I had a bad tournament. This is the position with Black to play. I was very happy with this position. I have a clear plan: minority attack. But in mutual time trouble I lost a drawn rook and pawn ending.History: number of players (open+reserve) and the winner(s):
HCC IX...04/2009 (56+51=107)AMANOV,YOUNG,SANTARIUS,KOHLENBERG
HCC VIII.10/2008 (33+32=65) TATE,YOUNG,TENNANT,BECKER
HCC VII..04/2008 (22+30=52) BURGESS,TENNANT,PARKER
HCC VI...10/2007 (30+32=62) TENNANT, BREIDER,SANTARIUS
HCC V....04/2007 (40+22=62) TATE,STAMNOV
HCC IV...11/2006 (23+26=49) STAMNOV
HCC III..04/2006 (28+17=45) TENNANT
HCC II...10/2005 (20+18=38) BURGESS,BECKER
HCC I....04/2005 (34+36=70) BETANELI
4 TENNANT
2 TATE,YOUNG,SANTARIUS,BURGESS,STAMNOV,BECKER
87 comments:
When will you update your performance rating, Ivan?
I like the new presentation on your performance rating. Stan Garvin is a good player. Can we see that game?
Some good masters signed up. Look for this to be a successful tournament.
Stamnov should show up
Maybe Burgess?
Will Tate and Young show up?
i think parker might show up
Ivan, are there pre-entries?
-Chess Dude
Those are the top rated pre-entries, others will be posted
Mr Betaneli will you play or are you chicken?
H.L.
Why don't you ever have something nice to say Mr. Lilly?
whos H.L.?
If you go and look for a player with the initials H.L. in Wisconsin that has played in any tournaments in the last couple years, there is only one.
Well, we don't know that those are his real initials and I think it is very unfair for you to accuse the only H.L. in Wisconsin. I happen to know Yogi Lilly and he would never post something like that. Am I right Waukesha Chess Club mamebers?
i agree, it's not yogi lilly
well...Yogi Lilly's initials aren't H.L. now are they?
There would be no other logical reason why someone would end a post with initials like that, unless that person thought no one would try and figure out who they were and they were trying to be "smart". The posts that I have read, that have ended in H.L. initials, have either been attacking, rude or childish. So, I went through tournaments that the Southwest Chess Club has held in the last couple years and have only found one H.L. . This H.L. seems to know the members of this club by the comments in his postings....So, the logical explanation is that H.L., believing no one would be smart enough to figure out who they were, would post what ever they wanted and not have to live up to it.
If H.L. is not a Mr. Lilly by some miracle, I apologize to the million or so Mr. Lilly's in the world.
Rim Jowe, grow up.
I think Alex had it right when he quit responding to anon and other people who use the internet for senseless bashing and childishness.
Jim, you are wrong. I am H.L. or what ever initials I felt like typing. You wasted a lot of time looking for nothing. Maybe you should have spent it on rook endings.
J.M.
I guess it would have obviously been better time spent lol.
After knee surgery I had some extra time on my hands.....and I guess extra time for not.
I truly do apologize to the aforementioned Mr. Lilly.
Why is Sheldon taking a round 3 buy?
I think he is doing it to avoid a playing another master.
I meant to say "bye" above
Sheldon must be paying the entry fee then ?
Jon
It is clear Gelbart is taking a bye with the idea this is the only round he will lose to one of the other masters. Looking at the pre ent. he will play a 1800+ in round one and someone like Veech or Cardenas in round two. It is unlikely he will make it through rounds 1 & 2 without losing or drawing.
He has lost the respect of many players in the past 18 years, bending the rules to protect his rating and stay active so he can say he is the #1 chess player in the state. It is sad because I can remember the days he was a very good chess player. When he used to play in the CICL and many other strong events.
Now he claims to be the house player, plays one game to keep his rating active. Always playing weak opposition he thinks cannot beat him. The really sad part is the fact the he is not the TD in these events. The people who allow this to happen are at fault just as much as he is. It sad to see chess in Wisconsin deteriorate like this since the 70's and 80's.
To me, Sheldon is just employing "tactics". Correct me if I am wrong but he did, at some point, earn his rating. What he does with it is his business. How many current chess teachers/coaches got their ratings to a certain level and then employ the same method to justify charging higher fees than others who may indeed be better than them? Like the saying goes, "Until you've walked a mile in the other guy's shoes..."
