Thursday, July 5, 2012

National Open-Las Vegas Internatioanl Chess Festival 2012




The National Open 2012 was one of my most successful tournaments with tons of fabulous and unforgettable experiences. There were 8 sections each had over 100 participants including about 30 Grandmasters and Internationalmasters in optional 2 or 3 days schedule. The tournament held in Las vegas, Nevada, the  fun capital in the world, and had a lot of spectacular side events for both adults and youngsters; simuls and free lectures by GM Anatoly Karpov and GM Timur Gareev, game analysis by Masters and International youth Championship.


By Fred Gruenberg   
May 2, 2012
"PUT THE FUN BACK IN CHESS at the 2012 Las Vegas International Chess Festival - June 14th through June 18th - and the USCF National Open Championship  - June 15th through June 17th.  This year's National Open and International Chess Festival really promise to be more than just a chess spectacular!  With a newly remodeled Riviera - on the strip - an $80,000 GUARANTEED prize fund, mucho side events and an appearance, and simul, by former World Champion Anatoly Karpov, the chess festival will be one of your all-time favorite chess vacations..."

 Visit the tournament website at www.vegaschessfestival.com for all the details.

http://main.uschess.org/content/view/11704/141/
The tournament was absolutely best located, well-organized, high-quality and full of fun.  During the tournament 3 days from morning to night, I didn't even wanna miss one minute to enjoy. 
The Las Vegas International Chess Festival returns to THE STRIP and the Riviera Hotel and Casino. 

Fantastic Pool Area
Over $20 million in remodeling has turned the Riv into a brand new hotel with a familiar face. New restaurants, refurbished guest rooms, a new lobby and an expanded casino welcome us back. The $59 chess rate ($89 Friday and Saturday) guarantees you a Signature or remodeled room with new furniture, flat screen TV and more.
My most favorite thing about that hotel was it's swimming pool, which is 9"deep, nice and big. Every morning before the round starts, I had a chance to get some swimming in. Best refreshment before the slow chess game! :)

Even during the rounds, I was enjoying to observe the GM's game at the top boards. It was nice to see famous strong Grandmasters in person such as GM Timur Gareev (2745), GM Varuzhan Akobian (2710)
GM Alexander Onischuk (2720) etc. 
 Championship /open/ section had about 100 participants, from whom around 40 GMs, IMs and FMs. Super tough! The next section is Under 2200, in which I played. I performed pretty good 5 points /undefeated/  out of 6 including  4 wins, 1 draw and 1 bye and ended up tied for second. Due to tiredness and sickness I took bye on Round 2 to get some rest.

