Connecticut Dreadnoughts vs. Baltimore Kingfishers
GM Mark Paragua (2588) - IM Levan Bregadze (2530)
GM Oliver Barbosa (2579) - GM Larry Kaufman (2391)
NM Kapil Chandran (2365) - NM Jared Defibaugh (2325)
NM Yoon-Young Kim (2116) - FM Alex Barnett (2330)
Tuesday, 7:30 PM EDT
Time Control: 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Connecticut Dreadnoughts and the Baltimore Kingfishers clash in a match that will decide which team makes the playoffs. Both teams sit at a (4.0-5.0) match record, but Connecticut is in 3rd place in the Southern Division thanks to their 18.5 game points to Baltimore's 17.5 game points. In essence, Connecticut has draw odds with regards to making the playoffs. With the Miami Sharks (4.5-4.5 match record with 16.5 game points) playing against the Atlanta Kings (3.5-5.5 match record with 18.0 game points), only one team from each of these two matches can make the playoffs despite the possibility of all four teams ending up tied with a (4.5-5.5) match record. In that very special case, Atlanta and Connecticut would make the playoffs as they both would have at least 20.5 game points to win the first tie-breaker. That tiebreaker is also why the other Southern Division match-up, Carolina Cobras (3.5-5.5 match record with 16.0 game points) vs. St. Louis Arch Bishops (6.5-2.5), only serves to determine St. Louis' seeding in the playoffs as Carolina cannot make the playoffs even with a 4-0 victory. Also note that last week, the Western Division secured their Interdivisional supremacy, so they receive a 4th playoff spot this year. See all of the playoff structure here.
In the all-time series, Connecticut leads Baltimore with a (2.5-0.5) match record. These two teams last played against each other in Week 9, 2013 when Connecticut won with a 3.5-0.5 score. Only two Baltimore players (GM Larry Kaufman and NM Jared Defibaugh), who played in that match, return to play this week. Coincidentally, Connecticut starts a lineup that also won by a 3.5-0.5 score last week against the New England Nor'easters. Meanwhile Baltimore debuts a more balanced lineup than we have seen them use this year.
Board 1: GM Mark Paragua vs. IM Levan Bregadze. GM Mark Paragua is (+1 =3 -1) with a 2586 performance rating in his first USCL season. He drew last week with the black pieces on Board 1 against SM Mika Brattain of the New England Nor'easters. He will be challenged by IM Levan Bregadze, who is (+4 -2) with a 2670 performance rating in his 3rd USCL season and 2nd season with Baltimore. IM Levan Bregadze has a (-2) career record against Connecticut. He won last week with the white pieces on Board 2 against FM Denys Shmelov of the Boston Blitz.
Board 2: GM Larry Kaufman vs. GM Oliver Barbosa. GM Larry Kaufman is (=1 -2) with a 2163 performance rating in his 10th USCL season. He has a (=1 -1) score in his career against Connecticut. He last played in Week 8 when he drew on Board 2 with the black pieces against GM Renier Gonzalez of the Miami Sharks. He will battle GM Oliver Barbosa, who is (+2 =2) with a 2672 performance rating in his first USCL season. GM Oliver Barbosa won last week with the white pieces on Board 2 against FM Steven Winer of the New England Nor'easters.
Board 3: NM Kapil Chandran vs. NM Jared Defibaugh. NM Kapil Chandran won his season debut last week with the black pieces on Board 3 against FM Christopher Chase of the New England Nor'easters. That starts him off with a 2811 performance rating in his 3rd USCL season. His opponent, NM Jared Defibaugh, has a (+3 =2 -2) record with a 2398 performance rating in his 5th season. NM Jared Defibaugh has a (-3) career record against Connecticut. He last played in Week 8 when he lost with the white pieces on Board 3 against NM Federico Gonzalez of the Miami Sharks.
Board 4: FM Alex Barnett vs. NM Yoon-Young Kim. FM Alex Barnett lost his USCL debut last week with the black pieces on Board 3 against NM Chris Williams of the Boston Blitz. That starts him with a 1910 performance rating. This week, he is set to play NM Yoon-Young Kim, who is (+2 -3) with a 2176 performance rating in his first USCL season. NM Yoon-Young Kim won last week with the white pieces on Board 4 against Carissa Yip of the New England Nor'easters.
Catch the games live on ICC and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls linked below/shown to the right!
Board 1 Result? | Board 2 Result? | Board 3 Result? | Board 4 Result? | Match Result?
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Monday, October 20, 2014
2014 Week 9 Preview
Boston Blitz vs. Baltimore Kingfishers
IM Steven Zierk (2543) - GM Akshayraj Kore (2543)
FM Denys Shmelov (2473) - IM Levan Bregadze (2530)
NM Chris Williams (2310) - FM Alex Barnett (2330)
NM Ilya Krasik (2264) - NM Andrew Zheng (2208)
Wednesday, 7:30 PM EDT
Time Control: 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Boston Blitz battle the Baltimore Kingfishers in the final interdivisional week of the season. Boston (2.5-5.5) is in 5th place in the Eastern Division while Baltimore (3.0-5.0) is in 5th place in the Southern Division. Baltimore is only a half-match-point (and 1.5 game points) behind Atlanta for the 3rd playoff spot in the Southern Division. Boston's playoff chances, however, rely on the Eastern Division winning a 4th playoff spot and being ahead of Philadelphia, who is 2.0 match points ahead of Boston, in tie-breaks. Currently, Boston leads the all-time series against Baltimore with a 8.0-6.0 match score. The last match they played occurred in Week 10, 2013 when Boston won by a 3-1 score. Two Boston players (IM Steven Zierk and FM Denys Shmelov) from that match return to play this week.
Board 1: IM Steven Zierk vs. GM Akshayraj Kore. IM Steven Zierk has a (+2 =1 -1) record with a 2667 performance rating in his 4th USCL season and 3rd season with Boston. He won his only career game against Baltimore. He won last week on Board 1 with the black pieces against IM David Vigorito of the New England Nor'easters. He will be challenged by GM Akshayraj Kore, who is (+1 -1) with a 2545 performance rating in his first season. GM Akshayraj Kore last played in Week 5 when he lost with the white pieces on Board 1 against GM Robert Hungaski of the Manhattan Applesauce.
Board 2: IM Levan Bregadze vs. FM Denys Shmelov. IM Levan Bregadze has scored (+3 -2) with a 2629 performance rating in his third USCL season and 2nd season with Baltimore. He drew his only career game against Boston. He last played in Week 6 when he lost with the black pieces on Board 2 against GM Le Quang Liem of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. His opponent, FM Denys Shmelov, is (+2 =3 -1) with a 2502 performance rating in his 7th season with Boston. He has a (+2 =3 -1) career record against Baltimore. FM Denys Shmelov drew last week with the white pieces on Board 2 against SM Mika Brattain of the New England Nor'easters.
Board 3: NM Chris Williams vs. FM Alex Barnett. NM Chris Williams returned to the Boston roster this season after a 6-year break from the USCL. He is (+2 -4) with a 2218 performance rating in his 2nd season for Boston. He lost last week with the black pieces on Board 3 against FM Steven Winer of the New England Nor'easters. He is matched against FM Alex Barnett, who will be making his USCL debut. FM Alex Barnett is known for his exciting, aggressive style of play as well as his unique commentary in his previous role as a USCL Game of the Week judge.
Board 4: NM Andrew Zheng vs. NM Ilya Krasik. NM Andrew Zheng last played in Week 6 when he won the black pieces against Jacob Wilkins of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. He is (+3 =1 -1) with a 2286 performance rating in his 2nd USCL season. Coincidentally, that is the exact same performance rating he had last season when his only game was a draw with the white pieces against this week's opponent, NM Ilya Krasik. Scoring (+2 =1 -4) in his 10th USCL season with Boston, NM Ilya Krasik has a 2138 performance rating. He won last week with the white pieces on Board 4 against NM Greg Kaden of the New England Nor'easters. He has a (+4 =2 -4) record against Baltimore in his career.
Catch the games live on ICC and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls linked below/shown to the right!
Board 1 Result? | Board 2 Result? | Board 3 Result? | Board 4 Result? | Match Result?
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
IM Steven Zierk (2543) - GM Akshayraj Kore (2543)
FM Denys Shmelov (2473) - IM Levan Bregadze (2530)
NM Chris Williams (2310) - FM Alex Barnett (2330)
NM Ilya Krasik (2264) - NM Andrew Zheng (2208)
Wednesday, 7:30 PM EDT
Time Control: 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Boston Blitz battle the Baltimore Kingfishers in the final interdivisional week of the season. Boston (2.5-5.5) is in 5th place in the Eastern Division while Baltimore (3.0-5.0) is in 5th place in the Southern Division. Baltimore is only a half-match-point (and 1.5 game points) behind Atlanta for the 3rd playoff spot in the Southern Division. Boston's playoff chances, however, rely on the Eastern Division winning a 4th playoff spot and being ahead of Philadelphia, who is 2.0 match points ahead of Boston, in tie-breaks. Currently, Boston leads the all-time series against Baltimore with a 8.0-6.0 match score. The last match they played occurred in Week 10, 2013 when Boston won by a 3-1 score. Two Boston players (IM Steven Zierk and FM Denys Shmelov) from that match return to play this week.
Board 1: IM Steven Zierk vs. GM Akshayraj Kore. IM Steven Zierk has a (+2 =1 -1) record with a 2667 performance rating in his 4th USCL season and 3rd season with Boston. He won his only career game against Baltimore. He won last week on Board 1 with the black pieces against IM David Vigorito of the New England Nor'easters. He will be challenged by GM Akshayraj Kore, who is (+1 -1) with a 2545 performance rating in his first season. GM Akshayraj Kore last played in Week 5 when he lost with the white pieces on Board 1 against GM Robert Hungaski of the Manhattan Applesauce.
Board 2: IM Levan Bregadze vs. FM Denys Shmelov. IM Levan Bregadze has scored (+3 -2) with a 2629 performance rating in his third USCL season and 2nd season with Baltimore. He drew his only career game against Boston. He last played in Week 6 when he lost with the black pieces on Board 2 against GM Le Quang Liem of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. His opponent, FM Denys Shmelov, is (+2 =3 -1) with a 2502 performance rating in his 7th season with Boston. He has a (+2 =3 -1) career record against Baltimore. FM Denys Shmelov drew last week with the white pieces on Board 2 against SM Mika Brattain of the New England Nor'easters.
Board 3: NM Chris Williams vs. FM Alex Barnett. NM Chris Williams returned to the Boston roster this season after a 6-year break from the USCL. He is (+2 -4) with a 2218 performance rating in his 2nd season for Boston. He lost last week with the black pieces on Board 3 against FM Steven Winer of the New England Nor'easters. He is matched against FM Alex Barnett, who will be making his USCL debut. FM Alex Barnett is known for his exciting, aggressive style of play as well as his unique commentary in his previous role as a USCL Game of the Week judge.
Board 4: NM Andrew Zheng vs. NM Ilya Krasik. NM Andrew Zheng last played in Week 6 when he won the black pieces against Jacob Wilkins of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. He is (+3 =1 -1) with a 2286 performance rating in his 2nd USCL season. Coincidentally, that is the exact same performance rating he had last season when his only game was a draw with the white pieces against this week's opponent, NM Ilya Krasik. Scoring (+2 =1 -4) in his 10th USCL season with Boston, NM Ilya Krasik has a 2138 performance rating. He won last week with the white pieces on Board 4 against NM Greg Kaden of the New England Nor'easters. He has a (+4 =2 -4) record against Baltimore in his career.
Catch the games live on ICC and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls linked below/shown to the right!
