December 21 Last Blitz before Xmas
5-SS, G/10. Hackettstown Community Center, 293 Main St., (Rte. 46). EF: $3. Prizes: 1st prize: 50% of total EF, other prizes based on entries. Reg.: 7-7:30 p.m. Rds.: 7:30 p.m., then ASAP.
12/19/2009
12/13/2009
Upcoming Tournaments
May 3, 10, 17 May Mayhem Quads
3-RR 40/90, SD/60. Sections by rating. Hackettstown Community Center, 293 Main St., (Rte. 46), Hackettstown, NJ. EF: $12. Prize: $40 top in each section. Reg.: 7-7:30 pm. Rds.: 7:30 pm three successive Mondays. Info: ericmark4@yahoo.com, 570-872-6880. NS, NC.
May 24 May Mayhem G/10 (QC)
5-SS, G/10. Hackettstown Community Center, 293 Main St., (Rte. 46), Hackettstown, NJ. EF: $6. Prizes (b/20): 1st $40, 2nd $30; $20 each to 3rd, U1800, U1400. Reg.: 7-7:30 pm. Rds.: 7:30 pm, then ASAP. Info: ericmark4@yahoo.com, 570-872-6880. NS, NC.
3-RR 40/90, SD/60. Sections by rating. Hackettstown Community Center, 293 Main St., (Rte. 46), Hackettstown, NJ. EF: $12. Prize: $40 top in each section. Reg.: 7-7:30 pm. Rds.: 7:30 pm three successive Mondays. Info: ericmark4@yahoo.com, 570-872-6880. NS, NC.
May 24 May Mayhem G/10 (QC)
5-SS, G/10. Hackettstown Community Center, 293 Main St., (Rte. 46), Hackettstown, NJ. EF: $6. Prizes (b/20): 1st $40, 2nd $30; $20 each to 3rd, U1800, U1400. Reg.: 7-7:30 pm. Rds.: 7:30 pm, then ASAP. Info: ericmark4@yahoo.com, 570-872-6880. NS, NC.
12/05/2009
Paul Aaroe Memorial Tournament Report
Mark Khernighan and Benjamin Katz were co-winners of the Paul Aaroe Memorial Tournament held on October 17.
Click here for a link to the tournament crosstable.
Benjamin Katz was well rested with byes for the 1st two rounds but had to overcome draw odds to tie for 1st place. The game was a slugfest in a Petroff with opposite side castling.
Mark ponders his next move against Benjamin Katz.
Katz,Benjamin - Kernighan,Mark [C42]
Paul Aaroe Memorial
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4
5.Nc3 Nxc3 6.dxc3 Be7 7.Be3 0-0 8.Qd2 Nc6
9.0-0-0 Bf5 10.Bd3 Qd7 11.h4 Bf6 12.Bg5 Qe6
13.Kb1 Bxd3 14.cxd3 Rfe8 15.d4 h6?
(15...Qf5+ 16.Ka1 Ne7 17.Bxf6 Qxf6 18.Qd3 Qg6=)
16.Bxf6 Qxf6 17.Qd3 Re7 18.g4 Rae8 19.g5 Qf4 20.gxh6 Qxh6 21.Ng5 f6
May be the last to decisive mistake.
(21...Qh5 22.Rhg1 Nb8=)
22.f4 d5 23.Qf5 fxg5 24.hxg5 Qe6 25.Qh7+ Kf8 26.f5 Qg8 27.Qg6 Rf7 28.Rh7 Ne7
Mark believed that Black had the best chance with 28...Ke7
but 29.f6+ Kd8 30.Rdh1 Rd7 31.Rxg7 Rxg7 32.Re6 Qf5 33.Kd7 Qxd5+ is good for White.
29.Qh5 Rxf5 30.Rh8 Qxh8 31.Qxh8+ Kf7 32.Qh5+ Ng6 33.Rd2 Rh8
34.Qg4 Ne7 35.Re2 g6 36.Qg3 Rh1+ 37.Kc2 Rh8 38.Qxc7 Re8 39.Re5 Rf2+
40.Kb3 Kf8 41.c4 Rf3+ 42.Ka4 Rd3 43.Qd6 Rf3 44.Rxd5 Rc8 45.b3 Rf7
46.Re5 b6 47.d5 Re8 48.Re6 Rg7 49.Qe5 b5+ 50.cxb5 Rd8 51.d6 Ng8
52.Rf6+ Rf7 53.Rxf7+ Kxf7 54.Ka5
The King can safely go pawn grabbing as the Knight is trapped on the rim.
1-0
More photos from the Paul Aaroe Memorial
Dennis Dawley drew his game against Harry Rich.
Click here for a link to the tournament crosstable.
Benjamin Katz was well rested with byes for the 1st two rounds but had to overcome draw odds to tie for 1st place. The game was a slugfest in a Petroff with opposite side castling.
Mark ponders his next move against Benjamin Katz.
Katz,Benjamin - Kernighan,Mark [C42]
Paul Aaroe Memorial
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4
5.Nc3 Nxc3 6.dxc3 Be7 7.Be3 0-0 8.Qd2 Nc6
9.0-0-0 Bf5 10.Bd3 Qd7 11.h4 Bf6 12.Bg5 Qe6
13.Kb1 Bxd3 14.cxd3 Rfe8 15.d4 h6?
