Hello Everyone!

The 2010 United States Chess League is almost upon us. The teams (including 3 new ones) are gathering for another great season of Internet chess. Just as the league is making some changes, so are the Arizona Scorpions.

The 2010 Scorpions were announced today. Here is the official roster. The ratings in parenthesis are the official league ratings based on the September 2009 USCF supplement. Current USCF ratings are different.

IM Rogelio Barcenilla (2583)
IM Levon Altounian (2536)
IM Dionisio Aldama (2489)
IM Danny Rensch (2432)
FM Warren Harper (2357)
FM Robby Adamson (2346)
NM David Adelberg (2196)
NM Nick Thompson (2098)
Expert John Gurczak (2098)
Expert Amanda Mateer (1993)

One other change to announce. Leo Martinez has stepped down as manager of the Scorpions. Sources close to the organization, who wish to remain anonymous, say that “wanting to spend more time with his family, to work on his studies, and to focus on his health” were major factors in his decision. There were some rumors last season that Leo’s wild, partying nightlife and many female fans were a distraction to the team during their playoff run. When asked if “Leo’s Legion of Ladies” was the cause for the early playoff exit, Scorpion veteran Robby Adamson replied, “Everyone loves Leo. Women want to be with him, men want to be him. But that doesn’t matter now. The 2010 team is only focused on the 2010 season.” EJ will take over as manager of the team.

The first match of the year will be on Wednesday, August 25 at 6:00 PM (local time) against the Miami Sharks. A line-up and location will be announced prior to the match. Once again, the Scorpions will play matches in either Mesa (Abstrax) or Tucson (University of Arizona). All matches are viewable on the Internet Chess Club (ICC).

We look forward to another great season!

This week I was able to sit down with soon to be crowned, IM Danny Rensch (DR). Danny held nothing back when it came to his plans for his chess future, his past performances in the USCL, and even his vision of the future of the league.

EJ: Good evening!

DR: Hey there.

EJ: Let’s start off with congratulations!

DR: For what?

EJ: Congratulations on your IM title.

DR: Oh yeah… Cool!

EJ: We haven’t forgotten.

DR: Well… it isn’t on FIDE yet. (I’m still) waiting for that “big moment”! But anyway… yeah it was cool.

EJ: So what is the process. You have your 3 norms. What’s next?

DR: Well… I have cleared the rating but it still takes sometime to become official. 6 weeks is standard I guess. That is what Walter Brown said. Actually funny story… I have four norms apparently. (At) a tournament I played in in 2002 in Moscow I earned a Norm but the organizer never told me. If you check my FIDE History…. My 2002 tournament from when I went to Russia I scored a Norm.

EJ: Was it the SPICE Cup that gave you the rating?

DR: Yeah, it was.

EJ: So all this time you had your 3 norms?

DR: Anyway, Walter found out that the SPICE Cup was actually my fourth IM Norm. Since December of last year I have had the norms. But it doesn’t really matter. I’m going for GM. I kind of wanted to skip IM but it didn’t work out that way.

EJ: Argh! That would be so frustrating! Do you feel jipped?

DR: No, I don’t feel jipped at all just kind of the story of my life. I struggle for a long time and then I overkill it.

EJ: So you’re not done? Going to go for GM?

DR: Yes, I am flying to Edmonton Canada for a GM Norm Invite in December.

EJ: So now that you have your title (soon) how have things changed for you?

DR: Well, I got a raise on Chess.com which is cool. Gotta feed the kids.

EJ: Every bit helps! More relaxed? More stress?

DR: A lot of people said congrats in a way that suggested “I was not going to get any further”, which is always motivating. I am more inspired than I was before. So that has changed.

EJ: A boost of energy?

DR: Yeah. To me, getting my GM title is like getting my degree and every title helps. My goal is to become a GM So that my business would have more “worldy respect”. Even though I know I am offering the same product that I could offer now, people think differently when you have the “GM”.

EJ: True. Well there’s no hiding that fact that you’re doing better in your USCL games. Is everything “just clicking”?

DR: Yeah but I don’t know. I mean I am still not really playing well on USCL but I haven’t lost since I made my title  which is cool. Let’s hope we can keep that going!

EJ: I hope so too.

DR: I have definitely learned that you don’t always have to play like a GM to become a GM. Just got to get better and be practical. Time management. Things like that.

EJ: So obviously your performance OTB is different than in the USCL. How are they different to you?

DR: Well it has been. Thank GOD! I am still not comfortable under time pressure online. In fact, I love time pressure OTB  because it is a rush but online…

EJ: Don’t trust the computers?

DR: I kind of get dizzy. No joke. It is confusing.

EJ: 2D vs. 3D?

DR: Maybe. Definitely different for me. I also don’t play as much on ICC as many others.

EJ: Do you use a relayer when you play?

DR: No. I like to have control. I would get nervous with a relayer, I think.

EJ: Aside from your family, you’re basically chess full time, right?

DR: Yes… I am a Chess Pro in every sense… I make my money teaching, playing, laughing, loving… etc.

EJ: As a “chess professional”, how does playing in the USCL affect your life?

DR: Well. It is kind of inconvenient to be honest. I am the type who likes to travel and “get in the mood”.

EJ: Is it taking away from your “day job” or does your “day job” hinder your USCL job?

DR: Yeah. That is the thing. I feel the biggest reason for me not playing well is that I am not in “Game Mode”. You know what I mean? The “drop you daily life and go play a serious game” is not me. I like to really, really devote myself and if I can’t I struggle… or at least I have. But I am maturing.

DR: I listen to some good country tunes before the game. The Landon Shill band, then I throw on some Dre, and then a little Eric Hutchinson! I like to mix it up. I love music…

EJ: It comes through in your blog posts. (=

DR: Thanks… glad someone noticed. I am a pop culture geek. I like to stay current and quote the past. You know, keep the kids on their toes.

EJ: Perhaps your prep work for the SPICE cup is leading to your recent USCL performance.

