World Chess Team Championship 2011 - Round 1

By Chess Coach William Stewart

Original article on the World Chess Team Championship available on William's site.

The World Chess Team Championship kicked off with an interesting Round 1. Here is my brief summary of the most interesting games.

Kamsky draw Karjakin, Shulman draws Svidler

As white, Kamsky drew Karjakin in a tame version of the Bishop's Opening in 23 moves. Shulman tried to achieve pressure against Svidler by sacrificing a pawn from the white side of a Grunfeld, however Svidler's preparation was solid as he sacrificed an exchange to ensure the draw.

Shulman Vs Svidler - After 19. h3!?

Egypt's IM Samy Shoker scores major upset against Ukrainian GM Areshchenko

IM Samy Shoker of Egypt was able to score an excellent 200+ point upset as black against Ukrainian GM Alexander Areshchenko, neglecting to castle in the Pirc Defense to opt for a direct queenside attack against the white king. Areshchenko was unable to achieve counterplay and resigned in 28 moves.

Areshchenko Resigned After 28. ...Qa3

Armenia crushes Israel 3.5/0.5!

Vladimir Akopian (2667) contributed to Armenia's 3.5-.5 crushing victory over the Israeli team by beating Evgeny Postny (2618), fantastically demonstrating the idea of "transformation of advantages" by winning an exchange due to superior opening preparation and then returning the exchange to win a pawn and force a technically won endgame.

Akopian Sacs the Exchange Back w/ 42. Rd5!

Hungary and India drew 2-2, Judit Polgar defeats GM Ganguly

Hungary and India drew 2-2, as Judit Polgar (2699) scored a fine prophylactic victory over Shekhar Ganguly (2627). A well-played opening left Polgar with long-term pressure on the half-open b-file, allowing her to tie up white's pieces in defense of the b3 pawn while black maneuvered to open the center and attack the white king. This game was a great example of patiently maintaining and raising the pressure on one side of the board to deflect the opponent from defending another weakness.

Polgar Wins with 60.d2!

Game PGN's are available at the official World Chess Team Championship Site

Original article on the World Chess Team Championship along with other articles on the championship available on William's website.

Introducing the 2011 Chicago Blaze Team!

Introducing the 2011 Chicago Blaze Team!

Hello everyone! 3 years ago many people came together to form the Chicago Blaze. We were kindly supported by the local chess community and each season we challenged ourselves to do better, eventually reaching our first post season in 2010!

The 2011 season which begins at the end of summer will introduce our most vibrant lineup yet. As such I'm pleased to announce the 2011 Chicago Blaze team:

Grandmaster Yury Shulman
Grandmaster Josh Friedel
Grandmaster Mesgen Amanov
Grandmaster Dmitry Gurevich
International Master Florin Felecan
International Master Angelo Young
FIDE Master Jim Dean
National Master Eric Rosen
National Master Gopal Menon
National Master Sam Schmakel

As done last season, all games played by the Chicago Blaze will be done at the North Shore Chess Center in Skokie, IL. Supporters are welcome and we will have quick rated fundraising tournaments running in parallel.

Here's to a championship run in 2011!

Best regards,
The Chicago Blaze Management Team
Sevan A. Muradian, Daniel Parmet, Jae Lim, Brad Rosen, Tom Panelas, and Glenn Panner

Chicago Blaze Fundraiser - Train with 2 Grandmasters!

Chicago Blaze Fundraiser

4-hour training session with GM Dmitry Gurevich and GM Mesgen Amanov

Saturday July 9th 11:30am - 3:30pm

Hosted at the North Shore Chess Center

100% of proceeds to benefit the Chicago Blaze!

Must be rated above 1600 to participate as we will break up into groups of 10-12 during the training session

Only $75 advance entry or $100 at the door

Spend 4 hours with two Chicago Blaze team members, as they review all aspects of the game from openings, to middle game planning, to end game technique.

Lunch is included with this training session along with a simul with another local area master at 4pm.

Entry Fee: $75 received by 7/8 9pm online; $100 onsite (onsite entries are not guaranteed and based on available space)

Questions: sevan@nachess.org or call 847.423.8626

Register online: http://www.nachess.org/training

The Chicago Blaze is the representative for Illinois in the US Chess League.

The Chicago Blaze is entering its 4th season of competition.

Last season we made it to the playoffs for the first time. With your support we can build a team that will aim for the championship this season!

The North Shore Chess Center is located at
5500 W Touhy Ave Suite A Skokie, IL 60077