Results section U2200
No. Ttl Name                         St  Rate Pts Rnd1 Rnd2 Rnd3 Rnd4 Rnd5 Rnd6 
  1     Bidari,Glenn Cyrus-RE        NV  2141 5.5 W110 W103 W 13 W 48 W 20 D  4 
  2 FM  Van Hoolandt,Patrick         MNC 2189 5.0 W 70 D 55 W 33 W 27 D  6 W 20 
  3 WFM Byambaa,Uyanga               MGL 2166 5.0 W 40  -H- D 26 W 53 W 48 W 22 
  4     Stille,Alexander M           ENG 2156 5.0 W 92 W 58 W 34 D  6 W 10 D  1 
  5     Hughes,Austin                CA  2131 5.0 D 93 W 64 W 42 W 55 D 22 W 25 
  6     Abdelmoniem,Hossam Hassan    EGY 2121 5.0 W 94 W 87 W 28 D  4 D  2 W 13 
  7     Yim,Tony Sung                AZ  2196 4.5 W104 W 91 L 20 W 36 D 18 W 38 
  8     Nita,Marian Nick             CA  2182 4.5 W 39 D 26 D 63 W 83 D 19 W 34 
  9     Ondangan,Ruben,Jr            CA  2176 4.5 D 41 W 56 L 22 W 80 W 72 W 26 
 10     Barbre,Stephen               NV  2121 4.5 D 95 W108 W 75 W 72 L  4 W 42 
 11     Siebenhaar,Erich             GER 2070 4.5 D 64 D 74 W 62 W 45  -H- W 32 
 12     Li,Ruifeng                   TX  2179 4.0 W105 D 75 L 55 D 33 W 85 W 51 
 13     McLaren,Brian Robert         CAN 2177 4.0 W 50 W 54 L  1 W 69 W 21 L  6 
 14     Cardona,Liulia               AZ  2174 4.0 D102 W100 L 72 W 35 D 37 W 48 
 15     Malazarte,Ernesto L-RE       TX  2168 4.0 D 38 L 23 W102 W 71 D 40 W 53 
 16     Yu,Corbin Zachary            OR  2154 4.0 W 84 L 61 W 85 L 38 W 86 W 54 
 17     Barsky,Sam Alex              NY  2147 4.0 L 54 W106 L 59 W 93 W 74 W 62 
 18     Song,Edward                  MI  2132 4.0 W 43 W 76 L 27 W 84 D  7 D 19 
 19     Martinez,Isaac               AZ  2119 4.0 D 57 D 36 W 74 W 54 D  8 D 18 
 20 FM  Cao,Jason                    CAN 2116 4.0 W 73 W 77 W  7 W 31 L  1 L  2 
 21     Pryor,Jamieson               CA  2108 4.0 W 44 L 63 W 58 W 77 L 13 W 60 
 22     Sen,Samir                    WA  2105 4.0 D 86 W 57 W  9 W 29 D  5 L  3 
 23     Gordon,Stephen Wayne-RE      UT  2100 4.0 D 72 W 15 L 48 W 75 D 60 W 55 
 24     McLaughlin,James             MO  2100 4.0 D 74 W 86 L 29  -X- D 41 W 65 
 25     Gallegos,Jeffery             NV  2090 4.0 L 76 W 73 W 43 W 78 W 31 L  5 
 26     Rosell,John F                AZ  2042 4.0 W 66 D  8 D  3 W 30 W 28 L  9 
 27     Gustafsson,Alexander Kenneth UT  2002 4.0 W 99 W 98 W 18 L  2  -H-  -H- 
 28     Clawitter,Craig              CA  2195 3.5 W112 W 83 L  6 W 63 L 26 D 37 
 29     Luaces,Juan                  CA  2170 3.5 W 71 D 42 W 24 L 22 D 38 D 36 
 30     Lu,Albert                    CA  2154 3.5 L103 W110 W107 L 26 W 84  -H- 
 31 WFM Mateer,Amanda                AZ  2141 3.5 W 85 W 62 W 61 L 20 L 25 D 45 
 32     Chow,Colin                   CA  2130 3.5 D 56 D 41 W 44 D 60 W 61 L 11 
 33     Hilby,Craig                  CA  2092 3.5 D 60 W 95 L  2 D 12 W 58  -H- 
 34     Kleist,Frederick K           WA  2090 3.5 W 45 W 80 L  4 D 40 W 59 L  8 
 35     Gojich,Alex                  CA  2088 3.5 L 61 D 71 W 95 L 14 W 94 W 63 
 36     Moy,Kevin                    CA  2056 3.5 D 46 D 19 W 76 L  7 W 77 D 29 
 37     Walsh,Peter C                CA  2044 3.5 L 87  -H- W 46  -X- D 14 D 28 
 38     Hall,Bill-RE                 TN  2040 3.5 D 15 W102 D 53 W 16 D 29 L  7 
 39     Trammell,George E,III        OK  2032 3.5 L  8 L 85 D 92 W 95 W 79 W 78 
 40     Brown, Wayne B               CA  2022 3.5 L  3 W 81 W 87 D 34 D 15  -H- 
 41     Mayka,Tom R                  AZ  2019 3.5 D  9 D 32 D 67  -X- D 24  -H- 
 42     Treiman,Scott                UT  2005 3.5 W 81 D 29 L  5 W 47 W 49 L 10 
 43     Kwok,James G                 CA  1996 3.5 L 18 W 90 L 25 D 79 W 66 W 67 
 44     Noble,Matthew R              AZ  1951 3.5 L 21 W104 L 32 W 91 D 67 W 69 
 45     Seid,Raymond                 NV  1924 3.5 L 34 W 70 W 68 L 11 W 81 D 31 
 46     Taylor-Brill,Seth            NC  1826 3.5 D 36 L 51 L 37 W 90 W 93 W 71 
 47     Norman,Roger                 CA  2112 3.0 D 96 D 79 D 93 L 42 D 56 W 85 
 48     Diskin,Daniel-RE             VA  2097 3.0 W107 W 59 W 23 L  1 L  3 L 14 
 49     Victoria,Jesse Valera        CA  2080 3.0 L 62 W 94 W 96 D 59 L 42 D 61 
 50     Sheng,Joshua                 CA  2076 3.0 L 13 L 53 W101 L 62 W105 W 86 
 51     Yang,Richard                 CA  2073 3.0 L 63 W 46 L 60 W 73 W 76 L 12 
 52     Duesing,Timothy J            CO  2053 3.0 D 79  -H- L 77  -H- W 97 D 59 
 53     Daroza, Eduardo              OR  2046 3.0  -H- W 50 D 38 L  3 W 64 L 15 
 54     Korba,Nicky-RE               CA  2026 3.0 W 17 L 13 W100 L 19 W 80 L 16 
 55     Sakurai,Eric                 CA  2005 3.0 W 67 D  2 W 12 L  5  -H- L 23 
 56     Braun,Jason                  MD  1995 3.0 D 32 L  9 D 97  -H- D 47 W 81 
 57     Taghizadeh,Rayan             CA  1981 3.0 D 19 L 22 L 84 W102 W 82  -H- 
 58     Richter,Alex James           MN  1951 3.0 W 90 L  4 L 21 W 68 L 33 W 83 
 59     Beilin,Solomon I             CA  1944 3.0  -B- L 48 W 17 D 49 L 34 D 52 
 60     Aletheia-Zomlefer,Soren      AZ  1924 3.0 D 33 D 68 W 51 D 32 D 23 L 21 
 61     Naganathan,Kuberan           NY  1905 3.0 W 35 W 16 L 31  -H- L 32 D 49 
 62     Barrett,Matt                 MO  1882 3.0 W 49 L 31 L 11 W 50 W 83 L 17 
 63     Irwin,Philip                 TX  1863 3.0 W 51 W 21 D  8 L 28  -H- L 35 
 64     Thompson,Buddy               AZ  1852 3.0 D 11 L  5 D105 W107 L 53 W 84 
 65     Pruitt,Carvin A,Jr           CA  1849 3.0 D 68 W109 L 69  -H-  -X- L 24 
 66     Lin,Maung Thet               SIN 2199 2.5 L 26 D105 L 80 W 92 L 43 W 95 
 67     Carr,John B                  TX  2146 2.5 L 55 W113 D 41 D 86 D 44 L 43 
 68     Ukoli,James O                TX  2068 2.5 D 65 D 60 L 45 L 58  -X- D 76 
 69     Jain, Shaurya R              CA  2049 2.5  -H-  -H- W 65 L 13 D 78 L 44 
 70     Xie,Alexander                CA  2031 2.5 L  2 L 45 L 81 W104 W 87 D 77 
 71     Russo-Alesi,Carlo            NV  2018 2.5 L 29 D 35 W108 L 15 W 75 L 46 
 72     Keough, Robert W             HI  2001 2.5 D 23 W101 W 14 L 10 L  9  --- 
 73     Hill,Leonard G               CA  1973 2.5 L 20 L 25 W 90 L 51 D 91 W 92 
 74     Tao,Jeffrey                  CA  1941 2.5 D 24 D 11 L 19 W100 L 17  -H- 
 75     Bick,Gabriel James           CA  1930 2.5 W111 D 12 L 10 L 23 L 71 W 91 
 76     Harmon-Vellotti,Carl Honor   ID  1919 2.5 W 25 L 18 L 36 W105 L 51 D 68 
 77     Rodenstein,Alan C            TX  1902 2.5 W 82 L 20 W 52 L 21 L 36 D 70 
 78     Caluza,Severo                CAN 1847 2.5 L 83  -B- W 91 L 25 D 69 L 39 
 79     Lehmann,Spencer George       IL  1799 2.5 D 52 D 47 L 83 D 43 L 39 W 93 
 80     Lundy,George W,III           ID  1583 2.5  -B- L 34 W 66 L  9 L 54 D 82 
 81 WFM Ciubara,Vladlena             ROU 2146 2.0 L 42 L 40 W 70 W 96 L 45 L 56 
 82     Bince,Rolando                CAN 2084 2.0 L 77 D 97 L 86 W108 L 57 D 80 
 83     Botez,Alexandra Valeria      OR  2058 2.0 W 78 L 28 W 79 L  8 L 62 L 58 
 84     Hough,Randall D              CA  2010 2.0 L 16 W112 W 57 L 18 L 30 L 64 
 85     Troufanov,Ivan               CA  2004 2.0 L 31 W 39 L 16 W 87 L 12 L 47 
 86     Jangle,Hemang J              CA  1967 2.0 D 22 L 24 W 82 D 67 L 16 L 50 
 87     Holland,Morry R              AZ  1795 2.0 W 37 L  6 L 40 L 85 L 70 W105 
 88     Zaydenberg,Avram             CA  2167 1.5  -H- D 93  -H-  -F-  ---  --- 
 89     Agron,Paul                   CA  2147 1.5  -H- D 96  -H-  -F-  ---  --- 
 90     Steigum,Erling               NOR 2102 1.5 L 58 L 43 L 73 L 46 D104  -B- 
 91     Ducharme,Pierre              CO  2048 1.5 W 97 L  7 L 78 L 44 D 73 L 75 
 92     De Leon,Jose Juan            CA  2011 1.5 L  4 L 99 D 39 L 66 W108 L 73 
 93     Cohen,Lawrence S             IL  2000 1.5 D  5 D 88 D 47 L 17 L 46 L 79 
 94     Hua,Margaret M               MO  1985 1.5 L  6 L 49 W104 D 97 L 35  --- 
 95     Pennock,Steven G             AZ  1985 1.5 D 10 L 33 L 35 L 39 W102 L 66 
 96     Okunevich,Matthew            AZ  1965 1.5 D 47 D 89 L 49 L 81  ---  -H- 
 97     Enrico,Patrick Lee           CA  1769 1.5 L 91 D 82 D 56 D 94 L 52  --- 
 98     Malazarte,Ernesto L          TX  2168 1.0 W113 L 27  ---  ---  ---  --- 
 99     Bidari,Glenn Cyrus           NV  2141 1.0 L 27 W 92  ---  ---  ---  --- 
100     Singson,Melandro             CA  2128 1.0 W106 L 14 L 54 L 74  ---  --- 
101     Lank,James A                 TX  2106 1.0  -H- L 72 L 50  -H-  ---  --- 
102     Boron,Anthony J              CAN 2088 1.0 D 14 L 38 L 15 L 57 L 95 D104 
103     Green,Liberty V              OH  2037 1.0 W 30 L  1  ---  ---  ---  --- 
104     Reario,Romeo                 CA  2034 1.0 L  7 L 44 L 94 L 70 D 90 D102 
105     Roberts,Chris                CA  2027 1.0 L 12 D 66 D 64 L 76 L 50 L 87 
106     Rhee,William                 MI  2003 1.0 L100 L 17 D110  -H-  -F-  --- 
107     Dominguez, Roberto           NV  2000 1.0 L 48  -B- L 30 L 64  ---  --- 
108 WIM Haring,Ruth Inez             CA  1947 1.0 D109 L 10 L 71 L 82 L 92  -H- 
109     Gordon,Stephen Wayne         UT  2100 0.5 D108 L 65  ---  ---  ---  --- 
110     Rich,Tony D                  MO  2024 0.5 L  1 L 30 D106  ---  ---  --- 
111     Diskin,Daniel                VA  2097 0.0 L 75  ---  ---  ---  ---  --- 
112     Hall,Bill                    TN  2040 0.0 L 28 L 84  ---  ---  ---  --- 
113     Korba,Nicky                  CA  2026 0.0 L 98 L 67  ---  ---  ---  ---

