“Well, here is another fine mess you have gotten us into.” I am not sure who said it, but it was ringing in my ears as I walked into the Saratoga Hotel in late December to play in the Empire State Open 28 – 30 December. Why, do you ask? Well, a little explanation is required. First, I am on Christmas leave (otherwise known as a holiday or vacation, dependent on your vocation or locale), and I have come up with my 2 sons to visit the grandparents up in Saratoga Springs, New York. My wife is staying back in Virginia Beach working stupid crazy hours in the mall and we agreed that taking Patrick (9) and Kevin (3) to the snow‑clad environment of upstate New York would be more a joyous Christmas than the stress filled one in snow-deprived Virginia Beach. So, my folks have agreed to let me play in this tournament, which is a mile from the house, but I do not wish to abuse this offer by playing all three days – so I am taking 2 byes (in a six round tournament) in the vain attempt to balance family and chess. Hah! Also, I am playing in the U1900 section, also in the vain attempt to at least get some of my entry back in winnings.
The Empire State Open has two entry options: the 3 day or 2 day. The 3 day is the leisurely one I opt for – 2 rounds per day, all six rounds at 40 moves in 2 hours, with sudden death in 1 hour. The 2 day has the first three rounds in game in 1 hour, then the last three in the 40/2 & SD/1 format. Bleah – who wants to cram that much mind-bending chess in a day. So, the first day only has about half the entrants. OK by me as it is pretty quiet and the playing area has plenty of room, just the way I like it.
Round 1. I am playing Walter Chesnut from Vermont, rated 1619. Walter had a great tournament, finishing up with 3.5 points and gaining 36 points. He has white and we enter a Benko Gambit. He plays really well; I try and complicate the position and he quickly goes astray. Here is the position from 14th move, where he pushes 14. e5 – always a Benko player’s major worry. When White can successfully push e5, Black is usually (although not always) close to being busted. Here I thought I had it pretty well covered. See what you think.
The Empire State Open has two entry options: the 3 day or 2 day. The 3 day is the leisurely one I opt for – 2 rounds per day, all six rounds at 40 moves in 2 hours, with sudden death in 1 hour. The 2 day has the first three rounds in game in 1 hour, then the last three in the 40/2 & SD/1 format. Bleah – who wants to cram that much mind-bending chess in a day. So, the first day only has about half the entrants. OK by me as it is pretty quiet and the playing area has plenty of room, just the way I like it.
Round 1. I am playing Walter Chesnut from Vermont, rated 1619. Walter had a great tournament, finishing up with 3.5 points and gaining 36 points. He has white and we enter a Benko Gambit. He plays really well; I try and complicate the position and he quickly goes astray. Here is the position from 14th move, where he pushes 14. e5 – always a Benko player’s major worry. When White can successfully push e5, Black is usually (although not always) close to being busted. Here I thought I had it pretty well covered. See what you think.
Chesnut,Walter (1619) - Collins,Robert (1857)
Round 1: Empire State Open, 28.12.2007
14.e5!? Always a threat against the Benko, but I felt I had this covered.
14...dxe5
15.Nxe5 Nxe5
16.Rxe5 Qd6
Ng4 with Qh2+/h1+ is a definite threat
14...dxe5
15.Nxe5 Nxe5
16.Rxe5 Qd6
Ng4 with Qh2+/h1+ is a definite threat
17.Bf4??
17.Nb5?? Qxe5; 17.Qe2?! Is what I expected 17...Ng4 18.hxg4
- 18.Rxe7 Qh2+ 19.Kf1 Qh1# Is the threat!!;
- 18.Ne4; 18.Nb5 Qxe5 19.Qxe5 Nxe5
18...Bxe5 19.Qe4 Rb7-+;
17.Qe3?! Ng4 18.hxg4 Bxe5; >=
Best is 17.Re1 e6 18.Rd1 exd5 19.Nxd5 Nxd5 20.Qxd5 Qxd5 21.Rxd5 Bxb2 (21...c4 22.Rc5=) 22.Bxb2 Rxb2 23.Rxc5 Rbxa2 24.Rxa2 Rxa2= completely dead even
17...Nh5
18.Rxh5!?
Yowser! I never even considered this.
But fortunately, there is a reason why I never gave it much thought --> it is bad
18...Qxf4
19.Ne2 [19.g3 Qb4 20.Rh4 Qxb2 21.Rb1 Qxc3 22.Rxb8+ Rxb8 23.Qxc3 Bxc3]
19...Qf6 0-1
Round 2. I take the bye. Have dinner with my parents and the kids. Drink a beer (OK maybe two). Easy round for me.
Round 2. I take the bye. Have dinner with my parents and the kids. Drink a beer (OK maybe two). Easy round for me.
More to follow in the next installment....
