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Ben's Blog: Tales from the Winter Open

By on January 18, 2010 in

[imagefield_assist|fid=1794|preset=frontpage_200x200|lightbox=true|title=|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=200|height=200]My first slow-rated chess in Missouri (ever!) was more interesting than I had hoped. Luckily, Spencer was able to keep the Finegold name in good stead, as he had a solid 3.5-0.5 score, beating three lower-rated players and drawing a higher-rated player (as well as winning $42). I, on the other hand, oscillated between playing like the Rams and the Lions, but was very fortunate to go 4-0. Perhaps I should ask Mark McGwire for some tips on enhancing my performance.

The tournament was VERY successful with 57 players in attendance. There were upsets all over the place, with experts losing to lower-rated players, in the vain attempt to make me look good by comparison.

Winter Open results and prize payouts

By on January 16, 2010 in

[imagefield_assist|fid=1777|preset=frontpage_200x200|lightbox=true|title=|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=200|height=200]The Winter Open at the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis was a huge success with 57 participants and intense fighting chess throughout. Eight players with a rating higher than 2000 filled out the Master/Expert class, and the CCSCSL's own GM Ben Finegold took first place with a perfect 4-0 score.

Click Read more below to view the tournament standings and prize payouts, and stay tuned for more in-depth coverage of the tournament by esteemed tournament director Ray Kurczynski!

GM Finegold lecture series scheduled for Thursdays at CCSCSL

By on January 14, 2010 in

Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to pick the brain of one of the country's top players as he offers masterful insight and analysis. GM Finegold will cover a new topic each week, so come on out and improve your game with one of the best!

If you can't make the lecture, never fear. The staff at the CCSCSL ...

Your opinion matters: Free month membership and great prizes!

By on January 14, 2010 in

[imagefield_assist|fid=1740|preset=frontpage_200x200|lightbox=true|title=|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=200|height=200]Thank you for taking the time to help us improve your club and your experience by filling out a brief survey! There are just three quick sections, and we really value your input. Sign up for an account on this site, complete the survey, and receive an extra month tacked on to your existing membership! Survey participants will also be entered into a drawing to win a copy of Bobby Fischer: My 60 Most Memorable Games, a vinyl board autographed by the 24 participants of the 2009 U.S. Championship, a vinyl board autographed by the participants of the 2009 U.S. Women's Championship or an autographed poster from the Women's Championship. The deadline for submission is January 15.

Ben's Blog: U.S. wins silver in Bursa

By on January 13, 2010 in

This is an amazing result for the U.S. team, especially with the absence of Gata Kamsky from the team.

Russia won the gold, and the surprising late entry India won the bronze after a devastating 3.5-0.5 victory over hapless Brazil. I will post the individual scores of our team below:

Ben's Blog: Russia back in first as U.S. team slips

By on January 12, 2010 in

The U.S. team played well on all four boards, but a slip on move 41 by Hikaru allowed Levon the amazing 42.Rb6!! from which Hikaru could not recover.

U.S. stands alone atop leaderboard at WTC

By on January 11, 2010 in

On a crucial must-win day, the Americans demonstrated true grit in their path to victory over Greece. The Greek team, with surprise victories over Russia and Armenia, are dangerous rivals capable of upsetting any team. The victory was by the smallest margin at 2.5-1.5 and was not decided until the last moment. On board two, the game between Alexander Onischuk and Ioannis Papaioannou was the first to finish and resulted in a draw.

Ben's Blog: U.S. wins again, seizes first place

By on January 11, 2010 in

The hero today, once again, was Hikaru Nakamura, who took a worse position and managed to win due to his opponent's time pressure. Nakamura's opponent, Vasilios Kotronias, blundered terribly on move 40, and Naka easily converted his extra rook.

Ben's Blog: USA shares lead with Russia

By on January 10, 2010 in

Solid draws on boards two and three meant a nice victory for the U.S. team, and now we can look seriously at fighting for gold! Russia squeaked by India by the smallest of margins, 2.5-1.5, whilst Armenia got crushed by giant killers Greece 3-1!

Ben's Blog: Hikaru leads U.S. to victory over Israel, Robson draw clutch

By on January 10, 2010 in

[imagefield_assist|fid=1769|preset=frontpage_200x200|lightbox=true|title=|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=200|height=200]The USA maintained its lead in match points with a powerhouse performance by our two horses, Hikaru Nakamura and Alexander Onischuk. Hikaru won in amazing style, sacrificing his queen all over the board! The threats were too much for World Cup Champion Boris Gelfand, who capitulated in only 33 moves with the white pieces. Oni was also his usual self on board two, putting the squeeze on American Swiss killer Ilya Smirin.

Once again, the U.S. team put in its youngsters, but Robert Hess got a worse position against a cagey veteran, 2009 U.S. Champion commentator ...