More Chess Books for Sale-- Holiday Special

We have now updated our extensive collection of library books, which includes over 2500 unique titles and more than 500 duplicate books for sale.

You can find the updated book sale prices posted in our club-- BUT-- from now through the end of the Herb Healy event on New Year's Day, club members can take an additional 20% off the listed prices.

We have some real gems and interesting titles among the offered books-- here is a tiny sample.

If you liked Endgame, maybe you should check out Frank Brady's original Fischer biography, written at the height of Bobby' career.

This Averbach book is one of the most respected tactics books ever made.

We have both the hardback and paperback versions of this Polgar book for sale.

How to Beat the Russians, a companion book to Mednis's How to Beat Bobby Fischer, also on sale.

1234 Endgames is another classic, filled with great studies.

Are you stuck at the Class A level? Check out Alex Dunn's advice on How to become a candidate master.

(Folding) Party at the Club!

What are you doing this coming Tuesday evening? Want to come to a party? A folding party at the Club, sponsored by the Finance Committee?

No, I've not gone completely off my rocker (well, not completely!). The Finance Committee has put together a donation letter for the Club and help is needed to fold and "stuff it" so they can be mailed out.

The fact of the matter is that these letters are needed. Yes, your membership (you are a member, aren't you??) is extremely valuable and much appreciated. A small section of your tournament entry fees goes to support the Club as well. But, more is needed and this is where the Finance Committee's donation letter comes in!

And believe it or not, it can be fun! Folding allows you to talk and socialize with your fellow Club members who you usually meet somewhat silently over the board.

And there'll be donuts!

The Party is scheduled for 6:30PM, Tuesday, 29 November. Come help your Club out in an easy but very important way, and have some good conversation in the process!

See you then!

Mika Brattain wins the National 8th Great Championships in Dallas!

Mika at the 2010 BU Open, photo by Robert Oresick.


Boylston Chess Club member Mika Brattain took clear first by a full point in the 8th grade National Championships. Mika adds this title to his other national accomplishments, including his 2009 K-5 Super Nationals Championship.

Congratulations, Mika!

November Grand Prix is Coming on Saturday the 26th

The penultimate Grand Prix event is coming to the BCC the Saturday after Thanksgiving, so mark your calendar for the cheapest chess around. For only $7.00 for members and $10.00 for non-members, you get 4 rated games. Also, if you are in shouting distance of the great year end prizes, you better attend-- with only 2 Grand Prix events left in the year, 8 points is the max you can score.

The Leaderboard continues to churn with very close outcomes in all categories:

U2400-- Eric Godin, 13; Harold Dondis, 10.5, Avraam Pismennyy, 9.0; Chris Chase, 7.5
U2200-- Tian Rossi, 13; Harold Dondis, 10.5; Jason Rihel 9.5; Terrence Fricker, 9.5
U2000-- Mike Griffin, 11; Harold Dondis, 10.5, Jason Rihel 9.5; Terrence Fricker, 9.5
U1800-- Robert Holmgren, 20; Mark Neale, 19; David Martin, 16; Mike Griffin, 15
U1600-- Steven Stepak, 20; Mark Neale, 19; David Martin, 16
U1400-- Allen Wang,7; Brandon Wu, 5; Justin Wu, 5; Tony DiNosse, 4.5
U1200-- Arthur Tang, 7; Justin Wu, 5; Eddie Wang, 4

The biggest shakeup is in the U2000 section, where Mike Griffin has leapfrogged over the higher rated to take first place. Harold Dondis has also positioned himself in 2nd place in the U2400, U2200, and U2000 sections. In the U1800 section, Robert Holmgren's previously unstoppable 20 points is now challenged by Mark Neale's 19 points. And Steven Stepak hold first place in the U1600 section, also challenged by Mark. There are scenarios where Steven Stepak claims the U1800 prize and Mark Neale claims the U1600 one. In the U1400 and U1200 sections, Allen Wang and Arthur Tang hold the lead, but the Wu pair is making it a race in both sections.

Stay tuned-- the prizes will all be determined in the last two Grand Prixs of the year!!

Video on Chess Sets at the New York Times homepage

17th annual BU Open 2011

Doc Kinne has his flags flying in the best tournament of his career...

