The Fabulous 00s: USCL Week 7 Opening of the Week (OOTW)

Let’s explore an interesting junior battle.

Gerald Larson (TEN) – Trevor Magness (CHI)  USCL Week 7

Ruy Lopez Exchange

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.0-0 Bg4 6.h3 (?!)

Let’s try NOT doing h3 yet (this committal move gives black a ready-made lever on the kingside).  I’m going to recommend here the eccentric-looking  6. d3!? Qf6 7. Nbd2 O-O-O 8. a4!? awaiting events.  For example, 8. a4 g5 9. h3 Bh5 10. Qe2! Kb8 11. g4! Bg6 12. Nc4! and white has an edge.  Delaying h2-h3 looks foxier. It also probably has the advantage of taking black out of the well-known channels.

6…h5! Of course! Known to be bad for white now is 7. hxg4 hxg4.

I enjoy junior games.  There will always be the sharpest twist on the most innocuous starting positions.  No theoretical verdict has been reached on this line.  Let’s see what happened…

7.d3 Qf6 8.Nbd2 Ne7 9.Re1 Ng6 White is fairly tied up now due to the pressure on f3.  His next move alters the structure but he could also eat on g4 at this moment.

Key Moment

10.d4

After the only optically risky 10. hxg4!? hxg4 11. Nh2? Bc5! black had a big edge and won in Fressinet-Kazhgaleyev, Paris 1996.  Correct is 11. g3! and white holds after some adventure: 11. g3! Bc5 12. Nb3! Bb6 (Looks terrible for white, doesn’t it?  But… white escapes!) 13. Bg5 Qxf3 14. Qxf3 gxf3 15. Nd2 f6 16. Be3 Ba5! 17. c3 O-O-O 18. Rad1!! Rxd3 19. Nc4! and draws!

10…Nf4 11.dxe5

I guess it’s too much to ask for the nice trap 11. hxg4 hxg4 12. Nh2 Nxg2!! winning, as has occurred in a bunch of games. The rather rude point, very familiar to Marshall specialists, is 13. Kxg2 Rxh2+! 14. Kxh2 Qxf2+ 15. Kh1 g3 and mates.

11…Qg6! 12.Nh4! The only way to hold the balance!  Still, black can and should have posed problems before white reaches safety.

12…Bxd1 13.Nxg6 Nxg6 14.Rxd1 0-0-0 15.e6 fxe6 The foxy 15…f6!? is perfectly possible but it’s still equal.  15…f6!? has the virtue of keeping things relatively speaking more complicated.

16.Re1 Bb4?! 16…Ne5! sets practical problems and black has the easier time of it.  The text forces white to make a useful move.  Anyway, we’re far afield of the opening now — black’s setup passed the theoretical test!

17.c3 Bc5 18.Nb3 Bb6 19.Be3 Rd3 20.Bxb6 cxb6 21.Rad1 Rhd8 22.Rxd3 Rxd3 23.g3 Kd7 24.Kf1 Ke7 25.Ke2 Rd8 26.Rd1 Rxd1 27.Kxd1 Ne5 28.Nc1 Nf7 29.h4 Kd6 30.Ke2 c5 31.Nd3 g5 32.hxg5 Nxg5 33.f3 Nh7 34.e5+ Kd5 35.Ke3 b5 36.Kf4 a5 37.Nf2 a4 38.Ne4 Kc4 39.Ke3 b4 40.Nd6+ Kd5 41.f4 b6 42.c4+ Kc6 43.Ke4 Kd7 44.Kd3 Nf8 45.Ne4 Ke7 46.Nf6 h4 47.gxh4 Ng6 48.h5 Nxf4+ 49.Ke4 Ne2 50.h6 Kf7 51.Nd7 Nc3+ 52.Kd3 Nxa2 53.Nxb6 a3 54.bxa3 bxa3 55.Nd7 Nb4+ 56.Kc3 a2 57.Kb2 Kg6 58.Nxc5 Kxh6 59.Nxe6 Nd3+ 60.Kxa2 Nxe5 61.c5 Kg6 62.Kb3 Kf6 63.Nd4 Ke7 64.Ka4 Kd7 65.Kb5 Kc7 66.Ne6+ Kb7 67.Nf4 Kc7 Game drawn by mutual agreement 1/2-1/2

Week 2

We battled to a draw vs the Tennessee Estonians, 2-2.   Our team: Ramirez, Altounian (aka “Schlecter, the draw master”), Adamson, Adelberg.  We played on the University of Arizona campus in Tucson.

