Asheboro's Living Chess Computer!?

Hey Tom... Who won the Asheboro Open? I lost my first game to a 2198 player from Maryland (there are like three 2198 players plus a FIDE Master). It was pretty close though and I held him off for 99 moves with my Scandinavian Defense. I made a bad move at the end under time pressure. I was low on time for the just about the whole rook endgame. I was probably one of the last five that finished for the US Open and Denker tournaments combined…if it wasn’t for the 30s increment I would have... um... lost sooner maybe? I'll annotate the game later when I have time.

Patrick McCartney is playing here. I don't know when or what event though. I guess it is nice to see a familiar face from NC. I don't know if he played tonight or if he will play with a different schedule; anyway I'll keep you posted.

I got 2 copies of a March 2005 edition of Chess Life with GM Arnold Denker on the front cover. I didn't know if you had one or would be interested. I also got what I think is a trading card of Denker with his picture on the front and one of his games with GM Fine on the back.

Hey Tom. I won my first game today against a 1437 player. I'll let you know how I do tonight after I finish my game.

The boards they use for the US Open and the Denker and all of the other chess events are horrible. They are either blue and white or black and white. I brought my rulebook with me. Maybe I should say something. I also got to see the executive director of the USCF yesterday. I believe his name is Bill Hall. I'm going to try to get his autograph.

I would object to the board for being less than standard by causing too much glare. This is definitely within the rules. While I would not go so far as to refuse to play, I would adamantly state my objection. I’m sure other players would be very happy for someone else to say what they are all thinking. You could even lay your board over the top of the other so as to not disturb things…

Chris Mabe tied with Adam Holmes in the Championship. Holmes defeated Ron Simpson in round two, and David High drew him in round three!

Hey Tom... I drew my game against a 2078 player from Connecticut with my Scandi. I should of won though.

I was up three pawns in a rook endgame and he didn't have any pawns at all, but I got "cute" at the end and decided to sac my rook and try to get a queen. I've got to stop doing that.

He didn't know how to play the opening. He asked me how he should play the Qd6 variation after the game. I shouldn't have told him because he wouldn't tell me what he plays before the game. He took so much time but he got it back near the end because I had to take some time to consider his threats against my king. Once again that whole endgame was fought under time pressure by the both of us.

Also, the FIDE Master (Julian) lost to a 2100 guy. There is also another FIDE Master (Yeager) here who has 2.5 I think. Maybe I'll get to play Julian since I have 1.5 points.

Jonathon McNeill

It will be interesting to analyze this game, though. Perhaps this was the best try you had for a win?

We are on the edge of our seats waiting to hear more of your “chessploits” in Texas.

Hey Tom. I don't have much time so I'll make it short. I lost my fourth game to the Washington state champ who is 2156, and I won my fifth game against a 1965 player. The Washington champion (Ricky) is like a genius. He is really good. I also ran into Patrick McCartney last night and I got to see him debate openings with Ricky which was very amusing. It's funny enough because they are both experts but it makes it even more funny because it's McCartney and the WA champion. It was interesting. Also I found out that Julian Landaw is national master and not FIDE master but I still got his autograph along with Daniel Yeager and another master. I also annotated my fourth round game. I have a lot more to say but I have to go now.

Jonathon McNeill

I understand completely about the time. It is more than I expected for you to annotate one of your games, and it says a lot about you that you chose one of your losses.

I’ve been disappointed with the USCF’s coverage of the Denker thus far. I can’t even find a cross table. So it’s good to have an insider to keep us posted!

I’m sure Patrick held his own against the WA champ. NC is truly blessed to have such a talented field of players! I would have enjoyed sitting in on that conversation…

You have performed well above your rating, and we are proud of your accomplishments! I look forward to seeing you back with us soon.