FOFC Chess Cup

[Airhog]

Here is the bracket


1. Rpi-Fan______
\___Airhog____
16. Airhog______/ \
\___Airhog____
8. Schmidty_____ / \
\__Wbonnell___/ \
9. Wbonnell_____/ \
\_______________
5. Primelord____ / \
\_Primelord___ / \
12. Shorty3821__/ \ / \
\____Ryche____/ \
4. Taco_________ / \
\__Ryche______/ \
13. Ryche_______/ \
\____________
6. BishopMVP____ /
\__BishopMVP__ /
11. Samifan24___/ \ /
\____MJ4H_____ /
3. Kwhit________ / \ /
\__MJ4H_______/ \ /
14. MJ4H________/ \ /
\_______________/
7. Patman_______ /
\_SaintAnselm_ /
10. SaintAnselm_/ \ /
\_SaintAnslem_/
2. TheLionKing__ /
\_TheLionKing_/
15. BoneGavel___/




Consolation Brackets

Loser Semifinal 1_____
\__3rd Place____
Loser Semifinal 2_____/


_______Wbonnell______
\____________
______Primelord______/ \
\_5th Place_____
______BishopMVP______ /
\____________/
_____TheLionKing_____/

[Airhog]

Before I post the results, I thought I would post the notation used for chess matches

!
Good move

!!
Very good move

?
Bad move

??
Very bad move, blunder

!?
Interesting move

?!
Dubious move

=
The position is about equal

²
White is slightly better

±
White is clearly better

+-
White is winning

³
Black is slightly better

µ
Black is clearly better

-+
Black is winning

ƒ
With attack

‚
With initiative

„
With counterplay


this should allow people that are unfamilar to read the analysis of the game, which is done by the program Fritz. All games will be posted in PGN format, so any program that can open PGN files, will allow you to view the game.

[Airhog]

We begin the tournament with MattJones facing off versus KWhit
It looks as though Gorgonian is a pretty good player, and should do strong in this tournament. Is there anyone that will be able to challenge him?

Gorgonian (1652) - KWhit [B13]
FICS unrated standard game FICS, Fremont, California USA, 04.02.2003


B13: Caro-Kann: Exchange Variation and Panov-Botvinnik Attack
1.e4 c6
2.d4 d5

3.exd5 cxd5

4.Bd3 Nc6 last book move

5.Nf3 f6 Covers e5+g5 [5...Bg4 6.c3=]

6.0-0 e5 [6...Bg4 7.h3 Bh5=]

7.c3?? a transit from better to worse [¹7.dxe5!? Bg4 8.Re1 Bxf3 9.Qxf3 (9.gxf3?! fxe5 10.f4 e4²) 9...fxe5 10.Qh5+ Ke7 11.Bg5+ Nf6 12.Nc3±]

7...Bg4 [7...e4!? 8.Nh4 Be6µ]

8.dxe5 fxe5 [Weaker is 8...Nxe5 9.Re1 Be7 10.Bb5+ Kf8 11.Be2 Bxf3 12.Bxf3 Nxf3+ 13.Qxf3² (13.gxf3?! Bd6=) ]

9.Be2 e4 Black wins space

10.Nd4 A sound move

10...Qb6?? Black has let it slip away [¹10...Bxe2 the only rescuing move 11.Qxe2 Nf6=]

11.Bxg4+- Rd8 [11...Nxd4 doesn't change the outcome of the game 12.Qxd4 Qxd4 13.cxd4+-]

12.b4 [¹12.Ne6 makes it even easier for White 12...Nf6 13.Nxd8 Nxd8+-]

12...Qc7 [12...Nxd4 there is nothing better in the position 13.Be3 Nf6 14.Bxd4 Qc6+-]

13.Bg5 [¹13.Ne6!? seems even better 13...Qb8 14.Bf4 Rd6 15.Nxf8 Kxf8+-]

13...Rd6

14.Nb5 Qb8

15.Nxd6+ Bxd6 [15...Qxd6 does not save the day 16.Re1 Qe5 17.Bh4+-]

16.g3 [¹16.Qxd5 keeps an even firmer grip 16...Nge7 17.Bxe7 Nxe7 18.Qh5+ g6+-]

16...Nh6 [16...h6 no good, but what else? 17.Bh5+ Kd7 18.Qg4+ Kc7+-]

17.Bxh6 gxh6

18.Qxd5 Rg8 [18...Kf8 what else? 19.Rd1 Be7+-]

19.Qxg8+ Ke7

20.Qe6+ Kd8

21.Qd7# 1-0

This would be classified as a power mate. I really like Matt's style of play, even if fritz does say he made a blunder on move 7.

[Airhog]

Game 2 is crunch time for Khwit. He must win this game here, and take it back to white, otherwise he will be watching the rest of the games from the sideline.

Fairly interesting opening. It shows that MJ4H is more of a club player, and does know his opening moves. OTOH Khwit seems to be more of a rec player, and gets into trouble early




KWhit - Gorgonian (1652) [C00]
FICS unrated standard game FICS, Fremont, California USA, 04.02.2003


C00: French: Unusual White 2nd moves
1.e4 e6

2.d3 d5 last book move

3.f3 c5

4.c3 Nc6

5.b4? [5.f4 dxe4 6.dxe4 Qxd1+ 7.Kxd1 Be7=]

5...b6 [5...cxb4 6.Ne2µ]

6.Na3? [6.b5 Nb8=]

6...Nf6 [6...cxb4 7.Nb5 a6 8.Nd4-+]

7.Nb5?? allows the opponent back into the game [¹7.b5 and White can hope to survive 7...Ne7 8.e5=]

7...a6-+

8.Na3 Be7 [8...cxb4 9.Nb1-+]

9.Nh3? [9.bxc5 bxc5 10.Qa4 Bd7³]

9...0-0 [9...cxb4 10.Nb1-+]

10.Ng5? [¹10.bxc5 is a viable option 10...bxc5 11.Qa4³]

10...h6

11.Nh3 b5 Black intends c4 [11...cxb4 12.Nb1-+]

12.f4? [12.bxc5 d4 13.cxd4 Nxd4 14.Nc2µ]

12...c4?? Black is ruining his position [¹12...cxb4 and Black could have gained the advantage 13.e5 bxa3 14.exf6 Bxf6-+]

13.e5= This push gains space [Not 13.dxc4 Nxe4 (13...bxc4?! 14.Nf2=) 14.Bb2 dxc4-+]

13...Nd7 Begins the manoeuvre Nf6-d7-b6-c4

14.Be2 cxd3

15.Bxd3 Nb6 [15...d4 16.Be4 Bb7 17.Nb1³]

16.Bc2 [16.0-0 Na4 17.Nb1 Qb6+ 18.Kh1 f6 19.exf6 Bxf6³]

16...Nc4 The black knight is well posted. [16...d4 17.Qd3 g6 18.cxd4 Bxb4+ 19.Bd2 Bb7 20.Bxb4 Nxb4-+]

17.Qd3= g6

18.Rf1 [18.Nxc4 dxc4 19.Qf3 Bb7=]

18...Bb7 [18...a5 19.Nxb5 Ba6 20.a4 axb4 21.Rb1µ]

19.Rf3 Bh4+

20.g3 Be7

21.g4 [21.Qe2 d4 22.Kf1 Rc8³]

21...Bh4+

22.Kf1 d4

23.cxd4?? another step towards the grave [¹23.Ng1 dxc3 24.Qxc3µ (24.Nxc4? is nothing because of 24...Nxb4 (24...bxc4?! 25.Qxc3 Rb8 26.a3³ (‹26.Qxc4 Nxb4 27.Bb3 a5-+) ; 25.Qxd8 Raxd8 26.Rxc3 Nxc2 27.Rxc2 Be4-+; ]

23...Nxd4-+ [23...Qxd4?! 24.Rb1µ]

24.Re3 [24.Rg3 is no salvation 24...Bxg3 (24...Nxc2?! 25.Qxc2 Qd4 26.Nxc4 Qxa1 27.Qb2 Qxb2 28.Nxb2-+) 25.hxg3 Qd5-+]

24...Nxe3+

25.Bxe3 [25.Qxe3 a last effort to resist the inevitable 25...Nxc2 26.Nxc2 Qd1+ 27.Ne1 Bxe1 28.Bb2-+]

25...Qd5

26.Bxd4 [26.Qe4 does not help much 26...Nxc2 27.Qxc2 Qf3+ 28.Nf2 Qg2+ 29.Ke1 Qh1+ 30.Kd2 Rfd8+ 31.Nd3 Qxa1 32.Qb1 Qxb1 33.Nxb1-+]

26...Qh1+ [26...Qg2#]

27.Ng1?? White
has lost his nerve... understandable when you consider his position [¹27.Ke2 Qg2+ 28.Bf2 Qxg4+ 29.Ke1-+]

27...Qg2# 0-1

As you can see, this game feature quite a few tactical moves in the midgame. White made a bad choice on move 5, but that is understandable especially when you play a non-book opening.

MattJones4Heisman clearly showed his 1600 FICS rating. It will be interesting to see if we have any other players that have the same strength as him. Conrats to him for advancing to the next round. And tough luck to KWhit, Sometimes the draw is ones own worse enemy, and it always sucks when you have to play someone that is clearly a stronger player in the first round.

[Airhog]

Taco and Ryche have played the first game in their match. Both players played a good game, although Ryche was just a bit stronger in this match. If he can win as black, then he has a good shot at sweeping this match.