Here are some videos from the exciting match.

Week 2, Scorpions vs Tempo:

Another video from Week 2. Note the light-hearted goofing off of our staffers, a morale-builder?

Week 3

In Week 3 we lost a disappointing but hard-fought match to Seattle, 1 1/2 – 2 1/2.  Our team:  Barcenilla, Ginsburg, Rensch, Martinez.

This match we played in Mesa at Abstrax, Inc.

Week 3 Action:

More Week 3 Action:

And even more:

The third week of Predictions between the Managers is below! The scores after the first week were tied 19-19 but after the second week’s disastrous result from myself (Leo) the score is now Leo 36 – Craig 42.  Good luck trying to criticize these predictions!

and

GAME NIGHT: Because of a last minute schedule change to my weekly lesson plan, I was “forced into work” the night of the match. I only managed to get on ICC and check things out right as young David Adelberg was in the process of holding a much worse ending against a former foe of mine (David Justice beat my teammate, Pieta Garret, in the last round of the High School National Championship in 2004 to become Co-Champion with me. Although I still won first on tie-breaks, it definitely took some of the sweetness away, not to win the Championship solo). Anyway, Adelberg did manage to hold the worse position, so as far as my “immediate post match feelings” went, I felt pretty good about our team’s performance once again…

My nemesis (Justice) is much like the battle between Luke and Vader… Just joking, I hardly know the guy and we have never even played. Cool picture though right?

LEV what is wrong with you!!! Of course I am joking, and Levon is probably the most “solid and tough to grind” player on the team. He employs a style that yours truly could learn a little bit from, so that I could stop reaching so many crazy, wild positions against lower rated playersL. At the same time however, his inability to win what was a clearly better (let’s be honest, winning) position against Burnett, ended up being the difference in the match. To Ron’s credit, he was extremely creative in his counter-play ideas, and moved quickly enough to ensure that Lev would be the one under time pressure. Burnett’s “practical skills” sort of won the day in this game, over Levon’s “surprising opening choice”.

Jandi’s game really, well, sucked! I don’t mean that he sucked, but Robby’s description of what it is like to play Ehlvest with black (root canal) was pretty accurate. Although I would have used a description that requires “earmuffs” for half our followers and my children included, so I won’t go there! Anyhoow, we are very happy to have Jandi on the team, and the fact that he is making the trip from Texas is even cooler! Jandi did hold off long enough to cause some nerves on the other boards, so in a “team sense”, he did everything he could…

Playing Ehlvest with black is kind of like what happened to that guy latter on in Reservoir Dogs… Torture!

Robz did the jobz! Is there really anything else to say? I think Robby is the person most upset about having to “split our team” due to the lack of strong players in Tucson and Phoenix. Someday we might have two teams and have some kick ass rival matches, but for now, Robby’s good chances to win the MVP will probably fall short due to “lack of matches”. Anyway, I for one know that Robby is VERY good on ICC, and with time to prepare each week, I expect him to keep coming home with the bacon. Good job Larry Jr…

Finally, our youngest member really saved the match. Keeping a cool head and showing some good technical defense was the key to the match ending in a tie. Obviously every game is as important as the next, but as David’s game really came down to the wire, he deserves extra credit for “righting the ship”. I didn’t like the opening choice in this one for him though, as black had no trouble equalizing with e5; furthermore, white’s extension of the king-side ended hurting him down the road, but like I said, when the critical moment occurred, David truly showed nerves of steel and did his team “Justice”. Oh yeah, did you like that pun/rap tizzy baby! That is what I am talking about. Eat your heart out Dre…

My raps on the mic are totally tight. Better than Dre’s dog…”

Until next time…

Week 2 saw the normal highs and lows of the US Chess League. Your beloved Scorpions tied their match with the Tennessee Tempo, 2-2, and with the tie, the Scorpions are tied for 2^nd overall in the Western Division.  Overall even though I felt like the Scorpions had their chances to win the match, I think a tie match is the “just” result. When assessing a match with a biased point of view (as most who are writing blogs for their respective teams), you tend to ignore all the breaks that went your way and focus on the things that went against you. Even though our own IM Levon Altounian should have won his game (IM Ron Burnett did manufacture amazing counterplay to save the game), David Adelberg easily could have succumbed in a difficult endgame. All in all, a solid performance. Let’s take a look at the games from the week.