(15...Qf5+ 16.Ka1 Ne7 17.Bxf6 Qxf6 18.Qd3 Qg6=)
16.Bxf6 Qxf6 17.Qd3 Re7 18.g4 Rae8 19.g5 Qf4 20.gxh6 Qxh6 21.Ng5 f6
May be the last to decisive mistake.
(21...Qh5 22.Rhg1 Nb8=)
22.f4 d5 23.Qf5 fxg5 24.hxg5 Qe6 25.Qh7+ Kf8 26.f5 Qg8 27.Qg6 Rf7 28.Rh7 Ne7
Mark believed that Black had the best chance with 28...Ke7
but 29.f6+ Kd8 30.Rdh1 Rd7 31.Rxg7 Rxg7 32.Re6 Qf5 33.Kd7 Qxd5+ is good for White.
29.Qh5 Rxf5 30.Rh8 Qxh8 31.Qxh8+ Kf7 32.Qh5+ Ng6 33.Rd2 Rh8
34.Qg4 Ne7 35.Re2 g6 36.Qg3 Rh1+ 37.Kc2 Rh8 38.Qxc7 Re8 39.Re5 Rf2+
40.Kb3 Kf8 41.c4 Rf3+ 42.Ka4 Rd3 43.Qd6 Rf3 44.Rxd5 Rc8 45.b3 Rf7
46.Re5 b6 47.d5 Re8 48.Re6 Rg7 49.Qe5 b5+ 50.cxb5 Rd8 51.d6 Ng8
52.Rf6+ Rf7 53.Rxf7+ Kxf7 54.Ka5
The King can safely go pawn grabbing as the Knight is trapped on the rim.
1-0
More photos from the Paul Aaroe Memorial
Dennis Dawley drew his game against Harry Rich.
11/07/2009
Time vs Material
I faced Donnally Miller in the last round of the NJ State Open U1900 section. I had to win for a chance to tie for 1st place or 2nd place.
1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 e6
3. g3 d5
4. exd5 exd5
5. Qe2+ Be6
6. Bg2 Be7
7. Qb5+ Bd7
8. Qd3
The b-pawn was poisoned but White is now winning the d-pawn but at the cost of three tempi. How do I refute this violation of basic opening principles?
8 ... d4
Now I decide to give up the exchange plus a pawn instead of one pawn!
9. Bxb7 Nc6!
A key tempo. The Knight jumps into the fray looking more like a liger than a horse ready for the journey from b8 to a1.
10. Bxa8 Nb4 11. Qf3 Nxc2+ 12. Kd1 Nxa1
Now starts the second phase of operation. The plan is now to rescue the stranded Knight by subjecting White's position to heavy artillery fire.
13. Nd5 Nf6
(Qxa8 Nc7+ wins the Queen.)
14. b3 O-O
My opponent pointed after the game that I could win his Queen with Bg4. But this is a common mistake as Nxf6+ wins the Bishop.
15. Nxf6+ Bxf6
16. Be4 Qc8
After Bb2 his Bishop would be hanging. I am threatening to win his Queen now.
17. h3 Qa6
I take aim at the King threatening mate.
18. Qd3 Qxa2
The Knight is rescued. Mission accomplished.
19. Bxh7+ Kh8
20. Ne2 Be6
21. Be4 Bxb3+
22. Ke1 Bc2
I transposed into a winning ending and put an end to all White's hope of a quick mate with Qf3 and Qh5+.
23. Qf3 Bxe4 24. Qxe4 Qc2 25. Qxc2 Nxc2+ 26. Kf1
Re8 27. d3 a5 28. Bb2 a4 29. Nc1 Re1+ 30. Kg2 Rxh1 31. Kxh1 a3 32. Bxd4 Bxd4
33. Kg2 Nb4
0-1
You can look up a related post in the archives for another example on how to attack the uncastled King which often requires some sacrifices. The game can be replayed in the Chess viewer below.
1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 e6
3. g3 d5
4. exd5 exd5
5. Qe2+ Be6
6. Bg2 Be7
7. Qb5+ Bd7
8. Qd3
The b-pawn was poisoned but White is now winning the d-pawn but at the cost of three tempi. How do I refute this violation of basic opening principles?
8 ... d4
Now I decide to give up the exchange plus a pawn instead of one pawn!
9. Bxb7 Nc6!
A key tempo. The Knight jumps into the fray looking more like a liger than a horse ready for the journey from b8 to a1.
10. Bxa8 Nb4 11. Qf3 Nxc2+ 12. Kd1 Nxa1
Now starts the second phase of operation. The plan is now to rescue the stranded Knight by subjecting White's position to heavy artillery fire.
13. Nd5 Nf6
(Qxa8 Nc7+ wins the Queen.)
14. b3 O-O
My opponent pointed after the game that I could win his Queen with Bg4. But this is a common mistake as Nxf6+ wins the Bishop.
15. Nxf6+ Bxf6
16. Be4 Qc8
After Bb2 his Bishop would be hanging. I am threatening to win his Queen now.
17. h3 Qa6
I take aim at the King threatening mate.
18. Qd3 Qxa2
The Knight is rescued. Mission accomplished.
19. Bxh7+ Kh8
20. Ne2 Be6
21. Be4 Bxb3+
22. Ke1 Bc2
I transposed into a winning ending and put an end to all White's hope of a quick mate with Qf3 and Qh5+.