Board 1 Result? | Board 2 Result? | Board 3 Result? | Board 4 Result? | Match Result?
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
Sunday, October 19, 2014
2014 Week 8 Review
Baltimore Kingfishers vs. Miami Sharks 1-3
GM Niclas Huschenbeth (2603) - GM Julio Becerra (2626) 0.5-0.5 View Game
GM Larry Kaufman (2391) - GM Renier Gonzalez (2510) 0.5-0.5 View Game
NM Jared Defibaugh (2325) - NM Federico Gonzalez (2315) 0-1 View Game
FM Ralph Zimmer (2268) - Vlad Yanovsky (2165) 0-1 View Game
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Miami Sharks defeated the Baltimore Kingfishers with a 3-1 score. Miami managed victories on the bottom two boards and drew both top boards. In the Southern Division, Miami (4.5-3.5) in match points) moved up to 2nd place while Baltimore (3.0-5.0) dropped to 5th place. With two weeks left to go in the regular season, Baltimore is a half-match-point (and 1.5 game points) behind the Atlanta Kings for the 3rd and likely final playoff spot in the Southern Division. It is still possible though very unlikely that the Southern Division earns a 4th playoff spot. Which of the three USCL Divisions earns that extra playoff spot will be determined next week with the final interdivisional match-ups of the regular season.
TRIVIA: Name the team against which Baltimore has not played for the longest amount of time.
ANSWER: Baltimore has not played the San Francisco Mechanics since Week 6, 2005.
Board 1: GM Niclas Huschenbeth vs. GM Julio Becerra. The top board showcased a sharp Two Knights Defense: Modern variation (5. e5). GM Niclas Huschenbeth played the novelty 17. Qxa7 and GM Julio Becerra began a scenic journey with his own queen. White seemingly won an exchange but black had a sudden attack against the surprisingly vulnerable white king. White returned a knight and pawn to relieve the pressure, resulting in a material imbalance of two white rooks for black's rook, knight, and bishop. White had a passed a-pawn, but its march was easily stopped by the black rook and bishop combination. The game ended in a threefold repetition on move 44. The game took 2nd place in the Game of the Week competition. See the judges' comments here.
Next week, the Baltimore Kingfishers play the Boston Blitz on Wednesday, October 22nd at 7:30 PM EDT.
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
GM Niclas Huschenbeth (2603) - GM Julio Becerra (2626) 0.5-0.5 View Game
GM Larry Kaufman (2391) - GM Renier Gonzalez (2510) 0.5-0.5 View Game
NM Jared Defibaugh (2325) - NM Federico Gonzalez (2315) 0-1 View Game
FM Ralph Zimmer (2268) - Vlad Yanovsky (2165) 0-1 View Game
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Miami Sharks defeated the Baltimore Kingfishers with a 3-1 score. Miami managed victories on the bottom two boards and drew both top boards. In the Southern Division, Miami (4.5-3.5) in match points) moved up to 2nd place while Baltimore (3.0-5.0) dropped to 5th place. With two weeks left to go in the regular season, Baltimore is a half-match-point (and 1.5 game points) behind the Atlanta Kings for the 3rd and likely final playoff spot in the Southern Division. It is still possible though very unlikely that the Southern Division earns a 4th playoff spot. Which of the three USCL Divisions earns that extra playoff spot will be determined next week with the final interdivisional match-ups of the regular season.
TRIVIA: Name the team against which Baltimore has not played for the longest amount of time.
ANSWER: Baltimore has not played the San Francisco Mechanics since Week 6, 2005.
Board 1: GM Niclas Huschenbeth vs. GM Julio Becerra. The top board showcased a sharp Two Knights Defense: Modern variation (5. e5). GM Niclas Huschenbeth played the novelty 17. Qxa7 and GM Julio Becerra began a scenic journey with his own queen. White seemingly won an exchange but black had a sudden attack against the surprisingly vulnerable white king. White returned a knight and pawn to relieve the pressure, resulting in a material imbalance of two white rooks for black's rook, knight, and bishop. White had a passed a-pawn, but its march was easily stopped by the black rook and bishop combination. The game ended in a threefold repetition on move 44. The game took 2nd place in the Game of the Week competition. See the judges' comments here.
Next week, the Baltimore Kingfishers play the Boston Blitz on Wednesday, October 22nd at 7:30 PM EDT.
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
Monday, October 13, 2014
2014 Week 8 Preview
Baltimore Kingfishers vs. Miami Sharks
GM Niclas Huschenbeth (2603) - GM Julio Becerra (2626)
GM Larry Kaufman (2391) - GM Renier Gonzalez (2510)
NM Jared Defibaugh (2325) - NM Federico Gonzalez (2315)
FM Ralph Zimmer (2268) - Vlad Yanovsky (2165)
Tuesday, 7:30 PM EDT
Time Control: 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Baltimore Kingfishers and the Miami Sharks face-off in a hotly-contested Southern Division match-up. Baltimore (3.0-4.0 in match points) is in 4th place while Miami (3.5-3.5) sits just above them in 3rd place in the Southern Division. Miami leads the all-time series with a 2-1 match score against Baltimore. Amazingly, these two original USCL teams, who battled each other in the very first week of the first USCL season as well as the first USCL Finals, have not met since Week 4, 2006. Two Baltimore players (GM Larry Kaufman and FM Ralph Zimmer) and one Miami player (GM Julio Becerra) played in that last match and will return to play in this upcoming match.
TRIVIA: Name the team against which Baltimore has not played for the longest amount of time.
Board 1: GM Niclas Huschenbeth vs. GM Julio Becerra. GM Niclas Huschenbeth is (=1 -1) with a 2568 performance rating in his 3rd USCL season. He last played in Week 6 when he drew with the white pieces on Board 1 against GM Wesley So of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. He has never played against Miami before he challenges GM Julio Becerra this week. Playing against GM Julio Becerra is nearly synonymous with playing against the Miami Sharks as GM Becerra recently became the first USCL player with over a hundred games played. Over his 10-year career, he has played in 101 of Miami's 111 matches played (Not counting a 2005 Miami match that was agreed drawn without playing due to a Hurricane). This season, he is (+2 =4 -1) with a 2722 performance rating. He won last week with the white pieces on Board 1 against IM David Vigorito of the New England Nor'easters. Also, he has scored (+2 -1) against Baltimore in his career.
Board 2: GM Renier Gonzalez vs. GM Larry Kaufman. GM Renier Gonzalez is (-2) with a 2217 performance rating in his 3rd season for the Miami Sharks. He last played in Week 5 with the white pieces on Board 2 against FM Yian Liou of the San Francisco Mechanics. He has not played against Baltimore previously. Meanwhile his opponent, GM Larry Kaufman, is also on a (-2) score though with a 1990 performance rating. GM Larry Kaufman has a (+2) record against Miami in his 10-year career. He played last week with the black pieces on Board 2 against IM Mark Ginsburg of the Arizona Scorpions.
Board 3: NM Jared Defibaugh vs. NM Federico Gonzalez. NM Jared Defibaugh has a (+3 =2 -1) record with a 2479 performance rating in his 5th USCL season. He won last week with the white pieces on Board 3 against IM Alexey Diulger of the Arizona Scorpions. He will get his first chance to play against Miami with an opponent, NM Federico Gonzalez, who will be playing his first USCL game ever. Little information is available for NM Federico Gonzalez except for his 2315 USCF rating.
Board 4: Vlad Yanovsky vs. FM Ralph Zimmer. Vlad Yanovsky won his only game this season in Week 6 with the white pieces on Board 3 against NM Ian Harris of the Connecticut Dreadnoughts. That starts him with a 2708 performance rating in his 2nd USCL season. Also having played only one game this season, FM Zimmer lost last week with the black pieces on Board 4 against Matthew Noble of the Arizona Scorpions. That starts him off with a 1684 performance rating. Might that be the largest performance rating gap in USCL history? Also, FM Zimmer is (-1) in his career against Miami.
Catch the games live on ICC and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls linked below/shown to the right!
Board 1 Result? | Board 2 Result? | Board 3 Result? | Board 4 Result? | Match Result?
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
GM Niclas Huschenbeth (2603) - GM Julio Becerra (2626)
GM Larry Kaufman (2391) - GM Renier Gonzalez (2510)
NM Jared Defibaugh (2325) - NM Federico Gonzalez (2315)
FM Ralph Zimmer (2268) - Vlad Yanovsky (2165)
Tuesday, 7:30 PM EDT
Time Control: 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Baltimore Kingfishers and the Miami Sharks face-off in a hotly-contested Southern Division match-up. Baltimore (3.0-4.0 in match points) is in 4th place while Miami (3.5-3.5) sits just above them in 3rd place in the Southern Division. Miami leads the all-time series with a 2-1 match score against Baltimore. Amazingly, these two original USCL teams, who battled each other in the very first week of the first USCL season as well as the first USCL Finals, have not met since Week 4, 2006. Two Baltimore players (GM Larry Kaufman and FM Ralph Zimmer) and one Miami player (GM Julio Becerra) played in that last match and will return to play in this upcoming match.
TRIVIA: Name the team against which Baltimore has not played for the longest amount of time.
Board 1: GM Niclas Huschenbeth vs. GM Julio Becerra. GM Niclas Huschenbeth is (=1 -1) with a 2568 performance rating in his 3rd USCL season. He last played in Week 6 when he drew with the white pieces on Board 1 against GM Wesley So of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. He has never played against Miami before he challenges GM Julio Becerra this week. Playing against GM Julio Becerra is nearly synonymous with playing against the Miami Sharks as GM Becerra recently became the first USCL player with over a hundred games played. Over his 10-year career, he has played in 101 of Miami's 111 matches played (Not counting a 2005 Miami match that was agreed drawn without playing due to a Hurricane). This season, he is (+2 =4 -1) with a 2722 performance rating. He won last week with the white pieces on Board 1 against IM David Vigorito of the New England Nor'easters. Also, he has scored (+2 -1) against Baltimore in his career.
Board 2: GM Renier Gonzalez vs. GM Larry Kaufman. GM Renier Gonzalez is (-2) with a 2217 performance rating in his 3rd season for the Miami Sharks. He last played in Week 5 with the white pieces on Board 2 against FM Yian Liou of the San Francisco Mechanics. He has not played against Baltimore previously. Meanwhile his opponent, GM Larry Kaufman, is also on a (-2) score though with a 1990 performance rating. GM Larry Kaufman has a (+2) record against Miami in his 10-year career. He played last week with the black pieces on Board 2 against IM Mark Ginsburg of the Arizona Scorpions.
Board 3: NM Jared Defibaugh vs. NM Federico Gonzalez. NM Jared Defibaugh has a (+3 =2 -1) record with a 2479 performance rating in his 5th USCL season. He won last week with the white pieces on Board 3 against IM Alexey Diulger of the Arizona Scorpions. He will get his first chance to play against Miami with an opponent, NM Federico Gonzalez, who will be playing his first USCL game ever. Little information is available for NM Federico Gonzalez except for his 2315 USCF rating.
Board 4: Vlad Yanovsky vs. FM Ralph Zimmer. Vlad Yanovsky won his only game this season in Week 6 with the white pieces on Board 3 against NM Ian Harris of the Connecticut Dreadnoughts. That starts him with a 2708 performance rating in his 2nd USCL season. Also having played only one game this season, FM Zimmer lost last week with the black pieces on Board 4 against Matthew Noble of the Arizona Scorpions. That starts him off with a 1684 performance rating. Might that be the largest performance rating gap in USCL history? Also, FM Zimmer is (-1) in his career against Miami.
Catch the games live on ICC and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls linked below/shown to the right!
Board 1 Result? | Board 2 Result? | Board 3 Result? | Board 4 Result? | Match Result?