Taco - Ryche [B20]
FOFC, 01.02.2003
[Fritz 5.32 (30s)]

B20: Sicilian: Unusual White 2nd moves

1.e4 c5

2.c4 Nc6 last book move

3.b3 Nf6

4.Bb2 [4.Nc3 g6=]

4...d6 Controls e5 [4...Nxe4 5.Nf3µ]

5.d4 [¹5.Nc3!?= should be considered]

5...cxd4

6.Bxd4 Nxe4

7.Nf3 [7.Bb2 Qb6 8.Qf3 Qa5+ 9.Nc3 Bf5µ]

7...Bg4 [7...Qa5+ 8.Ke2-+]

8.Be2 Nxd4 [8...Qa5+ 9.Kf1-+]

9.Nxd4 Qa5+

10.Nd2 Nc3

11.b4 [11.Qc1 Bxe2 12.Nxe2 Nxe2 (12...Nxa2 is the weaker alternative 13.Qb1²) 13.Kxe2 e6-+]

11...Qxb4 [¹11...Qh5 makes it even easier for Black 12.Qc2 Nxe2 (12...Bxe2?! 13.Qxc3 Bg4 14.Nb5³) 13.Nxe2 Bxe2-+]

12.Nc2?? an oversight. But White was lost anyway. [12.Qc2 Nxe2 13.Nxe2 Bxe2 14.Kxe2-+]

12...Qb6 [12...Nxd1?! is clearly worse 13.Nxb4 Bxe2 14.Kxe2 Nc3+ 15.Kd3-+]

13.c5 [13.Bxg4 doesn't get the bull off the ice 13...Nxd1 14.Bxd1 g6-+]

13...Qxc5

14.Ne4 [14.Nb3 does not solve anything 14...Qe5 15.Qd2 Qxe2+ 16.Qxe2 Bxe2 17.Kd2-+]

14...Bxe2 [¹14...Nxe4 makes sure everything is clear 15.Qd4 Bxe2 16.Qxc5 dxc5 17.Kxe2 Rd8-+]

15.Qxe2 Nxe2

16.Nxc5 dxc5

17.Kxe2 e6

18.Rhd1 Be7

19.Rd3 0-0 [19...c4 seems even better 20.Rdd1-+]

20.Rd7 Bf6

21.Rad1 b6

22.Ne3 Rfd8

23.Ng4 Bd4

24.Re7 Kf8

25.Rc7 a6

26.f4 b5

27.Ne5 Bxe5

28.Rxd8+ Rxd8

29.fxe5 Rd5

30.Rc8+ Ke7

31.Rc7+ Rd7 [31...Ke8!? and Black can already relax 32.Ra7-+]

32.Rc6 [32.Rxc5 Rd5 33.Rc7+ Ke8-+]

32...c4 33.Rxa6 Rb7 [33...c3 makes it even easier for Black 34.Rc6 b4 35.Rb6-+]

34.Rc6 [34.a3 f6-+]

34...f6 [34...Ra7!? might be the shorter path 35.Rb6 Rxa2+ 36.Ke3 Rxg2 37.Rb7+ Ke8 38.Rxb5 Rxh2 39.Rb8+ Kd7 40.Rb7+ Kc6 41.Rxf7-+]

35.exf6+ gxf6

36.a4 [36.a3 Ra7-+]

36...bxa4

37.Rxc4 a3

38.Ra4 Rb2+

39.Kf3 a2

40.Ra7+ Kd6

41.Ra6+ [41.Ra5-+ is still a small chance]

41...Kc5

42.h4 Kc4

43.Kf4 [43.g4 does not win a prize 43...Kb4 44.Rb6+ Ka5 45.Rxb2 a1Q-+]

43...Kc3 [43...Kb5 keeps an even firmer grip 44.Ra3-+]

44.g4 [44.Kf3 does not improve anything 44...Kb4 45.Rb6+ Ka5 46.Rxb2 a1Q-+]

44...Rb4+

45.Kf3 Kb2

46.Rxe6 [46.g5 a last effort to resist the inevitable 46...f5 47.h5-+]

46...a1Q

47.Rxf6 [47.Re2+ cannot change what is in store for ? 47...Kc3 48.Re3+ Kd2 49.Re2+ Kd1 50.Re3 Qd4 51.Kf2 Qf4+ 52.Kg1 Qxe3+ 53.Kh1 Rb2 54.h5 Qe1#]

47...Qf1+

48.Ke3 Qxf6

49.g5 Qf4+

50.Kd3 [50.Ke2 doesn't do any good 50...Re4+ 51.Kd3 Qe3#]

50...Rb3+ [50...Qe4+ 51.Kd2 Rd4#]

51.Ke2 Qf3+ [51...Re3+ 52.Kd2 Qd4#] 52.Kd2 [52.Ke1 is not much help

52...Re3+ 53.Kd2 Qe2#]

52...Rd3+

53.Ke1 Kc2 [53...Rd1#]

54.h5 [54.g6 does not save the day 54...Rd1#]

54...Qg2 [54...Rd1#]

55.g6 Rd1# 0-1

This match played out pretty well. Both player made some mistakes, Ryche just made less of them :D

[Kodos]

I'm an idiot, but are the comments yours or computer-generated?

[Airhog]

Sorry, the comments are computer generated by Fritz. I wouldnt be very good at annoitating games I afraid. While the comments can be repetitive, I find the alternate lines can provide a valuable learning experience, especially if somone wants to improve their chess game.

[KWhit]

That was fun. And it gives me some incentive to become a better player. I may just have to run out and buy Chessmaster and get to work so I don't lose as quickly next time!


:)


Congrats MJ4H. Well played.

[Airhog]

Our next match puts Patman and SaintAnslem. We are drawing closer too the quarterfinals, and only 8 people will be left.



Patman - SaintAnslem [A00]
Fofc, 05.02.2003
[Fritz 5.32 (30s)]

A00: Irregular Openings
1.e3 Nf6 last book move

2.Nh3 d5

3.Nc3 Bxh3

4.gxh3 e5

5.d4 exd4

6.exd4 Nc6

7.Qe2+ Be7

8.Rg1 [8.Be3!?= should be considered]

8...Nxd4µ

9.Rxg7?? cause more grief [¹9.Qd3 Ne6 10.Qb5+ c6 11.Qxb7³]


9...Nxe2-+

10.Bxe2 [10.Nxe2 a fruitless try to alter the course of the game

10...Bc5 11.Rg2 Rg8-+] 10...d4 11.Nb5 [11.Nd1 does not improve anything

11...Qd7 12.a3 Qxh3-+]

11...a6

12.Na3 Bxa3

13.bxa3 Qd5

14.Rg5 [14.f3 there is nothing else anyway 14...0-0-0 15.Kf1-+]

14...Qh1+

15.Kd2 Qxh2 [¹15...Ne4+ seems even better 16.Kd3 Nxg5 17.a4 Qe4+ 18.Kd2-+]

16.Re5+ Qxe5

17.c3 dxc3+

18.Kc2 [18.Ke1 doesn't get the bull off the ice 18...Rg8 19.Kf1 Qf5 20.Bg4 Nxg4 21.Bf4 Qd3+ 22.Kg1 Ne3+ 23.Bg3 Qd5 24.fxe3 Rxg3+ 25.Kf2 Qf3+ 26.Ke1 Rg1#]

18...Qxe2+

19.Kb1 [19.Kb3 hardly improves anything 19...Qd1+ 20.Kc4 b5+ 21.Kxc3 Ne4+ 22.Kb2 Qe2+ 23.Kb3 Nc5+ 24.Kb4 Qc4+ 25.Ka5 Qa4#]

19...Qxf2 [19...Qd3#]

20.a4 [20.Bd2 cannot undo what has already been done 20...Qxd2 21.a4 Qb2#]

20...Rd8 [20...Qf5#]

21.a5 [21.a3 is not the saving move

21...Qf5+ 22.Ka2 Qc2+ 23.Bb2 Qxb2#]

21...Rd1 [21...Qf5#]

22.a3 Qb2#

[Airhog]

Match 2 takes place between Saintanslem and Patman. This should be a good match.



SaintAnslem - Patman [A13]
FOFC, 05.02.2003
[Fritz 5.32 (30s)]

A13: English Opening: 1...e6
1.Nf3 e6

2.c4 Nc6

3.d4 Bb4+ last book move

4.Bd2 Ba5

5.Bxa5 Nxa5

6.e4 d5

7.Nbd2 dxe4

8.Nxe4 f5 [8...Ne7 9.Be2=]

9.Nc5 b6 [9...Nc6 10.Be2²]

10.Qa4+± Kf8

11.Be2 bxc5 [11...g5!? 12.Rd1 g4²]

12.Qxa5± cxd4

13.0-0-0 Nf6 [¹13...Qe7!?

14.Nxd4 Bd7±] 14.Nxd4+- [14.Rxd4?! Qe7±]

14...Rb8?? terrible, but what else could Black do to save the game? [14...Qe8 15.Bf3 Rb8 16.Nc6+-]

15.Nxf5! Discovered attack

15...Qe8? [15...exf5

16.Rxd8+ Eliminates the defender d8]

16.Qxc7 [16.Qxa7?! Bd7 17.Qc5+ Kg8+-]

16...Ba6 [16...Bd7 praying for a miracle 17.Bh5! White should return material 17...Nxh5 18.Rxd7 exf5 19.Qd6+ Kg8+-]

17.Qxg7#


And there you have it folks, SaintAnslem moves on into the quarterfinals.

[Airhog]

Our next two games feature Myself and RPI-Fan battling it out for that quarterfinal spot. I wasnt playing very good Ill admit, but the results speak for themselves.



RPI-Fan - Airhog [A02]
Fofc, 06.02.2003

A02: Bird's Opening
1.f4 e6 last book move

2.b3 Qh4+

3.g3 Qf6

4.Nf3?? lets it slip away [4.Nc3 d5²]

4...Nc6 [4...Qxa1 might be the shorter path 5.Nc3-+]

5.Ng5?? ruins a clearly superior position [¹5.Nc3² was necessary]

5...Qxa1-+

6.Ba3 Bxa3

7.Nxa3 Qxa2

8.Nb1 [8.Nb5 does not win a prize 8...Qa5 9.e4 d6-+]

8...Nb4

9.c3 Nc2+

10.Kf2 Qxb3

11.Qc1 [11.e4 doesn't do any good 11...h6 12.Nf3 Nd4 13.Qxb3 Nxb3-+]

11...d5

12.Nf3 [12.e3-+ doesn't improve anything]

12...Na3 [¹12...Nf6-+ and Black has it in the bag]

13.Nxa3 Qb6+

14.Ke1 Nf6

15.h3 [15.Bg2 doesn't change anything anymore 15...a5-+]

15...Ne4

16.Kd1 [16.e3 cannot change destiny 16...Nxg3 17.Bb5+ Bd7 18.Bxd7+ Kxd7-+]

16...Nxg3 [¹16...Nf2+ finishes off the opponent 17.Kc2 Bd7-+]

17.Rg1 Nf5 [17...Qf2 seems even better 18.Kc2 Nxe2 19.Bxe2 Qxe2 20.Nd4-+]

18.c4 Bd7

19.Ke1 Ba4 [19...Qc5 and Black can already relax 20.Qb2-+]

20.Nc2 [20.e3 does not solve anything 20...Qb3-+]

20...dxc4

21.d3 [21.e4 cannot change what is in store for 21...Nh422.Ncd4 Bc6 23.Qxc4 Nxf3+ 24.Nxf3 Qb1+ 25.Kf2 Qxe4-+]

21...Qa5+ [¹21...cxd3 and Black wins 22.exd3 Qc6 23.Ne5 Qxc2 24.Qxc2 Bxc2 25.Kd2-+]

22.Qd2 Qxd2+

23.Kxd2 0-0-0 [¹23...cxd3 makes it even easier for Black 24.exd3 Bxc2 25.Kxc2 a5-+]

24.Ke1 [24.Nce1 is not much help 24...cxd3 25.e4 Nd6 26.Bxd3 Nxe4+ 27.Ke3 Nf6-+]

24...cxd3 [¹24...Bxc2 makes it even easier for Black 25.Kd2 cxd3-+]