Results and Prizes

Open Section
$300 1st and $100 2nd
Robert Perez 3.5 William Kelleher 3.5 Avraam Pismennyy 3.5

$100 Top under 2200 Charlie Fauman 3.0


U1900
$100 1st Ethan Dininno 4.0
$50 2nd Mike Bohigian 3.5 Garrett Kingman 3.5


U1600
$100 1st Thomas Brinkman 4.0
$50 2nd Barry Lai, Syed Al-Mamun
$50 Top U1200 Alon Trogan 3.0 Richard Kinne 3.0 Robert Sawdey 3.0
$50 top BU undegrad Gil Coarrubias Jr.




Top College Harvard

Top High School Cape Elizabeth (ME)

Top Middle School Sawdey brothers

_______________


_______________

IM Esserman Details the Boston Blitz's USCL Sad Near Miss

Check out BCC member IM Marc Esserman's detailed analysis of his brilliant win over GM John Fedorowicz in the US Chess League Playoffs. Unfortunately, the Boston Blitz team fell short in one of the nearest of misses, falling to the New York Knights' superior draw odds. Marc offers up many other chessic opinions for your entertainment.

http://usclnews.blogspot.com/2011/11/im-marc-esserman-unconditionally.html

Max Lu is the runner-up in the US Jr. Chess Congress.

Gina Chang shared with Bernardo the very good news that our long-time BCC member Max Lu had great success in CA.

Max became the runner-up in National Jr. Congress Chess Tournament in the age 15 & under section on Halloween Weekend. He earned 5 of 6 points. [Samuel Bekker of CA won the section with 6.0]

October 29-30 or 30: U.S. Junior Chess Congress, Santa Clara, CA

Well-done Max!

Chris Chase and Charles Riordan win the 2011 BCF Championship

Photo: Anthony Cortizas

NM Charles Riordan has now won the BCF Championship 4 times.





FM Chris Chase won the BCC Championship 8 times - more than any other player in the long history of the club.

Charles and Chris split the 1st ($300) and 2nd ($200) prizes and will play an Armageddon match for the sole free year-long entry.

IM Jonathan Yedidia took 3rd place and $100.


Congratulations to all!

Red Line Repairs in Effect!

Just a reminder: For those coming to the Boylston Chess Club Quads this weekend - and any weekend tournament during this winter - please remember that the MBTA Red Line is now stopping at Harvard Sq. Station in order to do track repairs during the weekends.

Shuttle buses between Harvard Sq., Porter Sq., Davis Sq. and Alewife are available and do work - I used them last weekend - but they are slower than the regular subway, so please take this into account and add at least 20 minutes if you're getting to the Club via the T due to traffic, weather, etc.

Do come to the Club soon to see our magnificent, brand new wooden chess sets that were generously donated to the Boylston Chess Club by Dan Schmidt!

Boylston Chess Club Upgrade!

Dear chess players,

Thanks to a generous donation from Boylston Chess Club member Dan Schmidt, the club has a new look and feel-- the entire playing area is now stocked with beautiful House of Staunton wooden chessmen.

No more random assortment of off-White rooks and pawns. Now you can make your tactical combinations with an extra sense of style.

We at the Boylston Chess Club are always looking for ways to improve the chessic experience in the greater Boston area. We hope these new pieces will enhance the quality of our membership.

Cheers!

New England Nor'easters Play for a Playoff spot, WEDNESDAY!

Dear fair weather chess fans!

Let's face it-- you haven't been watching the US Chess League this year like you did in the past. The Boston Blitz hightailed it to Providence, R.I., effectively destroying their fanbase. It didn't help that IM Esserman's games involved 3 draws, not a psycho-gambit in the bunch. The New England Nor'easters followed up their amazing undefeated season by failing to win in their first 4 matches. So you cut and ran. I get you.

But listen!

The Red Sox imploded and after four hours of 'breaking news' interviews with Epstein, Grady Little (Whoops! I meant Francona), and the binge drinkers in the bullpen, you are likely fed up with any more baseball.

What's more!

If you thought Tom Brady must have watched Tim Tebow's game tape for pointers before he got manhandled by the Pittsburgh Steelers this weekend, you probably can't stand any of the National Concussion League.
I guess you could watch thrilling coverage of the NBA lockout. Or hockey pre-season games--there is always the, ahem, Bruins (who, even as Champs, will never fire up these ice hockey veins).


