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By GM Ben Finegold
The Waldo Odak Open had a smaller attendance than I was hoping for, but it was still a strong hard fought event. I was able to win my first two rounds before facing FM Doug Eckert in round 3. Doug played his favorite Gruenfeld against me, and was following a game he had won many years ago against IM Igor Ivanov. The game was a bit back and forth regarding who had the edge, and eventually Doug let me seize control of too many key points (e5 square for my knight, g-file, queenside) and I was able to finish with a nice shot.
Spencer and I drew quickly in round 4 (although the game was six times longer than our previous encounter!) and I was able to beat my student (and Spencer's student as well!) Matt Larson in a very complicated Benoni. I sacrificed two pawns and got good compensation. Eventually, Matt made some errors in a complicated position and his king was not able to run to safety. Still, Matt gained rating points, again and can look forward to breaking 2000 in 2012!
Other notable results: Spencer was able to get clear 2nd by beating Eckert in a long ending in the final round. Spencer is 2175 after the event, and looks to break master in 2012. Selden Trimble was clear third, only losing to me in a tough game, and breaks expert again!
The reserve section was hard fought, with many interesting games. "Grandmaster" Ken West had a nice tournament, gaining 75 rating points (why can't I ever do that?). Spencer had another student do well, namely Owen Bitting, who not only won some cash, but gained over 100 rating points to boot.
The event was held to raise money for ALS, and the Chess Club generously donated the $2000 prize fund, using the entry fees as the donation to ALS. Some of the participants even donated their prizes for the cause, and it was well run tournament throughout, with all rounds starting on time and no disputes.
I hope my readers enjoy my games. It was the first slow rated tournament I played since the Michigan International, held over Halloween weekend!