DR: It could be… I do have a few more lines that I didn’t get to try at the SPICE Cup. But Yermo told me to stop screwing around, just play solid and that I would get the Norm. So I did. Hell! I played too solid and drew some games I should have won. But that’s life! You also hold some games you should lose. So it works out. I tried to get something crazy against Antal in round 2 and then I stopped messing around.

EJ: Do you “experiment” more in your USCL games?

DR: Yes, absolutely! But people forget that I played 1.d4 and the Trompowsky until I was 2250. So it isn’t like I am throwing total “caution to the wind”. I know enough.

EJ: To be different? Because “the games aren’t rated”? Or because everyone studies up on opponents in the league?

DR: To be different and to setup future games…

EJ: Always keep them guessing.

DR: I am going to be one of those GMs who people study and they are like “damn, this guy could play anything! So I might as well watch some Leno”. When they are preparing I mean.

EJ: Any current players you model yourself after?

DR: Anand because I like his repertoire and Ivanchuk because he is crazy… I like that! But I appreciate all of them. They are all better than me.

EJ: I wouldn’t expect you to model yourself after anyone but the best. Have you ever played Hikaru?

DR: Yes, only one rated OTB and I lost in a Kan. I played him in blitz a while ago and I beat him 2 0 but then I lost in Blitz at the National Open 2 0 a couple years ago. He is a beast… no doubt!

EJ: I know you’ve faced off against against his brother a couple of times.

DR: Yes. I had a good record against Asuka.

EJ: Your thoughts on the Scorpions first 2 seasons. What’s the secret to this year?

DR: I think we were all a little gun shy the first year… accept for a couple players. But I believe this year we are just better. I mean, I think that the key to this year’s team, to be honest, is Alejandro. I think everyone is better around him, because he takes on the big guns. I feel more confident playing next to a GM and I really mean that! I believe that Rogelio and I have just gotten better as players to be honest. Also, who can forget David? I mean the fact is he is underrated at 2026  and he has allowed us to be a lot more flexible. Robby was the best last year, and his ICC experience is always useful, but this year I believe all the credit should go to Alejandro and Adelberg. The “AA team”.

EJ: Well, looking at the numbers everyone has elevated their game.

DR: Yes, but Jandi and David have allowed that to happen. Rogo and Robby are still as good as they were but now we have better players around them. Pretty much the team has suffered with me in there but now that I have turned the corner I invite Scorpion Nation to hop on my back to victory baby! *lol* *knock on wood*

EJ: A team is a team! There’s no “A” in… oh wait… Do you listen to music when you play?

DR: I don’t listen to music during games. It distracts me. I don’t like it… but I love music otherwise.

EJ: Do you have a routine or ritual when you play?

DR: Uuumm… OTB I do but on USCL I just say, “here we go!”

EJ: It’s just too different?

DR: Yeah, I try to say a little prayer, gather my thoughts, forget about my daily life, and like I said “buckle up”…

EJ: I think many may not know that you’re the assistant (north) manager to the team. What is that like?

DR: Ahh. I just try to calm Leo down, remind him that he is the boss, and that I will help with whatever he needs. He is doing a good job and if we win this year, he better watch out for some Gatorade on his back… oh yeah!

EJ: The Scorpions really believe in that “team” concept.

DR: Yes, I think so. I don’t but they do…

EJ: You do.

DR: Yes, of course… we are trying to come together… do what it takes to win.

EJ: You’ve been a “team player” since I first meet you and the rest of the Shelby team.

DR: Yes, I have. I love team environments… I miss them actually. Half the time I wish we still had that which is why the Scorpions are so cool. When we (the Shelby team) were winning national titles, there was nothing like it! So yes, this is very cool, and I think that it has the potential to become something great for the world of chess. I don’t kid around about what I think will help the chess world. Unlike many others, I am in this with no turning back. So anything that can help the chess world improve socially, financially, etc. I am all for! I believe that Greg Shahade is on the right path, and I think there is still much, much more to do.

EJ: Any suggestions for the future of the USCL?

DR: Yes actually, but I will keep those private… I don’t want them taken. Greg doesn’t listen to me anymore though. He is “big time” now… and you can print that!

DR: Ok! I won’t keep them private. But Greg is “big time”… I think that more sponsorship is available.

EJ: How so?

DR: It is more of a confidence thing. Chess players have to stop acting like “the starving artists who just want to be recognized” and they won’t be treated that way.

EJ: Ahh…

DR: I believe, and quote me, that there is 7 figure sponsorship out there! Really, I do. It just takes the right angle, right people, some kindness, charm, and hard work.

EJ: For chess in general or specifically the USCL?

DR: Both. But let’s make it specific. The USCL will have a lot more sponsorship down the road if we do this thing right. I believe.

EJ: Hopefully. Personally, I love following the various blogs and discussions within the league.

DR: Can’t you just picture watching a USCL game, and flashing ads of Dell, Microsoft, Apple, Insurance Companies, etc. flashing for 30 seconds on the left side for spectators… Tell me there isn’t money there. We just have to go after it! But I have said too much.

EJ: No problem.

DR: Greg has done great, no questions…

EJ: I agree.

DR: And that is all that needs to be said. Do I think there is growth potential? Absolutely! And it will. You know what I mean though?

EJ: Yes.

DR: How many spectators watch Nakamura

EJ: 50+

DR: No, no! At least 200 at times. Just type “all Nakamura”! I mean, if there are that many people watching anything it doesn’t matter if it is chess. Sponsors can pay for ad space to flash during the games. That is where the money is!

EJ: That might require some ICC connections.

DR: Yes but it is possible! It is there!

EJ: We’re just about ready to wrap up. Anything else you’d like to say?

DR: Alright, just remember, that if I said anything offensive… print it! Just joking.

EJ: No worries.

DR: Thanks for your work with the team! Really…

EJ: I’m the guy that works in the back rooms… in the shadows.