23. Qf3 Bxe4 24. Qxe4 Qc2 25. Qxc2 Nxc2+ 26. Kf1
Re8 27. d3 a5 28. Bb2 a4 29. Nc1 Re1+ 30. Kg2 Rxh1 31. Kxh1 a3 32. Bxd4 Bxd4
33. Kg2 Nb4
0-1
You can look up a related post in the archives for another example on how to attack the uncastled King which often requires some sacrifices. The game can be replayed in the Chess viewer below.
11/06/2009
Dec 5th Smithfield Twp Quads
Dec 5th Smithfield Quads, Buttermilk Falls Community Center, Smithfield Twp, Pennsylvania.
USCF-Rated Quads On Site Registration: 9:15-9:45 AM, 1st rd 10:00 AM, then ASAP.
Above 1000 Section G/45 EF: $10 , 1st Place $25.
Under 1000 Section. G/30, EF $7. 1st Place $15
Directions: Buttermilk Falls Community Center. From NJ I-80 West, take 2nd Exit after Toll in PA, Exit 309 Marshalls Creek, to Rte. 209 North. Continue on 209 for about 1.5 miles. The Buttermilk Falls Community Center is on the right-hand side of the road, immediately before the traffic light at Rte. 209 and Buttermilk Falls Road. There is a pizza parlor across from the playing site.
For more info contact: Mike Laverty, 570-421-9802.
Email: pack92chess@yahoo.com.
USCF-Rated Quads On Site Registration: 9:15-9:45 AM, 1st rd 10:00 AM, then ASAP.
Above 1000 Section G/45 EF: $10 , 1st Place $25.
Under 1000 Section. G/30, EF $7. 1st Place $15
Directions: Buttermilk Falls Community Center. From NJ I-80 West, take 2nd Exit after Toll in PA, Exit 309 Marshalls Creek, to Rte. 209 North. Continue on 209 for about 1.5 miles. The Buttermilk Falls Community Center is on the right-hand side of the road, immediately before the traffic light at Rte. 209 and Buttermilk Falls Road. There is a pizza parlor across from the playing site.
For more info contact: Mike Laverty, 570-421-9802.
Email: pack92chess@yahoo.com.
10/24/2009
Cub Scout Chess Event Photo Report
Mike Laverty organized a Cub Scout Chess Tournament on October 10 that featured a simultaneous chess exhibition by Eric Mark of the Hackettstown Chess Club. Sue Jorstad of the Pocono Record Smithfield Community newspaper covered this event and provided us a photo report.
Mehkye Aultman receives his trophy from Mike Laverty
Eric Mark flexing his chess muscle in a simultaneous exhibition.
Club member Dennis Dawley with the yellow jersey keeps a watchful eye, ready to lend a hand.
Some of youngsters clasping their heads in full concentration were not intimidated.
More of the happy winners posing with Mike. From left to right, Emmanuel J. Kang, Kieran Laverty, Samuel J. Kang, Kyle Jorstad, Kilian Laverty, Naveen Ailawadi
Mehkye Aultman receives his trophy from Mike Laverty
Eric Mark flexing his chess muscle in a simultaneous exhibition.
Club member Dennis Dawley with the yellow jersey keeps a watchful eye, ready to lend a hand.
Some of youngsters clasping their heads in full concentration were not intimidated.
More of the happy winners posing with Mike. From left to right, Emmanuel J. Kang, Kieran Laverty, Samuel J. Kang, Kyle Jorstad, Kilian Laverty, Naveen Ailawadi
10/10/2009
Paul Aaroe Memorial Tournament
This is our only Weekend Tournament honoring the late Judge Paul Aaroe.
Oct. 17-18 Paul Aaroe Memorial
4-SS, 40/90, SD/60. Community Center, 293 Main St., Hackettstown, NJ. EF: $18, Under 18 & Over 65: $15 at site; $15 & $10 if rec'd by Oct. 15. Prizes: (b/15 entries): $40-$25-$15; U-2000, U-1800, U-1600, U-1400: $20 each, minimum two players each class. Additional prizes possible if more than 15 entries. Reg.: 10-10:45 a.m., Rds.: 11 a.m. & 4 p.m. each day, earlier by mutual agreement when possible. Byes: Two half-point byes available, but must score one-half point OTB to win a prize. Advance entries: Eric Mark, 609 Thomas St., Stroudsburg, PA 18360, ericmark4@yahoo.com. Checks payable to Hackettstown Chess Club. NS, NC. WCL JGP.
Oct. 17-18 Paul Aaroe Memorial
4-SS, 40/90, SD/60. Community Center, 293 Main St., Hackettstown, NJ. EF: $18, Under 18 & Over 65: $15 at site; $15 & $10 if rec'd by Oct. 15. Prizes: (b/15 entries): $40-$25-$15; U-2000, U-1800, U-1600, U-1400: $20 each, minimum two players each class. Additional prizes possible if more than 15 entries. Reg.: 10-10:45 a.m., Rds.: 11 a.m. & 4 p.m. each day, earlier by mutual agreement when possible. Byes: Two half-point byes available, but must score one-half point OTB to win a prize. Advance entries: Eric Mark, 609 Thomas St., Stroudsburg, PA 18360, ericmark4@yahoo.com. Checks payable to Hackettstown Chess Club. NS, NC. WCL JGP.