Here is one of my games that I drew in Round 3,

Rosell, John F (2042) vs Byambaa Uyanga (2166)
Natioanal open 2012, 16.06.2012
[Byambaa,Uyanga]

Position after 31.Bc3


1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.d4 d6 5.g3 0-0 6.Bg2 Nc6 7.0-0 e5 8.d5 Ne7 9.e4 Ne8 10.Ne1 f511.f4 Kh8 Sometimes slow waiting moves are useful, but in this position, it was unnecessary and waste of time. [11...exf4 12.Bxf4 fxe4 13.Bxe4 Nf6 14.Bg2 Nf5 ] 

12.fxe5 dxe5 13.Nd3 a5 [13...Nd6 14.c5 Nxe4 15.Nxe4 fxe4 16.Rxf8+ Qxf8 17.Bxe4 Bf5= ] 

14.Bg5 h6 15.Bd2 Bd7 16.c5 g5? An aggressive but weakening move.I should've realize my position was inferior. There was no way my kingside attack is gonna work because of my bad placed peices.[16...Nf6 17.Nxe5 fxe4 ] 

17.exf5 Bxf5 18.Qe2 Nf6 19.Nxe5 Nfxd5 20.Nxd5 Nxd5 21.Rxf5!? Rxf5 22.Ng6+ Kh7 23.Be4Bd4+ 24.Kh1 Qf6 [24...Rf2! After spending about 30 min, I miss the winning move. As far as I concerned, that was one of the candidate moves that I was analyzing. Unfortunately, I chose the different move. 25.Qd3 Nf6 26.Nf8+ Kh8 27.Ne6Qd7+- ] 

25.Qd3 Kxg6 26.Rf1 Ne7 27.g4 Kg7 28.gxf5 Nc6 29.Rf3 He offered me a draw, which I declined. In my opinion my position was better. 

29...Rd8 30.Bxc6 Qxc6 31.Bc3 Qf6 [31...g4 Strangely, I completely miss this move. So sad that I didn't even concerned about it. It was another opportunity to win the game. 32.Bxd4+ Kf8 33.Bg7+ Kxg734.Qxd8 Qxf3+-/+ ] 

32.Qe4 Bxc3 33.Rxc3 Rd1+ 34.Kg2 Rd2+ 35.Kg3 h5 [35...Rxb2 36.Rd3 Rxa2 37.Rd7+ Kf8-+ ] 

36.Re3 h4+ 37.Kh3 Rd7 38.Qc2 Rd5 39.Rf3 Rd4 40.Re3 Rf4 41.c6 bxc6 [41...g4+ 42.Kg2 Rxf543.Re7+ Qxe7 44.Qxf5 Qe2+ 45.Qf2 Qe4+ 46.Kg1 Qxc6-+ ] 

42.Re6 [42.Qc3 g4+ 43.Kg2 Rxf5 44.Qxf6+ Kxf6-+ ] 

