4 fxg4 35 Ke1 Ke5 36 Ke2, and after 36..., a6; White must give way allowing the Black King entry on d3 or f3 winning.

34.e4!?,..

This move shows excellent fighting spirit and it is the best try for White in a difficult position

34..., fxe4 35.f4 Kf5?

This move gives White the advantage. The only path to the win for Black is 35..., a5; setting the stage for pushing the Q-side pawn majority. Then, 36 Ke3 Kd5 37 f5 Ke5 36 f6 Kxf6 37 Kxe4 Ke6 38 Kd4 Kd6 39 Ke4 Kc5; and Black will win

36.Ke3 a6 37.Kd4h4 38.Ke3 hxg3 39.hxg3 a5 40.Kd4 Kf6?

The best move to keep the fight going is 40..., a4; setting up the tactic .., b5-b4 to leash the White King. After the text, the best Black can hope for is Queen ending where White has a pawn extra. Such endgames very difficult. Victory for the side with the pawn depends on great patience, good calculation and the position of the defending King. Here the c-pawn is not far advanced. I don’t know enough about such endings to judge how good or bad the Black King stands.

41.Kxe4 Ke6 42.Kd4 Kd6 43.f5 Ke7 44.Kc5 Kf6 45.Kxb5 Kxf5 46.Kxa5 Ke4 47.Kb4 Kf3 48.a4 Kxg3 49.a5 Kf2?

A final fatal slip. Necessary is 49..., Kf4; to avoid a check that forces off the Queens.

50.a6 g3 51.a7 g2 52.a8Q g1Q 53.Qa7+ 0–1

The ending was interesting and illustrated how difficult it is to play that sometimes neglected part of chess well. I am certain Glen was disappointed at not getting the win when it seemed so near at hand. Credit must be given Jason for maintaining his composure and for finding testing ideas in a difficult position. More soon.