Board 1 – GM Jaan Ehlvest (2697) vs. GM Alejandro Ramirez 1-0

GM Alejandro Ramirez, fresh off his win last week against GM Mitkov, was paired with the very strong GM Jaan Ehlvest.

Getting black against Ehlvest is like going in for a root canal. Ehlvest is such a highly regarded GM and because he has played so many games, he is impossible to really prepare for. Ehlvest got a comfortable bind in the opening, and the bishop pair. Despite these concessions, I thought Alejandro defended well until he ventured onto the queenside for what Alejandro later said “for some unknown reason.” Ehlvest finished Handi off with a break on the kingside with f5, followed by Qh6.

Thanks to Alejandro for making the trip to Tucson to play for the Scorpions for two matches, as well as his success of tying for first at the Southern California Open, held last weekend.

Board 2 – IM Levon Altounian (2538) vs. IM Ron Burnett (2380) Draw

I am sure this is a game Levon would like to have back. He surprised everyone and his opponent, IM Ron Burnett, by playing 1.e4, and playing the c3 Sicilian.

Levon achieved a winning position right out of the opening with 11.Nxf7, winning a pawn. However, he probably spent too much time on the clock getting there. To Ron Burnett’s credit, the cagey veteran made the best of a very bad position, and skillfully manufactured counterplay with the creative 20…Bb8 and 21…Rb6! Even though Lev is still winning after he is forced to sacrifice the exchange, the winning method was not obvious, especially when Levon was already in time pressure. Lev’s final big mistake was 27.Qxe5 which surrenders all the pressure and allows black’s rooks to become active. Ducking the queen trade with 27.Qc5 seals the deal. Clearly this was a lost opportunity.

Board 3 – FM Todd Andrews (2360) vs. FM Robby Adamson (2354) 0-1

In contrast to our game last year, which featured a Stonewall, Todd decided to come after me, inviting me to play the Benko. I got that funny feeling he had prepared something for the Benko so I decided to play a Bogo Indian, a line I have almost no experience with, but something that I felt might have some surprise value. Also, fearing that the game might not be dynamic, and because of my inexperience in this line, I decided to play 11…h5 which adds some pizazz to the position. Todd responded by prematurely sacrificed a pawn with 13.c5 though interestingly Rybka does not think the sacrifice is that bad. I am not sure I agree with that assessment however because I am not sure how white generates counterplay following this sac. Even though “the computer” might not like white’s position, I think practically Todd needed to find some way to make f4 work early on, perhaps before I castled. I am not sure it is sound, but it definitely would have put more pressure on my position. In the game, white was never able to get enough compensation for the pawn, mostly because there were no open lines to work with. So after I won, the match was tied, and it all came down to board 4.

Board 4 – David Adelberg (2160) vs. David Justice (2087) Draw

Board 4 featured a battle between 12 year old and almost master, David Adelberg, and David Justice from Tennessee.

This was a tough match that went the distance into a bishop ending of the same color. The ICC kibitzers were going crazy in the endgame, saying David was losing. However, David kept his composure and was able to hold the draw, although he did make things hard on himself. As I have said so many times, the pressure in the league is tremendous. Imagine this normal pressure except knowing that your game decides the match, and oh by the way, you are only 12 years old. The kibitzers should be a little kinder to this young gun who will soon give a beat-down to those kibitzers.

Despite a valiant effort to win by David Justice (do people remember that Justice was the 2004 Co-National High School Champion, tying with Scorpion player, FM Daniel Rensch?), David put up pretty good resistance and held the draw. It was good to see David handle the situation well, considering his time pressure, and the pressure of being 12 years old. Nice save David!

Thanks again to the numerous spectators who came down to the University of Arizona to watch the games live and support the Scorpions. Again, thanks to Alejandro for playing for us, to Leo Martinez, for handling the thankless job of manager duties, thanks to Amanda Mateer and Ben Marmont for relaying, and special thanks to our tournament director, Satheesh Aradhyula for directing.  Root us on next week when we face off against the Seattle Sluggers!