DR: Yes. Always… we should get you a mask, or a cape or something. Then you would feel really cool… and you could just come out of the darkness, like Batman! Always vigilant.

EJ: It’s my contribution. That’s what I already wear when I watch the games during the week.

DR: Ok. Good talk!

Danny Rensch is runs the American Chess Events affiliate which also hosts the Copper State International. He will be playing in the a GM Invitational this December in Edmonton, Canada and in the SPICE Cup again next year.

This week  I sat down with Scorpion veteran IM Levon Altounian (LA) to get his thoughts on the USCL, the great chess players in history, and the local chess scene.

EJ: Hello!

LA: Hello!

EJ: We are almost half way through your second season in the USCL. How has this season compared to last year?

LA: Interesting, very educational but strange at the same time. One of the nice surprises includes having a much better organized team, GM Alejandro Ramirez playing for our team, and the fact that U of A donated not 1 but 2 perfect rooms for our cause. In 1 room we play and in the other we have spectators listening to very insightful and interesting comments by experts or even an IM using a projector that shows all 4 games same time.

EJ: Speaking of Alejandro. You’re one of the few players that has been asked to play board 1 or 2. How has having a GM (or 2) on the team affected your play?

LA: Well, it was very nice having a strong GM on board 1, which makes me a pretty good board 2. At the same time there was more pressure “delivering” the point on that board. One of the nice things was that it is not just any GM we got. It was a guy we know very well now and I think everyone likes a lot. That brings something special to the table.

EJ: Is it a different type of preparation for board 2 than 1?

LA: Not really. For example, last week playing board 1 I played a person who could also be board 2 if they had a GM present themselves.

EJ: How about preparation from last year that’s changed for this year?

LA: Well, I think the anxiety is gone. Last year we were e-mailing each other like crazy 4 days before the match sharing info. This year- much more relaxed and we trust the players to do the job. If someone needs advice or some help- we all help each other. Considering our opponents also prepare, sometimes its complete luck or accident which opening or system we end up playing.

EJ: Being an experienced tournament player, does “history” against an opponent OTB translate to success in the USCL?

LA: I don’t think so. Of course if a 2300 plays a 2600 who beat him 6 times in a row- probably yes. But in our case so far we have not encountered any match where someone was afraid of the opponent or thought they would win easily. Of course for statistics and guessing the outcome- ratings, styles and their personal past encounters count for a little bit.

EJ: Maybe not afraid, but if you’ve played someone enough times does that experience help in preparation for a match?

LA: I can’t speak for others, but in my games I usually compensate my lack of studying chess or playing enough tournaments by a better preparation. So the more I know the person, better I feel.

EJ: Any idea who you’ve played the most games against in your past? Alejandro has mentioned playing against the Dallas team nearly 20 times each.

LA: You mean which team or a person?

EJ: A person.

LA: Oh, no one in particular. I came to Tucson from California and they are not yet in the USCL league, so have not played anyone more than once or twice I think. Plus when I play the same team- they always had different people on that board for each match.

EJ: Do you think CA will get a second team? Any old friends you hope would join the league?

LA: No idea. They are definitely strong enough for it. But management is important for such cases. All the friends unfortunately are also very dangerous players so …. They probably can make one team for South CA as the North CA has a great team already.

EJ: Perhaps if Alejandro can’t swing the schedule next year…

LA: Oh! you mean to invite them to play here ?

EJ: Not necessarily but if S-CA doesn’t want a team, it doesn’t mean we can’t have them!

LA: Yes, that is possible. However, there are few problems with that in my opinion. One is that I don’t like inviting an outsider who no one knows- We are used to people we know- we are spoiled. Two- since there is a cap in rating- only very high rated players make sense to invite. I would love to have someone like Akobian here for board 1.

EJ: Team spirit is important to the Scorpions.

LA: Yes, very. One of the reasons I played in it and went through nightmarish schedule changes was the team spirit. I like literally everyone how is on the team and know the Tucson players very well. I really like what Leo Martinez is doing as a manager, I like Robby and Ginsburg being on the team, I like all that the younger generations- Adelberg, Amanda Mateer, Ben Marmont, you name it- all either play or help us. I also like how the Phoenix line up looks. I have a huge respect for Barcenilla and love being on a team with Danny Rensch. Now that he got his last IM norm, he promised he will IM-ise everyone.

EJ: I couple of “elects” that need their titles.

LA: Yeah, true, which speaks well for Arizona. Getting titles is hard here and it is hard to travel. I hope time will come when with all the combined forces we can organize a titled tournament in Tucson.

EJ: I’ll see what I can do about that. Although Danny has done a great job with the CopperState. I know you’re one of the few members with family that makes traveling difficult. How do you “keep sharp”?

LA: Well, I am not “sharp” at tournaments unfortunately. It is a relative term.

EJ: Sharp enough to win a couple of state championships. Congratulations on that by the way.

LA: Thanks I play ICC and use tournaments such as the local scholastic League Match as a way to prepare for the whole year. Kind of like a “camel effect” – learn enough new stuff for 1 big tournament and then use it for the year. I am not as sharp as I could be if I played as much as I did 10 years ago but sometimes I do OK.

EJ: I’m sure many of your opponent’s would disagree. So you think being “off the grid” helps you in the USCL?

LA: well, I am good at boring chess and psychology. More the opposite – USCL helps me “get on the grid”.

EJ: I’m wondering if opponents are having a difficult time to prepare for you.

LA: Well, that too. For example- in the last game against Baltimore I prepared well enough to not only guess the opening we would have but the exact position to move 13, including his novelty. All worked perfectly.. but I still drew.

EJ: Best laid plans…

LA: I am more a chess “theoretician” than a player I guess. I was only half joking when I mentioned in the blog that I need to play the opening and then let Alejandro or someone else play after that.

EJ: Without tipping off any future opponents, are there any openings or lines that you “dream” to play?

