SC Chess Festival and Upcoming Events

Too much fun was had at the SC Chess Festival! Thirty two competed in the Rapid event and Twenty six in the Blitz.

Ben Caiello came away with all the hardware as he is the SC Rapid and Blitz Champion as well as the Regular champion for 2016-2017.
Full Crosstables of Rapid and Blitz.

Ben Caiello and James MacDougall won the Bughouse event where ten teams competed.

Eli Moore claimed the U1600 Rapid prize and Braeden Reed claimed the U1200.

This Thursday we will had a Rapid event; 3 rounds of G15;10s.
Next week April 6th we will have a themed Rapid tourney(unrated). Play the Swashbuckling Blackmar Diemar Gambit(1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4)

April 13th we wont meet due to the Easter Holiday.

April 20th will start our Columbia Club Championship and will run for 5 rounds through May 18th. This will be 1 section to decide the 2017 Columbia Chess Club Champion.

Border Battle dates will be announced soon and if you are interest in playing let me know.

Ben Caiello new SC State Champion

Forty-three players entered this year's five round championship event at the Hilton Garden Inn in Columbia October 14th-16th.

Congratulations to GM Elshan Moradiabadi and WGM Sabina-Francesca Foisor on winning first and second place prizes in the Open Section! Both Grandmasters went undefeated throughout tournament play.

Congratulations to Benjamin Caiello our new SC State Champion for 2016! Ben, who was also our 2015 State Scholastic Champion and Denker representative, finished the tournament with 3/5 points. Ben and Elijah Neumann (also with 3/5 pts) tied for 1st place with Ben winning on tie-break. Congratulations again to both of these fine players!

Eli Moore won the Junior Championship section and increased his rating by 120 points! The South Carolina Chess Association would like to thank all players and spectators who helped make this year’s tournament a success! Special thanks to David Causey and Daniel Smith for organizing and directing this year's event. Thank you Jordan Anderson for your TD help on Saturday. Drew Plyler provided the live broadcast of board 1. David and Maureen Grimaud accompanied GM Elshan and WGM Sabina during their stay here in Columbia. This event was sponsored by Precision Tune Auto Care.

Congratulations to this year's winners...
OPEN SECTION: (1st) GM Elshan Moradiabadi (TX) 4.5 pts; (2nd) WGM Sabina-Francesca Foisor (TX) 4.0 pts
U2200: (1st/SC State Champion) Benjamin Caiello (SC) 3.0 pts (Tie-break) (T)
U2000: (2nd/SC Runner Up) Elijah Neumann (SC) 3.0 pts (T)
Top Senior: Edsel Pena (SC) 2.5 pts (T), Keith Eubanks (SC) 2.5 pts, Gene Nix (SC) 2.5 pts, Donny Gray (FL) 2.5 pts

AMATEUR SECTION/U1800
U1800: (1st) Shaun McCoy (SC) 4.0 pts (T); Jayavel Kumaresan (GA) 4.0 pts  
U1600: (2nd) Gil Padilla Ortiz (SC) 3.5 pts (T)
Top Senior: Gil Padilla Ortiz (SC) 3.5 pts (T)
RESERVE SECTION/U1400
U1400: (1st) Venkata Guruvelli (SC) 4.5 pts (T); (2nd) Paul Pena (SC) 4.0 pts (T)
U1200: Richard Trela (SC) 2.0 pts
U1000: William Tabakian (SC) 1.0 pts
Top Senior: Gary Morrow (SC) 3.0 pts (T)
JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP SECTION (under 19)
(1st) Eli Moore (SC) 3.0 pts (T), (2nd) Mohnish Behera (NC) 3.0 pts, (3rd) Alex Tabakian (SC) 2.5 pts

Sam Copeland 2016 Champion, Eubanks Runner-up

Congratulations to all award winners in the Club Championship.

NM Sam Copeland 2016 Club Champion with 5 points, Keith Eubanks runner-up 4 points, U2000 Ian Bell with 3 points, U1600 Marty Anderson with 3 points, U1200 Charles Stevenson with 3 points!

 In Round 5, NM Sam Copeland finished with a perfect 5 points with a win against Ian Bell on Board 1. Keith Eubanks defeated Gil Holmes on board two to move to 4 points.

Marty Anderson outlasted Shaun McCoy to claim the U1600 prize in what was the longest and arguably hardest fought game of the night.

Charles Stevenson claimed the biggest upset of the tournament by defeating Daniel Smith to move to 3 points and claim the U1200 prize.