Or! Or! Or! You could come and watch the New England Nor'easters at the Boylston Chess Club on Wednesday at 7:30PM as they enter the final game with a chance at REDEMPTION! COMEBACK! PLAYOFFS! GREATNESS!

That's right, while you were fair weathering it up at home, you have missed the New England Nor'easters scrape and claw their way into playoff contention. It is all on the line Wednesday, when they take on the Baltimore Kingfishers. They will have to leave everything they have out there on the chessboard to make their playoff dreams come true (and need only a little help from spoilers, but never mind that!)

Here is the lineup:

Baltimore Kingfishers vs. New England Nor'easters
GM Giorgi Margvelashvili: 2538 vs. GM Sam Shankland: 2624
IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat: 2426 vs. IM Robert Hungaski: 2621
NM Jared Defibaugh: 2363 vs. FM Braden Bournival: 2396
FM Ralph Zimmer: 2280 vs. NM Mika Brattain: 2208
Avg Rating: 2402 vs. Avg Rating: 2462


Doin' a little Moneyball math, we can see that the New England Nor'easters have a slight ratings edge on the Baltimore squad. Furthermore, I'm quite sure that both Hungaski and Shankland have very impressive Win Shares, if I knew how to calculate that stuff. After watching Brad Pitt lead a scrappy Oakland team to a scrappy loss in the playoffs back in '01/'02, I also know that FM Bournival has a high On Base Percentage, which, I'm told, is the key stat that wins games, which is why Scott Hatterberg made the highest salary in baseball back then.

Another key factor for those A's was that side-arm pitcher with the wacky knuckledragging, almost underhand, toss from the mound. Maybe Mika still has time to alter his pitching mechanics for this all-important game-- 1.h3 anyone?

Why don't you come cheer on (quietly, let's not distract them mid-move) the New England team on Wednesday? As usual, we will be projecting the games onto the wall. Lots of us will pretend we know something about chess while some resident masters give us the real scoop on all the action.

You better show up now, or you will be mighty embarrassed during the playoffs when you pretend you were a fan all season long! Show up Wednesday night for a little fair-weather camouflage.

These guys are the Nor'easters-- they are all about rain and sleet and days off work and that nasty stuff we had last weekend.

Blitz/Chess960 On Hiatus

To everyone who has participated in our previous Tuesday Blitz and Chess960 events, thank you. The tournaments have been great fun, and we've had some very interesting games.
Regretfully, though, recent attendance has been too low for me to reasonably guarantee that we would have sufficient turnout any given week, and I cannot risk people traveling an hour, as many of you do, to find nothing happening.
It seems demand simply is not great enough to support these weekly events at this time, so they will be going on an indefinite hiatus. We may try to organize some larger 960 or blitz tournaments, so do stay tuned for further updates.
I would love to hear any thoughts or suggestions, so feel free to comment.

GM Christiansen Simul in South Station a Success

On October 20th, the Boylston Chess Club sponsored the Simul in South Station with GM Christiansen. Drawing 21 players, another 15 or so Boylston Chess Club spectators, and dozens and dozens of curious South Station spectators, this event was a big hit. Despite facing 21 players that included a master and several experts, Larry won 18 games, drew 0 games, and lost 3 games, for a winning percentage of 86%.





The atmosphere was like a chess "flash mob"-- suddenly, tables with chess boards appeared under the big train schedule board and a GM was taking on 21 players at the same time. Club players, including Masters Eric Godin and Farzad Abdi, started clustering around a demo board and analyzing the game GM Christiansen vs. NM Andrew Wang. The normally boisterous South Station crowd actually drew hushed and clamored to see the action unfold. They whispered in hushed tones asking, "Who is the guy in the middle?" or quietly exclaiming, "GM Christiansen-- I know him! He's a former US Champion." "Three time US-Champion!" someone else corrected.




In the end, three players, all seated in a row, where able to win their games. The first to finish was Boylston's own expert, Jesse Nicholas, who earned the GM scalp with the following game.