42...g4+ 43.Kg2 Qd4 44.Qe2 h3+? [44...Qd5+ 45.Kg1 Qxf5 46.Qe5+ Qxe5 47.Rxe5-/+ ; 44...Rxf545.Re7+ Kg6 46.Qe6+ Kg5 47.Qe3+ Qxe3 48.Rxe3-+ ] 

45.Kg3 Rf3+ 46.Kh4 Qf2+ 47.Qxf2 Rxf2 48.f6+ Kf7 49.Rxc6 Rxh2 50.Kxg4 Rxb2 51.Kxh3Rxa2 52.Kg4 a4 [52...Kg6 53.Kf4 Re2 54.Rxc7 Kxf6 55.Ra7 Ra2 56.Ke4 Ke6 57.Kd4 Kd6 58.Kc4Kc6 59.Kb3 Ra1 60.Kb2 Ra4 61.Kb3 Rb4+ 62.Ka3 Kb6 ] 

53.Kf5 Rf2+ 54.Ke5 Re2+ 55.Kf5 1/2-1/2
After about playing 6 hour game, we ended up draw. I was little upset about my play in this game. From opening to middlegame, I obtained a bad position with worse pieces, and missed the couple nice chances to win the game. 

In Las Vegas International Chess Festival, even between the rounds there was no time to be bored. The most exciting side event was free lecture and simul by former World Champion Anatoly Karpov.
Former World Champion GM Anatoly Karpov giving a free lecture in National open
LAS VEGAS INTERNATIONAL CHESS FESTIVAL
NATIONAL OPEN NEWS
VOLUME 2012, ISSUE 1 - JUNE 15, 2012
"Karpov A Big Hit With Vegas Crowd Former World Champion, GM Anatoly Karpov, is this year’s big named guest and he didn’t disappoint in his simul appearance today.It all started when a big crowd assembled for the drawing of lots, performed by a computer animated Vegas style slot machine. Prospective simul entrants received a certain number of chances based on when they paid their entry fee. The earlier people entered, the higher their chances of being one of the lucky few.After the drawing, 23 lucky players had been given the opportunity to face Karpov in the simul, while the fi nal 2 spots were auctioned off 
to raise funds for the US Chess Trust. The penultimate spot went for $375, while the fi nal spot was won with a bid of $310 When the simul began, a large crowd had assembled in the room, all armed with a multitude of cameras and video recorders so people could capture the moment of meeting one of the greatest chess players that ever lived.After 5 gruelling hours, fi nishing at around midnight, Karpov eventually fi nished with an impressive score of 23 wins, 2 draws and no  losses.The two lucky survivors were Jim Green (rated 
1980) and Jose Ramirez (1900). Both players played very solid games and were well deserving of their half-points as they managed to avoid succumbing to Karpov’s technique of grinding people down in a slow, 
methodical manner rather than blasting people off the board with tactics."


After the rounds finished, also, I was enjoying to hang out at the "strip" almost every night. Las Vegas is one of the best vacation spot in U.S. it's a 24 hour city where lots of entertainment take place, gamblings and has a many attractions and casinos. Here is some pictures I took in my tour at the strip: /Thank you for the nice company with my friends; Bryon, Barry and Demetrius and his family/

Bryon, on top of the Stratosphere tower
Stratosphere tower


Amazing water show about to starting...
My favorite part of Vegas! Fantastic Water Fountain!

Bellagio hotel
Effel Tower on the strip



An interesting image inside the casinos definitely make you feel like you'r in outside. Enjoy the fake sky, a river,  a waterfall, trees, a garden, flowers etc!

At that moment, it was absolutely the "happiest place on earth"
Last benefit of the National open was that everybody who has a plus score receiving $50 gift card for the book store. I was lucky to tied for second and pocketed several hundred, plus $50 gift card and all kinds of free lectures and game analysis. As a matter of fact, I didn't expect to do well in this tournament because I was taking a vacation since I finished my school in end of the May. Despite of not having practice last couple month, I was happy for my performance in National open. Sometimes good vacation and good people are the best  influence on success. 

I'd like to thank to my friend Bryon Joseph Doyle for giving me an unforgettable wonderful vacation and traveling, and to my friend Barry Wayne Curto for your all support!  Without you guys' good company and fun, I wouldn't do great in my tournament. :) 

Brief note for 2015 Las Vegas Chess Festival: /added 11/4/2018/
when photographer captures my shoes :)
It's always nice to come back to National Open. Different from the others years though, I didn't play in the main event, instead, I played in the Women's Open, which was an another great experience. 

http://www.uschess.org/content/view/13091/826/: My winning was mentioned in this article!



3 way tie for first place



 




Posted by at 2 comments:

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

1st NorCal House of Chess Invitational


I was invited to play exciting  Fide event 1st Norcal House of Chess invitational organized by Ted Castro. I knew that it will be super strong and challenging for me since I was the lowest rated player and my rating was about 200 points lower than the average rating of all participants. I wasn't really sure that I can even play this kind of  round robin IM-norm tournament  because I thought this is gonna be too strong for me. I didn't think  I'm competitive enough to challenge these such strong players who participating in this event. In addition, I didn't even dreamed about obtaining  WIM norm that requires at least 4 points out of 9. However , this can't be a reason I can not play. Furthermore, Ted encouraged me to play because I'm a foreign player and he thinks I have a good chance get WIM norm. All in all, I decided to play no matter what happens. I just wanted to learn more than earn.  
NorCal House of Chess is conducting its first Invitational tournament. It's a round-robin IM-norm event that has an average rating of 2306. Hence, norm-hunters will need 6.5/9.0 to earn an IM norm!
Fide Event  IM-norm 1st Norcal House of Chess invitaional


Here are the list of players:

1) IM Enrico Sevillano 2502 (USA);
2) IM De Guzman, Ricardo 2400 (PHI);
3) IM Kaufman, Raymond 2316 (USA);
4) FM Cusi, Ronald 2316 (USA);
5) FM Lobo, Richard 2236 (ENG);
6) FM Evans, Bela 2256 (USA);
7) WFM Bayambaa, Uyanga 2110 (MGL);
8) NM Emmanuel Perez 2290 (PHI);
9) NM Ishkanov, Tigran 2347 (USA);
and 10) NM Yian Liou 2293 (USA).

Pairings have been emailed to the players a week before the event. Interestingly, the round times are scheduled on weekends to accommodate those who have a day-job or go to school. The schedule is as follows: March 17, 18, 23, 24, & 25 10:30 & 5:30; except for Friday (Mar. 23) 6:00 pm.