This is Levon’s weekly column concerning the openings in the Arizona Scorpion games. Visit Levon’s website to learn more about what he is doing regarding chess in Tucson, AZ.

ARIZONA SCORPIONS VS TENNESSEE TEMPO.

OPENING REVIEW:

Well, my mood is not where it was writing about the match 1. We did OK and mainly it was “thanks” to me not winning a 95% winning position. Before the match most were predicting a win for our team and we did come indeed very close. From the more positive point- we have more points now than we had last year after Match 2, so we are still in a good shape. Once again, I want to thank all the players, organizers, helpers and volunteers for making this yet another perfect match.

My predictions about the match openings were approximately this way:

Board 1. I expected some English pawn structure or a Slav type.

Board 2. I knew I was going to play 1 e4, which should be a slight surprise for my opponent. I expected a Modern, Pirc, Sicilian, Caro or even Alekhine. I looked at all… except Sicilian, which was played! Had indeed read GM Hess’s comments about my style and opening choice and wanted the extra pleasure of proving I am not always a “Nf3 Fiancetto Lev”. Who knows.. maybe he was right.

Board 3. I very quickly looked up at Robby’s opponent’s games and was not sure what even the 1^st move will be. It could be 1 e4 (going for blood, since last year Robby beat the same guy in the Slav/Stonewall ) or could be 1 d4, since amazingly both players had similar opening repertoires as Black ( Sicilians, French, Benko, you name it )

Board 4. Considering David likes fianchettoed Bishop on most Gruenfeld/Benoni/Kings Indians, I saw likelyhood of one of it happening or thought maybe some slav might be happening.

Board 1: GM Ehlvest- GM Ramirez

General Styles: Ehlvest – More into structural/special advantage openings. Ramirez- more active and creative openings.

Theoretical Importance:  7

Novelty: 5

Precision: 8

Opening: English/Maroczi Bind

Ehlvest is very strong in pawn structures ( Alejandro called him a “legend” ) that are mainly fixed yet have lot of wiggling room. I lost to him few years ago in that exact manner. However, he barely drew at the last season again a Dallas IM as white in one of those structures so even though I didn’t like what Alejandro got, I thought the story can repeat. Ehlvest interpreted the structure this time with 8.f3 (instead of Be2 normal set-ups) and quickly got a small edge I thought. Despite Alejandro’s usual creativeness (moves such as 16…Bb2, 37…Q:c2), it didn’t have the desired result against the ironed logic of Ian, where his 2 Bishop’s advantage slowly led to a direct King side attack. The game also proved one more time why 2 Bishops is an advantage. As Tartakower put it in 1920’s half seriously, half jokingly- the advantage of 2 bishops is.. you can always trade one.

Board 2: IM Altounian- IM Burnett.

General Styles: Me- more structural as White. Burnett- less theory, more creativity.

Theoretical Importance:  6

Novelty: 9

Precision: 9

Opening: Sicilian Alapin

A very sad game for me, especially since last year  ( 2008 )  the 2^nd game for the Scorpions I had amazingly similar story: Winning position into the middlegame, and then sac of an exchange for an attack and 3 pawns and missed a checkmate in 1! This time I didn’t miss a checkmate, but after being up 2 pawns, missed a tactic and ended up down an exchange for again 3 pawns! Few more small but important mistakes in the time pressure and I had to agree for yet another draw. As I mentioned above, I looked up every opening… except what was played. So after playing my main line against the Sicilian- the Alapin, I was feeling uncomfortable about his 1^st move choice. Fortunately Ron chose a line I know well (GM Khachian frequently played it against me when I was residing in California) and he immediately made an inaccuracy that many people apparently also made in the database ( 4…Nd7 does not look good in conjunction with 5…Qc7 ). I found the most precise way to prove it wrong and get a winning position (starting with 6 Qb3 and up to 18 Rb1- according to Rybka I played best moves) but then completely missed my opponent’s amazing resource ( 21…Rb6!!). Had I seen it, instead of the rush 19 R:b7, 19 f:e5 would effectively finish the game. After being forced to sac an exchange, few mistakes later (most notably missing 27 Qc5! which still wins very nicely) the game ended up in a draw, much to my and teammates disappointment. I’ll just live by Robby’s words after the game “You are not going to be the last one to screw up at this tournament”. Lets see- hopefully not me and not our team! Last thought and Greg Shahade can decide if it is legal- can I play first 25 moves, get positions I get and pass it to let’s say Alejandro to finish it?