LA: I wish when I was younger someone made me play “correct” openings – like najdorf sicilian, Slav defense and not the “weirdo” ones I usually play. Now I am too old for those unless Leo and the team wants to have a heart attack watching me play those

EJ: A little excitement is a good thing. I’m a fan of the Latvian, personally.

LA: Latvian I played few times. It is better than its reputation. There was a guy in Orange County- rated about 2300. He only played Latvian and when his opponent wouldn’t let him do it- he was taking it very personally. What is interesting is that in blitz I do very well and make probably less mistakes than in a tournament, where I try to find the most perfect move each time

EJ: Perhaps we need to suggest a Blitz league. Just don’t decide to let your time run down to test this out. I don’t think your fans could take the excitement.

LA: That is what happened in few of my USCL games where I was winning and found the ‘only” way to not win by trying to win the “best” way. That is actually one problem with USCL. I find that for me in tournaments when I am in time pressure- it is much easier to play than to play for the team. A lot of unseen pressure and many times other boards start calculating my game to figure out what to do on theirs and vice versa. But that is the name of the game.

EJ: You set the tone.

LA: I think it has to do with the fact that we really care.

EJ: But I’m know many of the players have complete faith in you. You’re not called “the Solid” without a reason.

LA: The big faith is “Lev will be fine”. I am the disciple of Tigran Petrosian- the most solid player ever!

EJ: Is he your favorite player in history?

LA: However, maybe it was not the best idea in the long run . Tal would be a better model. The more I learn about chess, the more I move from Botvinik/ Petrosian/ Capablanca to names like Kasparov, Ivanchuk and Kramnik. For example- how do we compare the natural talent of Capablanca to the extreme preparation skills of Kasparov? I was blown away by Garry’s game against #2 seed Anand years ago, when he prepared until move 41, where he is up a piece and needed FRITZ to tell him how to win it… all done before the game even started.

EJ: If you could be board 2 on a team with any player, who would you like to play along with? No disrespect to our current Scorpions.

LA: Well, honestly, unless we talk about the top 10 in the world, I am good enough to give a very strong fight to anyone. So I would not want to play board 2 with egoistical or cocky players. All others would be fine. Alejandro, Rojelio Barcenilla, they are great to play with. It would be fun to be in a team with Nakamura probably and see his “Nakamura effect” from the “good side” and rather than being the receiving end of it. USCL board 1 is usually so tough anyways- no one has a chance for going perfect.

EJ: Perhaps the USCL needs an “All-star game”.

LA: USCL went from something small to something very big and important, thanks to relentless work of Greg Shahade. So I would not be surprised if they invented some other type of matches.

EJ: I think seeing a SoCal team would be a lot of fun.

LA: He also had the poker websites do most of the sponsoring so I am sure some high-end poker-like ideas are in his mind for the USCL.

EJ: I’m 0-3 in getting a prediction out of these interviews. Any thoughts on the match this week against Dallas?

LA: I don’t know… we all say we are great and then it all comes down to one move of one of the games. So predicting it has a wrong karma effect it seems.

EJ: Fair enough…

LA: If all boards do the way they should- we should win. I think the main battle will be if Robby can win his game on board 3.

EJ: I meant to ask, is there anything like the USCL back in Europe when you played?

LA: Well, the USCL took a format similar to German bundesleagues. Which is copied in nearly every self-respecting chess country.

EJ: Did you play in those?

LA: No, I was too young for those and too much into architecture studies, unfortunately, but it is a wonderful system. People can concentrate on being a professional in chess.

EJ: Well, I for one am glad we have the USCL and the Arizona Scorpions.

LA: Yes, and that is why I hope everyone can support the Scorpions. (Leo can tell you how !)

EJ: I really hope the younger kids from the community follow the matches. I would have killed to have had something like this when I was in school. Watching my idols play each week.

EJ: Anything you’d like to say before we wrap up?

LA: Well, I would probably like to take a moment and talk about the Tucson chess scene. I am very optimistic about chess in Tucson and Arizona in general. That is one of my drives and motivations for being on the USCL team.

EJ: Sure… You’re a very active coach outside of the USCL. Feel free talk about your life outside of the USCL.

LA: I think all the organizations here and individuals are working towards the same goal of providing chess education to people of any and every age and strength, and I really like how SACA has evolved from more less passive organization to much more active role and that is thanks to Karen Pennock (SACA President), Jon Shacter, volunteers and you. I like what 9 Queens is doing here, the USCL team, all the work Leo, Robby, others put in and I especially like that there is very little clash of interests.

EJ: There’s that team spirit again.

LA: I would love to see more unique events here like simuls, bughouse tournaments, matches between organizations- like Raytheon and U of A and some tournaments similar to the very successful types Danny runs in Phoenix so we do not have half the Tucson travel to Phoenix to compete.

EJ: I’m sure if there’s a will, there’s a way.

LA: With Tucson chess growing, Arizona Chess for Schools growing and my daughter Ani growing- I can hopefully play more chess and hopefully get my GM title.

EJ: That would be wonderful! Well, I think that wraps up for us now. Thank you for sitting down to chat and good luck to the Scorpions!

Learn more about Levon’s Arizona Chess For Schools at their  website. You will find all the connections with the coaches, schools, and organizations involved.

This week I had a chance to sit down and chat with the Scorpions youngest team member, David Adelberg (DA). We discussed his view of playing in the league, his worldly travels, and activities outside of chess. As most desert dwellers know, it’s the young scorpions that are the most deadly and dangerous. So his nickname “The Baby Scorpion” shouldn’t be taken too lightly.

EJ: Hello.

DA: Hi.

EJ: So, what’s it like to be 12 years old and playing in the USCL?

DA: Awesome, I was really hoping that someday my play would be good enough to make the team, and it is really exciting to be part of the Scorpions and the USCL.

EJ: Have you been following the USCL for long?

DA: I really only followed the games for the last season.

EJ: What were your thoughts about the Scorpions first season? Are you prepared to lead us to the playoffs?