 Last years champion, Ben Caiello, defeated the ever improving Eli Moore on Board 5. Rade Musulin defeated tough competitor Birney Blind and Bob Halliday claimed the point against the steadfast Josh Goley.

Twenty-four players played in the 2016 version of the club champs and logged 43 games over the 5 weeks. The average rating was 1586.

The class breakdown included:
National Master 1
Expert 3
Class A (1800-1999) 5
Class B (1600-1799) 3
Class C (1400-1599) 4
Class D (1200-1399) 3
Class E (1000-1199) & below 5.

Interesting to note the average rating post event (which includes other posted tournaments between start date and end) is 1601. Charles Stevenson increased his rating 88 points. Keith Eubanks' rating increased 61 points and Eli Moore's rating increased a whopping 178 points between the April supplement and this tournament rating.

May 12th is casual night. If you have a game from tournament you would like to share let me know we will start the night with game demo before the blitz and bughouse craziness.

 

Club Championship starts tonight

The Columbia Chess Club Championship starts tonight and will run for 5 weeks through May 5th.  $10 entry for the tournament for club members.  Can register on site.  Can't commit to all rounds,  $3 per round.  One open section with first round accelerated.  1 half point bye can be requested.  No 5th rd byes.

Can Ben Caiello defend the title he won with an impressive 4.5 points or will you claim the title?

On April 9th, in coordination with Strategerycg.com, the Midlands Scholastic Chess League will host MSCL IV with an adult section.  To preregister or for more info check here.

Club Championship Wrapup Quick Report

Twenty five players 37 games.  One Champion, Ben Caiello, goes 4.5/5.

Congrats to Big Ben on his repeat!

Ian "For whom the" Bell "tolls" takes clear second with 3.5 points.

Tied for third with 3 points
Sam Copeland
James MacDougall
Mark Woodman


Top U1600 Richard "Kilo" Watts

Top U1200 Mark Woodman

Full Crosstable here

Board 1 Game
James MacDougall vs Ben Caiello

Round 4 Little room for Error

Drawn games are sometimes more scintillating than any conclusive contest. - S. Tartakower

Twelve players competed in Round 4 of the Columbia Chess Club Championship.  Leader Ben Caiello and Gil Homes had requested byes which allowed a little ground to be claimed by the pack of wolves following closely.

On board 1, familiar foes Keith Eubanks and James MacDougall paired off and played a highly competitive game as both were still in the hunt for the Championship.
Board 1 Game

On board 2, Ian Bell and Sam Copeland played a French.  Board 3 matched Adam Shaw and Robert Folts against each other.  The top 3 boards all ended in draws after much maneuvering and thought.

On the other three boards, the Black side claimed the point in each.
Mark Woodman claimed the point from Ed Stewart.

Richard Watts defeated Jared Whiting and David Stoner claimed victory against Birney Blind in a very tight contest.

After round 4 Ben Caiello is atop the tournament with 3.5 points.  James MacDougall is in sole second place with 3 points, which will setup an exciting 5th round battle between the two.  Can James MacDougall claim the point and the title?  Ben Caiello clinches with a Win or a Draw.

Five players follow with 2.5 points.

Leaders for the U1600 prize are Ian Bell and Richard Watts with 2.5 points
Josh Goley, 2.5 points, is in the lead for the U1200 award with Mark Woodman in second with 2 points.

Full Crosstable is here


It should be a very exciting Round 5 on March 26th.  Confirm your entries by 7:15 to be counted.

No club meeting on April 2nd.

Haste is never more dangerous than when you feel that victory is in your grasp.-Eugene Znosko-Borovsky

Round 3, A most exciting Round!

The winner of the game is the player who makes the next-to-last mistake. - S. Tartakower

Eighteen members suited up for battle over the board in Round 3 of the Columbia Chess Club Championship while a handful gathered in the skittles room for blitz and to watch and kibitz about the fireworks.   Full crosstable here

On Board 1, the leaders matched up in what turned out to be one of the most exciting games the club has seen in a while, arguably ever.  Ben Caiello(2115) and Keith Eubanks(2069) started a quiet with a quiet Pirc opening and finished with a tactical flurry of piece sacrifices.  When the smoke cleared Caiello claimed the point after sacrificing no less than both rooks and a promoted queen and Eubanks giving up a bishop and a Queen!  With so much carnage, spectators were taking cover to avoid being collateral damage.