Board 3: FM Andrews- FM Adamson.

General Styles: Andrews- active chess, less openings as 1 d4. Adamson- active yet more structured openings as Black.

Theoretical Importance:  8

Novelty: 7

Precision: 5

Opening: Bogo-Indian/2 Knights Tango

I think Robby was a bit surprised by the 1d4 choice and chose his 2 Knights Tango that frequently leads to closed up structures of Bogo-Indians. At some point I think both me and Robby had the feeling that 11 Ne1 was an inaccuracy (normally White waits for Black to castle then goes Ne1). However, I personally didn’t like how the game went between moves 12-15 for Black (such as 13…d:c5) where it looks like Black regrets his choice for King side attack.  However, I just think Robby is stronger than similarly rated other players ( I don’t even want to count how many points I lost in my rating from drawing Robby countless times) and quickly fixes the problems (or his opponent was not strong enough to prove him wrong) he is facing while retaining the extra pawn. The rest was very nicely done.Once again, very well done! Perfect 3^rd board.

Board 4: Adelberg-Justice

General Styles: Adelberg- active but set opening repertoire. Justice- more active openings.

Theoretical Importance:  8

Novelty: 7

Precision: 8

Opening: Gruenfeld, Fianchetto line.

I was recently reviewing the game Bacrot-Maze (Montreal 2009) where black successfully solved opening problems (draw in 22 moves) when I saw our 4^th board got the exact same position. I am not an expert on this line but it looked like this game also ended up relatively even up to the end. Justice did not trade Queens like GM Maze did but got a normal game nevertheless. After some more trades Black got a passed pawn where it looked like he has chances to win. It is not easy playing equalish middlegames against Queen side majorities. Precise defense by David up to the point when they went from 1 minute to 6 minutes left, thanks to the 30 second increment rule.Yet continued blitzing out and making many small inaccuracies made it hard to judge for observers. At the end all ended peacefully and the overall match was tied.

GM Robert Hess is the East Coast correspondent for the Arizona Scorpions, and like Elliott Liu from the other coast is a fan of the Arizona Scorpions.  Robert is a senior in high school who has a cut throat approach to chess, but also has an endless supply of facial hair, and reminds many of a cartoon bear. Robert recently dazzled everyone, finishing 2nd overall at the 2009 US Championship. This week Robert will be covering the Week 2 match-up between the Scorpions and the Tempo.

Hey Scorpions fans! Get ready for an exciting week two as the Arizona Scorpions take on the Tennessee Tempo. Last week, your beloved Scorpions crushed the Chicago Blaze 3.5-0.5 in a completely one-sided match. The Tempo has been known to be the dregs of the league, but this year they have already notched their first win (in only one match!!). Expect the Scorpions to remain the unbeaten team after this match is through.

Board 1: GM Jaan Ehlvest “has left the building” (2697) vs. Alejandro “Handi” Ramirez (2601)

This is a nice GM-GM match on the top board and probably the most crucial game of the match.  Ehlvest, one of the premier players in the United States, takes on Ramirez, the Costa Rican grandmaster, and famous cook.  Ehlvest is a tough player to prepare for, as he has played just about everything over the years, but expect either c4 or d4 on the opening move.  If the Ramirez from 2005 shows up, he can be in serious trouble. However, if the Handi from last week shows up, expect a great struggle on board 1. I give the nod to Ehlvest on this board – his experience and the white pieces should be tough to overcome.  That is, unless Handi can use some of his skills as a chef and cook up something.

Board 2: IM Levon “the Stable” Altounian (2538) vs. IM Ron “I am tied with Todd Andrews for the biggest minus in MVP points” Burnett (2380)

Firstly, I want to let it be known that I am not trying to hurt anybody’s feelings, but simply stating a fact. Ron has a tough time in this league, as evidenced by his -30 MVP Points. HOWEVER, do not take this man lightly.  He is a chess veteran, and he wiped me off the board last time we played in Chris Bird’s fabulous New England Masters in 2007.  The man plays board two where he is severely outranked each match.