DA: I was hoping that they, the Scorpions, could have had a better season. I am hoping to contribute to the team effort. Hopefully, my enthusiasm will be contagious.

EJ: Leo commented that having a strong 4th board is as important as 1st board. Do you feel any pressure?

DA: Like anything in chess, every game is important , 1st or last round, 1st or last board. No, a game the USCL is like any other game of chess.

EJ: No difference at all?

DA: Other than the relayer entering the move on the computer, not at all.

EJ: Do friends or classmates know that you’re playing in a league with adults, from across the country, 3-5 times your age?

DA: I try to tell my classmates and teachers, but I don’t think they really “get it” or have a perspective on competitive chess. They only care that I miss school.

EJ: You spend a lot of time already for your chess activities. How much “extra” is the USCL?

DA: On the day of the match, I miss one and one half periods, as the first two were held in Tucson. When they are held in Phoenix, I will not have to miss any classes. My English teacher did not seem to mind, because he is a chess enthusiast and his child likes to play chess.

EJ: Do you spend any extra time before a match to prepare for your opponent?

DA: Yes, I look at some of the USCL games previously played, and other online database sources.

EJ: So far you’re doing very well 1.5 – .5 in your first 2 games ever. What are your thoughts on your performance so far? Pleased? Surprises? Wanting to do better?

DA: I am very pleased so far, the first game was quite exciting and, the second, my opponent played very well leading to a draw. I always try to improve on my play, but all you can do is try your best.

EJ: Well. You seem to still be moving up.

DA: Yes.

EJ: Have there been any other games this (short) year that you found interesting?

DA: In other of my tournaments, or the other USCL games?

EJ: Let’s start with the USCL.

DA: Robby Adamson’s games were both nice.

EJ: And outside of the USCL?

DA: The World Open was a (personally) successful event and in the Sicilian I had a nice rook trap. In the Western Chess Congress I had a win versus an IM Mesentsev which was published.

EJ: Do you have activities that you enjoy besides chess?

DA: I really like golf, tennis, and snow skiing. Lately I really have fun playing bridge. At the chess camp in New Jersey, my chess friend Kevin Rosenberg’s parents are world-class bridge players, professionals, and I got introduced to bridge through them.

EJ: Sounds like you stay very active. Personally, I hope we don’t lose you to another activity.

EJ: Are there any comparisons or similarities to bridge and chess playing?

DA: Bridge and chess require a lot of thought and calculation.

EJ: What was it like to play in Vietnam for the World Youth Championship last year?

DA: Totally awesome. Tons of fun! There were lots of great players from the US who I never met, great coaches, and than the tournament had many cool aspects like the flags, opening ceremonies, and than to play against opponents from all over the world was neat. When I started to have a nice results against top players it became more comfortable. I will be going to Turkey for th World Youth 2009 Championships in November.

EJ: That’ll be during the first rounds of the playoffs… DOES LEO KNOW ABOUT THIS!? It’s okay… he’ll know now. We’ll be wishing you luck regardless.

DA: I mentioned this to Greg Shahade and Leo. They did not realize the conflict  and were considering a schedule change.

EJ: Do you know if that will affect any other players in the USCL?

DA: Of those that are attending the World Youth, there may be only a few players (Andrew Ng for one).

EJ: Will you be in attendance at the match this week (in Phoenix)? Or taking a week off.

DA: I hope I can make it. I will not be playing though.

EJ: So unfair that you played in the Tucson matches, but not the Phoenix, huh?

DA: The manager suggested I “rest my playing arm.”

EJ: We’ll be sure to give Leo a hard time.

DA: I will be playing in more Phoenix matches in the future.

EJ: So be prepared USCL! Have you thought about high school and college yet?

DA: I already took math classes at the high school last year and the current year, so I am getting a view of high school now. I have not really thought about college, except playing on the campuses of ASU and U of A.

EJ: (I’ll not start a line of questions that might eventually split the team and/or fan base.)

EJ: Do you have a dream job? Or will you become a professional chess player?

DA: I really have no idea about a career path at this point in time.

EJ: That’s okay. You have time…

DA: Yes.

EJ: Well, I think we’re just about ready to wrap up… any final thoughts? Shout outs to your homies?

DA: Thanks very much.

EJ: Do you have a prediction for this week’s match? If Leo doesn’t score a point on 4th board are you going to have a talk with him?

DA: It seems to be a tough match, but I will leave the predictions to the titled players.

EJ: Fair enough. Good luck to you in your next match, and good luck to the Scorpions.

DA: Thanks again.

This week I sat down and chatted with GM Alejandro Ramirez (AR). We discussed him playing for the Scorpions, the weekly match-ups and a dreaded can of sardines.

EJ: Hello!

AR: Hello!

EJ: How does it feel to be the Scorpions’ first GM?

AR: I feel great! I am very happy to represent the Scorpions this year, it’s a very tough season and I’m glad we started very well.

EJ: You’ve visited Arizona many times before, but I’m sure I was not the only one surprised to see your name on our roster. So, how did it come to be that you’re a Scorpion and not a member of the Destiny (for example)?

AR: Yeah, I was a bit surprised too! However I’m happy I am able to play for the Scorpions. It’s a bit of a long story. Ultimately I had an offer from both teams, but I love Arizona and love visiting the people here, especially some of my really close friends, and I figured Arizona needed me a bit more than the two time champions.

EJ: Well we love having you here.

AR: Thanks! I love being here.

EJ: But aren’t you still in school?

AR: Yes, but luckily I’m in grad school, so I only have classes Monday and Tuesdays, which gives me a lot of traveling time.

EJ: opps… back to your game. Had you played GM Mitkov before? Either on ICC or OTB.

AR: Nope, never. I have played many tournaments with him, even in my home country Costa Rica last year, but never against him. It was an interesting experience, I think I outplayed him this time, but I also know he is a strong player and would have to watch out if I play him again.