25.Nfd4 [25.Nb4 desperation 25...dxe2 26.Bxe2-+]

25...Nxd4 [¹25...dxc2 and Black can celebrate victory 26.Nxc2 Bxc2 27.Kf2-+]

26.Nxd4 Rxd4

27.Rg3 dxe2 [¹27...d2+ it becomes clear that Black will call all the shots 28.Kf2 d1Q-+]

28.Bxe2 Rxf4 [¹28...g6 keeps an even firmer grip 29.Rg5-+]

29.Rf3 e5 [29...Rxf3 and Black can already relax 30.Bxf3 Rd8 31.h4-+]

30.Kf2 Bc6

31.Ke3 Bxf3

32.Bxf3 Rxf3+! finishing him off

33.Kxf3 Decoy theme: f3

33...Rd8

34.Ke4 f6

35.Kf3 Rd4

36.Kg2 Kd7

37.Kh2 Rd3

38.Kg2 Ke6

39.Kf2 Kf5

40.Ke1 Ke4

41.Ke2 Rxh3

42.Kd2 g6

43.Kc2 Kd4

44.Kb1 [44.Kd2 does not save the day 44...Rh2+ 45.Kd1 Ke3 46.Kc1 Kd3 47.Kb1 Kc3 48.Ka1 Kb3 49.Kb1 Rh1#]

44...Rh2 [44...Kc3 45.Ka2 Rh1 46.Ka3 Ra1#]

45.Kc1 Kc3 [45...Kd3 46.Kb1 Kc3 47.Ka1 Kb3 48.Kb1 Rh1#]

46.Kd1 Rd2+ [46...Rf2 47.Ke1 Rf3 48.Ke2 e4 49.Kd1 Re3 50.Kc1 Re1#]

47.Ke1 Ra2 [47...Kd3 48.Kf1 Ke3 49.Ke1 Rd4 50.Kf1 Rg4 51.Ke1 Rg1#]

48.Kf1 Kd3

49.Ke1 h5

50.Kf1 Ke3

51.Kg1 Kf3

52.Kf1 [52.Kh1 does not help much 52...Kg3 53.Kg1 Ra1#]

52...Ra1# 0-1

[Airhog]

Game two has me playing white.

Airhog - RPI-Fan [B00]
FOFC, 06.02.2003


B00: Queen's Fianchetto Defence, Nimzowitsch Defence

1.e4 b5

2.Bxb5 last book move

2...Nc6

3.Nc3 a6

4.Ba4 Rb8

5.b3 Rb6

6.Qe2 Bb7

7.Bxc6 [7.Nd5 Nb4 8.Nxb4 Rxb4+-]

7...dxc6 [7...Bxc6!? 8.Nf3 e6±]

8.d3 Bc8

9.Na4 Rb8 1

0.Be3 Nf6

11.Nh3 [¹11.Nf3+-]

11...Nd5? [11...e5 12.0-0±]

12.Nc5?? overlooking an easy win [12.exd5 makes it even easier for White

12...cxd5 13.d4 Bxh3 14.gxh3 Ra8+-]

12...Qd6?? cause more grief [¹12...Nxe3 13.Qxe3 e5²]

13.exd5+- Qxd5 [13...cxd5 14.d4+-]

14.Nf4 Qd8 15.0-0 [15.d4 seems even better 15...Rb6+-]

15...Rb5 [15...e5 does not help much 16.Nh5+-]

16.c4 Rb8

17.Bd4 [¹17.Qf3 keeps an even firmer grip 17...Qd6+-]

17...Bd7?? lets it slip away [¹17...Qxd4 was much better 18.Ne4 f5 19.Qh5+ g6 20.Nxg6 hxg6 21.Qxg6+ Kd7 22.Qxf5+ e6 23.Qf7+ Be7³]

18.Nxa6 Ra8

19.Nc5 g5 [19...Bf5 praying for a miracle 20.Be5 Ra7+-]

20.Bxh8 [¹20.Nh5 and White can already relax 20...Be6 21.Bxh8 Qd6+-]

20...h5 [20...gxf4 doesn't change the outcome of the game 21.Be5+-]

21.Bf6 [¹21.Nxh5 might be the shorter path 21...Be6+-]

21...Bh6 [21...gxf4 doesn't change anything anymore 22.Qxh5 Ra5 23.d4+-]

22.Nb7 [¹22.Qxh5 and the result of the game is clear: White will win 22...gxf4 23.Rfe1 Bf8+-]

22...Qb8 23.Qxe7# 1-0

After two games Airhog Sweeps the series and move on into the Quarterfinals.

[Airhog]

We draw ever closer in our bid for the quarterfinals. Another match has been played Ryche taking on Taco.



Ryche - Taco [B32]
FoFc, 07.02.2003

B32: Sicilian: Löwenthal and Kalashnikov Variations

1.e4 c5

2.Nf3 Nc6

3.d4 last book move

3...Nf6

4.d5 Nb4

5.a3 Na6
6.Nc3 g6 [6...d6 7.Bb5+ Bd7 8.Bxa6 bxa6 9.0-0²]

7.h3 [7.e5 Ng8±]

7...Bg7 [7...d6 8.Bb5+ Bd7 9.Bxa6 bxa6 10.0-0²]

8.Be3 [8.e5 Ng8±]

8...0-0 [¹8...d6!?² is worth looking at]

9.Bxa6± bxa6

10.Bxc5 d6

11.Be3 a5

12.0-0 Ba6

13.Re1 Rb8

14.Rb1 Bc4 [14...Qc7 15.Nd4+-]

15.b3 Ba6

16.Na4 Bb5 [16...Nxe4 17.Bxa7 Rb7+-]

17.Bxa7 Nxe4?? leading to a quick end [17...Rb7 18.Nc3 Ba6+-]

18.Rxe4 Rb7

19.Bd4 e5

20.dxe6 Bxd4 [20...Bc6 cannot change destiny 21.Bxg7 Kxg7 22.Re1+-]

21.exf7+ Rfxf7

22.Qxd4 [22.Rxd4 makes it even easier for White 22...Qf8 23.Qd2 Bc6+-]

22...Bc6

23.Rf4 [¹23.Ne5 seems even better 23...Bxe4 24.Nxf7 (24.Qxe4?! dxe5 25.Nc5 Rb5²) 24...Rxf7 25.Qxe4+-]

23...Rf8 [23...Rxf4 no good, but what else? 24.Qxf4 Rf7+-]

24.Rxf8+ Qxf8

25.Qc4+ d5 [25...Qf7 doesn't change the outcome of the game
26.Qxc6 Re7 27.Qxd6+-]

26.Qxc6 Re7

27.Qxd5+ Kg7

28.Nc5 Re2

29.Ne6+ Kh6

30.Qg5# 1-0

Congrats to Ryche who has earned himself a spot in the quarterfinals.

[Airhog]

Our next two games are Primelord and Shorty3821 going at it.



Primelord - Shorty3821 [A80]
Fofc, 06.02.2003

A80: Dutch Defence: Unusual White second moves

1.d4 f5

2.Bf4 d5

3.Nc3 last book move

3...Na6

4.e3 b5?? [¹4...g6² is just about the only chance]

5.Bxb5++- Bd7 [5...Kf7 doesn't do any good 6.Qe2 Nb8 7.Nxd5 e5+- (7...Qxd5?? 8.Bc4 e6 9.Bxd5 exd5 10.Bxc7+-) ]

6.Qf3 [6.Bxa6!? keeps an even firmer grip 6...e6+-]

6...e6?? cause more grief [6...Bxb5 7.Nxb5 c6 8.Nc3±]

7.a4 [¹7.Bxa6!? and White can already relax 7...Rb8 8.Rb1 Nf6+-]

7...Rb8? [¹7...Nb4 8.Qh5+ g6 9.Bxd7+ Qxd7+-]

8.Bxa6+- Nh6 [8...Rxb2 no good, but what else? 9.Nb5 c5 10.Qh5+ g6+-]

9.Nb5 Ra8 [9...Bxb5 there is nothing better in the position 10.Bxb5+ Kf7+-]

10.Nxc7+ Ke7 [10...Kf7 is no salvation 11.Nxa8 Qa5+ 12.c3 Qxa6 13.Nc7+-]

11.Nxa8 [¹11.Bg5+ it becomes clear that White will call all the shots 11...Kf7 12.Bxd8 Rxd8+-]

11...Qxa8 [11...Qa5+ does not improve anything 12.c3 Qxa6 13.Nc7+-]

12.Bxh6 gxh6

13.c3 Ke8 [13...Bg7 hardly improves anything 14.Ra2+-] 14.c4 [¹14.Qh5+ makes it even easier for White 14...Ke7 15.Qh4+ Kf7 16.Bb5+-]

14...dxc4 [14...Qb8 praying for a miracle 15.Qh5+ Kd8+-]

15.Qxa8+ Ke7

16.Qxa7 h5

17.Bb5 Kf6

18.Qxd7 Rg8

19.Bxc4 Rg7

20.Qxe6+ Kg5

21.Nf3+ Kg4

22.h3# 1-0

[Airhog]

Primelord forces a check on move 23, but will he be able to roll onwards to victory?



Shorty3821 - Primelord [D00]
07.02.2003
[Fritz 5.32 (30s)]

D00: 1 d4 d5: Unusual lines

1.d4 d5 last book move

2.g4 Bxg4

3.h3 Bf5

4.f3 [4.Bg2!?µ]

4...Nc6

5.c3 e6

6.e4 [6.Be3 Be7-+]

6...dxe4 [6...Qh4+ seems even better 7.Ke2 Bxe4 8.Be3-+]

7.Bg2 exf3 [7...e5 8.dxe5 Qh4+ 9.Kf1-+]

8.Bxf3 [8.Nxf3 Nf6 9.Qb3-+]

8...Qh4+

9.Ke2 Be4 [9...Nf6 and Black can already relax 10.Be3-+] 10.Na3 [10.Be3 0-0-0-+]

10...Nf6

11.Ke3 [11.Nc4 0-0-0 12.Be3 e5-+]

11...g6 [11...Ne5! might be the shorter path 12.Nc2 (12.dxe5?? Bc5+ 13.Qd4 Nd5+ 14.Ke2 Bxd4 15.cxd4 0-0-+) 12...Nd5+ 13.Ke2 Bxf3+ 14.Nxf3 Qe4+ 15.Kf2 Nxf3 16.Qxf3 Qxc2+ 17.Ke1-+]

12.Nc4 [12.Ke2 doesn't change the outcome of the game 12...Bxa3 13.bxa3 Rd8-+]

12...Bh6+ [12...e5 seems even better 13.Ke2 exd4 14.cxd4-+]

13.Ke2 Bxf3+ [¹13...Nh5 makes it even easier for Black 14.Bxh6 Ng3+ 15.Kf2 Nxh1+ 16.Kg2 Bxf3+ (16...Qxh6?! is clearly worse 17.Bxe4 Ng3 18.Bxc6+ bxc6 19.Kxg3³) 17.Qxf3 Qxh6 18.Kxh1 Qg5-+]

14.Kxf3?? leading to a quick end [¹14.Nxf3 Qe4+ 15.Kf2 Bxc1 16.Rxc1-+]

14...Qe4+ [¹14...Qh5+ and the rest is a matter of technique
15.Kg2 Qxd1 16.Bxh6 Qxa1-+]

15.Kf2 Qxh1 [¹15...Bxc1!? keeps an even firmer grip 16.Qf3 Qh4+ 17.Kg2-+]

16.Bxh6 Qh2+

17.Kf1 Ne4

18.Rc1 [18.Be3-+ the last chance for counterplay]

18...Qf2# 0-1


And once again Primelord is able to win, and moves on into the Quarter finals.