Board 1 Slugfest

On Board 2, Gil Holmes(1739) pulled a huge upset by defeating Sam Copeland(2303).  The game was an Alekhine's Defense by Copeland and Holmes created two Octopus Knights deep in enemy territory.
Board 2

Board 3 hosted James MacDougall(2017) against Adam Shaw's(1879) French Defense. MacDougall took home the point after pulling another one from his bag of tricks.  His choice was a Larsen type setup with 2.b3  and later following up with g4?! and h4.  An interesting setup to the bastion of the French Defense.
Board 3

Ian Bell(1588) took down Marty Anderson(1139), Shaun McCoy(1382) defeated Jared Whiting(1045) and Brandon Jordan(1648) returned to the board to defeat David Stoner(1643).

Richard Watts(1257) grabbed a piece for a pawn then battened down the hatches to hang on against Ron Tims(1459) initiative.

After a bare knuckle donnybrook erupted for majority of the round, Ed Stewart(949) and Birney Blind(1106) drew and agreed to settle it another day.

Although not the tactical melee as board 1, the Mark Woodman(995)- Josh Goley(1190) brewhaha on board 6 was just as exciting.  A play by play man might say, Woodman mate threat, Goley to 1 second on the clock finds only move.  Oh my! Woodman mate threat Goley down to 1 second on the clock finds only move.  Woodman moved to remove only defender and allows Goley counter play with checks. In the end Goley promted a pawn and then gobbled up Woodman's remaining pawn before executing fine technique leading to mate.


Current leaders after 3 rounds
Ben Caiello 3 points. James MacDougall and Gil Holmes 2.5 points.
U1600 Ian Bell, Shaun McCoy 2 points Richard Watts 1.5
U1200 Josh Goley 2 points, Marty Anderson, Jared Whiting, and Mark Woodman, Ed Stewart with 1 point.

The Champion is still to be decided with 2 more rounds and some interesting match ups to be played.
Join the fun in Round 4 on March 19. Reserve your spot by 7:15 pm to be counted.



Chess is a matter of delicate judgement, knowing when to punch and how to duck. - Robert J. Fischer  

A passed pawn increase in strength as the number of pieces on the board diminishes. - J. R. Capablanca

Round 2 a Big Barn Burner

With familiar faces old and new, Twenty -Two players brought their "A" game for Round 2 of the Columbia Chess Club Championship.  With so many byes in round 1 the pairings looked on paper as many mismatches rating-wise but the fighting spirit was in full force.  In the end, all the higher rateds won, with one draw but that doesn't tell the full story of how hard and well the underdogs played.
Current Crosstable is here.

On Board 1, Ben Caiello(2115), fresh off his 5-0 performance at the SC State Scholastic Championship, defeated up and comer Josh Goley(1140) to stay in the lead and move to 2-0.

On Board 2, Marty Anderson(1139) put up a tremendous battle against Keith Eubanks(2069) but finally succumbing to the stronger player.  This game looked like a draw early on then better for black and in the end Keith claimed victory moving to 2-0 to keep pace with the defending champion.

James MacDougall(2017), returned to rated play determined not to falter and quickly equaled up as black in a tame Sicilian, then never gave up the initiative against Daniel Smith(1404).  Sam Copeland(2303) pulled the King's Gambit from his bag of tricks and claimed the point against a determined David Stoner(1643).

Adam Shaw(1879) welcomed stalwart club member Mike Mayfield(1391) back to the club by exerting the power of the bishops and moving to 1.5 points.   Coming off a near upset in week one, Richard Watts(1257) could not deter Gil Holmes(1739) from his goal in round 2, also moving to Round 2.

Shaun McCoy(1382) returned to the club and played a fine game against a higher rated Robert Folts(1735).  In the end, after a minor piece and pawns endgame the game ended in a draw, the only of the night.

Runner up SC State Scholastic Champion Ian Bell(1588) defeated Ed Stewart(949).  David Boyd(1368), playing with black returned to the club to defeat Luke Copeland(617).  Mark Woodman(995) bounced back from a round 1 loss to defeat new club member Tim Watkins and Jared Whiting(1045) defeated a talented new member in Olivia Watkins.


Current leaders after 2 rounds with much chess to be played.
Ben Caiello and Keith Eubanks 2 points
U1600 Ian Bell, Shaun McCoy, David Boyd with 1 point
U1200 Josh Goley, Marty Anderson, Jared Whiting, and Mark Woodman with 1 point.