Altounian is solid. Way too solid.  This is why I have given him his nickname.  The man plays simple positional chess where he either runs out of significant pieces and makes a draw or completely outclasses his opponent.  The rating difference on this board is huge – over 150 points.  I know, I know, I am the first one to disregard ratings. But this large a difference!? It will definitely be a factor here, as Levon’s ever-so-dangerous (ha ha) g3, c4, and nf3 positional crunches will lead him to victory.  However, Levon, if you read this: you better be careful — Burnett has the tactical ability to ruin any position.  Even your lovely fianchettoed bishop on g2 will be endangered by Burnett’s attacking prowess. Regardless, Levon gets the definite vote from me on board 2.

Board 3: FM Todd “2007 or 2006/2008?” Andrews (2360) vs. FM Larry Robert “Babyface” Adamson (2354)

I always told Robby Adamson he had a young face. Elliott nailed it last week when he mentioned his baby face (with cheeks any grandmother would surely pinch).  The reason I am blogging for the Scorpions is because my good friend Robby decided it would be a good idea to trust me with predictions and recaps.  I still am not sure what he was thinking.  Currently he is asking me to finish this up, granted the 3 hour time difference makes it well past 3 a.m. for me. He doesn’t care, he wants it done.  Who am I to mess with a lawyer? I don’t even have the right to vote yet!

I am sure you fans can guess why I have given Andrews his nickname. In 2006 he was 0.5/8; in 2008 he was 2/9. However, he did well in the odd year, 2007, with a stellar record of 5/9 netting him the Most Improved Player award. If he does well again this year, with the odd number 2009, we may have to start calling him “Odd Todd”.

Back to chess- I really, really, really hope the opening is not repeated from last year’s game. The Stonewall is sooooooooooooooo boring.  For the love of the game, please do not play the Yaacov Norowitz patented line.  That position surely pissed Robby off, but eventually he was able to break loose. Andrews is a difficult player to predict, as he “plays with both hands” so they say.  Maybe this time around he will try 1.e4 and we will see some nice, enjoyable, fighting chess.  Todd – you may want to play the closed Sicilian, it thoroughly pisses Robby off. He yelled at me for years about that one.

As for my vote? I am going with a draw.  This shocks even me for several reasons.  Todd has not made a draw since week 3 in 2007!  Secondly, I have no idea how I can conclude a draw based on Andrews’ utterly miserable record in the league and Adamson’s stellar one. However, Robby is crazy, as am I.  There will be no blood on this board: Draw on board 3.

Board 4: David Adelberg (2160) vs. David Justice (2087)

Honestly, I know nothing about either of these players.  This is the match that will split the tie I have predicted and I honestly have nothing to back my prediction on.  I just looked both of these players up on the uschess.org MSA list. Justice seems to be in his early twenties and has finally crossed 2100 after several years of being stagnant at the 2050 level.  Adelberg is just 12 (according to FM Larry – yes, all you Scorpion fans he does LOVE being called by his real name) and is on the verge of making master.

Beyond ratings and a picture or two (though Justice mysteriously does not have a picture on the USCL website) I can only do my best to play eeny, meeny, miny ,mo.  Adelberg came to play last week, performing excellently in his USCL debut.  Now it is Justice’s turn to rise for his team.  After seeing a rather impressive game last week by the young gun, I don’t expect him to welcome the Tempo newcomer.  I expect white to win this board and the Scorpions to win the match.

Final Assessment:

Alright, this whole predicting thing is hard.  This kept me up far past my bedtime because he does not respect the time difference.  Anyways, Scorpions fans should be delighted to know that I am siding with them.  And no, it is not because I am writing on their blog.  Expect a 2.5-1.5 finish for Arizona and a 2-0 start to the 2009 USCL season.  Boards 2 and 4 push Arizona over the top in this one.

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.

Welcome to the 2009 United States Chess League!  I will be providing predictions on all of the matches each week (though I may duck predicting for the Arizona Scorpions some weeks, since I might be biased).  Please note in my predictions that I do not mean to be too critical of any team or player on a particular match – just one person’s thoughts. Without further ado, here are the predictions for Week 1.