[Airhog]

We are nearing the close of round one. As we draw one game closer to the end of this first round, I wonder if anyone will play a full three game match? so far it seems that the pairings mostly put inexperienced players up against some strong players. I hope the quarterfinals have much more even playing strength and some really exciting matches.

Now on too our next game, one of the closest matches so far, with a chance at playing out all three games.



BishopMVP - SamiFan [A00]
FOFC, 07.02.2003

A00: Irregular Openings
1.c3 e5 last book move

2.Nf3 Bd6 [2...e4 3.Nd4³]

3.Na3 [3.e4 Nf6=]

3...Nf6 [3...Bxa3 4.bxa3 e4 5.Nd4³]

4.g3 [4.Nb5 0-0²] 4...Nc6 [4...Bxa3 5.bxa3 e4 6.Nd4³]

5.Nh4 [5.Nc4 Qe7²]

5...h5 [5...Bxa3 6.bxa3 d5 7.Bg2=]

6.d3 Secures e4

6...b5 [6...Bxa3 7.bxa3 d5 8.Bg2=]

7.Bg5 [7.Nxb5!? Bf8 8.Bg2±]

7...Be7

8.Qb3 [8.Bg2 Rb8²]

8...d5 [¹8...a6=]

9.Nf5?? with this move White loses his initiative [9.Bg2 Be6±]

9...Bf8?? throws away a nice position [¹9...Bxf5 would have given Black a clear advantage 10.Nxb5 Bd7 11.Bxf6 Bxf6 (‹11...gxf6 12.Qxd5 Rb8 13.a4-+) 12.Qxd5 Rb8-+]

10.Qxb5 [10.Bxf6!? Qxf6 11.Nxb5+-]

10...Bd7±

11.Bh3?? White is ruining his position [11.Ne3 Rb8 12.Bxf6 Rxb5 13.Bxd8 Bxa3 14.bxa3 Kxd8²]

11...Rb8?? forfeits the advantage [11...Ne7 12.Qb7 Rb8 13.Qxa7 Bxf5 14.Bxf5 Nxf5 15.e4 Bxa3 16.Qxa3 dxe4 17.dxe4µ]

12.Qa4?? weakening the position [12.Bxf6 Rxb5 13.Bxd8 Bxa3 14.Nxg7+ Kxd8 15.Bxd7 Bxb2 16.Bxc6 Rb6=]

12...Rb6 [12...Ne7 13.Qxa7 Bxf5 14.Bxf5 Nxf5 15.e4 Bxa3 16.Qxa3 dxe4 17.dxe4µ] 13.Rb1 [13.Bxf6 gxf6 14.Qc2=]

13...g6?? allows the opponent back into the game [13...Ne7 14.Nxg7+ Bxg7 15.Bxd7+ Qxd7 16.Qxa7 Qc6 17.Bxf6 Bxf6-+]

14.c4?? there were better ways to keep up the pressure [14.Nb5 Ne7 15.Bxf6 Bxb5 16.Qh4 Nxf5 17.Bxd8 Nxh4 18.Bxh4=]

14...gxf5-+ [14...Bxf5 15.Bxf5 Bb4+ 16.Kf1 gxf5 17.Nc2±]

15.Nb5 a6 [¹15...Nd4 16.Qxa7 Bb4+ 17.Kd1 Nxb5 18.cxb5 Rxb5 19.Bxf6 Qxf6 20.Qxc7 d4-+]

16.cxd5?? terrible, but what else could White do to save the game? [¹16.Bxf6 axb5 17.Bxd8 bxa4 18.Bxc7µ]

16...Nd4! Discovered attack [16...Rxb5?! 17.dxc6 Bb4+ 18.Kf1 Bxc6 19.Qxa6µ]

17.Nxd4 A pinning theme [17.Qxd4 exd4]

17...Bxa4 [17...exd4?! is a useless try 18.Qxd4 Bb4+ 19.Kf1²]

18.b3 [18.Nxf5 hardly improves anything 18...Bb4+ 19.Kf1 Qxd5-+]

18...Bd7 [¹18...exd4 nails it down 19.0-0 Bb5 20.a4-+]

19.Nc6 Rxc6 [¹19...Bxc6!? keeps an even firmer grip 20.dxc6 Bb4+ 21.Kf1-+]

20.dxc6 Bxc6 21.Rf1 [21.0-0 does not help much 21...f4-+]

21...Rg8 [21...Bb4+ makes it even easier for Black 22.Kd1 Bf3 23.Bxf5-+]

22.Rc1 [22.Bd2 doesn't change anything anymore 22...Ng4 23.Rc1 Bb7-+]

22...Bb5 [¹22...Rxg5 keeps an even firmer grip 23.Rxc6 Qd4-+]

23.Rc5 [23.Bd2 desperation 23...Ba3 24.Rd1-+]

23...Bxc5

24.Be3 Bd6 [24...Bb4+ and Black can already relax 25.Bd2 Qd4 26.f3-+]

25.a4 Bc6 [25...Bb4+ 26.Bd2 Qd4 27.f3 Qe3 28.Rf2 Bxd2+ 29.Kf1 Be1 30.Kg2 Qxf2+ 31.Kh1 Bd2 32.axb5 Be3 33.bxa6 Qg1#]

26.f4 exf4

27.gxf4 Bb4+

28.Kf2 Qd5 [28...Ne4+ 29.Kf3 Nc3+ 30.Kf2 Qh4#]

29.Rg1 Rh8 [29...Rxg1 30.Ba7 Rg2+ 31.Kf1 Qxb3 32.Bxg2 Qd1+ 33.Kf2 Qe1+ 34.Ke3 Qg1#]

30.Rg5 Qxb3 [30...Qh1 31.Rg1 Qxh2+ 32.Kf1 Qxh3+ 33.Kf2 Qh4+ 34.Rg3 Ng4+ 35.Kf1 Qxg3 36.Bc5 Qg2#]

31.Rxf5 Ng4+ [31...Qd1 32.Re5+ Kd8 33.Re4 Rg8 34.Rd4+ Ke7 35.Rd7+ Nxd7 36.Bc5+ Bxc5+ 37.e3 Qf3+ 38.Ke1 Bb4#]

32.Kg3 Nxe3 [32...Be1+ 33.Bf2 Bxf2#]

33.Re5+ Be7 [33...Kd8 34.f5 Rg8+ 35.Kh4 Be1+ 36.Kxh5 Rh8+ 37.Kg5 f6+ 38.Kf4 Qb4+ 39.d4 Qxd4+ 40.Re4 Qxe4#]

34.Rxe3 Rg8+ [34...Qb6 35.Kf2 Kd8 36.d4 Qxd4 37.Ke1 Qxe3 38.Kd1 Bxa4+ 39.Ke1 Bh4+ 40.Kf1 Qf2#]

35.Kf2 Qb1 36.Rg3 [36.Rxe7+ doesn't improve anything 36...Kxe7 37.Bf1 Rg1 38.Bh3 Rh1 39.e4 Qg1+ 40.Kf3 Rxh2 41.Bg2 Qxg2+ 42.Ke3 Qf2#]

36...Bc5+ 37.e3 [37.d4 is not the saving move 37...Rxg3 38.Bd7+ Kxd7 39.hxg3 Bxd4+ 40.e3 Qc2+ 41.Kf1 Qd1+ 42.Kf2 Qf3+ 43.Ke1 Bc3#]

37...Bxe3+! Demolishes the pawn shield 38.Kxe3 A deflection [38.Rxe3+ Kd8]

38...Qe1+

39.Kd4 Rxg3

40.hxg3 Qd2 [40...Qg1+ 41.Kc3 Qc1+ 42.Kd4 Ke7 43.Bg2 Kd6 44.Bxc6 f5 45.a5 Qc5#]

41.Kc5 [41.Bf5 a fruitless try to alter the course of the game 41...Qb4+ 42.Ke3 Qe1+ 43.Kd4 Qg1+ 44.Kc4 Qc1+ 45.Kd4 Ke7 46.Be4 Kd6 47.Bxc6 f5 48.a5 Qc5#]

41...Bd7 [41...Qc3#]

42.Bg2 [42.Bxd7+ is no salvation 42...Kxd7 43.Kd4 Qf2+ 44.Kc4 Qxg3 45.f5 h4 46.Kd4 h3 47.a5 h2 48.Kc3 h1Q 49.Kc2 Qf2+ 50.Kc3 Qc6+ 51.Kb3 Qfc2+ 52.Kb4 Q2c3#]

42...Qxg2 [42...Qc3+ 43.Kd5 Bc6#]

43.g4 [43.Kd4 cannot undo what has already been done 43...Qf2+ 44.Kc4 Bxa4 45.Kb4 Qc2 46.f5 Qb3+ 47.Kc5 Qc3+ 48.Kd5 Bc6#]

43...Qxg4 [43...Qg1+ 44.Kc4 Qc1+ 45.Kd5 Bc6+ 46.Kd4 Ke7 47.gxh5 Kd6 48.h6 Qc5#]

44.Kb4 h4 [44...Qxf4+ 45.Kb3 Qc1 46.d4 Be6+ 47.d5 Bxd5+ 48.Kb4 Qc4+ 49.Ka5 Qc5+ 50.Kxa6 Qb6#]

45.Ka5 [45.Kc3 is not much help 45...Qxf4 46.a5 Qc1+ 47.Kd4 Bc6 48.Ke5 Qe3+ 49.Kf5 Bd7+ 50.Kf6 Kf8 51.d4 Qe7#]

45...h3 [45...Qxf4 46.Kxa6 Qd6+ 47.Kb7 Qb6+ 48.Ka8 Bc6#]

46.Kxa6 [46.Kb4 does not win a prize 46...Qxf4+ 47.Kb3 h2 48.a5 h1Q 49.d4 Qd1+ 50.Kb2 Qfxd4+ 51.Ka3 Q1a4#]

46...Qg6+

47.Kb7 Qb6+

48.Ka8 Qa6+ [48...Bc6#]

49.Kb8 Qb6+ [49...Qc8+ 50.Ka7 Bc6 51.a5 Qb7#]

50.Ka8= Bc6# 0-1


One of the longer matches, with both sides commiting several blunders in the opening. I cant wait to see there next game!