The time-control that will be used is 40/90, SD/30 with 30-second increment. A prize fund of $ 400.00 for the top Prize, $ 200.00 for 2nd place.

Couple of months ago, NorCal House of Chess together with Arun Sharma hosted the most elite chess tournament in Northern California. It was a very successful event that had great reviews in various website and newspapers, like NY Times. Like in the previous tournament, we will also be providing chess boards, clocks and food/beverage.

Concurrently, NorCal House of Chess will also be conducting a FIDE-Qualifier Event on March 24 & 25. These events are both USCF & FIDE RATED tournament. The FIDE Qualifier will have 4 Rounds: Saturday, 11:00 & 4:00 pm, Sunday 10:30 & 3:30 pm with a time-control of 30/90, SD 30 d5. The entry fee for the FIDE Qualifier is $ 80.00. Although we will limit the number of players so those who are interested should email us right away at norcalhouseofchess@gmail.com or castro.ted@gmail.com.

1st place winner – earns a seat at NorCal House of Chess Invitational

Our next IM Norm event will be in May
2nd place winner – earns a seat at the next FIDE QUALIFIER EVENT
3rd place winner – earns a seat at the next FIDE QUALIFIER EVENT

Chief Arbiters: Gaurang Mehta & Bobby Bautista
Deputy Arbiters: Richard Koepcke & Tom Langland
Organizer: Ted Castro, NorCal House of Chess

The location for both events will be at All Star Institute, 43697 Mission Blvd, Fremont, CA.  http://www.norcalhouseofchess.com/

The pairings were emailed about a week before the rounds started, so players had a plenty of time to prepare their matches. Nevertheless, it was so sad that I didn't prepare anything so not like a chess player who playing in serious IM-norm round robin tournament, instead, celebrating my birthday party up until 5 in the morning before the first round started
22 birthday, right before the day of first round

.
Round 1: March 17th

Ishkanov,Tigran (2396) - Byambaa, Uyanga (2110)
[Byambaa,Uyanga]

Position after 32....Rf8

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.g3 Bg7 4.Bg2 0-0 5.Nc3 d6 6.Nf3 Nc6 7.0-0 e5 8.dxe5 dxe5 9.Bg5 Be6 10.Qa4 Qc8 11.Bxf6 Bxf6 12.Nd5 Bg7 13.Ng5 Re8 [13...Bd7 14.Qxc6 Bxc6 15.Ne7+ Kh8 16.Nxc8 Bxg2 17.Kxg2 Raxc8= ]

14.Ne4 Bxd5 [14...Kh8 15.Rfd1 ]

15.cxd5 Nd4 16.e3 Nf5 17.Rac1 Qd8 18.Qa5 b6 19.Qa6 Bf8 Idea of going to d6 and trying to stabilize my postiiton. 20.Qb7 Rc8 21.Qxa7 Nd6 22.Nxd6 Bxd6 23.Qa4 f5 I was a pawn down on my queenside, so my plan was attack his kingside.

24.a3 f4 25.exf4? I think that was his only mistake so far. It gave me little more chance to counterattack

25...exf4 26.Bh3 Ra8 27.Qc4 Qg5 28.Be6+ bishop looks pretty good here but it's useless on e6, plus it was good defensive piece on h3

28...Kg7 both had 10 mins on clock

29.Rce1 Be5 30.Re4 Ra5 31.Qe2 Bd6 32.Re1 Rf8 33.h4? we were in time trouble, that's why he wanted to make some moves to get move 40 I think

33...Qf6 [33...Bb4 ]

34.b4 Rxa3 35.gxf4 Bxf4 36.Qg4 Bd6 [36...Be3! ]

37.R1e2 Ra1+ 38.Kg2 Ra3 39.R4e3 Rxe3  0-1
Opposite color bishop is very good weapon for attack. Even though I had a material down, having an initiative with advantage of opposite color bishop in middlegame was the key to made the game win. As a matter of fact, he was the highest rated player I've ever beaten, so I was extremely happy. Ted and Anthony's were right, I should believe in myself. Winning my first game over about 2400 player  was really nice start!

Round 2: March 17th
This was the second time I paired against my opponent. The first game we played was in Northern California international 2012 and it was pretty exciting game. http://uyangabyambaa.blogspot.com/2012/04/northern-california-international-2012.html Round 4.

WFM Byambaa, Uyanga (2110) - FM Lobo, Richard (2236)
[Byambaa,Uyanga]



1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6 6.Bc4 Qb6 7.Nxc6 bxc6 8.0-0 e6 9.Bb3 Be7 10.Be3 Qc7 11.f4 0-0 12.Qf3 Ba6 13.Rf2 I just wanted to keep my rook on f-file since f4 was played, but this was just not right. 13.Rd1 was more natural. 

13...c5 14.Qg3 [14.Rd1 ] 

14...c4 15.Ba4 Bb7 16.f5 Kh8 [16...Bxe4 17.fxe6 fxe6 18.Rxf6 Rxf6 19.Nxe4 Rg6 20.Qe1~~ ] 

17.Qh3 e5 [17...Nxe4 18.Nxe4 Bxe4 19.fxe6 fxe6 20.Qxe6 Qb7= ] 

18.Qf3 Qa5 19.Bg5 Bd8 [19...Bxe4 20.Nxe4 Qxa4 21.Nxf6 Bxf6 22.Bxf6 gxf6 23.Qh5 Qb5 ] 

20.Bxf6 gxf6 21.Rd2? sometimes it's better to let your oppenent win the exchange and save the position. [21.Bb5 Bb6 (21...Qb4 22.a3 Qxb2 23.Ra2 Qc1+ 24.Rf1 Bb6+ 25.Kh1 Qe3 ; 21...Rc8 22.Bd7 Rc7 23.Ba4 Re7 24.Qh3 Bb6 25.Qh6 Bxf2+ 26.Kxf2 Kg8 27.Qxf6 Qb6+ 28.Ke2 Rc7 ) 22.Bxc4 Bxf2+ 23.Qxf2 Qb4 24.Bb3~~ ] 

21...Bb6+ 22.Kh1 Bd4 23.Rb1 Rab8 24.Qh5 Ba8 he gave me a chance to get back to the game. I should've lost my piece. [24...Bxc3! 25.bxc3 Qxa4 ] 

25.Qh6 [25.Qh4 was better defending the e4 pawn same time] 

25...Qd8 26.Nb5 Bxe4 27.Nxd4 exd4 28.Rxd4 d5 29.b3 Rg8 30.Rg1 [30.Rd2 was much better defence] 

30...c3 31.Bc6 Qd6 32.Ba4? another mistake of exchange that should have given up [32.Rxe4 last chance to equalize the position 32...dxe4 33.Bxe4 even though exchange down very playable position for white.] 