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
Saturday, October 11, 2014
2014 Week 7 Review
Baltimore Kingfishers vs. Arizona Scorpions 1.5-2.5
IM Tanguy Ringoir (2583) - GM Mackenzie Molner (2581) 0.5-0.5 View Game
GM Larry Kaufman (2391) - IM Mark Ginsburg (2397) 0-1 View Game
NM Jared Defibaugh (2325) - IM Alexey Diulger (2421) 1-0 View Game
FM Ralph Zimmer (2268) - Matthew Noble (2084) 0-1 View Game
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Arizona Scorpions defeated the Baltimore Kingfishers by a 2.5-1.5 score. Arizona managed victories on the even-numbered boards with a draw on Board 1 while Baltimore won on Board 3. Arizona (3.5-3.5 in match points) moved up to 4th place in the Western Division, and Baltimore (3.0-4.0) dropped to 4th place in the Southern Division. Currently, the Western Division leads the interdivision standings, which means there would be a 4th playoff team for the Western Division if the standings hold after Week 9.
Board 1: IM Tanguy Ringoir vs. GM Mackenzie Molner. The first board began as a Grunfeld Defense with 4. e3 Bg7 5. Qb3. GM Mackenzie Molner played 9... Ne4, deviating from a previous game from each of our two players. However, the game continued to follow a Nakamura-Caruana game until 12. a3, which was a novelty played by IM Tanguy Ringoir. Early play concentrated on how the queenside would open up. Then, a multitude of trades happened and an endgame was reached with two bishops vs. bishop and knight with 4 pawns each. White had the worse-looking side as two of his pawns were doubled and the d-pawn was unconnected. However, IM Ringoir showed those things were not actually a disadvantage as he sacrificed the d-pawn and created blockades of the black pawns. The game was agreed drawn on move 46.
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
IM Tanguy Ringoir (2583) - GM Mackenzie Molner (2581) 0.5-0.5 View Game
GM Larry Kaufman (2391) - IM Mark Ginsburg (2397) 0-1 View Game
NM Jared Defibaugh (2325) - IM Alexey Diulger (2421) 1-0 View Game
FM Ralph Zimmer (2268) - Matthew Noble (2084) 0-1 View Game
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Arizona Scorpions defeated the Baltimore Kingfishers by a 2.5-1.5 score. Arizona managed victories on the even-numbered boards with a draw on Board 1 while Baltimore won on Board 3. Arizona (3.5-3.5 in match points) moved up to 4th place in the Western Division, and Baltimore (3.0-4.0) dropped to 4th place in the Southern Division. Currently, the Western Division leads the interdivision standings, which means there would be a 4th playoff team for the Western Division if the standings hold after Week 9.
Board 1: IM Tanguy Ringoir vs. GM Mackenzie Molner. The first board began as a Grunfeld Defense with 4. e3 Bg7 5. Qb3. GM Mackenzie Molner played 9... Ne4, deviating from a previous game from each of our two players. However, the game continued to follow a Nakamura-Caruana game until 12. a3, which was a novelty played by IM Tanguy Ringoir. Early play concentrated on how the queenside would open up. Then, a multitude of trades happened and an endgame was reached with two bishops vs. bishop and knight with 4 pawns each. White had the worse-looking side as two of his pawns were doubled and the d-pawn was unconnected. However, IM Ringoir showed those things were not actually a disadvantage as he sacrificed the d-pawn and created blockades of the black pawns. The game was agreed drawn on move 46.
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
Monday, October 6, 2014
2014 Week 7 Preview
Baltimore Kingfishers vs. Arizona Scorpions
IM Tanguy Ringoir (2583) - GM Mackenzie Molner (2581)
GM Larry Kaufman (2391) - IM Mark Ginsburg (2397)
NM Jared Defibaugh (2325) - IM Alexey Diulger (2421)
FM Ralph Zimmer (2268) - Matthew Noble (2084)
Wednesday, 9:00 PM EDT
Time Control: 60 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
In the third and penultimate interdivisional match of the season, the Baltimore Kingfishers play the Arizona Scorpions. Baltimore (3.0-3.0 match record) is in 2nd place in the Southern Division while Arizona (2.5-3.5) is in 5th place in the Western Division. Baltimore has won all three previous matches against Arizona. These two teams last played in Week 6, 2012 when Baltimore won by a 3-1 score. One Baltimore player (NM Jared Defibaugh) and two Arizona players (GM Mackenzie Molner and IM Mark Ginsburg) from that match return to play in this match.
The four weeks of interdivisional matches determine which of the three USCL divisions earns a 4th playoff spot. Currently, the Western Division leads the race with an (8.0-4.0) match record while the Eastern Division (7.0-5.0) remains close behind. The Southern Division sits at a dismal (3.0-9.0) record, but there is still time to catch up. See the full USCL playoff structure explanation here.
Board 1: IM Tanguy Ringoir vs. GM Mackenzie Molner. IM Tanguy Ringoir won his only USCL game thus far in Week 4 on Board 1 with the black pieces against IM Carlos Perdomo of the Atlanta Kings. That starts him off with a 2800 performance rating. He will be challenged by GM Mackenzie Molner, a 9-year veteran of the USCL playing in his 4th year with the Arizona Scorpions. GM Molner has a (+2 =1 -2) record this season with a 2651 performance rating. In his USCL career which has included stints with the New York Knights and the New Jersey Knockouts, he has a (+3 =2 -2) record against Baltimore. He drew last week with the black pieces on Board 1 against GM Jesse Kraai of the San Francisco Mechanics.
Board 2: IM Mark Ginsburg vs. GM Larry Kaufman. In his 6th USCL season, IM Mark Ginsburg is (+2 =2 -1) with a 2525 performance rating. He drew last week on Board 3 with the black pieces against FM Cameron Wheeler of the San Francisco Mechanics. He has a (=1 -1) record in his career against Baltimore including a drawn game in Week 4, 2009 with the same colors against this week's opponent, GM Larry Kaufman. GM Larry Kaufman lost his only game this season in Week 2 with the black pieces against NM Ilker Bozkurt of the Carolina Cobras for a 1983 performance rating. In his 10 seasons with the Baltimore Kingfishers, he has a (+1 =1) record against the Arizona Scorpions.
Board 3: NM Jared Defibaugh vs. IM Alexey Diulger. NM Jared Defibaugh has scored (+2 =2 -1) with a 2410 performance rating in his 5th USCL season. He won his only career game against Arizona. He won last week with the white pieces on Board 3 against NM Matthew Larson of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. Opposing him will be IM Alexey Diulger, who lost his only career USCL game in Week 5 with the black pieces against GM Le Quang Liem of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. That still starts IM Alexey Diulger with a relatively high 2385 performance rating.
Board 4: Matthew Noble vs. FM Ralph Zimmer. Matthew Noble is (+1 -1) in his first USCL season with a 2109 performance rating. He last played in Week 5 when he won with the black pieces on Board 4 against Julian Proleiko of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. He is set to play FM Ralph Zimmer, who is making his season debut for his 9th season with Baltimore. FM Ralph Zimmer scored (+2 =1 -1) last season with a 2337 performance rating and won his only career game against the Arizona Scorpions.
Catch the games live on ICC and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls linked below/shown to the right!
Board 1 Result? | Board 2 Result? | Board 3 Result? | Board 4 Result? | Match Result?
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
IM Tanguy Ringoir (2583) - GM Mackenzie Molner (2581)
GM Larry Kaufman (2391) - IM Mark Ginsburg (2397)
NM Jared Defibaugh (2325) - IM Alexey Diulger (2421)
FM Ralph Zimmer (2268) - Matthew Noble (2084)
Wednesday, 9:00 PM EDT
Time Control: 60 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
In the third and penultimate interdivisional match of the season, the Baltimore Kingfishers play the Arizona Scorpions. Baltimore (3.0-3.0 match record) is in 2nd place in the Southern Division while Arizona (2.5-3.5) is in 5th place in the Western Division. Baltimore has won all three previous matches against Arizona. These two teams last played in Week 6, 2012 when Baltimore won by a 3-1 score. One Baltimore player (NM Jared Defibaugh) and two Arizona players (GM Mackenzie Molner and IM Mark Ginsburg) from that match return to play in this match.
The four weeks of interdivisional matches determine which of the three USCL divisions earns a 4th playoff spot. Currently, the Western Division leads the race with an (8.0-4.0) match record while the Eastern Division (7.0-5.0) remains close behind. The Southern Division sits at a dismal (3.0-9.0) record, but there is still time to catch up. See the full USCL playoff structure explanation here.
Board 1: IM Tanguy Ringoir vs. GM Mackenzie Molner. IM Tanguy Ringoir won his only USCL game thus far in Week 4 on Board 1 with the black pieces against IM Carlos Perdomo of the Atlanta Kings. That starts him off with a 2800 performance rating. He will be challenged by GM Mackenzie Molner, a 9-year veteran of the USCL playing in his 4th year with the Arizona Scorpions. GM Molner has a (+2 =1 -2) record this season with a 2651 performance rating. In his USCL career which has included stints with the New York Knights and the New Jersey Knockouts, he has a (+3 =2 -2) record against Baltimore. He drew last week with the black pieces on Board 1 against GM Jesse Kraai of the San Francisco Mechanics.
Board 2: IM Mark Ginsburg vs. GM Larry Kaufman. In his 6th USCL season, IM Mark Ginsburg is (+2 =2 -1) with a 2525 performance rating. He drew last week on Board 3 with the black pieces against FM Cameron Wheeler of the San Francisco Mechanics. He has a (=1 -1) record in his career against Baltimore including a drawn game in Week 4, 2009 with the same colors against this week's opponent, GM Larry Kaufman. GM Larry Kaufman lost his only game this season in Week 2 with the black pieces against NM Ilker Bozkurt of the Carolina Cobras for a 1983 performance rating. In his 10 seasons with the Baltimore Kingfishers, he has a (+1 =1) record against the Arizona Scorpions.
Board 3: NM Jared Defibaugh vs. IM Alexey Diulger. NM Jared Defibaugh has scored (+2 =2 -1) with a 2410 performance rating in his 5th USCL season. He won his only career game against Arizona. He won last week with the white pieces on Board 3 against NM Matthew Larson of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. Opposing him will be IM Alexey Diulger, who lost his only career USCL game in Week 5 with the black pieces against GM Le Quang Liem of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. That still starts IM Alexey Diulger with a relatively high 2385 performance rating.
Board 4: Matthew Noble vs. FM Ralph Zimmer. Matthew Noble is (+1 -1) in his first USCL season with a 2109 performance rating. He last played in Week 5 when he won with the black pieces on Board 4 against Julian Proleiko of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. He is set to play FM Ralph Zimmer, who is making his season debut for his 9th season with Baltimore. FM Ralph Zimmer scored (+2 =1 -1) last season with a 2337 performance rating and won his only career game against the Arizona Scorpions.
Catch the games live on ICC and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls linked below/shown to the right!
Board 1 Result? | Board 2 Result? | Board 3 Result? | Board 4 Result? | Match Result?