[Airhog]

TheLionKing and Bonegavel sent me their results. They played several games under crazyhorse rules, only the last game was played with the normal rules. The both agreed to the last game being for all the marbles.



TLK - BoneGavel [A00]
FoFc fics, 09.02.2003

A00: Irregular Openings

1.e3 g6 last book move

2.Nf3 Bg7

3.Na3 Nf6

4.Ne5 [4.d4 d5=]

4...0-0

5.Bc4 d5

6.Bd3 b6

7.Nb5 Bb7

8.b3 e6 [8...a6 9.Nd4µ]

9.Ba3 c6 [¹9...c5³ would keep Black in the game]

10.Bxf8± Qxf8

11.Nc7 [11.Nc3 c5±]

11...Qd6

12.Nxa8 Bxa8?? [¹12...Qxe5 would keep Black alive 13.Nxb6 axb6±]

13.Nf3 a5

14.c3 Ng4

15.Ng1 d4 [15...Nf6+-]

16.Qxg4 dxc3

17.dxc3 [¹17.Ke2 and White has prevailed 17...Nd7 18.Nf3+-]

17...Qxd3? Black traps the enemy king in the center [¹17...Bxc3+ 18.Ke2 Bxa1±]

18.Rd1?? instead of simply winning the game [18.Ne2 Bxc3+ 19.Nxc3 Qxc3+ 20.Ke2 Qb2+ 21.Kf3 Nd7+-]

18...Qxc3+ [18...Bxc3+ 19.Rd2 Qxd2+ 20.Kf1 Qe1#]

19.Rd2 Qa1+

20.Qd1 Qe5 [20...Qxd1+ 21.Kxd1 Bf6 22.Ke2+-]

21.Rd8+ Bf8

22.f4 [¹22.Qd4 makes it even easier for White 22...Qc7 23.Qf6+-]

22...Qc3+?? Black falls apart [¹22...Qc7+-]

23.Kf2 Qb2+

24.Ne2 Qxa2 [24...Bb7 a fruitless try to alter the course of the game 25.Qd6 Nd7 26.Qxd7+-]

25.Rxb8 Kg7 [25...Qa3 does not win a prize 26.Qd8+-]

26.Qd8 [¹26.Qd4+ keeps an even firmer grip 26...Kh6 27.Rxf8+-]

26...e5 [26...Qa3 what else? 27.Rxa8 Qe7+-]

27.Qxf8+ Kf6

28.Rxa8 [28.Qh8+ Ke7 29.Qxe5+ Kd7 30.Rd1+ Qd2 31.Rxd2#]

28...exf4

29.Qh8+ [29.exf4 Qxe2+ 30.Kxe2 Kf5 31.Qxf7+ Kg4 32.Rf8 h5 33.Qxg6+ Kh4 34.Qg3#]

29...Kf5

30.Rf8 [30.exf4 Qxe2+ 31.Kxe2 f6 32.Rf8 Kxf4 33.Qxf6+ Kg4 34.h4 a4 35.Qf3#]

30...Qxb3 [30...Qxe2+ is not the saving move 31.Kxe2 Kg4 32.Rxf7 f3+ 33.gxf3+ Kh3 34.Rxh7+ Kg2 35.Qa1 a4 36.Rg1#]

31.Nd4+ [31.exf4 Qd5 32.Rxf7+ Ke4 33.Re7+ Qe6 34.Qd4+ Kf5 35.Ng3+ Kg4 36.h3+ Kh4 37.Rxh7#]

31...Ke4

32.Nxb3 fxe3+

33.Ke1 [33.Kg3 Kf5 34.Rf1+ Ke6 35.Qf6+ Kd5 36.Qd4+ Ke6 37.Re8#]

33...Kd3 [33...f6 doesn't get the cat off the tree 34.Qxf6 Kd5 35.Qd4+ Ke6 36.Rf6+ Ke7 37.Qd6+ Ke8 38.Rf8#]

34.Rd8+ [34.Qd4+ Kc2 35.Ke2 Kxb3 36.Rb1+ Kc2 37.Qd3#]

34...Kc4

35.Nd4 [35.Nxa5+ bxa5 36.Qd4+ Kb3 37.Rb8+ Kc2 38.Qc4#]

35...a4 [35...c5 does not solve anything 36.Ke2 h6 37.Rb1 a4 38.Nb5 a3 39.Nxa3#]

36.Ke2 c5 [36...f5 cannot undo what has already been done 37.Rc1+ Kb4 38.Nxc6+ Kb3 39.Qc3+ Ka2 40.Ra1#]

37.Rc1+ [37.Rb1 f6 38.Nb5 a3 39.Qg8#] 37...Kb4 38.Nc2+ [38.Rb1+ Kc4 39.Nb5 a3 40.Nxa3#]

38...Kb3 [38...Ka5 doesn't change anything anymore 39.Ra8+ Kb5 40.Qe8+ Kc4 41.Na1+ Kd4 42.Rd8#]

39.Nxe3 [39.Rb1+ Kxc2 40.Qb2#]

39...a3 [39...f6 hardly improves anything 40.Rd3+ Kb2 41.Qxf6+ Kxc1 42.Rd1#]

40.Rd3+ [40.Rb1+ Ka2 41.Qa1#]

40...Kb4 [40...Ka4 cannot change destiny 41.Qa8+ Kb4 42.Rb1#]

41.Nc2+ [41.Rb1+ Ka4 42.Qa8#]

41...Kb5 [41...Ka5 is no salvation 42.Qa8+ Kb5 43.Nxa3+ Kb4 44.Rc4#] 42.Nxa3+ [42.Rb1+ Kc4 43.Nxa3#]

42...Kc6 [42...Kb4 cannot change what is in store for ? 43.Rc4+ Ka5 44.Qa8#] 43.Qe8+ [43.Qc8#]

43...Kb7 [43...Kc7 does not save the day 44.Rd7+ Kc6 45.Qc8#]

44.Rd7+ Ka6 [44...Kc6 doesn't improve anything 45.Qc8#]

45.Qa8# 1-0

With that being said, TLK moves on to the semi-finals.

[Airhog]

The final matches have been played out, pretty soon only 8 competitors will be left. Next up is game two between BishopMvp and samifan24.



Samifan24 - BishopMVP [A45]
Fofc, 11.02.2003


A45: Trompowsky Attack

1.d4 Nf6
2.Nc3 last book move

2...b6 3.b4 [3.e4 e6²]

3...Nc6 [3...e5 4.a3 exd4 5.Qxd4=]

4.Nf3 [4.b5 Nb8²]

4...e6 Consolidates d5 [4...Nxb4 5.e4 e6³]

5.h4? [¹5.a3= and White could well hope to play on]

5...Bxb4µ

6.Bd2 h6

7.Rb1 Ba6

8.a3 Bxa3 [¹8...Be7µ]

9.e4?? there were better ways to keep up the pressure [¹9.Ra1 would save the game 9...Qe7 10.Nb1²]

9...Bxf1-+

10.Kxf1 g5?? not a good decision, because now the opponent is right back in the game [¹10...a5-+ would have made live much easier for Black]

11.hxg5± Ng4 12.Ra1?? allows the opponent back into the game [12.Ne1 Nxf2 13.Kxf2 Nxd4 14.gxh6 Bc5+-]

12...Bf8 [12...Bb2 13.Rb1 Bxc3 14.Bxc3=]

13.d5 [¹13.Ne1!? h5 14.f3±]

13...exd5

14.exd5 Na5 [14...Ne7 15.Ra4 h5 16.Rxg4 hxg4 17.Rxh8 Ng6+-]

15.Rxh6?? weakening the position. [15.Ra4 f5 16.Nd4+-]

15...Nxh6 [15...Rxh6 16.gxh6 Bxh6 17.Ra4+-]

16.gxh6 [16.Qe1+ Qe7 17.Nb5 Qxe1+ 18.Rxe1+ Kd8 19.gxh6 f6-+]

16...Bxh6

17.Bxh6 Rxh6

18.Ke2 [18.Kg1 Qf6 19.Ne4 Qh8-+]

18...Qf6 19.Ra3 [19.Qd3-+]

19...Rh2 [¹19...Qe7+ and Black wins 20.Ne4 Qxa3-+ (20...Qxe4+?! 21.Re3 Qxe3+ 22.fxe3µ) ]

20.Nxh2? [¹20.Nb5 Nc4 21.Nxh2 Nxa3 22.Nxc7+ Kf8 23.Nxa8 Qe5+ 24.Kf3 Qxh2 25.Qd3³]

20...c6?? makes life more difficult [¹20...Qe7+ and Black could have gained the advantage 21.Ne4 Qxa3-+ (‹21...Qxe4+ 22.Re3 Qxe3+ 23.fxe3+-) ]

21.dxc6 [21.Ne4 keeps an even firmer grip 21...Qe7 22.d6 Qe6+- (22...Qxe4+?? too greedy 23.Re3 Qxe3+ 24.fxe3+-) ]

21...dxc6 [21...Qe5+ 22.Kf1 dxc6+-]

22.Ng4 [¹22.Ne4 and the result of the game is clear: White will win 22...Qe5 23.Ng4 Qxe4+ 24.Re3 Qxe3+ 25.Nxe3+-]

22...Qe7+² 23.Ne5?? forfeits the advantage [¹23.Ne4! would be a reprieve 23...Qxa3 24.Ngf6+ Kf8 25.Qd2=]

23...Rd8

24.Qe1 [24.Qa1 Qxe5+ 25.Ne4 Rd4-+ (25...Qxe4+?! 26.Re3 Rd2+ 27.Ke1 Qxe3+ 28.fxe3 Rxg2 29.Qe5+ Kf8 30.Qb8+ Kg7 31.Qxa7=) ]

24...Qxe5+ [¹24...Qxa3 and Black can already relax 25.Kf1 Kf8-+]

25.Kf1µ f6

26.g4 Nc4

27.Qxe5+ fxe5 [¹27...Nxe5!? 28.Rxa7 Rd4³]

28.Rxa7= Nd2+ [28...Rd4 29.g5=]

29.Kg2 [29.Ke2!?² is worth looking at]

29...Rd4³

30.Ra4 c5

31.Rxd4 exd4

32.g5?? ruins a clearly superior position [¹32.Na4 this is the best way to fight back 32...Nc4 33.Kf3²]

32...dxc3-+

33.f4 Kf8

34.f5 [34.Kf2 doesn't improve anything 34...b5 35.Ke2 b4-+]

34...Kf7

35.g6+ [35.Kf2 does not help much 35...b5-+]

35...Kf6 36.Kh3 [36.Kf2 a last effort to resist the inevitable 36...b5 37.Ke2-+]