32...Qe5 33.Rdd1 Rg7 34.Rdf1 Bxc2 35.Qc1 Be4 36.Rf2 Rbg8 37.Bb5 d4 38.Re1 Rxg2 0-1

Round 3: March 18th

FM Cusi, Ronald (2316) - WFM Byambaa, Uyanga (2110)
[Byambaa,Uyanga]

Position after 26...Nhxg4

1.c4 e5 2.g3 f5 3.Bg2 Nf6 4.Nc3 d6 5.d3 Be7 6.Rb1 0-0 7.Nf3 Qe8 [7...c6 8.0-0 Na6 9.b4 Bd7= ]

8.c5 He spent about 20 mins on that. Because of little weird 7...Qe8 instead of simple developing move, white tried to complicate the position by threatening idea of Nxe5, Qb3+ or Nb5

8...Kh8 a simple respond of c5 pawn sacrifice

9.cxd6 cxd6 seems like white giving away his center and improved black's position although d6 pawn might be weak.

10.Nd2 Nc6 11.b4 Rb8 unnecessary move. [11...d5 12.Nxd5 (12.b5 Nb4 13.a3 d4 14.Na4 Nbd5-/+ ) 12...Nxd5 13.Bxd5 Nxb4 14.Bb3 f4=/+ ; 11...Be6 12.b5 Nd8 13.0-0 Rc8 14.Bb2 d5-/+ ]

12.b5 Nd4 13.e3 Ne6 14.Nc4 f4 [14...Nc5 15.Ba3 b6 ; 14...b6 15.Ba3 Nc5 16.d4 Bb7 ]

15.exf4 exf4 16.0-0 fxg3 17.hxg3 Nd4 18.Be3 Nf5 [18...Ng4 19.Bxd4 Qh5 20.Re1 Qh2+ 21.Kf1 Nxf2 22.Bxf2 Bh3 23.Ne3 ; 18...Bg4 ]

19.Bxa7 Ra8 20.Be3 Qg6 [20...Ng4! 21.Bf3 Ngxe3 22.Nxe3 Nxe3 23.fxe3 Bg5-/+ ]

21.Bf4 Ng4 22.f3 Nf6 23.g4 Nh4 24.Bg3 Nf5 25.Bf2 Nh6 26.Ne3 Nhxg4?! the whole idea of my middlegame plan was going for the attack for his kingside. When we both in huge time pressure in critical moment, I decided to sacrifice my piece in order to carry on my attack, which created enough complication to figure out in time trouble that we were almost playing in our increment. [26...Be6 27.Qd2 Rfc8= ]

27.fxg4 Nxg4 28.Ncd5 Bd8 29.Rb2 Bf6 My oppenent is well-known strong bullet&blitz player. When 10 more moves to go to get the second time control, I was so nervous at that moment.

30.Nxf6 Rxf6 31.Qd2 Ne5 32.Bh4 Nf3+ 33.Rxf3 Rxf3 34.Kh2 Rf4 35.Bg3 Rf7 36.Nd5 Bf5 37.Nf4 Qg4 38.Qe2 Qg5 39.Qh5 Qxh5+ 40.Nxh5 Bxd3 phew, time to take a deep breath! thank god, I equalized the position a little bit, but still so complicated that white has a lot of play with his extra active pieces.

41.Bxd6 Ra5 42.Nf4 Bxb5 43.Bd5 Rd7 44.Bb4 Ra8 45.a3 Bc6 46.Bxc6 bxc6 47.Rc2 Rc8 48.Kg3 Kg8 49.Ne6 Rd5 50.Kf4 h6 51.Nc5 g5+ 52.Kg4 Kg7 53.Re2 Kf7 54.Kh5 Rf5? again, another time pressure. Dubious mistake! [54...Re8= ]

55.Nb7 g4+ 56.Kxg4 Rg5+ 57.Kf4 Kg6 58.Re6+ Kh5 59.Be7 Rg4+ 60.Kf5 Rcg8 61.Nc5? once again, at this time, we were both playing on our increment where it's easy to make mistake for both player

61...R8g5+ 62.Bxg5 Rxg5+ 63.Kf6 Rxc5 64.Kg7 [64.Re5+ Rxe5 65.Kxe5 Kg4 66.a4 h5 67.a5 h4 68.a6 h3 69.a7 h2 70.a8Q h1Q ]

64...Rg5+ 65.Kh7 Ra5 66.Rxh6+ Kg5 1/2-1/2 Tough draw! After about 5 hour endless fight, postition appeared to be draw. However, it was not just a draw but, it was something I fought for hard.

Round 4: March 18th

WFM Byambaa, Uyanga (2110) - IM Enrico Sevillano (2502)

See a game by IM Sevillano and a norm hopeful below:

http://main.uschess.org/content/view/11661/654/

I considered myself so lucky to had a chance to play with IM Enrico Sevillano (2502) although I got blown off the board so easily. After the game, analyzing  with him was fantastic. He was so nice and respectful. He pointed out my mistakes, where I went wrong, what I should have done and what I should do next time etc. It was so nice taking advise from such a strong chess player like him.

Finished off first week with 1.5 points out of 4. Not so bad! 5 more rounds to go!

Wednesday, March 21 by 

FIDE Events @ NorCal House of Chess

March Invitational players and arbiters stand with USCF President Ruth Haring (third from left) and tournament organizer Ted Castro (far right).

Motivated by the success of the Northern California International in January, respected chess coach Ted Castro organized a 10-player IM-Norm Invitationalover two consecutive weekends. Due to demand, Castro plans to run similar events on a bimonthly basis. In addition to master level competition, these high level tournaments offer a unique local opportunity to earn one of three norms for the International Master title. Well done Ted!

At the top of the field are three veteran IMs: Enrico Sevillano(photo on left), Ricardo DeGuzman (photo on right) and Ray Kaufman. The Southern California master Sevillano (2562 USCF, 2502 FIDE), is the top seed. Rated second is DeGuzman, the 800 lb. gorilla of Northern California chess. Kaufman, the son of a Grandmaster, moved out West last summer after living near Washington D.C.