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
Friday, October 3, 2014
2014 Week 6 Review
Baltimore Kingfishers vs. St. Louis Arch Bishops 2.5-1.5
GM Niclas Huschenbeth (2603) - GM Wesley So (2751) 0.5-0.5 View Game
IM Levan Bregadze (2530) - GM Le Quang Liem (2785) 0-1 View Game
NM Jared Defibaugh (2325) - NM Mathew Larson (2251) 1-0 View Game
NM Andrew Zheng (2208) - Jacob Wilkins (1909) 1-0 View Game
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Baltimore Kingfishers defeated the division-leading St. Louis Arch Bishops with a 2.5-1.5 score. Baltimore took victories on the bottom two boards and drew on the top board while St. Louis struck back with a win on board 2. Combined with the Miami Sharks' 2.5-1.5 victory over the Connecticut Dreadnoughts, Baltimore (3.0-3.0 match record) managed to leap into 2nd place in the Southern Division. Now, they are only a half-match-point behind the St. Louis Arch Bishops (3.5-2.5 match record) in the standings. There is also a crowd of 3 teams (Atlanta Kings, Connecticut Dreadnoughts, Miami Sharks) tied for 3rd place at (2.5-3.5 match record), which is just a half-match-point behind Baltimore. Finally, the Carolina Cobras (1.0-5.0 match record) sit at the bottom of the Southern Division, but they are not out of the playoff picture yet.
Board 1: GM Niclas Huschenbeth vs. GM Wesley So. The top board showcased a very interesting Najdorf Sicilian. GM Wesley So played the novelty 11... b5. In the middlegame, GM Huschenbeth maneuvered to attack the black kingside, but GM Wesley So managed to parry the threats. As pieces were traded in the center, it soon looked like white's king might be the more vulnerable one. Then, GM Huschenbeth regained an edge in the game with the strong 32. Rxc3! though it was not enough to convert to a victory. They played until bare kings on move 60.
Note: I did not do analysis of this game beyond the novelty search and finding interesting stem games as GM Niclas Huschenbeth has already posted his own spectacular in-depth analysis of the game on YouTube (Runtime: 34:56). Be sure to check it out below!
Board 2: GM Le Quang Liem vs. IM Levan Bregadze. The second board featured a King's Indian with opposite-side castling. GM Le Quang Liem played the novelty 11. h4 to begin his assault of the black kingside. IM Levan Bregadze soon countered with his a-pawn push against white's long-castled king. Complications arose as the center opened up. Black appeared worse by being down two pawns, but the power of the fianchettoed-bishop and a rook on the 2nd rank provided drawing chances and maybe more. Perhaps that chance for more was on IM Bregadze's mind when he played 26... Bd4, which was a mistake that GM Le Quang Liem pounced upon to seize a victory in 33 moves.
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
GM Niclas Huschenbeth (2603) - GM Wesley So (2751) 0.5-0.5 View Game
IM Levan Bregadze (2530) - GM Le Quang Liem (2785) 0-1 View Game
NM Jared Defibaugh (2325) - NM Mathew Larson (2251) 1-0 View Game
NM Andrew Zheng (2208) - Jacob Wilkins (1909) 1-0 View Game
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Baltimore Kingfishers defeated the division-leading St. Louis Arch Bishops with a 2.5-1.5 score. Baltimore took victories on the bottom two boards and drew on the top board while St. Louis struck back with a win on board 2. Combined with the Miami Sharks' 2.5-1.5 victory over the Connecticut Dreadnoughts, Baltimore (3.0-3.0 match record) managed to leap into 2nd place in the Southern Division. Now, they are only a half-match-point behind the St. Louis Arch Bishops (3.5-2.5 match record) in the standings. There is also a crowd of 3 teams (Atlanta Kings, Connecticut Dreadnoughts, Miami Sharks) tied for 3rd place at (2.5-3.5 match record), which is just a half-match-point behind Baltimore. Finally, the Carolina Cobras (1.0-5.0 match record) sit at the bottom of the Southern Division, but they are not out of the playoff picture yet.
Board 1: GM Niclas Huschenbeth vs. GM Wesley So. The top board showcased a very interesting Najdorf Sicilian. GM Wesley So played the novelty 11... b5. In the middlegame, GM Huschenbeth maneuvered to attack the black kingside, but GM Wesley So managed to parry the threats. As pieces were traded in the center, it soon looked like white's king might be the more vulnerable one. Then, GM Huschenbeth regained an edge in the game with the strong 32. Rxc3! though it was not enough to convert to a victory. They played until bare kings on move 60.
Note: I did not do analysis of this game beyond the novelty search and finding interesting stem games as GM Niclas Huschenbeth has already posted his own spectacular in-depth analysis of the game on YouTube (Runtime: 34:56). Be sure to check it out below!
Board 2: GM Le Quang Liem vs. IM Levan Bregadze. The second board featured a King's Indian with opposite-side castling. GM Le Quang Liem played the novelty 11. h4 to begin his assault of the black kingside. IM Levan Bregadze soon countered with his a-pawn push against white's long-castled king. Complications arose as the center opened up. Black appeared worse by being down two pawns, but the power of the fianchettoed-bishop and a rook on the 2nd rank provided drawing chances and maybe more. Perhaps that chance for more was on IM Bregadze's mind when he played 26... Bd4, which was a mistake that GM Le Quang Liem pounced upon to seize a victory in 33 moves.
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
Sunday, September 28, 2014
2014 Week 6 Preview
Baltimore Kingfishers vs. St. Louis Arch Bishops
GM Niclas Huschenbeth (2603) - GM Wesley So (2751)
IM Levan Bregadze (2530) - GM Le Quang Liem (2785)
NM Jared Defibaugh (2325) - NM Mathew Larson (2251)
NM Andrew Zheng (2208) - Jacob Wilkins (1909)
Tuesday, 8:00 PM EDT
Time Control: 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Baltimore Kingfishers and St. Louis Arch Bishops face-off in a rematch of Week 1 when St. Louis won with a 2.5-1.5 result. Baltimore is using the same lineup from Week 1 while St. Louis has two players (GM Le Quang Liem and Jacob Wilkins) returning from that match. Currently in the Southern Division, St. Louis (3.5-1.5) is on top of the standings with Baltimore (2.0-3.0) trailing in 3rd place (of 6). St. Louis has won both previous matches against Baltimore.
Board 1: GM Niclas Huschenbeth vs. GM Wesley So. GM Niclas Huschenbeth lost his only game this season, which occurred in Week 1 on Board 1 with the black pieces against GM Le Quang Liem of the St. Louis Archbishops. That starts him with a 2385 performance rating. He is (-2) against St. Louis in his 3-year USCL career. This week, GM Le Quang Liem drops down to Board 2, so GM Huschenbeth will do battle with GM Wesley So. GM Wesley So is (+2 =1) with a 2864 performance rating in his first USCL season. He won last week on Board 1 with the black pieces against GM Mackenzie Molner of the Arizona Scorpions.
Board 2: GM Le Quang Liem vs. IM Levan Bregadze. GM Le Quang Liem is (+3 =1) with a 2860 performance rating in his first USCL season. He is (+1) against Baltimore, and he won last week on Board 2 with the white pieces against IM Alexey Diulger of the Arizona Scorpions. Squaring-off against him will be IM Levan Bregadze, who is (+3 -1) with a 2690 performance rating in his 3rd season. IM Bregadze is (-1) against his former team, the St. Louis Arch Bishops. He won last week on Board 2 with the black pieces against FM Andrew Shvartsman of the Manhattan Applesauce.
Board 3: NM Jared Defibaugh vs. NM Matthew Larson. NM Jared Defibaugh is (+1 =2 -1) with a 2350 performance rating in his 5th season. He drew his only career game against St. Louis in Week 1. He last played in Week 4 when he won on Board 3 with the black pieces against NM Richard Francisco of the Atlanta Kings. He is set to play NM Matthew Larson, who is making his season debut. NM Larson is making his return to the USCL after only playing for St. Louis in 2012. He was (+2 -4) with a 2115 performance rating that year and scored (+1) against Baltimore.
Board 4: Jacob Wilkins vs. NM Andrew Zheng. Jacob Wilkins is (=2 -1) with a 1990 performance rating in his 2nd USCL season. He last played in Week 3 when he drew on Board 4 with the white pieces against Shaun Smith of the Manhattan Applesauce. He lost his only career game against Baltimore in Week 1 on Board 4 with the black pieces against NM Andrew Zheng, who is also his opponent this week. Colors will be reversed this time. NM Andrew Zheng is (+2 =1 -1) with a 2281 performance rating in his 2nd season. He last played in Week 4 when he drew on Board 4 with the white pieces against NM Michael Corallo of the Atlanta Kings.
Catch the games live on ICC and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls linked below/shown to the right!
Board 1 Result? | Board 2 Result? | Board 3 Result? | Board 4 Result? | Match Result?
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
GM Niclas Huschenbeth (2603) - GM Wesley So (2751)
IM Levan Bregadze (2530) - GM Le Quang Liem (2785)
NM Jared Defibaugh (2325) - NM Mathew Larson (2251)
NM Andrew Zheng (2208) - Jacob Wilkins (1909)
Tuesday, 8:00 PM EDT
Time Control: 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Baltimore Kingfishers and St. Louis Arch Bishops face-off in a rematch of Week 1 when St. Louis won with a 2.5-1.5 result. Baltimore is using the same lineup from Week 1 while St. Louis has two players (GM Le Quang Liem and Jacob Wilkins) returning from that match. Currently in the Southern Division, St. Louis (3.5-1.5) is on top of the standings with Baltimore (2.0-3.0) trailing in 3rd place (of 6). St. Louis has won both previous matches against Baltimore.
Board 1: GM Niclas Huschenbeth vs. GM Wesley So. GM Niclas Huschenbeth lost his only game this season, which occurred in Week 1 on Board 1 with the black pieces against GM Le Quang Liem of the St. Louis Archbishops. That starts him with a 2385 performance rating. He is (-2) against St. Louis in his 3-year USCL career. This week, GM Le Quang Liem drops down to Board 2, so GM Huschenbeth will do battle with GM Wesley So. GM Wesley So is (+2 =1) with a 2864 performance rating in his first USCL season. He won last week on Board 1 with the black pieces against GM Mackenzie Molner of the Arizona Scorpions.
Board 2: GM Le Quang Liem vs. IM Levan Bregadze. GM Le Quang Liem is (+3 =1) with a 2860 performance rating in his first USCL season. He is (+1) against Baltimore, and he won last week on Board 2 with the white pieces against IM Alexey Diulger of the Arizona Scorpions. Squaring-off against him will be IM Levan Bregadze, who is (+3 -1) with a 2690 performance rating in his 3rd season. IM Bregadze is (-1) against his former team, the St. Louis Arch Bishops. He won last week on Board 2 with the black pieces against FM Andrew Shvartsman of the Manhattan Applesauce.
Board 3: NM Jared Defibaugh vs. NM Matthew Larson. NM Jared Defibaugh is (+1 =2 -1) with a 2350 performance rating in his 5th season. He drew his only career game against St. Louis in Week 1. He last played in Week 4 when he won on Board 3 with the black pieces against NM Richard Francisco of the Atlanta Kings. He is set to play NM Matthew Larson, who is making his season debut. NM Larson is making his return to the USCL after only playing for St. Louis in 2012. He was (+2 -4) with a 2115 performance rating that year and scored (+1) against Baltimore.
Board 4: Jacob Wilkins vs. NM Andrew Zheng. Jacob Wilkins is (=2 -1) with a 1990 performance rating in his 2nd USCL season. He last played in Week 3 when he drew on Board 4 with the white pieces against Shaun Smith of the Manhattan Applesauce. He lost his only career game against Baltimore in Week 1 on Board 4 with the black pieces against NM Andrew Zheng, who is also his opponent this week. Colors will be reversed this time. NM Andrew Zheng is (+2 =1 -1) with a 2281 performance rating in his 2nd season. He last played in Week 4 when he drew on Board 4 with the white pieces against NM Michael Corallo of the Atlanta Kings.
Catch the games live on ICC and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls linked below/shown to the right!
Board 1 Result? | Board 2 Result? | Board 3 Result? | Board 4 Result? | Match Result?