EJ: Well the Scorpions do face the Blaze again later this season. Was week 1 how you thought it would be or were there surprises?

AR: Honestly, it was more or less how I expected. The organization of the team was very nice, and the game went as well as I hoped. I prepared a bit for my debut and the game went more or less how I thought it would.

EJ: Were you concerned of Elliot Liu’s prediction spoiling your opening?

AR: Haha, not at all. Actually this is one of the first Catalan’s that I played, normally I play the Nimzo-Indian. I was surprised that Liu chose the Catalan as one of his predictions, but it turns out he was right!

EJ: Perhaps we’ll have to pay more attention to his predictions… There was a takeback on move 14. Can you explain what happened? And your thoughts at the time.

AR: Yeah. I mean I don’t think it was his fault, but there needs to be some consistency on the rules. From what I understand, someone was relaying the moves for him, and whoever did it mouseslipped badly.

EJ: Mouseslipped a rook move instead of a bishop move? Real thoughts on that mouseslip… should the move have stayed?

AR: No. Since it wasn’t Mitkov’s fault, I can see how it doesn’t matter which piece was moved on the ICC board since that was never what he intended. I think that players can use relayers, but that the relayers should be held accountable for what they do after all. I mean it wasn’t his fault. It’s just that rules against relayers should be more strict.

EJ: How was it communicated to you what happened? Was there an immediate take back request?

AR: It wasn’t. Leo told me after and Greg just kind of made me take the move back.

EJ: I noticed it took a moment before you captured the rook… did you think it was a trap?

AR: No, I just was making sure I wasn’t missing something. Also I wanted to see if taking with the rook or the knight was better.

EJ: Fortunately it didn’t matter, unlike the other game last week. Do you think relayers is a problem in the USCL?

AR: No, I think it’s fine, but they shouldn’t be used as shields.

EJ: Do the Scorpions use relayers?

AR: Some people do, I think Adelberg used a relayer. I personally don’t like people messing with my game.

EJ: How about the rest of the team’s matches? Did you think to yourself that we’d go 3.5 – .5 to start the season?

AR: Honestly, I expected a win but I didn’t know by which margin. Robby playing a Sicilian is fantastic, he is just in his home turf, while Levon was just ultra solid. David had me scared for a bit, but once he found the nice Qa5! I was sure we had that point too.

EJ: Anyone in the league you particularly look forward to playing against? A rival, a friend, someone you admire…?

AR: Well, obviously as a fighter I would love to play GM Nakamura again, specially since I’m 0-2 against him, however I will do whatever the team needs me to do since my visits to Arizona are limited, unfortunately.

EJ: Sounds good. But don’t mention that “anything for the team” too loudly near Robby. I hear he makes house guests clean his car.

AR: If by car you mean sardine can on wheels.

EJ: It looks like we have you for Week 1 and 2. Any thoughts on your week 2 match against the Tempo?

AR: It’s going to be very interesting. I saw their line up and there will be some epic battles. We are very strong on board two and really need a win there, the fourth board is a toss up and Robby will hopefully out-prepare Andrews. As for me I am hoping for another exciting game with GM Ehlvest, we’ve played three times and they have all ended in draws. Being a team game and me having black, I will not mind if we draw a fourth time, but anything can happen with such a strong player.

EJ: How many of those previous meetings were with Black?

AR: Uh, none now that I think about it. Oops!

EJ: Sounds like it’ll be an exciting match-up.

AR: Definitely. Ehlvest is a legend, and it’s always fun to play Legends!

EJ: Any predictions for the game and match? (or are your keeping that close to your vest?)

AR: I’m excited, but I’ll try not to divulge too much. Preparing will be a nightmare, everyone knows that Ehlvest is completely unpredictable. I’ve tried three times and I’ve failed to predict his choice all three! I still predict we take this, but it will definitely be close. A lot rests on Levon, as I said.

EJ: What have you been up to between the matches? Hopefully not cleaning out a sardine can….

AR: Nooo! That thing is beyond saving! I took the opportunity of Labor Day to go to the South California Open in San Diego, where I tied for first place.

EJ: Congrats! Levon also spend the weekend winning the Arizona State Championship. Go Scorpions!

AR: Yeah, we did good.

EJ: Enjoying the sites of Tucson during the day or just staying out of the heat?

AR: Mainly staying out of the heat, I have a lot of school work being a master’s student, and especially after winning the tournament! To be honest I just got home about half an hour ago, so I’m just in my relax after tournament time.

EJ: Well, I’m sure you deserve it. This isn’t your first time in the league… what was your previous experience like?

AR: Pretty horrible, a combination of freshman year in college and a sharp decline in my chess playing skills that year led me to finish in a “-1″ season with two losses, one win and too many draws. This is much more pleasant. However I have had a lot of fun being the TD of the Destiny last year!

EJ: Any thoughts on the week 5 match-up against the Destiny? You’ll either be on Board 1 or in Dallas…

AR: Well, I’m obviously torn, but I represent the Scorpions now. If they need me I will play any of my arch-rivals from Dallas for the 20th time! That is actually no exaggeration, as I have played Destiny’s first board, Stopa, over 18 times, out of which only 4 games have been draws.

EJ: Despite the number of high level players, draws are rather uncommon in the USCL… any guesses as to why?

AR: Well, Internet chess always adds an extra edge to the games, since people don’t feel the same way as in a normal game. Also, and more importantly, the games are rather quick, which tends to produce a lot of decisive results. Whatever makes more fighting chess is a plus in my views.

EJ: Do you think Internet chess will someday overtake OTB chess?

AR: I doubt it, I think they are integral to each other, but OTB will always be fancier and favored by serious players, whereas Internet is more relaxed and more fun for the spectators.

EJ: Looking back at the beginning of the USCL, what are your thoughts on how it’s progressed to today?

AR: I think that it has expanded greatly, and I am very happy to see its progress. People are more involved in blogs, following the games and true team spirit is obviously forming in the different cities. I look forward to the expansion of new teams and more and more interest by the media and ICC followers.