Three FIDE Masters, one Women's FM and three National Masters fill out the Category III tournament (2307 average FIDE rating). The youngest two participants are 22-year old WFM Uyanga Byambaa and my former student, 14-year old NM Yian Liou(photo below). Players need to score 6.5 out of 9 for an IM norm. It ain't easy!

The big guns have certainly proven themselves so far. In early showdowns, Kaufman beat DeGuzman but lost to Sevillano. Cusi and Lobo have three draws and a win each, but still must face all of the IMs. High school freshman Liou drew four straight games, including against Sevillano and Kaufman. While his pairings for the coming weekend seem favorable, he needs to score a nearly perfect 4.5 out of 5 next weekend for his first norm. Go Yiansky!

Standings After First Weekend (4 rounds)
  • 3.5 Sevillano (2502)
  • 3.0 DeGuzman (2400)
  • 2.5 RKaufman (2316), Cusi (2316) and Lobo (2236)
  • 2.0 YLiou (2293)
  • 1.5 Ishkhanov (2347) and Byambaa (2110)
  • 0.5 EPerez (2290) and BEvans (2256)
Would you like to play in one of these invitationals? Ted Castro says about 20 people have expressed interest, many his friends or students. Since he can't accommodate everyone, he set up another tournament: a FIDE qualifier.The winner earns an invite to the next IM norm event in May. Four straight wins (or maybe 3.5/4) and you're in! If you're interested, contact Castroright away because only a handful of seats remain. Recommended for USCF over 2000! Good skill (luck)!! :-) 
http://fpawn.blogspot.com/2012/03/fide-events-norcal-house-of-chess.html




Round 5:March 23th

IM Kaufman,Ray (2316) - WFM Byambaa,Uyanga (2118)
[Byambaa,Uyanga]


Position after 21.Be7


1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Be2 0-0 6.Bg5 c6 nontherotical move, I was so new in King's indian defence.

7.f4 Qa5 Without knowing the therotical line, it was unusual way of playing against Aberbakh, but logical enough that c6 was played.

8.Qd2 e5 9.fxe5 dxe5 10.d5 Nbd7 11.a3 Qb6 12.b4 a5 13.c5 Qc7 14.Rc1 axb4 15.axb4 Ra3 16.Bf3 Rb3 17.d6 Qb8 18.Nge2 Rxb4 19.Nd5 Nxd5 [19...Ra4 20.Ne7+ Kh8 ; 19...Rb5 20.Ne7+ Kh8 21.Be3 ]

20.exd5 Rb5 21.Be7 Nxc5? very disappionting mistake. I had the right idea, but I just captured with wrong piece which made the huge difference. [21...Rxc5! 22.Rxc5 Nxc5 23.Qe3 e4 24.Bxe4 Nxe4 25.Bxf8 Bxf8 26.Qxe4 Bf5 27.Qc4 cxd5 28.Qxd5 Bxd6-+ it was very unfortunate that missing a nice opportunity to obtaining a promising position against IM because of careless mistake. ]

22.Rxc5 Rxc5 23.d7 Bxd7 24.Bxc5 Re8 25.dxc6 Bxc6 26.Bxc6 bxc6 27.0-0 Qb5 Not hopeless yet! A piece down but 3 pawns up. But still pretty hard position to fight for.

28.Be3 Qd5 29.Qc2 f5 30.Rd1 Qe6 31.Bc5 f4? I had to have some patience to try to defend my inferior position instead of trying to attack.

32.Rd6 Qf7 33.Qe4 Bf8 34.Rxc6 Bxc5+ 35.Rxc5 Qa7 36.Qd5+ Kh8 37.h3 g5 38.Kh2 g4 39.hxg4 Qg7 40.Qf3 Qh6+ 41.Qh3 Qd6 42.Qc3 Qh6+ 43.Kg1 Qe6 44.Nxf4 Qxg4 45.Rxe5 Rxe5 46.Qxe5+ Kg8 47.Qe6+ Qxe6 48.Nxe6 Kf7 49.Nf4 Kf6 50.Kf2 Kf5 51.Kg3 Kg5 52.Nh3+ Kg6 53.Kg4 Kg7 54.Kg5 Kf7 55.Kh6 Kg8 I stopped annotating due to the time trouble. After couple more moves, I resigned. 1-0


Round 6: March 24th
WFM Uyanga Byambaa vs FM Bella Evans


WFM Byambaa,Uyanga (2110) - FM Evans,Bella (2256)
[Byambaa,Uyanga]

Position after 31....Rb5-b6
1.e4 e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.Nc3 Be7 4.d4 Nf6 5.e5 Ne4 6.Bd3 Nxc3 7.bxc3 c5 8.0-0 Nc6 9.Be3 c4 10.Be2 f6 11.Qd2 fxe5 12.dxe5 0-0 13.Bf4 Bd7 14.Nd4 Nxd4 15.cxd4 b5 16.Be3 a5 17.f4 b4 18.g4?! g6 19.Bf3 Bb5 20.Rfb1 c3 21.Qg2 Bc4 22.f5 Bg5 [22...gxf5 23.Bh6 Kh8 24.Bxf8 Qxf8 25.Kh1 ; 22...exf5 23.Bh6 Rf7 24.gxf5 Rxf5 25.Bg4 Bf8 26.Bxf5 Bxh6 ]

23.Bxg5 Qxg5 24.f6 Qf4 25.Qf2 Rfb8 26.Bd1 Qxf2+ 27.Kxf2 a4 28.Ke3 Rb5 29.g5 Kf7 30.h4 Rab8 31.h5 R5b6 32.hxg6+ hxg6 33.Bg4 Rh8 34.Rh1 Rbb8 35.Rh6 Rxh6 36.gxh6 Rh8 37.Rb1 b3 38.axb3 axb3 39.cxb3 c2 40.Ra1 Bxb3 41.Kd2 Rxh6 42.Ra7+ [42.Kc3! Rh4 43.Kxb3 (43.Bxe6+ Kxe6 44.Kxb3 ) 43...Rxg4 44.Ra7+ Kf8 45.Kxc2 Rxd4 46.Re7 Rc4+ (46...Re4 47.Rxe6 g5 48.Re7 g4 49.e6 g3 ) 47.Kd3 Re4 48.Rxe6 g5 ; 42.Kc3 Ke8 ]

42...Ke8 43.Bxe6? I couldn't believe I made this blunder. I guess, Punishment of shameful miscalculation to try to be fancy

43...Rh2+ 44.Kd3 Bc4+ 45.Kc3 c1Q+ 46.Kb4 Qb2+ 47.Kc5 Qb5+ 0-1Very vulnerable loss. The way I lost the game was unacceptable. I felt horrible.  At least, there was so many ways to draw. Sadly, it was really important game to pick up some points. 