Otherwise, I'm looking forward to a very competitive Open section. Any word on whether there will be prizes again for "Best Game" etc., like last year?
Im looking forward to this event very much it is my fave one day event in the calendar.
I believe whatever rating your at you should play which includes playing against people below you same strength as you and anyone above you.
I am a master and I play against anyone from below me to above me and yes I lose a lot but so what I love to play
Jon Burgess
Sheldon once told me the advent of the internet and chess computers has spoiled chess for him. No longer do players "play" and "create" on the board but instead they regurgitate memorized lines and games.
Maybe this is his last stand against the machine; play one event a year to try and hold on to the last remaining piece of what he feels was "pure" chess...his rating.
Or maybe he's just a prick. Who knows?!
Thanks for listening.
Santarius and Vaja will tie for 1st
Becker in an upset by a pawn!
Vaja withdraws again 1st round pairing that will eventually cost him on tie-breaks, like last year...
4/21/2009 7:48 AM
I don't understand what you are trying to say.
If you withdraw, how can tie-breaks affect you??
-----------------------
Becker in an upset by a pawn!
What does the above mean? There are 2 Beckers any way??
Y.M.
Sheldon took 2008 off, I wonder what effect that had?
I say he loses in round 2. That would be very nice :)
Yes, if you withdraw tie-breaks don't matter but if you remain in the event you are risking your rating points with no possibility of reward because of your 1st round pairing. It's all about the risk-reward balance. His round one opponent finished the event with a score of 0.0. Hard to argue that he wouldn't have felt that in the tie-breaks.
Tis true, never know if I may show up!!
Probably not me though as I don't play for pawns. I play for mate!!
And here I thought they were referring to Boris!
Game - Set- Match....
navins good as hell, he's gonna win
There's no way the record won't be beat. Does Allen remember how many walk-ins there were last year? I seem to recall a lot of activity at the registration table.
Ivan, Susan's Link moved. Nice publicity for the event though, having it mentioned on her blog.
Santarius 4-0
C.K.
Betaneli ??
C.K.
Hey Santarius,
Please get your rating above 2343 soon, so that Sheldon can no longer claim to be the highest.
Well it is less than 2343, since he WILL loose many points on Sunday
you mean Saturday
I know that a few weeks ago everyone was convinced that it was just another of those pesky coincidences with the WSCA having their events the same weekend as WCA Tour events.
With the WCSA event this weekend, all three of their tournaments have been the same weekend as a WCA Tour events.
Before Jim Rowe (or Rim Jowe) goes on about how difficult it is to schedule events, at some point, it does not look like a coincidence.
Hopefully WCA and WSCA will be able to work more closely together to find a way to schedule their events so there will be no more coincidences.
Very few scholastic players would play in the open. Yes they may play in the reserve but to be honest, a lot of parents do not want to pay $25 for their kid to play chess. The wsca event is only $10.
BTW, the WSCA and WCA may share a couple board members but neither influences the other when it comes to scheduling tournaments. The wsca has to take what they can get just to get their foot in the WI Scholastic Chess door.
Whatever ax you have to grind should be given up unless you have proof of some form of collusion.
Maybe Greg Reese Sr. is trying to protect his rating like Sheldon! Can't lose points if you don't play!
Should be an interesting tournament. I imagine the prize fund will be increased as the number of players in the Open Section is larger than needed to reach the advertised prize fund?
Either way I'll be attending.
Thanks,
Matt Waller
anon,
First, besides the fact that two events are held on the same weekend, I fail to see your gripe. This event will, most likely, have record participants just like the last event we had this discussion about. Record participants, with participants that are youth. I can understand if you are upset that you have to take your child to the WSCA event and are unable to attend this event (if that is the case.?), but you don't have to bash me or anyone else for giving you an answer you don't like.
Second, why, exactly, are you posting this type of "concern" on this blog repeatedly? If you were really concerned about this (which I still fail to see since you've given us no proof why), why don't you contact any one of the board members? You could even run for a board position (!). Or how about this, call up or email any of the TDs or board directors that you feel have created some sort of conspiracy and ask them how they run and schedule a tournament. I'm sure you will find some enlightenment.
Best of luck to your conspiracy endeavors!