Round 3 continues the tournament on March 12.  Reserve your spot by 7:15 pm to be counted.

As a highlight to the fighting spirit I will recycle a post form 2010. This was submitted by Donny Gray and originally published in the TN Chess News. Donny gave me permission to share this. It may give you a better outlook next time you play someone much higher rated that you.

When playing someone that is vastly higher rated than you it is very easy to get discouraged and almost be defeated before you even move one pawn. There is the other side of this subject as well. What about when you are the higher-rated player in this situation? Then you have the tendency to play fast and careless.

But the truth is that anyone can play way over their head on occasion. You just have to forget ratings and go for it!At the recent TN Senior Open my 2nd round game had all the above and then some. Most likely in all my tournaments my 2nd round opponent was the lowest player I have ever played. If I have played others in his rating range I have forgotten. - Donny Gray

Club Championship Underway

Almost as many players requested 1st Round byes as played in the round in the 2015 version of the Columbia Chess Club Championship with 10 players stepping up to compete and march towards claiming the title.  Current cross-table can be viewed here.

On board 1, current Club Champion Ben Caiello(2115) craftily took the victory against a resilient Ian Bell(1588) to start his defense of the title.  The battle decided was the trending 6. h3 line(Adams Attack) against the Sicilian Najdorf.

Check out the board 1 fireworks.

On board 2, Ron Tims(1459) returned to rated play but faced a tough opponent in previous club champion and perpetual powerhouse Keith Eubanks(2069).  Eubanks claimed the victory stating his case for the 2015 title.

In a well played and hard fought game Robert Folts(1735) and Richard "Kilo" Watts(1257) played it to a draw, agreeing to disagree and saving a decisive decision to another day.

Joshua"I don't play Hockey" Goley(1190) defeated Jared "Not from Subway" Whiting(1045) to claim the point and moving into third place.

In the longest game and highest number board Marty Anderson(1139) and Mark Woodman(995) fought hard into the night until a miscue broke the tension leaving "Mr. Anderson" on top.

Round 2 promises to be a barn burner on March 5 with others stepping back into the action to try and dethrone Caiello and Eubanks.

Call, email, or text your entry by 7:15 pm on Thursday to be counted.


Make sure you cheer on Ben Caiello and Ian Bell as they compete in the SC State Scholastic tournament in Mt. Pleasant,SC this weekend.  Caiello again defends his title, this time of SC State Scholastic champion.

Have some thoughts to share? You can comment below.

To start the topic: What is your favorite opening to play?  Do you have one?

Casual Night

Club members packed out the building on Thursday for a night of stress free chess.  Players rotated freely among the 6 active boards throughout the night while catching up with old friends and meeting new members.  Lots of noise, laughter and fun was had on the bughouse board as Sam did his best to carry Adam against Chris and Gil.

This week(Feb 19th) is a Themed Quick Night.  4 round G15/d3.  The themed opening will be announced shortly before the round. No Entry Fee.  TD Jordan Anderson.


On February 26th the 2015 Club Championship begins.  Last year's Club Champion Ben Caiello will have his work cut out for him as he defends against a strong club line-up this year.  The line-up includes the club's newest top-rated member NM Sam Copeland, past club champions and club veterans Keith Eubanks and James MacDougall, as well as the club's several rising stars including Brandon Jordan and Ian Bell.  The Under trophy will also be up for grabs as the club has seen a lot of new members join its ranks over the last year.  Good luck to everyone who comes out to participate!

The entry-fee for the Club Championship is $10 for club Members(can join onsite) and begins 2/26/2015 through 3/26/2015.  One 1/2 point bye is allowed in any round except the final fifth round.  Be sure to text/call Daniel Smith or Jordan Anderson the night of to confirm entry as registration ends at 7:15.


Upcoming Events outside of the club.  Check Club Calendar for more information

Sat 2/21/2015 Midlands Scholastic Chess League IV (Adult section also) Columbia, SC

Sat 2/28/2015 SC State Scholastic Championships Mt. Pleasant, SC.

Caiello Wins Club Championship

Twenty players competed in the 2014 Columbia Club Championship.
Already with the title in hand, Ben Caiello defeated Richard Watts to claim the Club Championship with a perfect 5-0 score.
On board 2, David Stoner defeated Jordan Anderson to claim second place with 3 points.  Jordan claimed the U1505 prize. 
Lendel Robinson defeated Briney Blind to claim third place, also with 3 points. 
Gil Holmes and Paul Potylicki battled to a tense position but the game ended with a draw by repetition of position and Jared Whiting defeated Ian Bell.