GM Christiansen--Jesse Nicholas
The Simul in South Station
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. d3 Bc5 5. c3 d6 6. Bb3 O-O 7. Nd2 Bg4 8. h3 Bh5 9. Nf1 Bb6 10. Ng3 Bg6 11. O-O Nh5 12. Nf5 BxN 13. PxB Ng3 14. Bg5 Qd7 15. f6 NxR 16. fxg7 Kxg7 17. fxe3 f5 18. Kh1 e4 19. Nd4 Rae8 20. NxN bxN 21. d4 d5 22. Qe1 c5 23. Qg3 Kh8 24. Bf4 Qg7 25. Qh7 c4 26. Ba4 Re6 27. b3 c6 28. bxc4 Bd8 29. Bb3?? Jesse has a promising position, up the exchange, but Larry hangs his queen BxQ White resigns.


Two boards away, newcomer Noah Kulick earned a great victory with the following effort.

GM Christiansen-- Noah Kulick
The Simul in South Station
1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Bf5 5. Ng3 Bg6 6.h4 h6 7.Nf3 Nd7 8.h5 Bh7 9.Bd3 Bxd3 10.Qxd3 e6 11.Bf4 Qa5+ 12.Bd2 Bb4 13. c3 Be7 14. c4 Qc7 15.O-O-O this seems like a dangerous place for the king Ngf6 16. Kb1 O-O 17. Ne4 Nxe4 18.Qxe4 Nf6 19. Qe2 b5 20.c5 a5 21. Ne5 Rfd8 22. Bc1 Rd5 23.g4 Rad8 24.Be3 Bxc5 25.Nxf7 Qxf7 26. dxc5 Ne4 27. f3 Ng3 28. Rxd5 exd5 29. Qg2 Nxh1 30. Qxh1 d4 31. Bc1 Qd5 32. g5 d3 33. Bd2 Qxc5 34.Qe1 hxg5 35. Qe6+ Kh8 36. Qe1 Rf8 37. Bc3 b4 38. Bd2 Qf5 39. Qe7 Qxf3 White resigns.

Finally, NM Andrew Wang, the strongest player in the field, secured a late victory after another blunder from the GM. Curiously, Andrew was seated right between Jesse and Noah, and some wondered if such a strong master-level player such as Andrew might have created a challenging nexus of players for GM Christiansen at that end of the table.


Thanks to all for making this a great event! Thanks especially to GM Christiansen, who was gracious and put on a great show in a bustling train station. Also thanks to South Station for allowing us to stage such an event in the middle of the crowd. We hope that the Boylston Chess Club and South Station can continue our partnership to provide chess spectacles in the future.

Blitz AND Chess960 Tomorrow, Tuesday, 10/18

Just a reminder to everyone, tomorrow we will have blitz and Chess960, side by side, starting at 7:00 P.M.
Entry (for either event) is $5 for members, $10 for non-members, and at least 60% of the entry will go to prizes. Format is double round-robin, though that is subject to change based upon turnout.
Registration begins at 6:15. No USCF membership is required, so PLEASE BRING YOUR FRIENDS!

Larry Christiansen on "The Master Game" in 1982

Video Spotlight

Hosted by
Kyler Donlan

In the Chess Cafe Video Spotlight, Kyler Donlan recently spotlighted the game Christiansen v Adorjan in 1982.

If you want to prepare for the Christiansen simul on Thursday, Oct. 20, why not watch the video from the British series "The Master Game" and learn how Larry thinks about a game. Also, check out his 80s look, with long hair and mustache.

The October Legends of Chess Tournament a Success!

This last Saturday (15 October) the Boylston CC October Legends of Chess Tournament was held.

Doc Kinne, Boylston Chess Club's new Clerk, directed, this being his first tournament of this type as Chief Arbiter "without a net" since 1992. Basically things went smoothly, although there were some exciting moments.

Initially we had only 5 players signed up for the Under 1800 Section, so that section was merged into the Open Section and Under 1800 Class prizes were given. In the end 26 people battled across the checkered board on this middle Saturday in October.

The Under 1800 Class Prize (1st and 2nd Place) was split in a four-way tie:

* Mateos Sahakian

* Allen Wang

* Jerry Willams

and

* Osemekhian Omoifo

a promising new player who's recently been attending our tournaments.

They all achieved 2.5 points.

Second Place was garnered with 3 points by International Master Marc Esserman.

Finally, the tournament was swept with a perfect score of 4.0, and First Place was awarded to FIDE Master Christopher Chase!