10/08/2009
Fall Quads Results
Angelo Depalma won the top Quad of the Fall Quads; Mike Laverty won Quad 2 and Robert Schlotzauer won Quad 3 with a perfect score.
Here is one of Angelo's key win from the first round.
White to Play and Win
Here is one of Angelo's key win from the first round.
White to Play and Win
9/28/2009
Fall Team Tournament Oct 5 - Dec 21
Oct. 5 - Dec. 21 Fall Team Tournament
9-12 rounds, 40/90. Hackettstown Community Center, 293 Main St., (Rte. 46). EF: $15; Under 18 & Over 65, $10. Small cash prizes, b/entries, to players on winning team, plus high scorer on each board. Reg.: 7-7:30 p.m. on Oct. 5. Rds.: 7:30 p.m. each Monday. ENT: Michael Laverty, 151 Lake Valhalla, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 mikelaverty@yahoo.com. WCL JGP.
9-12 rounds, 40/90. Hackettstown Community Center, 293 Main St., (Rte. 46). EF: $15; Under 18 & Over 65, $10. Small cash prizes, b/entries, to players on winning team, plus high scorer on each board. Reg.: 7-7:30 p.m. on Oct. 5. Rds.: 7:30 p.m. each Monday. ENT: Michael Laverty, 151 Lake Valhalla, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 mikelaverty@yahoo.com. WCL JGP.
9/27/2009
The End of Tactics
I will not be challenging the prevailing view that improving players should focus on tactics but they should be familiar with technical endings like the Lucena position ,the Philidor position, or the Bishop + Knight vs King ending here among the most basic endings. The end goal of tactics is not always mate but sometimes a favorable ending.
Here's one such technical draw from the World Open that I mishandled due to time pressure against a young player Kadir Pillai.
Black can draw by giving lateral checks from the 1st rank when the White King approaches the pawn on b7 while maintaining his King on the 7th rank or in front of a pawn. White is looking to sacrifice the rook with check on the 8th rank followed by a8=Q or to win Black's rook with the manoeuvre Rh8 and Rh7+ after Black captures pawn with Rxa7 when the king stray from the g-file.
34. a5 Rb2?
In time pressure I played quickly sticking to the principle that the rook should be behind the passed pawn but after Rb5 35 a6 Rxe5 36 a7 Ra5 the rook gets behind the passed pawn just in time to stop Rg8+ followed by a8=Q.
35. a6 Ra2
36. a7 h6? taking another shelter, the square h6 away from the king.
37. h3 h5 38. h4 g4?
(38... gxh4 39. Kh2 Ra1 40. Kh3 Rh1# was worth a try in time pressure)
39. fxg4 hxg4 40. Kh2 Ra3 41. h5 Kh7 42. h6 Ra4
My King is stuck on the 7th rank pawn because of Rh8+ than a8=Q.
43. Kg3 Ra2
44. Kh4 and the White King simply infiltrates Black's position to pick up more pawns.
1-0
My 61 Memorable Games
Later I found myself near a table with 4 copies of the infamous "My 61 Memorable Games" on sale for $200. I thought the book was a hoax when it appeared briefly on ebay before Fischer's death with bidding reaching a few thousand dollars. I quickly flipped thru this large format book on good quality paper. It contains sixty games from the original book with new analysis and plenty of photographs of Fischer. The 61st game is the 10th game of the return match with Spassky. The appeal of this book is quite limited with all the controversy surrounding its authenticity and a high price tag now that the original My 60 Memorable Games is back in prints.
I'd rather be in Philadelphia
I resisted the siren call to reenter after I failed to survive the accelerated schedule. I took a zero point bye as I did not notify the TD early enough and decided to enjoy the 4th of July festivities on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Cooling off after a tough round
My girls enjoying Nickolodeon Naked Brothers Band.
The Roots and Sheryl Crowe
Here's one such technical draw from the World Open that I mishandled due to time pressure against a young player Kadir Pillai.
Black can draw by giving lateral checks from the 1st rank when the White King approaches the pawn on b7 while maintaining his King on the 7th rank or in front of a pawn. White is looking to sacrifice the rook with check on the 8th rank followed by a8=Q or to win Black's rook with the manoeuvre Rh8 and Rh7+ after Black captures pawn with Rxa7 when the king stray from the g-file.
34. a5 Rb2?
In time pressure I played quickly sticking to the principle that the rook should be behind the passed pawn but after Rb5 35 a6 Rxe5 36 a7 Ra5 the rook gets behind the passed pawn just in time to stop Rg8+ followed by a8=Q.
35. a6 Ra2
36. a7 h6? taking another shelter, the square h6 away from the king.
37. h3 h5 38. h4 g4?
(38... gxh4 39. Kh2 Ra1 40. Kh3 Rh1# was worth a try in time pressure)
39. fxg4 hxg4 40. Kh2 Ra3 41. h5 Kh7 42. h6 Ra4
My King is stuck on the 7th rank pawn because of Rh8+ than a8=Q.