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
Saturday, September 27, 2014
2014 Week 5 Review
Baltimore Kingfishers vs. Manhattan Applesauce 1.5-2.5
GM Akshayraj Kore (2543) - GM Robert Hungaski (2551) 0-1 View Game
IM Levan Bregadze (2530) - FM Andrew Shvartsman (2432) 1-0 View Game
IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat (2450) - FM Rico Salimbagat (2286) 0.5-0.5 View Game
NM Mark Ashland (2068) - NM Levy Rozman (2382) 0-1 View Game
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Manhattan Applesauce defeated the Baltimore Kingfishers with a 2.5-1.5 score. Both teams actually retain their respective divisional standings as Manhattan (3.0-2.0 in match points) stays in 4th place in the Eastern Division while Baltimore (2.0-3.0) remains in 3rd place in the Southern Division.
Board 1: GM Akshayraj Kore vs. GM Robert Hungaski. The top board began with a Scandinavian Defense: Pytel variation (3... Qd6). GM Robert Hungaski played the novelty 8... Bxf3. However, 9... Nbd7 transposed into some previously played games, so another novelty, 11. Qe2, was played by GM Akshayraj Kore. GM Hungaski create an avenue for attacking with the f5-f4 pawn push, but then the game became a slow-piece-shuffling affair. Later, as both players had created an Alekhine's gun (2 rooks with a queen behind on the same file), the fireworks started with 38. Rxe6. White pinned the rook in front, but black showed that was not at all a problem as the white king was far too vulnerable. The game ended on move 44 with mate in 3 on the board.
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
GM Akshayraj Kore (2543) - GM Robert Hungaski (2551) 0-1 View Game
IM Levan Bregadze (2530) - FM Andrew Shvartsman (2432) 1-0 View Game
IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat (2450) - FM Rico Salimbagat (2286) 0.5-0.5 View Game
NM Mark Ashland (2068) - NM Levy Rozman (2382) 0-1 View Game
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Manhattan Applesauce defeated the Baltimore Kingfishers with a 2.5-1.5 score. Both teams actually retain their respective divisional standings as Manhattan (3.0-2.0 in match points) stays in 4th place in the Eastern Division while Baltimore (2.0-3.0) remains in 3rd place in the Southern Division.
Board 1: GM Akshayraj Kore vs. GM Robert Hungaski. The top board began with a Scandinavian Defense: Pytel variation (3... Qd6). GM Robert Hungaski played the novelty 8... Bxf3. However, 9... Nbd7 transposed into some previously played games, so another novelty, 11. Qe2, was played by GM Akshayraj Kore. GM Hungaski create an avenue for attacking with the f5-f4 pawn push, but then the game became a slow-piece-shuffling affair. Later, as both players had created an Alekhine's gun (2 rooks with a queen behind on the same file), the fireworks started with 38. Rxe6. White pinned the rook in front, but black showed that was not at all a problem as the white king was far too vulnerable. The game ended on move 44 with mate in 3 on the board.
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
Monday, September 22, 2014
2014 Week 5 Preview
Baltimore Kingfishers vs. Manhattan Applesauce
GM Akshayraj Kore (2543) - GM Robert Hungaski (2551)
IM Levan Bregadze (2530) - FM Andrew Shvartsman (2432)
IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat (2450) - FM Rico Salimbagat (2286)
NM Mark Ashland (2068) - NM Levy Rozman (2382)
Tuesday, 7:30 PM EDT
Time Control: 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Baltimore Kingfishers are set to take on the Manhattan Applesauce. Baltimore (2.0-2.0 match record) currently sits in 3rd place (of 6) in the Southern Division while Manhattan (2.0-2.0) is in 4th place (of 6) in the Eastern Division. The Manhattan Applesauce (formerly Queens Pioneers) have been in the USCL for 8 years, and they lead the all-time series against Baltimore with a 7.0-2.0 match record. These two teams last played in Week 3, 2013 when the match was drawn. Two Baltimore players (IM Levan Bregadze and IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat) and 1 Manhattan player (FM Rico Salimbagat) return from that match to play in this upcoming match.
Board 1: GM Akshayraj Kore vs. GM Robert Hungaski. GM Akshayraj Kore won his only career USCL game in Week 3 on Board 1 with the black pieces against IM Andranik Matikozyan of the Los Angeles Vibe for a performance rating of 2938. His opponent, GM Robert Hungaski, drew his only game this year on Board 1 with the white pieces against GM Alex Stripunsky of the New Jersey Knockouts for a 2656 performance rating. GM Hungaski is playing in his 4th season in the USCL and 2nd season for Manhattan. He has a (+2) career record against Baltimore with both games played against IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat.
Board 2: FM Andrew Shvartsman vs. IM Levan Bregadze. FM Andrew Shvartsman is (+1 -1) with a 2420 performance rating in his 2nd USCL season. He last played in Week 3 when he won on Board 3 with the white pieces against WGM Anna Sharevich of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. This will be his first career game against the Baltimore Kingfishers. He will be challenged by IM Levan Bregadze, who is (+2 -1) with a 2642 performance rating this year. IM Bregadze won last week on Board 2 with the white pieces against NM Damir Studen of the Atlanta Kings. He is playing in his 3rd USCL season and 2nd season for Baltimore with a (=1) career record against the Manhattan Applesauce.
Board 3: IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat vs. FM Rico Salimbagat. IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat lost his only game this season on Board 1 with the white pieces against IM Kassa Korley of the Carolina Cobras for a 2086 performance rating. In his 10-year USCL career, he is (+1 =2 -4) against Manhattan. He will play against FM Rico Salimbagat, who won his only game this season on Board 3 with the black pieces against NM Chris Williams of the Boston Blitz for a 2710 performance rating. FM Salimbagat is (=1) against Baltimore in his 2-year USCL career.
Board 4: NM Levy Rozman vs. NM Mark Ashland. NM Levy Rozman is (+1 -1) with a 2299 performance rating in his first USCL season. He lost last week on Board 3 with the black pieces against NM Alex King of the New York Knights. He will face NM Mark Ashland, who is making his USCL debut for the Baltimore Kingfishers. This marks the third consecutive week that Baltimore has started a player who is completely new to the US Chess League.
Catch the games live on ICC and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls linked below/shown to the right!
Board 1 Result? | Board 2 Result? | Board 3 Result? | Board 4 Result? | Match Result?
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
GM Akshayraj Kore (2543) - GM Robert Hungaski (2551)
IM Levan Bregadze (2530) - FM Andrew Shvartsman (2432)
IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat (2450) - FM Rico Salimbagat (2286)
NM Mark Ashland (2068) - NM Levy Rozman (2382)
Tuesday, 7:30 PM EDT
Time Control: 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Baltimore Kingfishers are set to take on the Manhattan Applesauce. Baltimore (2.0-2.0 match record) currently sits in 3rd place (of 6) in the Southern Division while Manhattan (2.0-2.0) is in 4th place (of 6) in the Eastern Division. The Manhattan Applesauce (formerly Queens Pioneers) have been in the USCL for 8 years, and they lead the all-time series against Baltimore with a 7.0-2.0 match record. These two teams last played in Week 3, 2013 when the match was drawn. Two Baltimore players (IM Levan Bregadze and IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat) and 1 Manhattan player (FM Rico Salimbagat) return from that match to play in this upcoming match.
Board 1: GM Akshayraj Kore vs. GM Robert Hungaski. GM Akshayraj Kore won his only career USCL game in Week 3 on Board 1 with the black pieces against IM Andranik Matikozyan of the Los Angeles Vibe for a performance rating of 2938. His opponent, GM Robert Hungaski, drew his only game this year on Board 1 with the white pieces against GM Alex Stripunsky of the New Jersey Knockouts for a 2656 performance rating. GM Hungaski is playing in his 4th season in the USCL and 2nd season for Manhattan. He has a (+2) career record against Baltimore with both games played against IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat.
Board 2: FM Andrew Shvartsman vs. IM Levan Bregadze. FM Andrew Shvartsman is (+1 -1) with a 2420 performance rating in his 2nd USCL season. He last played in Week 3 when he won on Board 3 with the white pieces against WGM Anna Sharevich of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. This will be his first career game against the Baltimore Kingfishers. He will be challenged by IM Levan Bregadze, who is (+2 -1) with a 2642 performance rating this year. IM Bregadze won last week on Board 2 with the white pieces against NM Damir Studen of the Atlanta Kings. He is playing in his 3rd USCL season and 2nd season for Baltimore with a (=1) career record against the Manhattan Applesauce.
Board 3: IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat vs. FM Rico Salimbagat. IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat lost his only game this season on Board 1 with the white pieces against IM Kassa Korley of the Carolina Cobras for a 2086 performance rating. In his 10-year USCL career, he is (+1 =2 -4) against Manhattan. He will play against FM Rico Salimbagat, who won his only game this season on Board 3 with the black pieces against NM Chris Williams of the Boston Blitz for a 2710 performance rating. FM Salimbagat is (=1) against Baltimore in his 2-year USCL career.
Board 4: NM Levy Rozman vs. NM Mark Ashland. NM Levy Rozman is (+1 -1) with a 2299 performance rating in his first USCL season. He lost last week on Board 3 with the black pieces against NM Alex King of the New York Knights. He will face NM Mark Ashland, who is making his USCL debut for the Baltimore Kingfishers. This marks the third consecutive week that Baltimore has started a player who is completely new to the US Chess League.
Catch the games live on ICC and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls linked below/shown to the right!
Board 1 Result? | Board 2 Result? | Board 3 Result? | Board 4 Result? | Match Result?
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
Saturday, September 20, 2014
2014 Week 4 Review
Atlanta Kings vs. Baltimore Kingfishers 0.5-3.5
IM Carlos Perdomo (2400) - IM Tanguy Ringoir (2583) 0-1 View Game
NM Damir Studen (2372) - IM Levan Bregadze (2530) 0-1 View Game
NM Richard Francisco (2382) - NM Jared Defibaugh (2325) 0-1 View Game
NM Michael Corallo (2284) - NM Andrew Zheng (2208) 0.5-0.5 View Game
Wednesday, 7:30 PM EDT
Time Control: 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
In their first-ever meeting, the Baltimore Kingfishers defeated the Atlanta Kings with a 3.5-0.5 result. Baltimore scored wins on the top three boards and secured a draw on Board 4. The teams swapped places in the Southern Division standings as Baltimore (2.0-2.0 match record) is now in 3rd place (of 6) while Atlanta (1.5-2.5) is in 5th place.
Board 1: IM Carlos Perdomo vs. IM Tanguy Ringoir. The top board began with an unusual English Opening, 1. c4 f5 2. b3. IM Tanguy Ringoir played the novelty 7... g6. At first the game revolved around black's e4 pawn, but once that cleared up, black set his sights on the kingside. IM Carlos Perdomo did not find the best reaction on move 19 and his king's protection quickly disappeared. The game ended on move 25 with mate in 4 on the board.
Next week, the Baltimore Kingfishers face the Manhattan Applesauce at 7:30 PM EDT on Tuesday, September 23rd.
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
IM Carlos Perdomo (2400) - IM Tanguy Ringoir (2583) 0-1 View Game
NM Damir Studen (2372) - IM Levan Bregadze (2530) 0-1 View Game
NM Richard Francisco (2382) - NM Jared Defibaugh (2325) 0-1 View Game
NM Michael Corallo (2284) - NM Andrew Zheng (2208) 0.5-0.5 View Game
Wednesday, 7:30 PM EDT
Time Control: 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
In their first-ever meeting, the Baltimore Kingfishers defeated the Atlanta Kings with a 3.5-0.5 result. Baltimore scored wins on the top three boards and secured a draw on Board 4. The teams swapped places in the Southern Division standings as Baltimore (2.0-2.0 match record) is now in 3rd place (of 6) while Atlanta (1.5-2.5) is in 5th place.