Full results can be seen on the USCF site.

This Thursday is Ashland Quick XLII.  Register by 7:15 to join the fun.

Caiello in the lead after 3 rounds

Round 3 of 5 is in the books for the Club Championship and Ben Caiello(2101) is in sole lead with 3 points. On top board, Ben successfully defended against against up-and-comer Brandon Jordan to stay in the drivers seat.
On board 2, Jordan Anderson(1401) defeated David Boyd(1441) to move into sole second place. James MacDougall(1994) outlasted Paul Potylicki(1547) to move to 2 points and within striking distance of the lead. Keith Eubanks(1993) also moved within striking distance of the lead by defeating Jared Whiting(1071). Lendel Robinson(1594) defeated Ian Bell(UNR) to move to 2 points as well. Edsel Pena(2033) returned to the club to claim the point against Max Witherell(1263). Richard Watts(1245) defeated Joan Pena. David Stoner(1601) claimed the point against Diego Ignacio and Birney Blind(1133) took the point from Paul Pena.
Round 4 is scheduled for March 20th.

Saturday March 22nd is the SC State Scholastic tournament.

Tuesday March 25th Klaus Johnson will be holding a Simul Exhibition for charity.
Check the Flyer for more details.

Saturday March 29th is the Club Match against the Charleston Chess Club. If you are interested in playing just say the word.

Round 2

Twelve players threw their hats in the ring for Round 2 of the Club Championship.

Ben Caiello took the sole lead by defeating Keith Eubanks in an exciting game.
 Brandon Jordan and James MacDougall left things on an even keel agreeing to a draw.
Gil Holmes claimed the point against Ian Bell. Paul Potylicki took the point from David Stoner.   Jared Whiting defeated Birney Blind and Richard Watts and James Doyle ended things peacefully with a draw.

 The tournament continues with Round 3 on Thursday March 13th.

CCC Championship Round 1

If you weren't at the club for Round 1 of the club Championship you missed a great night of chess competition.
All of the games were hard fought and the tension was so thick it would dull most kitchen knives.

When the smoke cleared after all games completed, (the top four boards after 10:30 pm)  Ben Caiello(2101) claimed a full point over David Stoner after solving a tricky endgame.
James MacDougall(1994) and Lendel Robinson(1594) solved all tricks and puzzles each other threw at each other which eventually steered the game to a draw.  Keith Eubanks(1993) outlasted a very determined Paul Potylicki(1593) to claim the full point.  Brandon Jordan(1478) defeated Gil Holmes(1873) extending his non losing streak of rated games at the club to 8 after maneuvering through a tricky double bishop endgame.  David Boyd(1441) snatched the advantage and victory away from Birney Blind(1133).  Familiar foes Jordan Anderson(1401) and Jared Whiting(1071) were paired again and Anderson claimed the point.  Richard Watts(1245) returned to rated play but let the game slip away and Ian Bell(UNR) claimed the point.

Round 2 is Thursday, March 6th register by 7:15pm to be counted.

St. Andrews Club meets on Mondays.  Round 1 of G20 rated tourney starts March 3rd.

March 29th is our club match with Charleston Chess Club, if interested in playing let me know so I can reserve your spot.

Columbia Chess Dominates 71st SC Champs!

The Columbia Chess Club showed both quantity and quality at the 71st SC Champs as the club gave strong support with EIGHTEEN members competing in the field of 48.

Current Club Champ, Philipp Lamby (2195), claimed his second State Championship scoring 3.5 points. Donny Gray (2082) posted 3.0 points to finish with a positive score in the Open Section.

Adam Shaw (1610) tied for first in the Amateur Section with 4 points but since Adam is from GA he is not eligible for the state title. Robert Folts (1761) scored 3 points finishing with a plus score and Steve Boshears (1600) scored 2.5 points not losing a game this weekend with a win and three draws in four rounds.

The Cola Club owned the Reserve Section as nine members competed claiming the top six spots. David Boyd (1129) took the Championship scoring 4.0 points finishing just a .5 point ahead of Birney Blind (1282) and Shiva Balasubramanian (1242). Mike Meekins (938) and Emilio Garrido (700) both finished on the plus side with 3.0 points. Mike Mayfield (1355), David Gongre (978) and Jose Contreras (UNR) all finished with an even score at 2.5 points.

Congratulations to our TWO State Champions! Great job everyone!!