36...c4 [¹36...b5 nails it down 37.Kg3 b4 38.g7 Kxg7 39.Kf4-+]

37.Kh4 b5 [37...Kxf5?? the pawn is indigestible 38.g7+-]

38.Kh5 b4

39.Kh6 b3 [¹39...Ne4 seems even better 40.g7 Kf7-+]

40.cxb3?? spoils everything [40.g7 b2 41.g8Q Kxf5 42.Qd5+ Kf4 43.Qd4+ Kf5 44.Qf2+ Ke4 45.Qe2+ Kf4 46.Qf2+ Ke4 47.Qe2+ Kf4 48.Qf2+ Ke4=]

40...cxb3 [40...c2 41.g7 c1Q 42.g8N+ Kf7 43.Kh5 Qh1+ 44.Kg5 Qe4 45.Nh6+ Kg7 46.f6+ Kh7 47.Kh5 Nf3 48.bxc4 Qg6#]

41.g7= c2?? releasing the pressure on the opponent [¹41...b2 would bring relief 42.g8Q Ke5 43.Qg7+ Ke4 44.Qxc3 b1Q 45.Qxd2 Kxf5 46.Qg5+ Ke6 47.Qg6+ Qxg6+ 48.Kxg6=]

42.g8Q+- c1Q [42...Ke5 doesn't do any good 43.Qc8 Kd4+-]

43.Qg6+ [43.Qe6#]

43...Ke5-+

44.f6 b2 [¹44...Ne4+ and Black can celebrate victory 45.Kg7 Ng5-+]

45.f7 Qc8 [¹45...b1Q might be the shorter path 46.Qg5+ Kd4-+]

46.f8Q?? gives away a clear win [¹46.Qg7+ was possible 46...Ke4 47.Qxb2 Qh3+ 48.Kg7 Qg4+ 49.Kh7 Qh5+ 50.Kg8=]

46...Qxf8+ 47.Qg7+ [47.Kh5 doesn't get the cat off the tree 47...Ne4 48.Qh6 Ng3+ 49.Kg5 Qf4+ 50.Kg6 b1Q+ 51.Kg7 Qb7+ 52.Kh8 Qxh6+ 53.Kg8 Qbg7#]

47...Qf6+ [47...Qxg7+ 48.Kxg7 b1Q 49.Kf8 Qh7 50.Ke8 Ke6 51.Kd8 Qd7#]

48.Qxf6+ [48.Kh7 doesn't change anything anymore 48...b1Q+ 49.Kg8 Qbg6 50.Qxg6 Qxg6+ 51.Kf8 Qh7 52.Ke8 Ke6 53.Kd8 Qd7#]

48...Kxf6

49.Kh5 b1Q

50.Kg4 [50.Kh4 doesn't get the bull off the ice 50...Qg1 51.Kh3 Kf5 52.Kh4 Qh2#]

50...Qf5+ [50...Qd3 51.Kh4 Kf5 52.Kh5 Qh3#]

51.Kg3 [51.Kh4 does not save the day 51...Ke5 52.Kg3 Ne4+ 53.Kg2 Qf2+ 54.Kh1 Ng3#]

51...Nf1+ [51...Ne4+ 52.Kg2 Qf2+ 53.Kh1 Ng3#]

52.Kg2 Ne3+

53.Kg3 Kg5

54.Kh2 Qf2+

55.Kh3 [55.Kh1 does not solve anything 55...Qg2#] 55...Qg2# [55...Qh4#] 0-1


A good match, but a critical missed mate at move 43 for samifan24, allows BishopMVP a chance to move on.
BishopMVP is able to tie the score at 1-1. this mean that unless a draw happens in the next game, it will decide s who moves on!

[Airhog]

The last match between BishopMvp and Samifan24. Did that loss affect Samifan? Will he be able to rally, and get the win here?



BishopMVP - Samifan24 [A00]
Fofc, 11.02.2003
[Fritz 5.32 (30s)]

A00: Irregular Openings
1.e3 e5 last book move

2.Bc4 d5

3.Bb3 Nc6

4.d4 exd4

5.exd4 Bd6

6.g3 Controls f4 [6.Ne2 Nge7=] 6...Nf6 7.Bf4 [7.Nc3!?³]

7...Bxf4

8.gxf4 g6 [8...Bg4 9.Ne2µ]

9.Nc3 Bg4 10.f3 Prevents intrusion on e4

10...Bf5 11.h4 [11.Qe2+ Kf8 12.0-0-0 Kg7µ]

11...h5 [11...Qe7+ 12.Nge2µ]

12.Nh3 [12.Qe2+ Kf8 13.0-0-0 a6µ]

12...Be6 [12...Qd7!? 13.Ng1 0-0-0µ]

13.Ng5³ Bf5 [13...Qd7³]

14.a4 [14.Nh3=]

14...b5 [14...Qe7+ 15.Kf2 0-0-0 16.Re1³]

15.a5 [¹15.axb5!? and White is still in the game 15...Nb4 16.Rh2±]

15...a6 Secures b5

16.Rh2 Nxd4?? Black lets it slip away [¹16...0-0³ was necessary]

17.Qxd4+- Qd6 [17...c6 is the last straw 18.Re2+ Kf8 19.Qc5+ Kg7 20.Qxc6 Re8+-]

18.Re2+ Kd8 [18...Kf8 there is nothing better in the position 19.Nxd5 c5+-]

19.Nxf7+ Kc8

20.Nxd6+ cxd6

21.Qxf6 Rf8 [21...Rd8 is no salvation 22.Nxd5 Ra7 23.Nb6+ Kc7 24.Re7+ Kb8 25.Rxa7 Re8+ 26.Re7 Rxe7+ 27.Qxe7 Be4 28.Qd8+ Ka7 29.fxe4 Kb7 30.Bd5+ Ka7 31.Qc7#]

22.Qxf8+ Kc7

23.Qxa8 (Samifan24 Resigned) [23.Qxa8 Be4 24.Nxd5+ Kd7 25.Rxe4 b4 26.Qe8#] 1-0

[Airhog]

Okay, the last games were not played, and Wbonell moves on. Schmidty was pretty busy, and unable to play his games. Feel free to comment on the games as I add them folks. And if you have any suggestions feel free to let me know. Next up First round stats, and then on to round 2

[Airhog]

Okay here are some stats for round 1 of the tournament.

SaintAnslem - Patman was the shortest game in round one, taking only 17 moves to complete

Samifan24 - BishopMVP and Taco - Ryche were both tied for the longest game with 55 moves.

There were six moved deemed by the computer to be Tactical blunders

There were six games that contained Sacrifices.

In the few games that made it into an actual endgame, 2 games played were rook endings and the 3rd game was 2 rooks vs a bishop.

Every game got a black medal for blunders, only 4 games recieved medals for tactics.

Pretty interesting results so far, And I expect the play to increase alot in this round. Start playing your best on who will make it into the semi-finals.

[Alf]

Kalashnikov variation ! Didn't know about that ?!

[wbonnell]

Once upon a time, I had a USCF rating better than 1600 (not good, but competitive at least). However, it's been several years since I've played anyone other than my son, and I have become extremely RUSTY. Airhog and I played some of the sloppiest chess I've ever seen! Neither one of us wanted to win! ;-)

BTW, you can't play thoughtful chess in 15 minutes- this is speed chess. And you can't play speed chess well when you're rusty.

[Airhog]

I have to agree there, this may be the longest match of the whole tournament. Match 5 is tomorrow. Hopefully one of us wont suck so bad :D

[Ryche]

My chess skills are in the same state, I used to play in occasional tournaments and had a rating over 1600. But it has been a long time and I've just started playing again. My chess is showing it :)

[Airhog]

Alright Folks. The first matches of round 2 have begun and we are now down too 7 competitors. Here is the first games played by me and wbonnell



WBonnell - Airhog [C44]
Fofc (2), 13.02.2003

C44: Ponziani Opening and Scotch Gambit

1.e4 e5

2.Nf3 Nc6

3.d4 Nxd4 last book move

4.Nxe5 Ne6

5.Bc4 f6?? Black loses the upper hand [¹5...Qf6!? must be considered 6.f4 Bc5=]

6.Bxe6?? not a good decision, because now the opponent is right back in the game [¹6.Qh5+ and White can already relax 6...Ke7 7.Ng6+ hxg6 8.Qxh8+-]

6...fxe5± [6...dxe6? is seductive, but 7.Qxd8+ Kxd8 8.Nf7+ Ke8 9.Nxh8+-]

7.Bxd7+?? forfeits the advantage. [¹7.Bxg8 Rxg8 8.Qh5+ g6 9.Qxe5+ Be7 10.Nc3±]

7...Qxd7µ [7...Bxd7?! 8.Qh5+ Ke7 9.Qxe5+ Be6 10.Nc3³]

8.Qh5+ Qf7

9.Qxe5+ Be6

10.Bf4?? the pressure is too much, White crumbles [10.Nc3!?µ]

10...0-0-0 [10...Bd6 might be the shorter path 11.Qa5 Qxf4 12.Nd2-+]

11.0-0?? White has lost his nerve... understandable when you consider his position [11.Bg3 Bb4+ (11...Bxa2?! 12.Rxa2 Bd6 13.Qf5+ Qxf5 14.exf5=) 12.c3 Bd6-+]

11...Nh6 [¹11...Bd6 and Black has it in the bag 12.Qd4 Qxf4-+ (‹12...Bxf4 13.Qxa7 Qh5 14.h3-+) ]

12.Bxh6µ gxh6

13.Qxh8 Bc4 [¹13...Bc5!? 14.Qxd8+ Kxd8-+]

14.Qc3= Bxf1 15.Na3? [15.Kxf1 Rd1+ 16.Ke2²]

15...Bxa3 [15...Ba6 16.Re1-+]

16.Kxf1 [16.Rxf1 Bf8-+]

16...Bd6

17.Rd1 [17.e5!? Be7 18.h3-+]

17...Qxa2

18.b3 Bxh2?? lets it slip away [18...Qa6+ 19.Rd3-+] 19.Rxd8+ [19.Qh3+ Rd7 20.Qxd7+ Kb8 21.Qd8#]

19...Kxd8µ 20.Qh8+ [20.g3 Qb1+ 21.Ke2 Qc1µ]

20...Kd7-+

21.Qxh7+ Ke8 [¹21...Kc6!? 22.Qxh6+ Bd6µ]

22.Qg6+ Ke7 23.Qh7+ ½-½

And the first game is over. Actually I had pressured Wbonnell with time, and he offered a draw. My position looked okay, and I probably could have play on for a win, but chose the draw instead. Also, before we go any further, that I did not wish to beat him by time. Even though its perfectly normal way to win, I would have rather one by good play, than forcing him to make bad decisions.

[Airhog]

Game 2 begins, and we see the first win of the match.