Jim Rowe
Jim, maybe we should contact Mulder and Scully. Or better yet, Joshua Jackson; this has the terrible stench of being on the FRINGE.
Anon should really let it go unless he has proof. And by "proof" I mean other than the proof in the liquor bottle that he is obviously hitting while blogging.
I notice the lack of many experts entering. Perhaps due to the fact that there is no prize for that class!? Doesn't make sense for us to enter when you have to compete for a prize against players 300+ points higher than you.
There are only about 18 active experts in the whole state of WI.
Anthony Parker may show up, Paul Fricano too, although he is not an expert any more.
There only 6 active masters in WI. Sheldon is not active since he did not play in 2008
This link points to the top active WI players.
So what that there are only 18 or so experts....we shouldn't ever have a realistic chance for a prize? What's your point? I don't think you would play all that much under those circumstances.... besides which....SIGN YOUR NAME WHEN YOU MAKE A COMMENT DISAGREEING WITH SOMEONE
John, Mr. Anonymous gave that link of WI active players, and it seems to be missing you (though I know you've played a few events lately). So, USCF's list is apparently wrong. Anyway, sign up for HCC IX so I am not the lone expert! Besides, you and I have a chance at the top prize... just a few masters in the way, that's all!
PS, to answer an earlier question about walk-up registrants, we get fewer and fewer each time, because folks take advantage of our generous (and informal) phone/email entry system. We're nearly all done by Saturday morning! Having said that, with 66 signed up by this evening, we're sure to break the record of 70! Thanks to everyone for making this an exciting event...already.
- Allen Becker
Thanks Allen. I may come play, it all depends on work schedule. didn't work out too well for me last time when I came straight from work. I should have held the game against Young but was too tired to think straight. Anyways, I know it's too late now to add an expert prize (as not enough will know about it in time) but it's something to consider for the future. When you're a Class player sooner or later you end up being the highst rated in contention for a prize but unless it's a very weak tournament an Expert rarely is in that position. i don't play for money or prizes but it's always nice to at least have a chance to recoup your expenses once in a while.
The USCF list is not wrong.
It lists Recently rated CURRENT players.
R. Becker is not CURRENT
Yo-
That is true. Last time I played was Northeastern in January, also last month of my USCF membership. So as soon as I update my membership I should be on list if it's any concern of yours.
Joanna to win the Reserve against all those "boys"....
Great job everyone on beating the record of 70 participants! Watch for Veech,Hendrickson,Smail, or Cardenas to upset Gelbart in 2nd round.
chess dude
what about kohlenberg or jin to upset gelbart
If no one else enters and there are no upsets Gelbart will play Henderson in round 2
Gelbart should be able to beat Olk in rnd 1
C.K.
GM Mesgen Amanov is coming! And, we now have 78 pre-entrants as of Thursday night. See you Saturday.
Allen
Wow! This will be great! And yes, maybe Kohlenberg can upset Gelbart. Wow, Allen, you poosted at midnight!
Is it just me or is there something suspect about Amanov getting so good so fast, example:
He was rated 2357 Oct 2008
But is rated 2517 Apr 2009
Gaining that many points at that rate is pretty impressive.
His USCF rating is still 2391
Yes, anytime someone practices and studies more than you and posts impressive rating point gains, it's always suspect.
You should have signed your post "Green Eyed Monster" as your envy is apparent.
Better have him pee in a cup before, during, and after the tournament!
'Roid Rage!!
I would suggest to TD (Allen and Robin) that the prize should be modified with so many participants, for example, in A section, it is not fair for 15 guys fighting for just 100$, even 35$ EF is not a small deal. The tournament is more for fun instead of for many-earning.
It says based on 25/section
I think they have to pay more if more enter.
Is that true?
Experts have the worst situation, they have to compete with masters who don't even have to pay an entry fee!
Chess Monkey
What's Ashish's story?
Last time he dropped out after round 1, this time even before it starts!
Guy Chess
Any updates, Ivan?
No results? Did the GM live up to his 2500+ FIDE?
Results should be up soon:
http://www.uschess.org/msa/AffDtlTnmtHst.php?A6011047
Great turnout, thanks everyone!
Congrats Mr. Betanelli, Gelbart's rating seems to have gone flying past you, you are now our #1 USCF rated player!
It was funny.
Sheldon's half point bye tactic backfired since accelerated pairings were used!
It would not have mattered any way.