EJ: What is the appeal of the USCL for yourself and (in your opinion) GMs in general?

AR: What it comes down to is that we love chess. USCL gives us an opportunity to play top chess against other players in the country without the hassle of traveling or committing to a result, as you would in a tournament. The bonding of team mates is absolutely fantastic as well. And finally, of course, the prestige.

EJ: Thoughts on the future of the league. Where is it going? Where SHOULD it be going?

AR: I think it should be looking for coverage outside the ICC, hopefully some kind of media will want to follow it. Chess needs as much attention as it can get.

EJ: After this match you’re off to UTD until who knows when. Do you know when you might be back? (or is that a secret too?)

AR: I think we are keeping that close to our vest. (another way of saying, no we don’t know yet)

EJ: What’s it going to take to get you here (in AZ) full time?

AR: well, we will see what happens. I have to finish my masters degree first.

EJ: Well, I’m sure that Leo and Robby will try to kidnap bribe you somehow in the off season.

AR: I can’t say I would be against that. I love Arizona and I love the people.

EJ: I think that about wraps it up.

EJ: Any thing else you’d like to say?

AR: Big shout out to all the Scorpion fans, specially Steve Farmer for those awesome videos. Another shout out to our lovely 9th board for giving me a ride to San Diego this weekend.

EJ: Congrats again!

AR: Thanks!

EJ: The Scorpion fans are glad you’re playing for us! Good luck on Wednesday!

AR: I’m glad too. Thanks again.

The Scorpions next match is tomorrow at 6:00 PM (local time) against the Tennessee Tempo. You can check them out either in person at the Chavez building at the University of Arizona or on ICC.

The United States Chess League (USCL) season starts next week. This will be the second season for our Arizona Scorpions. I had a chance to sit down and discuss the new team with Scorpions manager/player Leonardo Martinez (LM).

EJ: Good evening.

LM: Good evening. I’m nervous now.

EJ: No need to be nervous.

LM: lol… I know. I’m just messing.

EJ: So we’re 10 days from the start of the second season for the AZ Scorpions in the USCL. What have you been up to since we last saw you?

LM: Well I have been preparing for the season… which includes many things as manager and player. I have been looking at my lineups and roster of course and seeing who we can put on the team this year. Which is always tough because there are so many options and so few roster slots and everyone wants to be on the team. Also I have been looking for sponsors for the team which has been going pretty well

EJ: Let’s talk about the new team for now. Who’s new?

LM: Okay. There are a couple new faces. Well the big new player is Alejandro Ramirez. GM Alejandro Ramirez!

EJ: Our first GM!

LM: He is living in Texas but agreed to play for our team. He’s a great player and a great guy too so we are very excited to have him. He has worked in Tucson before at the Western Invitational Chess camp that Robby (Adamson) runs. So he knows the Tucson chess community and many of the players here.

EJ: And we love him. This is typical for the USCL. What other teams have “hired guns”?

LM: I don’t know how common it is but it does happen for sure. I think Tennessee brings (GM Alex) Shabalov and (GM Jan) Ehlvest in. They both don’t live there as far as I know. Also NY has done it. NY Knights I mean.

EJ: The Yankees of the USCL.

LM: And I think Philadelphia is doing it this year with them picking up (GM Alex) Lenderman. That is all I know though.

EJ: Any other new faces?

LM: Yes. David Adelberg, on the other side of the spectrum, will be playing board 4 for us. We are very happy to have him as well. He is one of the top juniors in AZ if not the top junior! He is almost a master now so he should do very well and one of the things that Robby and I talked about with this team when it first started was that in some way we need to support strong juniors and put them on the team if possible.

EJ: Having a strong 4th board is almost as important as a strong 1st board?

LM: Yes, for sure… having a strong 4th board is almost more important sometimes. If you look at any of the top teams they all have strong 4th boards. 4th boards are more likely to be decisive a lot of times. There aren’t any grandmaster draws in the USCL but the GMs sometimes just cancel each other out. With masters on the bottom boards it doesn’t happen as much

EJ: Last year one of the regulars for 4th board was Warren Harper… will we see him this year?

LM: We actually will not see him again unfortunately.

EJ: It’s a shame.. he finished his season with 3 wins for us.

LM: He was a great 4th board for us at 2300 but actually his rating went up from 2300 to around 2350 or something close to that and that 50 points made it really hard to put him on any teams.

LM: He’s my friend too so that made it tough too… he really wanted to be on the team but he understood.

EJ: A teammate until the end. Hopefully we’ll still see him at some of the matches.

LM: Yah, I hope so.

EJ: It’s really a catch-22 with ratings isn’t it?

LM: Well, in some ways yes, but not always. I mean ratings restrict you but at the same time team commitment and enthusiasm counts for a lot with me when I pick the lineups.

EJ: Warren improving actually made it more difficult to have him on the team, yes?

LM: Yes, I agree it’s ironic. We just couldn’t really keep him while at the same time make teams below 2400.

EJ: It’s like a salary cap for football. Does the league have any rules or mention of year-to-year increases?

LM: Do you mean increases to the U2400 ratings for teams?

EJ: I recall that at a certain point, GM ratings stop increasing… anything similar for the lower boards?

LM: Oh I see. Well for players rated above 2590 (Alejandro for example) they are counted as 2590. If Alejandro is 2610 or something he would count as 2590 for the rating team average but for lower boards theres nothing like that. What you can do is pick a rating supplement.You can pick a rating supplement that you have to use for the whole team and you have about 8 months or something like that to choose from.

EJ: 8 months?! Hence, your busy offseason.

LM: I can’t remember how many months that is. David Adelberg is a good example of being able to use this to your advantage for bottom boards. Under a certain supplement David is 2026. Under his current rating he is close to 2200. I think like 2195 or something. We can use the rating supplement where it is 2026 instead and save those rating points for the higher boards.

EJ: Buy low, sell high.