Airhog - WBonnell [C00]
Fofc (2), 13.02.2003
[Fritz 5.32 (30s)]

C00: French: Unusual White 2nd moves

1.e4 e6

2.Nc3 d5

3.Nf3 last book move

3...Nc6

4.Bb5 Nf6

5.exd5 Nxd5

6.Nxd5 Qxd5

7.Bxc6+ Qxc6

8.0-0 Bd6

9.d4 Bd7

10.c3 Prevents intrusion on b4 10...0-0 [10...Qd5 11.Qb3³]

11.Qd3 Be7 [11...f6 12.Re1=]

12.Bg5 [12.Ne5 Qd5²]

12...Qd6

13.Bxe7 Qxe7

14.Ne5 Rad8

15.Nxd7 Rxd7

16.Qb5 b6

17.Rae1 Rfd8

18.Re2 [¹18.Re5=]

18...c6 [¹18...c5³ and Black hangs on]

19.Qxc6± Rd6

20.Qb5 Qd7

21.Qxd7 R6xd7

22.Rd1 e5? [¹22...Kf8!?±]

23.Rxe5+- f6 1-0

This next game was pretty devoid of commentary. I had a winning position at move 23, and Wbonnell resigned.

This put the match at 1-1/2 to 1/2 in my favor. Wbonnell had to win the next game in order to stay alive.

[Airhog]

Game three begins, However there is a problem with this game, my computer freezes 8 moves into the game. I write down the position, and reboot. I give Wbonnell the choice of playing from the position where we left off, or the win. Wbonnel chose to play on, and the results speak for themselves.

WBonnell - Airhog [C49]
Fofc (2), 13.02.2003

C49: Four Knights: 4 Bb5 Bb4

1.e4 e5

2.Nf3 Nf6

3.Nc3 Nc6

4.Bb5 Bb4

5.0-0 last book move

5...Bxc3

6.Bxc6 bxc6

7.bxc3 Nxe4 [7...d6 8.Qe2=]

8.Nxe5 0-0 9.Qf3 [9.Re1 f5²]

9...Ng5=

10.Qg3 d6 [¹10...f6!? is worth looking at 11.d3 Nh3+ (‹11...fxe5 12.Bxg5 (12.Qxg5?! Qxg5 13.Bxg5 d6=) 12...Qe8 13.Rae1±; 12.Qxh3 fxe5²]

11.Nxc6² Qf6

12.Bb2 Ne4

13.Qe3 Qg6?? the position is going down the drain [¹13...d5 14.Nb4 Bb7±]

14.Ne7++- Kh8

15.Nxg6+ [15.Nxg6+ hxg6 16.Qxe4+-] 1-0

I resigned here, because I made a pretty serious blunder, and lost my queen.

[Airhog]

we move on too game 4. Wbonnell pretty handily defeated me here, And I was loosing self confidence fast. Next person to win claims a spot in the quarterfinals.



Airhog - WBonnell [D02]
Fofc (2), 13.02.2003
[Fritz 5.32 (30s)]

D02: 1 d4 d5 2 Nf3 sidelines, including 2...Nf6 3 g3 and 2...Nf6 3 Bf4


1.d4 d5

2.Nf3 Bg4 last book move

3.Nc3 Nf6

4.e3 Nc6

5.Bb5 Qd6

6.Bxc6+ [6.h3 Bxf3 7.Qxf3 a6=]

6...bxc6 [6...Qxc6!? must definitely be considered 7.Bd2 e6³]

7.Qd3 Bxf3

8.gxf3 e6

9.Bd2 [9.Qa6 Kd7²]

9...Be7 [9...c5 10.dxc5 Qxc5 11.Ne2=]

10.Rg1 [10.e4 e5=]

10...0-0 [10...Qxh2 11.Qf1³]

11.0-0-0 Qxh2 [11...c5 12.e4 cxd4 13.Qxd4³]

12.Rh1 [12.e4 Qh3² (12...Qxf2?? capturing this pawn is a mistake 13.Rdf1 Qh2 14.Rh1+-) ]

12...Qxf2=

13.e4 dxe4?? allows the opponent back into the game [¹13...c5 would hold out 14.dxc5 g6 15.exd5 Qxc5 (‹15...Bxc5 16.Bg5±) 16.dxe6 fxe6=]

14.Nxe4+- [14.fxe4?! c5 15.Nb5 Qg2=]

14...Nxe4 15.Qxe4 [15.fxe4 f5 16.Qh3 h5 17.Qxh5 Rab8+-]

15...g6 [15...f5 16.Qxe6+ Rf7 17.Rxh7 Kxh7 18.Qxf7 Qh4 19.Qxf5+ Kh8+-]

16.Qh4 [¹16.Bf4+- it becomes clear that White will call all the shots]

16...Bxh4-+

17.Bh6 Rfd8

18.c3 Qxf3 [¹18...Rab8 and the result of the game is clear: Black will win 19.Bd2 c5 20.Rdf1-+]

19.Rxh4 Rab8

20.Rdh1 Qf2 [20...Rxb2 21.Kxb2 Rb8+ 22.Kc2 Qf5+ 23.Kd2 Rb2+ 24.Ke3 Qf2+ 25.Ke4 f5+ 26.Ke5 Kf7 27.Rb1 Qg3+ 28.Rf4 Re2#]

21.Bd2 [21.R4h2 doesn't change anything anymore 21...Qf5 22.Rh5 gxh5 23.Rg1+ Qg4 24.Rxg4+ hxg4 25.Bf4-+]

21...Qxh4 [21...Rxb2! 22.R4h2 Qf5 23.Kd1 Qd3 24.Ke1 Rb1+ 25.Kf2 Qxd2+ 26.Kf3 Qxc3+ 27.Kg4 Rxd4+ 28.Kg5 Rd5+ 29.Kh6 Qe3#]

22.Rxh4-+ c5

23.Bg5 [23.dxc5 does not save the day 23...c6-+]

23...Rd5 24.Bf4 [24.Be3-+ cannot undo what has already been done]

24...c6 [¹24...cxd4 and Black takes home the point 25.c4 Rc5-+]

25.Bxb8= cxd4

26.cxd4 e5? [¹26...g5!? would allow Black to play on 27.Rh5 Kg7=]

27.Bxa7 f6

28.dxe5 Rxe5

29.Bd4 Re6

30.Kc2 h5

31.Kd3 Kf7

32.a3 [32.a4 Re1+-]

32...Rd6

33.b4 f5

34.a4 Rd8

35.a5 Rb8

36.Kc4 Rd8 [36...Ra8 37.Rh2+-]

37.Kc5 [¹37.a6!? makes it even easier for White 37...Ra8 38.a7 Ke6+-]

37...Rd5+? [¹37...Ke6+-] ½-½

Wbonnell had the clock working against him in this match. Had I not taken the draw, I would have won on time, again though, I thought it was poor form to win on time. So I took the draw And hoped I Would play better in the next game.

We decided after this game to take a break, and play the remaning games the next day.

[Airhog]

This was to be the final game of the match.

WBonnell - Airhog [C30]
Fofc (2), 13.02.2003

C30: King's Gambit Declined

1.e4 e5

2.f4 d6

3.Nf3 last book move

3...Bg4

4.h3 Bxf3

5.Qxf3 Nf6 [5...c6 6.Nc3=]

6.Bc4 Nc6

7.Qb3 [7.Bb5!?² is worth looking at]

7...Nd4³ 8.Bxf7+ [¹8.Qd3!?³ would keep White in the game]

8...Ke7-+

9.Qe6+?? terrible, but the game is lost in any case [¹9.Qc4 b5 10.Qd3 Kxf7 11.fxe5 dxe5 12.c3µ]

9...Nxe6 [9...Nxe6 10.Bxe6 Kxe6-+] 0-1

And Wbonnel resigns after losing his queen. I honestly feel that in a game with longer Time controls Wbonnel probably would have won. He was pretty busy though, and just didnt seem as focused tonight. I wish him luck in the loser brackets if he chooses to play there.

[Airhog]

Okay its time to bust out some more games in the quarter finals. Pretty soon we will know all of our semi-finalists.

MattJones4Heisman (1652) - BishopMVP [B02]
Fofc (2), 18.02.2003


B02: Alekhine's Defence: Chase Variation and lines with early Nc3
1.e4 Nf6

2.Nc3 Nc6

3.d4 last book move

3...g6 4.f4 [4.d5 Nb8²]

4...h5 [4...d5 5.e5 Bg4 6.Qd2²]

5.Nf3 [5.d5 Nb8²]

5...h4 [5...d5 6.exd5 Nxd5 7.Nxd5 Qxd5 8.c4 Qe4+ 9.Kf2²]

6.Be3 [6.d5 Nb8±]

6...a5 [6...d5 7.e5 Ng8 8.Na4=]

7.Bc4 [7.d5 Ng4 8.Bg1 Nb8±]

7...Rh5? [7...e6 8.d5 exd5 9.exd5±]

8.Qd2 [8.Ng5 d5 9.Nxd5 Nxd5 10.Bxd5 e6+-]

8...h3 [8...Nxe4 9.Bxf7+ Demolition of pawn structure 9...Kxf7 10.Nxe4²]

9.g3 [¹9.Ng5 e6 10.Nxh3±]

9...g5? [¹9...b5!? is interesting 10.Bxb5 Nxe4 11.Nxe4 Rxb5±]

10.fxg5 [¹10.Nxg5 e6 11.d5+-]

10...Nh7?? a blunder in a bad position [¹10...Ng4±]

11.g4+- Nxg5 [11...d5 cannot change what is in store for ? 12.exd5 Bxg4 13.dxc6 Bxf3 14.Qf2 Nxg5 15.Bxg5 Rxg5 16.Qxf3+-]

12.Bxg5 [¹12.Nxg5 seems even better 12...Rxg5 13.Bxg5 d6+-]

12...Rh7

13.0-0-0 Bg7 [13...d6+- is one last hope]

14.Qf4 d6 [14...Bf8 the last chance for counterplay 15.Ne5 Nxe5 16.dxe5 d6+-]

15.Qxf7+ Kd7

16.Be6# 1-0

Mattjones continues to play strong, Will anyone be able to stop him?

[Airhog]

Here is game two.

BishopMVP - MattJones4Heisman (1652) [C01]
Fofc (2), 18.02.2003

C01: French: Exchange Variation


1.d4 e6

2.e4 d5

3.exd5 exd5 last book move.

