Tourney Recaps: Swiss Ms. and Kids' Beginner

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By Mike Kummer

When the brain trust at the CCSCSL planned the 2013 calendar back in steamy August, they envisioned ice and frost on a miserable January day. So they decided on a rock-bottom entry free with free hot cocoa to reward the members that came out in the bitter cold. Hence the name, Swiss Ms. Swys! What they didn't count on was Heat Mizer making an appearance. The high for January 19 in the beautiful Central West End was a whopping 67 degrees melting away all the free marshmallows. With all the factors in play, the tourney drew a magnificent 46 players: 17 in the Open and 29 in the Under 1700 Section.

In the Open Section, No. 1 seed International Master Priyadharshan Kannappan had little trouble sweeping the field to start his 2013 campaign in style. The talented player from Lindenwood University was playing in the event to gear up for the FIDE-rated Club Championship on Saturday, January 26-27. He is definitely a favorite to win the $500 first-place prize and get his name engraved on the prestigious trophy.

David Askin had a great day at the office. After drawing National Master Spencer in round 2, Askin miraculously defeated his opponent in the last round after being dead lost for the majority of the game. Askin eventually got it to a king-and-pawn vs. king-and-pawn endgame. Draw, right? That's what the spectators were thinking. But Askin's opponent must have been on serious tilt. Instead of capturing Askin's last remaining pawn to concede a draw, his opponent went for an unsound maneuver that just ended up losing his own pawn, giving Askin's pawn a clear path to Queen City. Askin, a former Knights regular, used his winnings to sign up for the upcoming "Freezing Round Robin". That event will last about six weeks and kick off on Tuesday, February 5.

In the U1700 section, Steven D. Evans proved once again he rules the under section. After winning the Amateur Section at the Premiere & Amateur in July, he came in as the highest rated at 1684 and defended Board 1 with honor. Like IM Kannappan, Evans was warming up for the Club Championship. His competition will be a lot tougher next week.

Julian Proleiko had another successful tournament. He finished with 2.5 points. His wins were swift and his draw was heroic. He had a rook and a pawn while his opponent had a rook and three pawns. The "Pro" had no trouble holding the position by not letting the opposing pawns advance. His opponent got so frustrated at the end that he essentially sacrificed all three of his pawns to get Julian's last pawn to secure the draw.

Despite the weather, the hot cocoa was a big hit with the members.

With 40+ players participating in the first Saturday tourney of the year, 2013 is well on it's way to being one of the best years for the chess players in Saint Louis.

SwissSys Standings. Swiss Ms. Swys!: Open

SwissSys Standings. Swiss Ms. Swys!: U1700

January Unrated Beginner Tournament for Kids

A record-breaking 66 students turned out to compete in the Unrated Beginner Tournament for Kids. The event followed the Kids Class taught by current CCSCSL GM-in-Residence Ronen Har-zvi on Sunday, January 20. 

There were 46 players in the Kindergarten-3rd Section. Kids could also compete if they were unrated or their United States Chess Federation (USCF) rating was below 600. About 10 of the players had participated in a USCF tournament, ensuring that this would be one of the club's stronger Unrated Beginner Tournaments.

In round 1, due to random pairings, two of the favorites were paired against each other. Penny Peck (USCF 414) vs. Eliot Blackmore (USCF 458). Eliot has been attending many classes at the club recently and playing in the Friday Action Quads, while Penny has been getting private lessons from CCSCSL instructor Carrie Lax. In the end, Eliot's tournament experience got the better of Penny. The rest of the USCF players remained unscathed and didn't have to start playing each other until round 2.

Andrew Voelker (USCF 493) defeated the talented Robert Mize (USCF 362) to improve to 2-0. Andrew Cai (USCF 348) just edged out Roman Ryker (USCF 342) by rating and over the board. Eliot Blackmoore dodged a USCF member this round and easily advanced to 2-0.

In round 3, defending Beginner champ Luke Conran knocked off USCF member Amber Restivo (USCF 225) to advance to 3-0. Although Luke is not a USCF member, he is a strong competitor. Eliot once again did not have to play a USCF member and breezed to 3-0. Andrew Voelker and Andrew Cai remained perfect heading into round 4. Roman and Penny both defeated fellow USCF members to get their scores back on the plus side. 

In round 4, Andrew Voelker was paired vs. Luke Conran. Both played tough but in the end Andrew was up a queen. After a few checks,Andrew figured out he needed to use his queen to keep Luke's king on the last file and get his king involved. Andrew's queen kept his opponent's king on the edge of the board, then marched his king into opposition with his opponents king. 'Mate in One! Andrew then delivered the checkmate with his queen to seal the victory. For his prize, he got a year added to his USCF membership. Andrew is the son of chess expert and CCSCSL Board Member Jim Voelker. While Mr. Voelker teaches his son, he said he never lets Andrew beat him. He makes him try to earn the victory. While Andrew has yet to accomplish the monumental task, the training has obviously paid off. Eliot Blackmoore also joined the winner circle with his last round triumph over Andrew Cai.

Nayan Swaminathan had an interesting tournament. Four rounds. Four draws. In round 2, the game lasted about 10 moves too long as there were only two kings and a knight left on the board. As soon as the tournament director saw what was going on, the game was declared a draw, as neither side had checkmating material. In round 3, Nayan had many pieces while his opponent only had one, his lone king. Nayan moved his rook to a spot that did not put his king in check but did not allow his opponent's king to move--the dreaded stalemate! In round 4, Nayan had a king and queen while his opponent was left with just his king. Unlike tourney champion Andrew Voelker, Nayan could not figure out how to checkmate with just a king and queen and once again stalemated his opponent.

In the 4th and Up section, Yusuf Hacking came up big. He defeated Kid's Beginner Tournament regulars left and right to claim the Championship. Yusuf renewed his USCF membership for one year for his prize. Yusuf plans on playing in more rated tournaments to boost his 242 rating. Grant Johnson (USCF 548) once again finished in first place in this section (tied for first with Yusuf). He ended the dreams of Joshua Wolk (597) in round 3.

Thanks to everyone for coming out. A great way for kids to get better at chess is to continue going to kid's classes, get private instruction, and play in competitive USCF tourneys. 

SwissSys Standings. Unrated Kids Beginner: K-3

SwissSys Standings. Unrated Kids Beginner: 4th and up