Board 1: IM Carlos Perdomo vs. IM Tanguy Ringoir. The top board began with an unusual English Opening, 1. c4 f5 2. b3. IM Tanguy Ringoir played the novelty 7... g6. At first the game revolved around black's e4 pawn, but once that cleared up, black set his sights on the kingside. IM Carlos Perdomo did not find the best reaction on move 19 and his king's protection quickly disappeared. The game ended on move 25 with mate in 4 on the board.
Next week, the Baltimore Kingfishers face the Manhattan Applesauce at 7:30 PM EDT on Tuesday, September 23rd.
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
Monday, September 15, 2014
2014 Week 4 Preview
Atlanta Kings vs. Baltimore Kingfishers
IM Carlos Perdomo (2400) - IM Tanguy Ringoir (2583)
NM Damir Studen (2372) - IM Levan Bregadze (2530)
NM Richard Francisco (2382) - NM Jared Defibaugh (2325)
NM Michael Corallo (2284) - NM Andrew Zheng (2208)
Wednesday, 7:30 PM EDT
Time Control: 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Atlanta Kings will meet the Baltimore Kingfishers for the first time. This is Atlanta's first season in the USCL. In the Southern Division, Atlanta (1.5-1.5 match record) is in 3rd place (of 6) while Baltimore (1.0-2.0) is in 5th place. Atlanta is using the same lineup as last week when they played the New Jersey Knockouts. Meanwhile, Baltimore's boards 2, 3, and 4 return from last week's match against the Los Angeles Vibe.
Board 1: IM Carlos Perdomo vs. IM Tanguy Ringoir. IM Carlos Perdomo drew his first USCL game last week on Board 1 with the black pieces against GM Alex Stripunsky of the New Jersey Knockouts for a 2656 performance rating. Meanwhile, for the second week in a row, Baltimore's Board 1 is making his USCL debut. This time, it is IM Tanguy Ringoir from Belgium, the latest chess recruit of the University of Maryland: Baltimore County (UMBC).
Board 2: IM Levan Bregadze vs. NM Damir Studen. IM Levan Bregadze won last week on Board 2 with the white pieces against FM Konstantin Kavutskiy of the Los Angeles Vibe. He is (+1 -1) with a 2578 performance rating in his 3rd USCL season and 2nd season for Baltimore. Facing him will be NM Damir Studen, who is (+2 -1) with a 2631 performance rating in his first USCL season. NM Damir Studen lost last week on Board 2 with the white pieces against GM Joel Benjamin of the New Jersey Knockouts.
Board 3: NM Richard Francisco vs. NM Jared Defibaugh. NM Richard Francisco has a (+2 =1) record with a 2578 performance rating in his first USCL season. He drew last week on Board 3 with the black pieces against IM Alexander Katz of the New Jersey Knockouts. His opponent, NM Jared Defibaugh is (=2 -1) in his 5th USCL season with a 2206 performance rating. NM Defibaugh drew last week on Board 3 with the black pieces against FM Mark Duckworth of the Los Angeles Vibe.
Board 4: NM Andrew Zheng vs. NM Michael Corallo. NM Andrew Zheng has scored (+2 -1) with a 2280 performance rating in his second USCL season. He lost last week on Board 4 with the white pieces against FM Michael Casella of the Los Angeles Vibe. Squaring-off against him will be NM Michael Corallo. In NM Michael Corallo's first career USCL game last week, he drew on Board 4 with the white pieces against Ethan Klein of the New Jersey Knockouts.
Catch the games live on ICC and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls linked below/shown to the right!
Board 1 Result? | Board 2 Result? | Board 3 Result? | Board 4 Result? | Match Result?
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
IM Carlos Perdomo (2400) - IM Tanguy Ringoir (2583)
NM Damir Studen (2372) - IM Levan Bregadze (2530)
NM Richard Francisco (2382) - NM Jared Defibaugh (2325)
NM Michael Corallo (2284) - NM Andrew Zheng (2208)
Wednesday, 7:30 PM EDT
Time Control: 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Atlanta Kings will meet the Baltimore Kingfishers for the first time. This is Atlanta's first season in the USCL. In the Southern Division, Atlanta (1.5-1.5 match record) is in 3rd place (of 6) while Baltimore (1.0-2.0) is in 5th place. Atlanta is using the same lineup as last week when they played the New Jersey Knockouts. Meanwhile, Baltimore's boards 2, 3, and 4 return from last week's match against the Los Angeles Vibe.
Board 1: IM Carlos Perdomo vs. IM Tanguy Ringoir. IM Carlos Perdomo drew his first USCL game last week on Board 1 with the black pieces against GM Alex Stripunsky of the New Jersey Knockouts for a 2656 performance rating. Meanwhile, for the second week in a row, Baltimore's Board 1 is making his USCL debut. This time, it is IM Tanguy Ringoir from Belgium, the latest chess recruit of the University of Maryland: Baltimore County (UMBC).
Board 2: IM Levan Bregadze vs. NM Damir Studen. IM Levan Bregadze won last week on Board 2 with the white pieces against FM Konstantin Kavutskiy of the Los Angeles Vibe. He is (+1 -1) with a 2578 performance rating in his 3rd USCL season and 2nd season for Baltimore. Facing him will be NM Damir Studen, who is (+2 -1) with a 2631 performance rating in his first USCL season. NM Damir Studen lost last week on Board 2 with the white pieces against GM Joel Benjamin of the New Jersey Knockouts.
Board 3: NM Richard Francisco vs. NM Jared Defibaugh. NM Richard Francisco has a (+2 =1) record with a 2578 performance rating in his first USCL season. He drew last week on Board 3 with the black pieces against IM Alexander Katz of the New Jersey Knockouts. His opponent, NM Jared Defibaugh is (=2 -1) in his 5th USCL season with a 2206 performance rating. NM Defibaugh drew last week on Board 3 with the black pieces against FM Mark Duckworth of the Los Angeles Vibe.
Board 4: NM Andrew Zheng vs. NM Michael Corallo. NM Andrew Zheng has scored (+2 -1) with a 2280 performance rating in his second USCL season. He lost last week on Board 4 with the white pieces against FM Michael Casella of the Los Angeles Vibe. Squaring-off against him will be NM Michael Corallo. In NM Michael Corallo's first career USCL game last week, he drew on Board 4 with the white pieces against Ethan Klein of the New Jersey Knockouts.
Catch the games live on ICC and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls linked below/shown to the right!
Board 1 Result? | Board 2 Result? | Board 3 Result? | Board 4 Result? | Match Result?
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
Friday, September 12, 2014
2014 Week 3 Review
Los Angeles Vibe vs. Baltimore Kingfishers 1.5-2.5
IM Andranik Matikozyan (2538) - GM Akshayraj Kore (2543) 0-1 View Game
FM Konstantin Kavutskiy (2397) - IM Levan Bregadze (2530) 0-1 View Game
FM Mark Duckworth (2316) - NM Jared Defibaugh (2325) 0.5-0.5 View Game
FM Michael Casella (2262) - NM Andrew Zheng (2208) 1-0 View Game
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Baltimore Kingfishers defeated the Los Angeles Vibe in the first meeting between these two teams. Baltimore won on the top two boards and secured a draw on board 3 while Los Angeles won on Board 4. Baltimore (1.0-2.0 in match points) remains in 5th place (of 6) in the Southern Division. Los Angeles drops to a (0.0-3.0) record and 6th place (of 6) in the Western Division.
Board 1: IM Andranik Matikozyan vs. GM Akshayraj Kore. On the top board, what started as a Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense quickly transformed into a mix of the Wormald Attack (Ba4 and Qe2 for white) and the Moller Defense (a6, Nf6, and Bc5 for black). Surprisingly, the delayed exchange 8. Bxc6 was a novelty by IM Andranik Matikozyan. The middle game briefly featured two white knights vs. two black bishops where black seemed to have a slight advantage with play focusing on the center of the board. Then, GM Akshayraj Kore riskily took white's a2-pawn, and suddenly, it was white on the attack. White missed a few opportunities for a clear advantage and in time pressure, missed a mate in 2 that ended the game.
Note that GM Akshayraj Kore won his first game in his USCL debut.
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
IM Andranik Matikozyan (2538) - GM Akshayraj Kore (2543) 0-1 View Game
FM Konstantin Kavutskiy (2397) - IM Levan Bregadze (2530) 0-1 View Game
FM Mark Duckworth (2316) - NM Jared Defibaugh (2325) 0.5-0.5 View Game
FM Michael Casella (2262) - NM Andrew Zheng (2208) 1-0 View Game
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Baltimore Kingfishers defeated the Los Angeles Vibe in the first meeting between these two teams. Baltimore won on the top two boards and secured a draw on board 3 while Los Angeles won on Board 4. Baltimore (1.0-2.0 in match points) remains in 5th place (of 6) in the Southern Division. Los Angeles drops to a (0.0-3.0) record and 6th place (of 6) in the Western Division.
Board 1: IM Andranik Matikozyan vs. GM Akshayraj Kore. On the top board, what started as a Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense quickly transformed into a mix of the Wormald Attack (Ba4 and Qe2 for white) and the Moller Defense (a6, Nf6, and Bc5 for black). Surprisingly, the delayed exchange 8. Bxc6 was a novelty by IM Andranik Matikozyan. The middle game briefly featured two white knights vs. two black bishops where black seemed to have a slight advantage with play focusing on the center of the board. Then, GM Akshayraj Kore riskily took white's a2-pawn, and suddenly, it was white on the attack. White missed a few opportunities for a clear advantage and in time pressure, missed a mate in 2 that ended the game.
Note that GM Akshayraj Kore won his first game in his USCL debut.
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
Sunday, September 7, 2014
2014 Week 3 Preview
Los Angeles Vibe vs. Baltimore Kingfishers
IM Andranik Matikozyan (2538) - GM Akshayraj Kore (2543)
FM Konstantin Kavutskiy (2397) - IM Levan Bregadze (2530)
FM Mark Duckworth (2316) - NM Jared Defibaugh (2325)
FM Michael Casella (2262) - NM Andrew Zheng (2208)
Tuesday, 9:00 PM EDT
Time Control: 60 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Los Angeles Vibe and the Baltimore Kingfishers finally face-off for the first time in the USCL. This meeting took awhile as Los Angeles is playing in its 5th season and Baltimore is in its 10th season. Both teams are seeking the first match points of the season as Los Angeles (0.0-2.0 match record) currently is in 6th place (of 6) in the Western Division while Baltimore (0.0-2.0 match record) is in 5th place (of 6) in the Southern Division. Los Angeles is using the same lineup as last week when they played the Rio Grande Ospreys. Meanwhile, Baltimore's bottom two boards return for a 3rd week in a row while the top two boards continue to shuffle.
Board 1: IM Andranik Matikozyan vs. GM Akshayraj Kore. IM Andranik Matikozyan, a 5-year veteran with Los Angeles, drew last week on Board 1 with the white pieces against GM Anton Kovalyov of the Rio Grande Ospreys. He is (=1 -1) on the season with a 2497 performance rating. His opponent, GM Akshayraj Kore, is making his USCL debut. GM Akshayraj Kore currently attends the University of Maryland: Baltimore County (UMBC).
Board 2: IM Levan Bregadze vs. FM Konstantin Kavutskiy. IM Levan Bregadze is playing in his 3rd USCL season though only his 2nd season for Baltimore. He lost his only game this year in Week 1 on Board 2 with the white pieces against GM Varuzhan Akobian of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. That starts him off with a 2358 performance rating. He will battle FM Konstantin Kavutskiy, who is playing in his 5th USCL and 4th for Los Angeles. FM Kavutskiy lost last week on Board 2 with the black pieces against GM Andrey Stukopin of the Rio Grande Ospreys. He is (=1 -1) this year with a 2387 performance rating. Coincidentally, both of these players spent a season on the St. Louis Arch Bishops roster though not the same season.