4.Qh5 Nf6 5.Bg5?? [¹5.Qg5= would save the game]

5...Nxh5-+

6.Bxd8 Kxd8

7.Be2 Nf6 [7...Nf4 keeps an even firmer grip 8.Bf3-+]

8.h3 Bf5 9.Bg4 [9.c4 is no salvation 9...Bb4+ 10.Kf1 c6-+]

9...Bxg4

10.hxg4 c5 [10...Nxg4 makes it even easier for Black 11.Nf3-+]

11.Nc3 [11.g5 cannot undo what has already been done 11...Ne4-+]

11...cxd4 [11...Nxg4?! 12.Rd1-+]

12.Na4 [12.Nce2 does not save the day 12...Nxg4 13.Rd1 Nc6-+]

12...Nxg4 [¹12...b5 might be the shorter path 13.Rd1-+]

13.Rh5 [13.Rd1-+ otherwise it's curtains at once]

13...Nf6

14.Re5 Nc6

15.Re2 Bb4+ [¹15...b5 makes sure everything is clear 16.Nf3 bxa4 17.Rd1-+]

16.c3 dxc3

17.bxc3 Bd6

18.Nf3 Kc7

19.Rb1 Rhe8

20.Rxe8 Rxe8+

21.Kd2 [21.Kf1 does not improve anything 21...Ne4-+]

21...Ne4+ 22.Kd3 [22.Kc2 a last effort to resist the inevitable
22...Nxf2 23.Re1 Rxe1 24.Nxe1-+]

22...Nxf2+ 23.Kc2 [23.Kd2 doesn't change anything anymore 23...Bf4+ 24.Kc2 Re2+ 25.Kb3 Na5+ 26.Kb4 Nc4-+]

23...Re2+

24.Nd2 Ne4

25.Rd1 Bf4 [25...Rxg2 and Black can already relax 26.a3-+]

26.g3 Bxd2

27.c4 Nb4+

28.Kb3 Re3+

29.Nc3 Bxc3

30.Rd4 [30.Rxd5 doesn't do any good

30...a5! the final blow

31.Rxa5 Be1+

32.Kb2 Re2+

33.Kb3 Nd3

34.c5 Bxa5

35.a3 Nexc5+

36.Kc4 Kc6 37.a4 Re4#]

30...Be1+ [30...Nc5+ 31.Ka3 Nc2#]

31.Ka4 [31.Kb2 is not the saving move 31...Re2+ 32.Rd2 Rxd2+ 33.Kb3 Rc2 34.Ka4 Rxa2+ 35.Kb5 a6#]

31...Nc3+ [31...Nc5+ 32.Kb5 a6+ 33.Kxc5 b6#]

32.Kxb4 Ne2+ 33.Kc5 [33.Rd2 a fruitless try to alter the course of the game 33...Bxd2+ 34.Kc5 b6+ 35.Kxd5 Bc3 36.c5 b5 37.g4 Nf4#]

33...b6+

34.Kb5 Nxd4+

35.Ka6 [35.Ka4 does not help much 35...dxc4 36.a3 b5#]

35...Ra3# 0-1

[Airhog]

Ryche may be a bit rusty, but seems to be gathering his strength as he progresses through this tournament.

PrimeLord (1673) - Ryche (1693) [D00]
Fofc (2), 20.02.2003


D00: 1 d4 d5: Unusual lines


1.d4 Nf6

2.Nc3 d5

3.Bf4 last book move

3...Bd7

4.e3 e6

5.Bg5 Be7

6.Nf3 0-0

7.Bb5 [7.Ne5 c5=]

7...Bxb5

8.Nxb5 Nbd7

9.Bf4 c6

10.Nc3 Nh5

11.0-0 Nxf4

12.exf4 Bd6

13.Ne5 f6

14.Nxd7 Qxd7

15.Ne2 e5

16.dxe5 fxe5

17.Qd2 [¹17.c4!?³ must be considered]

17...exf4-+

18.f3 Rf6

19.Qd4 [19.Rfe1!?-+]

19...Qe7

20.Rae1?? terrible, but what else could White do to save the game? [20.Qf2 Bc5 21.Nd4-+]

20...Bc5 21.Nxf4 [21.Kh1 no good, but what else? 21...Bxd4 22.Nxd4-+]

21...Bxd4+

22.Kh1 Qd6

23.Nh5 Rh6

24.Ng3 Qxg3 [24...Qxg3 25.Re8+ Rxe8 26.h3 Rxh3+ 27.gxh3 Qxh3#] 0-1

[Airhog]

Ryche (1701) - PrimeLord (1613) [A22]
Fofc (2), 20.02.2003


A22: English Opening: 1...e5 2 Nc3 Nf6


1.c4 e5

2.Nc3 Nf6

3.d3 last book move

3...g6

4.Nf3 Bg7 [4...d6!?= should be examined more closely]

5.Nxe5± 0-0

6.Bg5 d6

7.Nf3 Bg4

8.e3 Nc6

9.Be2 Bd7

10.0-0 [10.Nd5!?+-]

10...h6±

11.Bxf6 Qxf6

12.a3 Rae8

13.d4 a6

14.Bd3 Bg4

15.Nd5 Qe6?? another step towards the grave [¹15...Qd8±]

16.Nxc7+- Re7 [16...Qf6 there is nothing better in the position 17.h3 Bd7 18.Nxe8 Rxe8+-]

17.Nxe6 Rxe6 [17...fxe6 doesn't get the bull off the ice 18.Be4+-]

18.d5 Bxf3

19.gxf3 [19.dxc6?! is a weaker possibility 19...Bxd1 20.Rfxd1 bxc6±]

19...Bxb2

20.Rb1 Ree8

21.dxc6 b6

22.Rxb2 Rc8

23.Qc2 [¹23.Rxb6 and White takes home the point 23...Kh7+-]

23...Rxc6

24.Kh1 [24.Be4 and White can already relax 24...d5 25.Bxd5 Rd6+-]

24...Kh7

25.Rg1 d5

26.Qb1 dxc4

27.Bc2 [27.Be4 Re6 28.Rxb6 Rxb6 29.Qxb6 Rg8 30.h4 c3 31.h5 c2 32.hxg6+ Kg7 33.Qd4+ Kf8 34.Qd8+ Kg7 35.gxf7+ Kxf7 36.Bd5#]

27...c3

28.Rxb6 Rc7 [28...Rxb6 doesn't get the cat off the tree 29.Qxb6 Rg8 30.h4 Rg7 31.h5 Kg8 32.hxg6 fxg6 33.Qe6+ Kh8 34.Rxg6 Rf7 35.Qe8+ Rf8 36.Qxf8+ Kh7 37.Rxa6#]

29.Bxg6+! Demolishes the pawn shield

29...fxg6 [29...Kh8 doesn't improve anything 30.Bxf7! Demolishes the pawn shield 30...Rc6 31.Rxc6 Rxf7 32.Rxh6+ Rh7 33.Rxh7#]

30.Qxg6+ The nicest combinations are those leading to mate

30...Kh8

31.Qxh6+ Rh7

32.Qxf8# 1-0

And Ryche moves on. We are one step closer to the end of this tournament. So far we have seen two strong players, but who will prevail?

[Airhog]

Here is the final set of games in the QF



TheLionKing - SaintAnslem [A00]
Fofc (2), 23.02.2003

A00: Irregular Openings

1.e3 last book move

1...Nc6

2.Nf3 e5

3.Nc3 Nf6

4.Bb5 e4

5.Nh4 [5.Nd4!?³]

5...d5µ 6.f3 [6.f4!?µ]

6...g5-+ 7.Nf5? [¹7.fxe4 gxh4 8.Qf3-+]

7...Bxf5

8.fxe4 Nxe4

9.Nxd5 [9.Nxe4 dxe4 10.d4-+]

9...Qxd5

10.Ba4 Nc5

11.b3 [11.Bxc6+ there is nothing better in the position 11...Qxc6 12.0-0-+]

11...Qxg2

12.Rf1 Bg4

13.Qxg4 Qxg4

14.h3 Qh4+

15.Kd1 Nxa4

16.bxa4 Qxh3

17.Re1 Qg4+ [17...0-0-0 makes it even easier for Black 18.a3 Qg4+ 19.Re2-+]

18.Re2 Nd4! a convincing end

19.exd4+ Kd7

20.d5 Re8

21.Bb2 [21.c3 doesn't get the cat off the tree 21...Rxe2 22.Kc2 Qxa4+ 23.Kb1 Ba3 24.Bxa3 Rxd2 25.Kc1 Qc2#]

21...Qxe2+

22.Kc1 Qf1# [22...Qe1#] 0-1

[Airhog]

Here is there second match.

TheLionKing - SaintAnslem [B06]
Fofc (2), 23.02.2003

B06: Modern Defence

1.e4 g6

2.Nf3 Bg7

3.Nc3 last book move

3...d5 4.exd5 [4.Nxd5 f5 5.Bd3 fxe4 6.Bxe4 c6±]

4...e6 [4...Nf6 5.Bb5+ Nbd7 6.0-0²]

5.Bb5+± c6

6.dxc6 Nxc6

7.Bc4 Ne5 [7...Nge7 8.0-0±]

8.Nxe5 Bxe5

9.Bb5+ Bd7

10.Be2 Qc7

11.g3 0-0-0

12.f4 Bxc3

13.bxc3 [13.dxc3?? Bc6 14.Bd3 Bxh1-+]

13...h5 14.Bb2 [14.Bf3 h4²]

14...f6

15.d4 h4

16.gxh4 [¹16.Bf3!?= would allow White to play on]

16...Qxf4µ

17.Rf1 Qxh2

18.c4 [18.Qd3!?µ]

18...Qxh4+

19.Rf2 Qe4 [¹19...e5-+]

20.c5?? sad, but how else could White save the game? [¹20.Qd3 Rh1+ 21.Kd2 Qxd3+ 22.Bxd3µ]

20...Bb5

21.Rg2 [21.Rc1 otherwise it's curtains at once 21...Rh1+ 22.Rf1 Qh4+ 23.Kd2 Qg5+ 24.Ke1 Qg3+ 25.Kd2 Bxe2 26.Qe1 Qxe1+ 27.Rfxe1 Rxe1 28.Rxe1-+]

21...Qe3

22.Rxg6 [22.Rf2 a fruitless try to alter the course of the game 22...Rd5 23.Qd3 Rh1+ 24.Rf1 Bxd3 25.cxd3 Rh2 26.Rf2 Qxf2+ 27.Kd2 Qxe2+ 28.Kc3 Qxb2+ 29.Kc4 Rxd4#]

22...Rh1+

23.Rg1 Rxg1#

And SaintAnslem moves onto the next round, thus ending the quarterfinals.

Up next a recap of the Quarterfinals

[Airhog]

Okay here are the stats for round two.

In the second round all but one game recieved black medals for blunders. two games recieved medals for tactics.

The longest game was Airhog vs WBonnell at 37 moves.
The Shortest game was Wbonnell vs Airhog at 9 moves.

However that last match was a resignation. the shortest game with a checkmate was MattJones4Heisman vs BishopMVP at 16 moves.

So far the games have been pretty one-sided in most matches. Will this continue to be the trend? Or will we finally see more games go into the 40 move range and endgames