Queens Pioneers v. Boston Blitz

Boston has a nice average rating advantage in this match (2461 to 2401). A nice GM match-up on board 1 with Alexander Stripunsky vs. Larry Christiansen. As happens so often in a game between 2 strong GM’s, the game can be a push. I think Queens needs a victory from Stripunsky in order to win the match. GM Perelshteyn with white against IM Eli Vovsha gives Boston the upper hand. On Board 3, IM Marc Esserman has a rating edge against FM Andrei Zaremba, but Andrei has white, so this is probably a push. Board 4 features expert Shaun Smith and youngster, Andrew Wang – this game might well decide the match. Boston wins 2.5-1.5

Miami Sharks v. Dallas Destiny

Miami has a big advantage both in strength (GM vs. IM), and color (Julio has white). I am looking forward to seeing what GM Julio Becerra plays against IM John Bartholomew’s world-famous Scandinavian Defense (1.e4 d5 2.ed Qd5). Board 2 features new UTD student and USCL rookie, Daniel Ludwig against  FM Bruci Lopez. White has a strength advantage and has white, so I give Ludwig the edge. Comparing just boards 1 and 2, I think Miami has a small edge. With board 3, Eric Rodriguez has white against FM Keaton Kiewra, who has not played in a while. Keaton is known for good preparation, so it will be interesting to see how this game goes. Finally, Nelson Lopez has color and slight rating advantage over Miguel Recio, someone I know nothing about. Overall, I think Miami has a very small edge here, though a tie would not surprise me. I predict a tie.

San Francisco Mechanics v. Seattle Sluggers

In the final Monday match of the night, San Francisco catches a break against the Nakamura-less Seattle Sluggers. With that being said, Seattle actually out-rates San Francisco  – something that I don’t think matters for this match. Pruess is at a ridiculously low rating of 2410, and having Donaldson on board 3 is as good as its going to get, even though he is facing FM Michael Lee. Board 4 features the debut of SF’s newest master, twelve year old, Yian Liou. Overall, I predict a 2-2 tie.

New York Knights v. New Jersey Knockouts

Upon a quick look at this first match of Wednesday, I was amazed at how stacked and high rated NY is. Kacheisvili v Benjamin is a great board 1 match-up, and Pascal Charbonneau on board 2 is quite strong, especially when Pascal has played board 1 many times. What is interesting is that Yaacov Norowitz on board 4 is now higher rated than their board 3, though of course not per the rating list used by NY. With a rating edge on boards 1 and 2, the Shen brothers are going to have to come up big for NJ. I predict NY wins 3-1.

Carolina Cobras v. Baltimore Kingfishers

Carolina by default has to resort to a balanced lineup (Boards 1-4 all within 150 pts of each other) while Baltimore sports GM Kritz, not an easy match for IM Schroer, as well IM Enkhbat, GM Larry Kaufman (Board 3!), and an expert on board 4. For out-ranked Carolina to have a chance, there will be a lot of pressure on the bottom boards (All-Star Ron Simpson and Craig Jones), and Oleg Zaikov will have to continue his incredible USCL success. I predict Carolina falls a little short in this one, and loses 2.5-1.5.

Philadelphia Inventors v. Tennessee Tempo

Philly has upgraded a lot since their disappointing season last year, with abnormally high rated players on boards 2 and 3 (GM Lenderman and IM Bryan Smith). The always dangerous GM Alexander Shabalov will have to carry the day for Tennessee since they are out-ranked on boards 2 and 3. Philly wins 2.5-1.5.

Arizona Scorpions v. Chicago Blaze

Arizona welcomes GM Alejandro Ramirez to board 1, while IM Levon Altounian moves down to board 2. Arizona welcomes the first junior and almost master, twelve year old David Adelberg to the team. Chicago features a balanced lineup lead by GM Mitkov, and 2 IM’s. Arizona wins a squeaker, 2.5-1.5.

SUMMARY OF WEEK 1 PREDICTIONS

Queens Pioneers v. Boston Blitz            Boston wins 2.5-1.5.

Miami Sharks v. Dallas Destiny               Tie 2-2.

San Francisco v. Seattle Sluggers           Tie 2-2.

NY Knights v. New Jersey Knockouts   NY Knights wins 3-1

Carolina Cobras v. Baltimore Kingfishers    Baltimore wins 2.5-1.5

Philadelphia Inventory v. TN Tempo     Philly wins 2.5-1.5

AZ Scorpions v. Chicago Blaze                  Arizona wins 2.5-1.5