Round 7: March 24th 
After a terrible loss in a previous game,  I just wanted to go home and rest. But I had to play important game against talented young master Yion Liu, who just defeated IM Ricardo De Guzman in last round. He was so close to get his IM norm until I spoiled it. 

NM Yion Liu - WFM Uyanga byambaa
[Byambaa,Uyanga]

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Bd3 e5 7.Nde2 Be7 8.0-0 Nc6 9.a4 0-0 10.Kh1 b6 11.Bg5 Nb4 12.Bxf6 Bxf6 13.Bc4 Be6 14.Nd5 Nxd5 15.Bxd5 Bxd5 16.Qxd5 Rc8 17.Nc3 Rc5 18.Qd3 Qc8 19.Qxd6 b5 20.axb5 axb5 21.Ra8 Rxc3 22.Qxf8+?? Kxf8 23.Rxc8+ Rxc8 24.c3 Be7 25.Rc1 b4 26.c4 Bc5 27.Kg1 Rd8 resign 0-1

I felt sad about my opponent lost like that. He was winning the game all the way until he made very careless mistake that decided the game. Needless to say, he lost his chance to get IM norm by losing this game. On the other hand, now, I had a chance to get WIM norm if I can get 1.5 out of  last 2 round. This is gonna be so tough!

Round 8:March 25th
I've played against my opponent once before in Friday Night Marathon Norcal house of chess. And I reached dead draw position in spite of losing on time.  For this time, I really wanted to draw. 

IM Ricardo De Guzman - Uyanga Byambaa [D03]
IM-norm round robin invitational, 09.06.2012

IM Ricardo De Guzman vs WFM Uyanga Byambaa

1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.c3 Bg7 4.Bg5 d5 5.Nbd2 0-0 6.e3 b6 7.a4 a5 8.Qc2 Ba6 9.Bxa6 Nxa6 10.0-0 c5 11.Rad1 cxd4 12.exd4 e6 13.Ne5 Qc8 14.Qb3 Rb8 15.Qb5 Nc7 16.Qc6 Nce8 17.Rfe1 Qxc6 18.Nxc6 Rb7 19.f3 h6 20.Bf4 Nh5 21.Bb8 Nc7 22.Bxc7 Rxc7 23.Ne5 Nf6 24.Nb1 Nd7 25.Nxd7 Rxd7 26.Na3 Rc8 27.Kf2 Bf8 28.Nb5 Bd6 29.h4 h5 30.g3 Kg7 31.f4 Be7 32.b3 Rc6 33.Rc1 f6 34.Rc2 Kf7 35.Rec1 Bd6 36.c4 e5 37.Nxd6+ Rdxd6 38.fxe5 fxe5 39.dxe5 Re6 40.cxd5 Rxc2+ 41.Rxc2 Rxe5 42.Rc7+ Ke8 43.Rc6 Rxd5 44.Rxb6 Kf7 45.Ke3 Rd1 46.Rb5 Rg1 47.Kf4 Rb1 48.Rb7+ Kf6 49.Rb6+ Kf7 50.Kg5 Rg1 51.Rf6+ Ke7 52.Rf3 Rd1 53.Kxg6 1-0

Because I wanted a draw real bad, I played so differently the way I play. That was so stupid. I played the opening that I never played before and my middlegame plan was trying to be solid and reached the drawing position. Of course, it didn't work out. I should've play aggressively the way I play no matter who my opponent is.

Round 9: March 25th

WFM Uyanga Byambaa (2110) - NM Emmanuel Perez (2290)

Position after 9....Be6

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.d3 Nf6 5.0-0 0-0 6.Nc3 d6 7.h3 h6 8.Be3 Bb6 9.a4 Be6 1/2-1/2

Here my opponent offered me a draw. Believe it or not,  I don't accept draws, but this time  I accepted  since I missed a big opportunity to get WIM norm and I had no interest to play the game.

Overall, My first IM-norm round robin tourney ended successfully. I picked up about 14 fide points and unforgettable lessons and experiences.

Byambaa, Uyanga  Change: 13.95 Rating chartPersonal card
 1st NorCal House of Chess Invitational Fremont, California USA 2012-03-17
RcRownchangeKK*chgGame
 2328 2110 3.00 9 0.93 15 13.95
  Ishkhanov, Tigran2347USA1.0010.801512.00
  Lobo, Richard Cf2236ENG0.001-0.3315-4.95
  Cusi, Ronald Lazof2316USA0.5010.26153.90
  Sevillano, Enricom2502USA0.001-0.0815-1.20
  Kaufman, Raymondm2316USA0.001-0.2415-3.60
  Evans, Belaf2256USA0.001-0.3015-4.50
  Liou, Yian2293USA1.0010.741511.10
  De Guzman, Ricardom2400PHI0.001-0.1615-2.40
  Perez, Emmanuel2290PHI0.5010.24153.60
http://ratings.fide.com/individual_calculations.phtml?idnumber=2054906&rating_period=2012-05-01

Thanks to Ted Castro for invited me to one of your great events! 

April 4, 2012 by Joyce Laforteza

The 1st NorCal House of Chess Invitational in Fremont proved to be a successful event. There were a few upsets along the way, but the top-seeded players still came out the victors.    After a nine-game round-robin,  IM  Enrico Sevillano scored 7.5  to win clear first, while two other IMs,  Ricardo De Guzman  and  Ray Kaufman, placed 2nd-3rd with 6 points. The tournament included 3 IMs, 3 FMs, 1 WFM and 2 National Masters to satisfy the Category III (2307 average FIDE Rating). The youngest two participants proved they could play against the big guns: 22-yr old WFM  Uyanga Byambaa and 14-yr. old whiz kid (NM)  Yian Liou. Both came close to earning their first norms (WIM and IM). IM-elect  Ronald Cusi came in 4th place (5.5 points), without losing a game. Ronald has already completed three of his IM norms, and
merely needs to reach 2400 FIDE rating to officially become an IM. They will most likely try their chances again in the next NorCal House of Chess Invitational on May 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20. 
   /http://www.facebook.com/NorCalHouseofChess/

Congratulations the winner of the 1st Norcal House of Chess invitational  IM Enrico Sevillano! 


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