43. Kg3 Ra2
44. Kh4 and the White King simply infiltrates Black's position to pick up more pawns.
1-0
My 61 Memorable Games
Later I found myself near a table with 4 copies of the infamous "My 61 Memorable Games" on sale for $200. I thought the book was a hoax when it appeared briefly on ebay before Fischer's death with bidding reaching a few thousand dollars. I quickly flipped thru this large format book on good quality paper. It contains sixty games from the original book with new analysis and plenty of photographs of Fischer. The 61st game is the 10th game of the return match with Spassky. The appeal of this book is quite limited with all the controversy surrounding its authenticity and a high price tag now that the original My 60 Memorable Games is back in prints.
I'd rather be in Philadelphia
I resisted the siren call to reenter after I failed to survive the accelerated schedule. I took a zero point bye as I did not notify the TD early enough and decided to enjoy the 4th of July festivities on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Cooling off after a tough round
My girls enjoying Nickolodeon Naked Brothers Band.
The Roots and Sheryl Crowe
9/09/2009
Smithfield Pack 92 Scholastic Tournament
Mike Laverty will hold a K-12 Scholastic tournament on October 10 at the Smithfield Township Municipal building. Trophy prizes will be awarded. Additional proceeds will go to Cub Scout Pack 92. See details below.
Oct. 10 Smithfield Pack 92 Scholastic 5RD SS, G/30. On Site Registration: 9:15-9:45 AM, 1st rd 10:00 AM. EF: $20 if received by 10/7/09, $25 at site. Scholastic k-12 trophy prizes. Smithfield Twp Municipal building on Red Fox Rd., I-80 2nd Exit (309) 3 mi left on Twin Falls Rd. Proceeds go to Cub Scout Pack 92. For more info contact: Mike Laverty, 570-421-9802. Email: pack92chess@yahoo.com. Mail Entry Fee to: Michael Laverty, 151 Lake Valhalla, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301.
Oct. 10 Smithfield Pack 92 Scholastic 5RD SS, G/30. On Site Registration: 9:15-9:45 AM, 1st rd 10:00 AM. EF: $20 if received by 10/7/09, $25 at site. Scholastic k-12 trophy prizes. Smithfield Twp Municipal building on Red Fox Rd., I-80 2nd Exit (309) 3 mi left on Twin Falls Rd. Proceeds go to Cub Scout Pack 92. For more info contact: Mike Laverty, 570-421-9802. Email: pack92chess@yahoo.com. Mail Entry Fee to: Michael Laverty, 151 Lake Valhalla, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301.
9/01/2009
Upcoming Chess Tournaments
The Fall Team Tournament runs till December 21. Our next Winter Swiss tournament starts in January after the New Year.
Oct. 5 - Dec. 21 Fall Team Tournament 9-12 rounds, 40/90. Hackettstown Community Center, 293 Main St., (Rte. 46). EF: $15; Under 18 & Over 65, $10. Small cash prizes, b/entries, to players on winning team, plus high scorer on each board. Reg.: 7-7:30 p.m. on Oct. 5. Rds.: 7:30 p.m. each Monday. ENT: Michael Laverty, 151 Lake Valhalla, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 mikelaverty@yahoo.com. WCL JGP.
Winter Swiss Tournament
Community Center, 293 Main St., Hackettstown, NJ
TBA
Winter Blitz Game 10
TBA
Spring Round Robin
Community Center, 293 Main St., Hackettstown, NJ
TBA
Paul Aaroe Memorial
4-SS, 40/90, SD/60. Community Center, 293 Main St., Hackettstown
TBA
Hackettstown Fall Quads 3RR, 40/90. Hackettstown Community Ctr., 293 Main St., Hackettstown, NJ 07840.
TBA
Oct. 5 - Dec. 21 Fall Team Tournament 9-12 rounds, 40/90. Hackettstown Community Center, 293 Main St., (Rte. 46). EF: $15; Under 18 & Over 65, $10. Small cash prizes, b/entries, to players on winning team, plus high scorer on each board. Reg.: 7-7:30 p.m. on Oct. 5. Rds.: 7:30 p.m. each Monday. ENT: Michael Laverty, 151 Lake Valhalla, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 mikelaverty@yahoo.com. WCL JGP.
Winter Swiss Tournament
Community Center, 293 Main St., Hackettstown, NJ
TBA
Winter Blitz Game 10
TBA
Spring Round Robin
Community Center, 293 Main St., Hackettstown, NJ
TBA
Paul Aaroe Memorial
4-SS, 40/90, SD/60. Community Center, 293 Main St., Hackettstown
TBA
Hackettstown Fall Quads 3RR, 40/90. Hackettstown Community Ctr., 293 Main St., Hackettstown, NJ 07840.
TBA
Blitz Tournament Results
Our first Blitz tournament was a great success with Angelo Depalma winning the playoff game against Rich Buschgans. We are looking forward to see more blitz tournaments added as a welcome break between Classical Tournaments.
Click here for the tournament crosstable.
Click here for the tournament crosstable.
Summer Holland Final Standings
Eric Mark won the Summer Holland Final. Tom Ostrosky and Paul Joseph tied up for 2nd place.
Aaron Kiedes won all his games to finish clear first in the Reserve Section. Tom Miller and Robert Schlotzhauer tied up for 2nd place.
Click here for the Tournament complete crosstable.
Aaron Kiedes won all his games to finish clear first in the Reserve Section. Tom Miller and Robert Schlotzhauer tied up for 2nd place.
Click here for the Tournament complete crosstable.