I'd like to close by reminding everyone that we have a magnificent opportunity both for a good amount of fun and the chance to really promote our Club this Thursday, 20 October. Make sure you attend the "Simul in South Station" this Thursday at 5:00PM. Our own Grandmaster Larry Christiansen will be taking on 20 people across the board. This event is free and will be really watched by the public. Bring your friends! This is the perfect opportunity to introduce that friend who wonders what you do on Saturday afternoons!!

Next Grand Prix is October 22nd

The Grand Prix is nearing the final stretch, and many of the top prizes are still up for grabs! Even if you are not qualified for one of the prizes this year, it is still the biggest chess bargain in New England-- 4 rated games for only $7.00 to members, $10.00 to non-members.

The Leaderboard is shaking up, with lots of changes up and down the line. Here are the current standings, with the runners-up nipping at the leader's heels.

U2400-- Eric Godin 12, Avraam Pismennyy 9, Chris Chase 7.5
U2200-- Tian Rossi 13, Terrence Fricker 9, James Lung 6
U2000-- Jason Rihel 9.5, Terrence Fricker 9, Mike Griffin 8.5
U1800-- Robert Holmgren 20, Mark Neale 17, David Martin 16
U1600-- Steven Stepak 17.5, Mark Neale 17, David Martin 16
U1400-- Allen Wang 6.5, Tony DiNosse 4.5, James Zhou 3.5
U1200-- Arthur Tang 6, Sean Barkowsky 3.5, Eddie Wang, Justin Wu, Ashok Ramadoss, and Carissa Yip tied at 3.0

In the U2400 section, Eric Godin has launched to the top with a 3.5/4 performance last month. Tian Rossi continues to grow his lead in the U2200 section, where he has been on top since the beginning. In the U2000 section, Jason Rihel's 3-month hiatus has allowed several players to get within one point. (I hope to get some games in this month!) That section will be decided by the last few events. Robert Holmgren has reached the 20 point milestone in the U1800 section, but even that result is not safe from the competitive U1600 crew who are waging a 3-way war. Steven Stepak has clawed out a 0.5 point lead in that stacked U1600 section, but Mark Neale and David Martin are one good event away from retaking that lead. There is a shakeup in the U1400 section, where Allen Wang is now in a 2 point lead. Finally, Arthur Tang's 6 points is still enough to maintain the U1200 lead, but he has a long trail of up-and-comers waiting for one good Grand Prix result to leap into first.

GM Larry Christiansen Simul in South Station!

The Boylston Chess Club Presents
The Simul in South Station

Featuring 3-time US Chess Champ
Grandmaster Larry Christiansen
vs.
20 Players

When: Thursday, October 20th, 5PM
Where: South Station, Boston (on the Red Line)

The games will take place right under the Train Schedule!

Admission: FREE to watch; FREE to play
(Contact boylstonchess@gmail.com to sign up)

Priority will be given to the first 15 BCC members to register;

alternates and extra seats may be available the day of the event)

Prizes for anyone who can beat GM Christiansen!

Please come and help us make this a special event.

Book Report 2: The Queen's Gambit

The Queen's Gambit is quite a different book than Los Voraces 2019. It's written by chess amateur and English Professor Walter Tevis. Tevis has previously critically aclaimed credits with regard to novels with 1959's The Hustler (Some of us have seen the movie).

The Queen's Gambit has not a single chess diagram in it, not a single chess move in any sort of recognized notation. This book may be something you give to your sister to explain what you do.

Written before the Polgar sisters came to the stage, the book posits, in a way, what might have happened if Bobby Fisher had been, say, a girl? The book follows the childhood of orphan Beth Harmon as she discovers and is taught our game she finds being played by a janitor in the basement of her orphanage. Beth develops her abilties, but developing as an orphan and a girl in what is essentially a man's world is not easy. As Beth develops as a player she struggles against sexism, drug abuse, alcoholism, and death.

We watch as Beth wins - and loses - her way up the ladder of chess championships as she develops and starts to pursue her dream of becoming World Champion...very much like a boy we all know did so very long ago.

Non chess-players can read, understand, and enjoy this book with no problems. Chess-players likewise will enjoy this book as long as they don't take it too seriously. There are technical details in the text that will irk players. Just slide past them, seriously.