[imagefield_assist|fid=4298|preset=bdynako-preview|lightbox=true|title=GM Ben Finegold looks for a win against GM Gregory Kaidanov in round three.|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=375|height=270]Hi everyone! I wish my first 2010 U.S. Champ blog post had better news, but, as I said after I drew round 1, "I have more points now than before the round started!" So far, I have 0.5 out of 2, drawing against Var Akobian in round 1 and losing to Alexander Shabalov in round 2. I have white against Gregory Kaidanov tomorrow.
The tournament has featured quite a few decisive results, and thus far, the two main favorites, Hikaru Nakamura and Gata Kamsky are the only players with 2 out of 2, and Gata will have white against Hikaru in round 3.
I had a relatively boring game in round 1 versus Akobian. I was white in a Nimzo-Indian, and after a lot of theory, the game was equal. The Nimzo is not one of the openings I was prepared for, but, in a tournament this strong, any opponent is capable of playing any opening! I was surprised once again in round 2, when I faced 4.e3 in the Slav. I assumed Alex was prepared for my usual 4...g6, so I played 4...a6 for the first time in my life. I had easy
[imagefield_assist|fid=4299|preset=bdynako-preview|lightbox=true|title=Ben drew a tough opponent in GM Varuzhan Akobian in round one.|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=375|height=252]equality against insipid play by my opponent, but, as soon as we both had less than 10 minutes remaining to get to move 40, I started playing badly and lost easily from a nice position. The culprit was my idea of 26...Qf6 and 27...c5? (I missed 29.Ne4).
My brother, Mark, showed up this morning, and saw a lot of good chess. Mark is rated 2200+ USCF and really enjoyed the games today. There are a lot of spectators every day, and I am guessing over 100 people came to the chess club today to watch the action! Maurice Ashley and Jennifer Shahade do a great job of live commentary, and many of the players speak live to the audience about their games. The spectators are thrilled!
So I have 0.5 out of 2. The pairings never get easier, and I hope I am able to win a game soon!
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