8/30/2009
Kasparov vs Karpov, Lyon 1990
Here is a link to a video of the Kasparov vs Karpov match in Lyon 1990. Enjoy it while it is up.
8/25/2009
Hackettstown Blitz Tournament - August 31
We are holding a one-night Quick Chess-rated G/10 tournament on Monday, Aug. 31.
FREE ENTRY. Registration 7:00 PM. First Round 7:30 PM.
There are no prizes but it is a great opportunity to get a Quick rating.
USCF Membership is required.
FREE ENTRY. Registration 7:00 PM. First Round 7:30 PM.
There are no prizes but it is a great opportunity to get a Quick rating.
USCF Membership is required.
8/01/2009
SmithField Chess Club Quad, August 8 2009
Mike Laverty will hold another one of his award-winning series of chess events on Saturday, Aug. 8 at the usual excellent site in Smithfield Twp., PA, near Shawnee and just across the state line from NJ.
This month's quad features a progressive time control, from one round to the next. First round is Game 30, 2nd round is game 60, the 3rd round is Game 90. A neat concept. See details below.
Saturday August 8th, 2009. On Site Registration 9:15- 9:45 AM.
First Match begins 10:00 AM then ASAP
E.F. $15
USCF rated Quad G/30 G60 G90 $35 for 1st place.
Scholastic Quad K-12 Entry Fee: $10 G/30 Trophy to 1st place in each Quad
Rounds start 10:00 then ASAP
Only 3 miles into PA. The old Smithfield Township Building RT 209 Seven
Bridge Rd & Buttermilk Falls rd : RT80 Exit 309 1.5 miles on the
right before the 2nd light.
For more information please contact Michael Laverty 570-421-9802
Email : pack92chess@yahoo.com>
This month's quad features a progressive time control, from one round to the next. First round is Game 30, 2nd round is game 60, the 3rd round is Game 90. A neat concept. See details below.
Saturday August 8th, 2009. On Site Registration 9:15- 9:45 AM.
First Match begins 10:00 AM then ASAP
E.F. $15
USCF rated Quad G/30 G60 G90 $35 for 1st place.
Scholastic Quad K-12 Entry Fee: $10 G/30 Trophy to 1st place in each Quad
Rounds start 10:00 then ASAP
Only 3 miles into PA. The old Smithfield Township Building RT 209 Seven
Bridge Rd & Buttermilk Falls rd : RT80 Exit 309 1.5 miles on the
right before the 2nd light.
For more information please contact Michael Laverty 570-421-9802
Email : pack92chess@yahoo.com>
Nakamura wins World Rapid "Shuffle" Chess Championship
Hikaru Nakamura wins the World Rapid Chess 960, also called Fischer Random Chess in Mainz. Click here for a complete report.
7/21/2009
Viking 4-County Open, July 26
The 4 County Open is returning to Mount Arlington this Sunday July 26. See Info below.
July 26 Viking 4-County Open
4-SS. G/60. Holiday Inn Express, 176 Howard Blvd., Mt. Arlington, (near exit 30, US route 80) Trophy prizes, Free breakfast before 10am, Top finishing residents of Morris, Warren, Sussex and Hunterdon will be County Champions. Trophies to First, County Champs, Top Expert, Class A, B, C, D/E, Sr, & Jr. EF:$15 Adult, $10 (Jr K-8), if received by 7/22, or via website by 7/24, EntryFees RUs.com. $5 more at site. Reg.: to 10am 7/25. First Round: 10am then ASAP With lunch break. Ent: Ken Thomas, 115 West Moore St., Hackettstown, NJ 07840-2233 or via EntryFeesRUs.com. INFO: Ken at acn@goes.com or 908-763-6468. NS, NC, W.
July 26 Viking 4-County Open
4-SS. G/60. Holiday Inn Express, 176 Howard Blvd., Mt. Arlington, (near exit 30, US route 80) Trophy prizes, Free breakfast before 10am, Top finishing residents of Morris, Warren, Sussex and Hunterdon will be County Champions. Trophies to First, County Champs, Top Expert, Class A, B, C, D/E, Sr, & Jr. EF:$15 Adult, $10 (Jr K-8), if received by 7/22, or via website by 7/24, EntryFees RUs.com. $5 more at site. Reg.: to 10am 7/25. First Round: 10am then ASAP With lunch break. Ent: Ken Thomas, 115 West Moore St., Hackettstown, NJ 07840-2233 or via EntryFeesRUs.com. INFO: Ken at acn@goes.com or 908-763-6468. NS, NC, W.
Smithfield Chess Club Quads Results
Joe Mucerino won the Smithfield Quads on July 18. Click here for the tournament crosstable.
Eric Mark resigns his against Joe Mucerino. The White King gets rolled over by Black's pawns.
Your blogger is looking forward to his next game.
Everyone keeps good notation in the Kids Quads section.
Eric Mark resigns his against Joe Mucerino. The White King gets rolled over by Black's pawns.
Larry Noone setting up for his drawn game against Joe Mucerino
Your blogger is looking forward to his next game.
Kieran Laverty won the Kids Quads.
Kilian Laverty shows his bug house trophy.
A spectator follows the game attentively.
Everyone keeps good notation in the Kids Quads section.
7/08/2009
Summer Holland Finals and Reserve Pairings
Here are the schedules for the Finals and Reserves section of the Summer Holland. Remember to contact your opponent not the TD if you cannot make it to your game. Click on the image to view the chart in full screen.