LM: Exactly! With Warren he was 2350 for all the supplements so he didn’t move around much.

EJ: Just want to mention, I’m still 1467 if ever you need me.

LM: lol

EJ: +2, -1… my math tells me someone else has to go…

LM: Yah we took Ken Larsen off the team as well. He was in the same situation as Warren where his rating was at a certain point where it’s tough to make teams. He was like 2320 or something. I want him on 4th board but it’s tough to make him work and since there are so few spots I unfortunately had to make some cuts.

EJ: If I recall, Ken was the only player last year that didn’t see any playing time.

LM: yah I know… I really wanted to get him in but it didn’t work out for some reason. Last year was tough because it was our first season and things were hectic so we were picking our teams at the last minute and that didn’t help anyone’s schedules obviously. But everyone still loved it!

EJ: There’s a lot to consider when it comes to making lineups. It’s not always about the best players or highest ratings.

LM: Definitely! It’s about picking the right players and the players that have a lot of commitment. Or at least that are the most enthusiastic about playing.

EJ: Does the team get together mid-week for “practice”?

LM: This year I’m not sure what we are going to do… I haven’t really planned it yet. But last season we did a couple of times… I think 3 times in Tucson we met. It was Robby, IM Mark Ginsburg, Warren and me. We prepared some openings and stuff. Nothing too heavy but some work. I think Levon was out of town so he couldn’t make it.

EJ: Robby and Mark were the workhorses last year, playing 7 and 8 times respectively.

LM: I know.

EJ: Will we see them again this year?

LM: Yes. They will both be playing. Well our team is a little different than others. For other teams there are players that play all 10 games, but for us 7 or 8 is a lot because we play from 2 cities (Phoenix and Tucson) so we have to rotate our lineups based on that a lot of times. They both helped out the team tremendously by playing so much.

EJ: More for the manager to consider…

LM: Of course. It’s all part of the job.

EJ: Just filling out my scorecard. I have Ramirez, Ginsburg, Adamson, Martinez, Adelberg…

LM: Okay so that is 5. Danny Rensch is also on the team. He played for the team last season. Also Rogelio Barcenilla, who is actually a GM-elect at the moment. We will have 2 GMs!

EJ: 2 GMs!?

LM: Yup

EJ: Nice. This team looks to be very different from last season.

LM: Yah Rogelio has been GM strength for a while now… but he got his last norm this summer.

EJ: Last season, they were a team without a GM, and now they’ll have 2… Any idea when he’ll get his title officially?

LM: I’m not sure actually but hopefully soon… not before the season though.

EJ: That’s 7… who fills the last spot?

LM: Hmmm.. well actually the lineup isn’t really complete yet… I still have one more player left that I haven’t gotten complete confirmation yet from… I think I have a couple days!

EJ: A surprise? How exciting!

LM: IM Levon Altounian will play for us as well.

EJ: That’s 8… one of them is still a maybe?

LM: But actually this season we will have 9 roster slots and 2 alternate slots. So 11 total players. That is 8.

EJ: 2 alternates is the same as last year… but a roster of 9 is new. Do tell!

LM: Well this season there’s a rule where if you have a woman on the team you have an extra roster slot. Amanda Mateer is on the team.

LM: We will put Joel Johnson on the team as well as an alternate I believe.

EJ: Joel did very well last year winning his 2 games.

LM: Yah Joel is great for the team. He is really enthusiastic too. Last season, after both of his wins he wrote these long articles about how he prepared for his games and what he was thinking as well as annotating his games it was pretty impressive he would play his game and would end around 10:00pm or so and then he would somehow have these articles done the next day! He was great!

EJ: Agreed. I hope we get to see some more of that this season. Wins and the reports.

LM: Yah me too.

EJ: Sounds like a complete lineup with 1 mystery player still waiting to be announced.

LM: You can wait a couple days and find out because I have to pick some one by Wednesday.

EJ: 1467!

LM: lol! You’ll be our honorary interviewer slot.

EJ: Nice! It looks like you’ve done a lot of work in the offseason, improving the team. 2 GMs a couple of IMs, and nearly a complete roster of Masters. The Scorpions look to be a team to keep an eye on this year.

LM: Hmm.. yah Robby does a lot too and everyone is pretty supportive of the team so it’s not too hard. Danny Rensch in Phoenix is also really supportive. I’m excited! I’m waiting for it… I just want it to start!

EJ: We missed the playoffs by just 1/2 of a tie-break point. Any predictions?

LM: Oh man! Hmmm well… I just want to concentrate on one match at a time so I’ll say we win the first match. That’ll be my prediction!

EJ: Fair enough. Do you think we’ll see both GMs on the same line-up once this year?

LM: hmmm… I would say that is definitely a possibility.

EJ: Something for the rest of the league to think about…

LM: Yah a GM on board 2 is pretty crazy for me to think about compared to last season when we didn’t have any.

EJ: You’ve been so busy this off season.. what else have you been able to do? If anything?!

LM: Do you mean with the rest of my life or with the team?

EJ: Both?

LM: Well with the team it has been mostly just trying to get sponsors for the team and keeping people interested. This season we have 2 main sponsors… The Southern Arizona Chess Association (SACA) and Chess.com, which is a major chess website that has basically everything a chess player can want. We also had t-shirts made with all of our sponsors listed on the back. They are $20 a piece, look really good, and the money helps to support the Scorpions.

EJ: Do you have enough time in your life besides the Scorpions?

LM: I have time for other stuff too. I have a job at the hospital, I give private lessons to some kids in Tucson, and I go to the University of Arizona. I just graduated last semester so I’m taking graduate classes now.

EJ: Congratulations!

LM: Thanks!

EJ: Well, I think we’re lucky to have you as our manager.

LM: Thanks.

EJ: Thank you and we look forward to a great season! Match #1 is Wednesday, Sep. 2 vs. Chicago Blaze.

LM: Thanks! Everyone cheer us on!