Board 3: FM Mark Duckworth vs. NM Jared Defibaugh. FM Mark Duckworth, playing in his 2nd USCL season, is (-2) so far in this season with a 1957 performance rating. He lost last week on Board 3 with the white pieces against WGM Katerina Nemcova of the Rio Grande Ospreys. He will play NM Jared Defibaugh, who is (=1 -1) in his 5th USCL season with a 2151 performance rating. NM Defibaugh lost last week on Board 3 with the white pieces against NM Kevin Mo of the Carolina Cobras.
Board 4: NM Andrew Zheng vs. FM Michael Casella. NM Andrew Zheng is (+2) in the USCL this year. He won last week on Board 4 with the black pieces against FM Robin Cunningham of the Carolina Cobras, giving NM Zheng a 2489 performance rating and 8th place (four-way tie for 6th) in the USCL MVP Leaderboard. Challenging him will be FM Michael Casella, who returned to Los Angeles for a 4th season after taking 2013 off. In his only game this season, FM Casella won last week on Board 4 with the black pieces against Jeffrey Serna of the Rio Grande Ospreys for a 2474 performance rating.
Catch the games live on ICC and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls linked below/shown to the right!
Board 1 Result? | Board 2 Result? | Board 3 Result? | Board 4 Result? | Match Result?
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
IM Andranik Matikozyan (2538) - GM Akshayraj Kore (2543)
FM Konstantin Kavutskiy (2397) - IM Levan Bregadze (2530)
FM Mark Duckworth (2316) - NM Jared Defibaugh (2325)
FM Michael Casella (2262) - NM Andrew Zheng (2208)
Tuesday, 9:00 PM EDT
Time Control: 60 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Los Angeles Vibe and the Baltimore Kingfishers finally face-off for the first time in the USCL. This meeting took awhile as Los Angeles is playing in its 5th season and Baltimore is in its 10th season. Both teams are seeking the first match points of the season as Los Angeles (0.0-2.0 match record) currently is in 6th place (of 6) in the Western Division while Baltimore (0.0-2.0 match record) is in 5th place (of 6) in the Southern Division. Los Angeles is using the same lineup as last week when they played the Rio Grande Ospreys. Meanwhile, Baltimore's bottom two boards return for a 3rd week in a row while the top two boards continue to shuffle.
Board 1: IM Andranik Matikozyan vs. GM Akshayraj Kore. IM Andranik Matikozyan, a 5-year veteran with Los Angeles, drew last week on Board 1 with the white pieces against GM Anton Kovalyov of the Rio Grande Ospreys. He is (=1 -1) on the season with a 2497 performance rating. His opponent, GM Akshayraj Kore, is making his USCL debut. GM Akshayraj Kore currently attends the University of Maryland: Baltimore County (UMBC).
Board 2: IM Levan Bregadze vs. FM Konstantin Kavutskiy. IM Levan Bregadze is playing in his 3rd USCL season though only his 2nd season for Baltimore. He lost his only game this year in Week 1 on Board 2 with the white pieces against GM Varuzhan Akobian of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. That starts him off with a 2358 performance rating. He will battle FM Konstantin Kavutskiy, who is playing in his 5th USCL and 4th for Los Angeles. FM Kavutskiy lost last week on Board 2 with the black pieces against GM Andrey Stukopin of the Rio Grande Ospreys. He is (=1 -1) this year with a 2387 performance rating. Coincidentally, both of these players spent a season on the St. Louis Arch Bishops roster though not the same season.
Board 3: FM Mark Duckworth vs. NM Jared Defibaugh. FM Mark Duckworth, playing in his 2nd USCL season, is (-2) so far in this season with a 1957 performance rating. He lost last week on Board 3 with the white pieces against WGM Katerina Nemcova of the Rio Grande Ospreys. He will play NM Jared Defibaugh, who is (=1 -1) in his 5th USCL season with a 2151 performance rating. NM Defibaugh lost last week on Board 3 with the white pieces against NM Kevin Mo of the Carolina Cobras.
Board 4: NM Andrew Zheng vs. FM Michael Casella. NM Andrew Zheng is (+2) in the USCL this year. He won last week on Board 4 with the black pieces against FM Robin Cunningham of the Carolina Cobras, giving NM Zheng a 2489 performance rating and 8th place (four-way tie for 6th) in the USCL MVP Leaderboard. Challenging him will be FM Michael Casella, who returned to Los Angeles for a 4th season after taking 2013 off. In his only game this season, FM Casella won last week on Board 4 with the black pieces against Jeffrey Serna of the Rio Grande Ospreys for a 2474 performance rating.
Catch the games live on ICC and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls linked below/shown to the right!
Board 1 Result? | Board 2 Result? | Board 3 Result? | Board 4 Result? | Match Result?
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
Saturday, September 6, 2014
2014 Week 2 Review
Baltimore Kingfishers vs. Carolina Cobras 1-3
IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat (2450) - IM Kassa Korley (2486) 0-1 View Game
GM Larry Kaufman (2405) - NM Ilker Bozkurt (2383) 0-1 View Game
NM Jared Defibaugh (2325) - NM Kevin Mo (2334) 0-1 View Game
NM Andrew Zheng (2208) - FM Robin Cunningham (2268) 1-0 View Game
Note: Players in italic had the white pieces.
The Carolina Cobras defeated the Baltimore Kingfishers by a 3-1 score. Carolina scored victories on the top three boards while Baltimore recouped a win on Board 4. Carolina moves into 4th place in the USCL's Southern Division while Baltimore drops into 5th place.
Board 1: IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat vs. IM Kassa Korley. The first board featured a Closed Catalan Opening with a novelty, 7... Na5, played by IM Kassa Korley. Rather suddenly, the a-file opened up and a multitude of exchanges were made until an opposite-colored bishop ending appeared on the board. Black was able to press due to his outside passed b-pawn being a promotion threat despite IM Korley never moving it farther than b5! In the end, he was able to advance his two kingside pawns and guarantee promotions before IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat resigned.
Next week, the Baltimore Kingfishers face the Los Angeles Vibe for the first time ever on Tuesday, September 9th starting at 9PM EDT.
IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat (2450) - IM Kassa Korley (2486) 0-1 View Game
GM Larry Kaufman (2405) - NM Ilker Bozkurt (2383) 0-1 View Game
NM Jared Defibaugh (2325) - NM Kevin Mo (2334) 0-1 View Game
NM Andrew Zheng (2208) - FM Robin Cunningham (2268) 1-0 View Game
Note: Players in italic had the white pieces.
The Carolina Cobras defeated the Baltimore Kingfishers by a 3-1 score. Carolina scored victories on the top three boards while Baltimore recouped a win on Board 4. Carolina moves into 4th place in the USCL's Southern Division while Baltimore drops into 5th place.
Board 1: IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat vs. IM Kassa Korley. The first board featured a Closed Catalan Opening with a novelty, 7... Na5, played by IM Kassa Korley. Rather suddenly, the a-file opened up and a multitude of exchanges were made until an opposite-colored bishop ending appeared on the board. Black was able to press due to his outside passed b-pawn being a promotion threat despite IM Korley never moving it farther than b5! In the end, he was able to advance his two kingside pawns and guarantee promotions before IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat resigned.
Next week, the Baltimore Kingfishers face the Los Angeles Vibe for the first time ever on Tuesday, September 9th starting at 9PM EDT.
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
Monday, September 1, 2014
2014 Week 2 Preview
Baltimore Kingfishers vs. Carolina Cobras
IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat (2450) - IM Kassa Korley (2486)
GM Larry Kaufman (2405) - NM Ilker Bozkurt (2383)
NM Jared Defibaugh (2325) - NM Kevin Mo (2334)
NM Andrew Zheng (2208) - FM Robin Cunningham (2268)
Wednesday, 7:20 PM EDT
Time Control: 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Baltimore Kingfishers and the Carolina Cobras square-off in a USCL Southern Division match. Both teams have played in all 10 seasons of the US Chess League. Both teams also come into this match with the same 0.0-1.0 season record with 1.5/4.0 games points. The all-time series between these two teams is tied up at 4.5-4.5 with Baltimore holding the slimmest possible margin in game points at 18.5-17.5. These two teams last played in Week 7, 2011, a match that ended in a draw. Three Baltimore players (IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat, GM Larry Kaufman, and NM Jared Defibaugh) and 1 Carolina player (IM Kassa Korley) from that match return to play in this match.
Board 1: IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat vs. IM Kassa Korley. IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat will begin his 10th season, having played a team record 67 career games for Baltimore. His record last year was (+1 =3 -3) for a 2339 performance rating. He has also scored (+3 =2 -3) in his career against Carolina. His opponent, IM Kassa Korley, is playing his 3rd season for the Carolina Cobras. IM Kassa Korley won last week on Board 1 with the white pieces against SM Deepak Aaron of the Atlanta Kings for a 2846 performance rating. He did not play in the USCL last year. He has a (+1) record against Baltimore. Also, note these two players met on Board 2 in Week 7, 2011 with a then-FM Kassa Korley winning with the white pieces.
Board 2: NM Ilker Bozkurt vs. GM Larry Kaufman. NM Ilker Bozkurt is participating in his first USCL season. He drew FM Kazim Gulamali of the Atlanta Kings on Board 3 with the white pieces for a 2397 performance rating. He will face GM Larry Kaufman, who is another Baltimore player starting his 10th USCL season. GM Larry Kaufman has 54 career games played with Baltimore and a (+3 =2 -1) record against Carolina. He had a tough season last year with a (=1 -3) record and a 2156 performance rating.
Board 3: NM Jared Defibaugh vs. NM Kevin Mo. NM Jared Defibaugh, a 5 season veteran with 29 career games played for Baltimore, drew last week on Board 3 with the black pieces against WGM Anna Sharevich of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. That starts him off with a 2367 performance rating this season. He has scored (+1 =1) against Carolina in his career. He will battle NM Kevin Mo, who is playing his 2nd season for Carolina. NM Kevin Mo lost last week on Board 4 with the black pieces against NM Richard Francisco of the Atlanta Kings for a 1982 performance rating. Last year, he had a (-4) record with a 2083 performance rating, so he is still looking to score his first point in the USCL.
Board 4: FM Robin Cunningham vs. NM Andrew Zheng. FM Robin Cunningham will debut in his 2nd season for the Carolina Cobras. He recorded a (+1 =5 -1) season last year for a 2308 performance rating. On the other side of the board will be NM Andrew Zheng, playing in his 2nd year with only 2 career games played. NM Andrew Zheng won last week on Board 4 with the white pieces against Jacob Wilkins of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. He begins the season with a 2309 performance rating.
Catch the games live on ICC and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls linked below/shown to the right!
Board 1 Result? | Board 2 Result? | Board 3 Result? | Board 4 Result? | Match Result?
Update: Added career records against opposing team when available.
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat (2450) - IM Kassa Korley (2486)
GM Larry Kaufman (2405) - NM Ilker Bozkurt (2383)
NM Jared Defibaugh (2325) - NM Kevin Mo (2334)
NM Andrew Zheng (2208) - FM Robin Cunningham (2268)
Wednesday, 7:20 PM EDT
Time Control: 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Baltimore Kingfishers and the Carolina Cobras square-off in a USCL Southern Division match. Both teams have played in all 10 seasons of the US Chess League. Both teams also come into this match with the same 0.0-1.0 season record with 1.5/4.0 games points. The all-time series between these two teams is tied up at 4.5-4.5 with Baltimore holding the slimmest possible margin in game points at 18.5-17.5. These two teams last played in Week 7, 2011, a match that ended in a draw. Three Baltimore players (IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat, GM Larry Kaufman, and NM Jared Defibaugh) and 1 Carolina player (IM Kassa Korley) from that match return to play in this match.