6/30/2009
Summer Holland Qualifier Final Standings
The Summer Holland prelims finished Monday night. The Holland Finals will start on July 6.
Tom Ostrosky 'won' the Holland prelims, with 4/5. Rich Buschgans and Paul Joseph had 3.5/5.
The top Finals group includes:
Tom Ostrosky
Rich Buschgans
Paul Joseph
Angelo DePalma
Clayton Crawford
Al Walters
Eric Mark
Jordan Wyatt
The Reserves section includes:
Tom Miller
Robert Schlotzhauer
Shohei Ogawa
Damien McDermott
Aaron Kiedes
Lightner Miller
Emma McDermott
Each player in the Reserves will have one bye week, with no game, due to the odd number of players. There will be two extra weeks for make-up games at the end of the event, on Aug. 24 and Aug. 31.
Thanks to Clayton for compiling a contact sheet with phone numbers and email addresses for players in the Holland. Remember, the Finals are Round Robins. If you cannot make it to chess club on Monday during the Finals, call YOUR OPPONENT, not the TD.
Tom Ostrosky 'won' the Holland prelims, with 4/5. Rich Buschgans and Paul Joseph had 3.5/5.
The top Finals group includes:
Tom Ostrosky
Rich Buschgans
Paul Joseph
Angelo DePalma
Clayton Crawford
Al Walters
Eric Mark
Jordan Wyatt
The Reserves section includes:
Tom Miller
Robert Schlotzhauer
Shohei Ogawa
Damien McDermott
Aaron Kiedes
Lightner Miller
Emma McDermott
Each player in the Reserves will have one bye week, with no game, due to the odd number of players. There will be two extra weeks for make-up games at the end of the event, on Aug. 24 and Aug. 31.
Thanks to Clayton for compiling a contact sheet with phone numbers and email addresses for players in the Holland. Remember, the Finals are Round Robins. If you cannot make it to chess club on Monday during the Finals, call YOUR OPPONENT, not the TD.
6/26/2009
Smithfield Chess Club Quads, July 18
Saturday July 18th, 2009
Site Registration 11:00- 11:45 AM. First Match begins 12:00 noon
USCF rated Quad G/45 $25 for 1st each Quad E.F. $10 RD 12:00, then ASAP.
BUGHOUSE Registration 9:45 - 10:15 E.F. $3 per person Teams made up on site. Trophy/medal prizes. Rounds start 10:30 end 11:45.
Only 3 miles into PA. The old Smithfield Township Building RT 209 Seven
Bridge Rd & Buttermilk Falls rd : RT80 Exit 309 1.5 miles on the
right before the 2nd light.
For more information please contact Michael Laverty 570-421-9802
Email : pack92chess@yahoo.com>
Site Registration 11:00- 11:45 AM. First Match begins 12:00 noon
USCF rated Quad G/45 $25 for 1st each Quad E.F. $10 RD 12:00, then ASAP.
BUGHOUSE Registration 9:45 - 10:15 E.F. $3 per person Teams made up on site. Trophy/medal prizes. Rounds start 10:30 end 11:45.
Only 3 miles into PA. The old Smithfield Township Building RT 209 Seven
Bridge Rd & Buttermilk Falls rd : RT80 Exit 309 1.5 miles on the
right before the 2nd light.
For more information please contact Michael Laverty 570-421-9802
Email : pack92chess@yahoo.com>
6/25/2009
Summer Holland Standings Round 4
6/18/2009
Looking for a few good TDs
While I am here: Anyone who wants to be a TD, see: http://main.uschess.org/docs/forms/Club_TD_Application.pdf
To download free pairing software or trial versions of commercial pairing software, see: http://www.monroi.com/chess-products/107-cp/367-chess-tournament-pairing.html
The links at the MonRoi site, given above, will take you where you want to go.
For Swiss pairing rules theory: http://chessarbiters.co.uk/pairings.aspx
Note that "grading" = rating in British English.
I wish USCF had a site like that.
Don't miss out on all the fun. If I can direct a chess tournament....
To download free pairing software or trial versions of commercial pairing software, see: http://www.monroi.com/chess-products/107-cp/367-chess-tournament-pairing.html
The links at the MonRoi site, given above, will take you where you want to go.
For Swiss pairing rules theory: http://chessarbiters.co.uk/pairings.aspx
Note that "grading" = rating in British English.
I wish USCF had a site like that.
Don't miss out on all the fun. If I can direct a chess tournament....
6/16/2009
Eric Mark wins Smithfield Chess Club Quads
Eric Mark won the Smithfield Chess Club Quad. Kilian Laverty came out on top in the Boys Scout Section. You can check the complete results here
Some of the action in the lower section.
Here's my 2nd round tactical melee against Al Walters.
Black wraps up with a quiet and elegant move that highlights the weakness of the 1st rank.
I only needed a draw but Eric Mark crashed thru with his own knight sac to get the full point and 1st prize.
Find the best continuation for White.
Check out this page for future events at the Smithfield Township Chess Club.
6/13/2009
Summer Holland Standings Round 2
The Summer Holland tournament runs until August 31. You still have a chance to enter this Monday with a bye for the first two rounds.