He lost to Sagunsky, of course it did not matter, he would of lost to most bright Juniors playing in the open section!
It seems to me be in very poor taste to take delight in Sheldon's losses. I am sure it took some courage to play a tournament after five years away from competitive chess. Of course he was going to playing well below his rating. I came back to chess this year after ten years away and am still struggling to find my old level of form. Frankly, I find it amazing that so many people have made negative comments on Ivan's blog about Sheldon. We should be encouraging people to play chess here in Wisconsin; not driving them away.
Also, just wanted to say a quick shout out to Robin, Tom, Alan et al, on a superb tournament. It was a lot of fun and great to see such an impressive turnout of chess enthusiasts.
Steve
Thanks to all who supported and/or played in our Southwest Chess Club Hales Corners Challenge IX this weekend. We appreciate the support of all. It was all of you that made it such a great event. Thank you!
Robin, Tournament Director
Treasurer, Southwest Chess Club
Although I didn't play, there was without a doubt much excitement during this tournament and kudos should go to the SWCC organizers and participants. I agree that there seems to be an extraordinary about of venom directed at Sheldon. Wisconsin Chess has itself been exciting (and fortunate) with an influx of high caliber players who have raised the level of play through coaching and giving their time in the clubs.
More masters and expert level players need to be generous in this regard and follow examples like Betanelli, Vaja, Becker and Fricano.
We're not all born masters, but we can act like them.
Fricano? Mr.1.a4? I don't think so!
Although I am not a fan of player bashing I was APPALLED at Mr. Fricano's behavior during his game against Mr. Santarius. Perhaps if he had spent less time mocking his opponent's body language and more time on examining the board he could have at least drawn. We all have our quirks, on and off the board, but I thought we were all gentleman enough to let bygones by bygones. Grow up Mr. Fricano and maybe you can salvage your rating and the little respect I now have for your game.
I would like to point out that Sheldon Gelbart generously donated his time during the third round to reviewing any games from the tournament brought to him by kids who were playing in the event. This proved highly popular and we thank Sheldon for doing this. Tom
Thanks for pointing this out Tom! Love him or not, no one can deny that Sheldon has done and continues to do good things for WI Chess.
what did fricano do?
If you have ever played Mr. Santarius you know that when doing mental calculations and board visualizations, he looks up and away from the board. Mr. Fricano thought it was humorous to also look up and around, while Santarius was thinking, as if he was trying to "see" what Eric was looking at. He would then look back at Eric and smile this shit eating grin that made me just want to smack the living hell out of him. He did this almost every move until he was in a hopelessly lost position. Then it wasn't so funny any more.
Anon 4/27/09 1:13, if you are refering to the 1.a4 comment that Chess Dude made, I will tell you. Fricano, prior to the round he was about to play, lost to two lower rated players. Then, he was paired against a Wisconsin Jr. Fricano showed up a half hour late, hood up and half-eaten apple in tow. He proceeded to play 1.a4, 2.a5, and 3.Ra4. While it was his opponent's move, he obnoxiously bit the apple and talked with his friends next to the board. Fricano ended up winning though and proceeded to loose rating points. A lot of them. Shame on you Paul. Try to set an example for once instead of being a jerk.
Now that an A player tied for first,are the experts still complaining about not having a prize for the expert class?
Some of the anonymous postings are really quite unbelieveable. John Becker has a reasonable point for Tournament organizers to consider going forward.
If players don't expect a reasonable chance to win a prize, many players have many other demands on their time. Most tournaments offer prizes to class A /B etc. Why do they do that? Probably because they know if they don't, not as many players will come. As chess continues to grow, keeping an open mind on tournament structures is important.
You may have also noticed that in many of the tournaments, experts and masters (particularily at bigger money tournaments)often drop out once they believe there's not a good chance to win a prize.
Scott V
Dear Anonymous: If you would take the time to read my post without bias you would notice that it is not expressed as a complaint, but simply as a possible reason why experts do not enter these tournaments as frequently as would be desired. If you need further clarification I would be more than happy to discuss with you face-to-face the error of your viewpoints and the gross mistake of trying to antagognize people with your comments while hiding behind your cloak of anonymity. Man up for once in your life and if you have any negative or derogatory remarks to make, identify yourself or say them in person! Afraid to do so?
Yeah, I thought so!
You tell him!
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