Board 1: IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat vs. IM Kassa Korley. IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat will begin his 10th season, having played a team record 67 career games for Baltimore. His record last year was (+1 =3 -3) for a 2339 performance rating. He has also scored (+3 =2 -3) in his career against Carolina. His opponent, IM Kassa Korley, is playing his 3rd season for the Carolina Cobras. IM Kassa Korley won last week on Board 1 with the white pieces against SM Deepak Aaron of the Atlanta Kings for a 2846 performance rating. He did not play in the USCL last year. He has a (+1) record against Baltimore. Also, note these two players met on Board 2 in Week 7, 2011 with a then-FM Kassa Korley winning with the white pieces.
Board 2: NM Ilker Bozkurt vs. GM Larry Kaufman. NM Ilker Bozkurt is participating in his first USCL season. He drew FM Kazim Gulamali of the Atlanta Kings on Board 3 with the white pieces for a 2397 performance rating. He will face GM Larry Kaufman, who is another Baltimore player starting his 10th USCL season. GM Larry Kaufman has 54 career games played with Baltimore and a (+3 =2 -1) record against Carolina. He had a tough season last year with a (=1 -3) record and a 2156 performance rating.
Board 3: NM Jared Defibaugh vs. NM Kevin Mo. NM Jared Defibaugh, a 5 season veteran with 29 career games played for Baltimore, drew last week on Board 3 with the black pieces against WGM Anna Sharevich of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. That starts him off with a 2367 performance rating this season. He has scored (+1 =1) against Carolina in his career. He will battle NM Kevin Mo, who is playing his 2nd season for Carolina. NM Kevin Mo lost last week on Board 4 with the black pieces against NM Richard Francisco of the Atlanta Kings for a 1982 performance rating. Last year, he had a (-4) record with a 2083 performance rating, so he is still looking to score his first point in the USCL.
Board 4: FM Robin Cunningham vs. NM Andrew Zheng. FM Robin Cunningham will debut in his 2nd season for the Carolina Cobras. He recorded a (+1 =5 -1) season last year for a 2308 performance rating. On the other side of the board will be NM Andrew Zheng, playing in his 2nd year with only 2 career games played. NM Andrew Zheng won last week on Board 4 with the white pieces against Jacob Wilkins of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. He begins the season with a 2309 performance rating.
Catch the games live on ICC and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls linked below/shown to the right!
Board 1 Result? | Board 2 Result? | Board 3 Result? | Board 4 Result? | Match Result?
Update: Added career records against opposing team when available.
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
Friday, August 29, 2014
2014 Week 1 Review
St. Louis Arch Bishops vs. Baltimore Kingfishers 2.5-1.5
GM Le Quang Liem (2785) - GM Niclas Huschenbeth (2603) 1-0 View Game
GM Varuzhan Akobian (2758) - IM Levan Bregadze (2530) 1-0 View Game
WGM Anna Sharevich (2367) - NM Jared Defibaugh (2325) 0.5-0.5 View Game
Jacob Wilkins (1909) - NM Andrew Zheng (2208) 0-1 View Game
Note: Players in italic had the white pieces.
The St. Louis Arch Bishops defeated the Baltimore Kingfishers with a 2.5-1.5 score. St. Louis scored wins on Boards 1 and 2 while Baltimore could only counter with a win on Board 4. St. Louis begins the season tied for first (2nd on tiebreak) in the Southern Division, and Baltimore is in the 4th spot (of 6) in the Southern Division. These two teams will have a rematch in Week 6 on September 30th.
Board 1: GM Le Quang Liem vs. GM Niclas Huschenbeth. The top board began with a Nimzo-Indian Defense: Nimzo-Queen's Indian Hybrid. The novelty was 14... Ne5, played by GM Niclas Huschenbeth. Black tried to slowly open up the queenside, seemingly underestimating how fast white's kingside attack would come. GM Le Quang Liem busted open black's king position, which allowed him to transition to cleaning up the queenside pawns. GM Huschenbeth held on to try some back-rank mate swindles, but resigned after those attempts were parried.
To conclude this week's review, note that two players (GM Le Quang Liem and WGM Anna Sharevich) secured their first points in the USCL, and two players (GM Le Quang Liem and NM Andrew Zheng) scored their first victory in the USCL.
Next week, Baltimore plays the Carolina Cobras on Wednesday, September 3rd starting at 7:20 EDT.
GM Le Quang Liem (2785) - GM Niclas Huschenbeth (2603) 1-0 View Game
GM Varuzhan Akobian (2758) - IM Levan Bregadze (2530) 1-0 View Game
WGM Anna Sharevich (2367) - NM Jared Defibaugh (2325) 0.5-0.5 View Game
Jacob Wilkins (1909) - NM Andrew Zheng (2208) 0-1 View Game
Note: Players in italic had the white pieces.
The St. Louis Arch Bishops defeated the Baltimore Kingfishers with a 2.5-1.5 score. St. Louis scored wins on Boards 1 and 2 while Baltimore could only counter with a win on Board 4. St. Louis begins the season tied for first (2nd on tiebreak) in the Southern Division, and Baltimore is in the 4th spot (of 6) in the Southern Division. These two teams will have a rematch in Week 6 on September 30th.
Board 1: GM Le Quang Liem vs. GM Niclas Huschenbeth. The top board began with a Nimzo-Indian Defense: Nimzo-Queen's Indian Hybrid. The novelty was 14... Ne5, played by GM Niclas Huschenbeth. Black tried to slowly open up the queenside, seemingly underestimating how fast white's kingside attack would come. GM Le Quang Liem busted open black's king position, which allowed him to transition to cleaning up the queenside pawns. GM Huschenbeth held on to try some back-rank mate swindles, but resigned after those attempts were parried.
To conclude this week's review, note that two players (GM Le Quang Liem and WGM Anna Sharevich) secured their first points in the USCL, and two players (GM Le Quang Liem and NM Andrew Zheng) scored their first victory in the USCL.
Next week, Baltimore plays the Carolina Cobras on Wednesday, September 3rd starting at 7:20 EDT.
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
Monday, August 25, 2014
2014 Week 1 Preview
St. Louis Arch Bishops vs. Baltimore Kingfishers
GM Le Quang Liem (2785) - GM Niclas Huschenbeth (2603)
GM Varuzhan Akobian (2758) - IM Levan Bregadze (2530)
WGM Anna Sharevich (2367) - NM Jared Defibaugh (2325)
Jacob Wilkins (1909) - NM Andrew Zheng (2208)
Wednesday, 8:00 PM EDT
Time Control: 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Baltimore Kingfishers and the St. Louis Arch Bishops begin their seasons in the newly-minted Southern Division of the US Chess League. Baltimore, having been in the USCL since its inaugural season, will be starting their 10th season while St. Louis will begin their 5th season. St. Louis leads the all-time series against Baltimore with a 1-0 match score. These two teams last played in Week 2, 2012 when St. Louis completed a rare 4-0 sweep. There are two returning players, GM Niclas Huschenbeth and IM Levan Bregadze, from that last match but with a twist as IM Bregadze has switched teams from St. Louis to Baltimore.
Board 1: GM Le Quang Liem vs. GM Niclas Huschenbeth. GM Le Quang Liem makes his USCL debut for the St. Louis Arch Bishops. He is currently the 2nd highest FIDE-rated player in the USCL. Challenging him will be GM Niclas Huschenbeth, who is playing in his 3rd USCL season. He went (+1 =1 -2) last season.
Board 2: IM Levan Bregadze vs. GM Varuzhan Akobian. IM Levan Bregadze faces off against his former team for the first time. He scored (+1 =4 -1) for the Baltimore Kingfishers last year and he will also be playing in his 3rd season. Meanwhile his opponent, GM Varuzhan Akobian, went (+3 =2 -2) in the previous season. He will start his 5th year in the USCL and 2nd year with St. Louis.
Board 3: WGM Anna Sharevich vs. NM Jared Defibaugh. WGM Anna Sharevich is another St. Louis player who will be making her USCL debut in this match. This debut is a long time coming as she was named to St. Louis' 2012 roster, but never played. Her opponent, NM Jared Defibaugh, will begin his 5th season with Baltimore. He managed a (+2 =3 -4) score last season.
Board 4: NM Andrew Zheng vs. Jacob Wilkins. NM Andrew Zheng will be playing in his 2nd USCL season. NM Zheng is the 8th-highest-rated 12-year-old in the United States as of the August rating list. He drew his only USCL game last year. Facing him will be Jacob Wilkins, who scored (+1 =3 -2) for a performance rating 200+ points above his current rating in his first season last year.
Catch the games live on ICC and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls linked below/shown to the right!
Board 1 Result? | Board 2 Result? | Board 3 Result? | Board 4 Result? | Match Result?
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
GM Le Quang Liem (2785) - GM Niclas Huschenbeth (2603)
GM Varuzhan Akobian (2758) - IM Levan Bregadze (2530)
WGM Anna Sharevich (2367) - NM Jared Defibaugh (2325)
Jacob Wilkins (1909) - NM Andrew Zheng (2208)
Wednesday, 8:00 PM EDT
Time Control: 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Baltimore Kingfishers and the St. Louis Arch Bishops begin their seasons in the newly-minted Southern Division of the US Chess League. Baltimore, having been in the USCL since its inaugural season, will be starting their 10th season while St. Louis will begin their 5th season. St. Louis leads the all-time series against Baltimore with a 1-0 match score. These two teams last played in Week 2, 2012 when St. Louis completed a rare 4-0 sweep. There are two returning players, GM Niclas Huschenbeth and IM Levan Bregadze, from that last match but with a twist as IM Bregadze has switched teams from St. Louis to Baltimore.
Board 1: GM Le Quang Liem vs. GM Niclas Huschenbeth. GM Le Quang Liem makes his USCL debut for the St. Louis Arch Bishops. He is currently the 2nd highest FIDE-rated player in the USCL. Challenging him will be GM Niclas Huschenbeth, who is playing in his 3rd USCL season. He went (+1 =1 -2) last season.
Board 2: IM Levan Bregadze vs. GM Varuzhan Akobian. IM Levan Bregadze faces off against his former team for the first time. He scored (+1 =4 -1) for the Baltimore Kingfishers last year and he will also be playing in his 3rd season. Meanwhile his opponent, GM Varuzhan Akobian, went (+3 =2 -2) in the previous season. He will start his 5th year in the USCL and 2nd year with St. Louis.
Board 3: WGM Anna Sharevich vs. NM Jared Defibaugh. WGM Anna Sharevich is another St. Louis player who will be making her USCL debut in this match. This debut is a long time coming as she was named to St. Louis' 2012 roster, but never played. Her opponent, NM Jared Defibaugh, will begin his 5th season with Baltimore. He managed a (+2 =3 -4) score last season.
Board 4: NM Andrew Zheng vs. Jacob Wilkins. NM Andrew Zheng will be playing in his 2nd USCL season. NM Zheng is the 8th-highest-rated 12-year-old in the United States as of the August rating list. He drew his only USCL game last year. Facing him will be Jacob Wilkins, who scored (+1 =3 -2) for a performance rating 200+ points above his current rating in his first season last year.
Catch the games live on ICC and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls linked below/shown to the right!
Board 1 Result? | Board 2 Result? | Board 3 Result? | Board 4 Result? | Match Result?
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
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