Upcoming Tournament- 4-County Open Sunday July 26
Updated info: 4-COUNTY OPEN ON Sunday JULY 26TH 2009.
http://www.EntryFeesRUs.com/efru01.html
CHESS IS RETURNING TO MT ARLINGTON NJ.
4-COUNTY OPEN IS ON SUNDAY JULY 26TH 2009 AT THE
HOWARD BLVD MT ARLINGTON, HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS.
Contact Ken Thomas, at 908-763-6468 or acn@goes.com.
Conversely, Viking Chess is NOT on Saturday July 25th,
that might get misprinted elsewhere, for example
if it gets posted in July 2009 at USCF TLA page:
http://Main.USChess.org/assets/msa_joomla/tla/yState.php?st=NJ#July
http://www.EntryFeesRUs.com/efru01.html
CHESS IS RETURNING TO MT ARLINGTON NJ.
4-COUNTY OPEN IS ON SUNDAY JULY 26TH 2009 AT THE
HOWARD BLVD MT ARLINGTON, HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS.
Contact Ken Thomas, at 908-763-6468 or acn@goes.com.
Conversely, Viking Chess is NOT on Saturday July 25th,
that might get misprinted elsewhere, for example
if it gets posted in July 2009 at USCF TLA page:
http://Main.USChess.org/assets/msa_joomla/tla/yState.php?st=NJ#July
6/02/2009
Summer Holland Standings Round 1
The Summer Holland tournament started Monday. The Tournament is a two part Swiss qualifier followed by a Championship Round Robin final. The prelims will last five rounds and conclude on June 29. It looks like the Finals will be two sections seven-round R-R. It is not too late to join with a 1st round bye. The entry fee is $15
There was no upset in the 1st round with all the favorites getting the full point.
Robert Schlotzhauer got a better position in our game as I drifted without a plan.
I gained the initiative after 22. Rae1 NxBe5. I would have to thread carefully if Robert played instead 22. Bxf6 Bxf6 23. Ne4 White threatens a discovered check on the diagonal and Ng5 sacrifice that could open the h file. This type of position is easier to play for White.
Tournaments Calendar
Oct. 17-18 Paul Aaroe Memorial
4-SS, 40/90, SD/60. Community Center, 293 Main St., Hackettstown, NJ. EF: $18, Under 18 & Over 65: $15 at site; $15 & $10 if rec'd by Oct. 15. Prizes: (b/15 entries): $40-$25-$15; U-2000, U-1800, U-1600, U-1400: $20 each, minimum two players each class. Additional prizes possible if more than 15 entries. Reg.: 10-10:45 a.m., Rds.: 11 a.m. & 4 p.m. each day, earlier by mutual agreement when possible. Byes: Two half-point byes available, but must score one-half point OTB to win a prize. Advance entries: Eric Mark, 609 Thomas St., Stroudsburg, PA 18360, ericmark4@yahoo.com. Checks payable to Hackettstown Chess Club. NS, NC. WCL JGP.
Winter Swiss Tournament
Please check this page for updates.
Hackettstown Summer Holland
Hackettstown Fall Quads
3RR, 40/90. Hackettstown Community Ctr., 293 Main St., Hackettstown, NJ 07840.
Please check this page for updates.
Fall Team Tournament
Hackettstown Community Center, 293 Main St., (Rte. 46).
Upcoming Tournament- Pack 92 Quad, PA
Mike Laverty, one of our veteran members, will hold a quad on Saturday, June 6 near Shawnee-on-Delaware, just across the NJ/PA state border
Details and directions follow below:
Chess Tournament
USCF-rated Quad
Saturday, June 6
All proceeds benefit Cub Scout Pack 92
On Site Registration 10:00 - 10:45 AM
Round 1 at 11:00 a.m., then ASAP.
G/45
Entry Fee: $10.
$25 or trophy to 1st place in each quad.
Buttermilk Falls Community Center (Former Smithfield Twp. Building)
Intersection of Rte. 209, Seven Bridge Road & Buttermilk Falls Road
Directions:
From Interstate 80 in PA, take Exit 309 (Marshalls Creek), to Rte. 209 North. Continue on 209 for about 1.5 miles.
The Buttermilk Falls Community Center is on the right-hand side of the road, immediately before the traffic light at Rte. 209 and Buttermilk Falls Road.
There is a pizza parlor across Rte. 209 from the playing site.
More information: contact Michael Laverty, (570) 421-9802
Email: pack92chess@yahoo.com
Details and directions follow below:
Chess Tournament
USCF-rated Quad
Saturday, June 6
All proceeds benefit Cub Scout Pack 92
On Site Registration 10:00 - 10:45 AM
Round 1 at 11:00 a.m., then ASAP.
G/45
Entry Fee: $10.
$25 or trophy to 1st place in each quad.
Buttermilk Falls Community Center (Former Smithfield Twp. Building)
Intersection of Rte. 209, Seven Bridge Road & Buttermilk Falls Road
Directions:
From Interstate 80 in PA, take Exit 309 (Marshalls Creek), to Rte. 209 North. Continue on 209 for about 1.5 miles.
The Buttermilk Falls Community Center is on the right-hand side of the road, immediately before the traffic light at Rte. 209 and Buttermilk Falls Road.
There is a pizza parlor across Rte. 209 from the playing site.
More information: contact Michael Laverty, (570) 421-9802
Email: pack92chess@yahoo.com
5/23/2009
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