The Benko (Volga) Gambit...Coker Variation

In this month's ChessCafe column Opening Lanes IM Gary Lane provides an answer to an interesting question on the Benko Gambit from one of our club's members. Laurence Coker wrote “It is amazing how there are absolutely no references to the following line in the Benko Gambit, despite the fact that in the three years in over-the-board chess it is the most frequent line I see for white (at the club level and Internet): 1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 c5 3 d5 b5 4 b3. I had to look in my Big Database to find it. I concluded that 4...bxc4 is best. Then, if white plays Bb2 at some point, black has good chances along the “b” file. Recently, I had someone put the white dark-squared bishop on d2 and I had a hard time finding anything wrong with it. I lost in the endgame. What do you suggest?”

To view the equally interesting response, click here.

Ken Fee on the 2008 USAM North

What an adventure! Our two teams suffered. One member had a heart attack (I am serious), another member had the flu, and one member quit chess. All occurred before we left on the 500 plus mile trip from Kansas City to Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the United States Amateur Team Championship North that took place February 16th-17th, 2008. Twenty teams participated in the open section. Both chess club teams limped into action ready to fight even though we were missing key players.

The Chess Club sponsored both teams by paying for entry fees, hotels, and team shirts. Our two teams had the following members: Spencer Conklin, Fred Smith, Tony Dutiel, Jonht Bechthold, Ken Fee, Frank Smith, Byron Williamson, and Conrado Salazar. Click here for the team, board, and individual standings.

Our A team had chances. In the last round we were playing for the U1900 title. Tony Dutiel's last round game is even the topic of Ivan Wijetunge�s Blog.

Positives about the trip:

1. We played walkie-talkie chess between both cars on the road.
2. We had some great food in Milwaukee including Barbeque.
3. We played higher rated players and borrowed a few points.
4. Team A was one game away from the U1900 Championship.
5. Tony and Frank had fun playing bughouse between rounds.

Negatives about the trip:

1. It was cold and wet. One day cold, the next day wet. Cars were snowed in and Byron (our web guru) fell on the ice a few times. Once he fell in an ice puddle, and his jeans were soaked. The chess gods helped, however; Team B had a bye the next round, and Byron was able to return to the hotel to change.
2. Parking was terrible at the hotel. Since the hotel was next to the airport, people used the lot for short and long-term airport parking.
3. he playing hall had a few lighting problems. I felt like I was playing in the shade.
4. My room was 80 plus degrees with no climate control. The hotel simply tried to help by opening one of my windows. That is the last time I stay at a 4 Star Hotel again! J The excuse was that my room was located above the hotel laundry. This is how they treat Priceline Customers.
5. My last round opponent smelled like defecation. The smell was so bad that the board two players moved to another table. The TDs would do nothing, but if a cell phone went off, you were docked 45 minutes from your clock. I played with my shirt over my nose.

After the tournament, we traveled 14 hours in two cars to get home. The wind-chill factor was almost 20 below. I let Byron pump the gas! I-80 in Iowa was almost shut down. We counted around 50-60 cars, trucks, and U-hauls in the ditch. We traveled around 10 MPH for hours slipping from one side to another.

The Des Moines Register described the situation in the following words!

"Travel is not advised on Interstate Highway 80 in eastern Iowa, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation. Towing services also are blocked from exit 182 to exit 254.Travel also is not recommended in several other areas, including Interstate Highway 380 from I-80 to exit 43; U.S. Highway 6 from I-80 to I-380; U.S."

Register sportswriter Randy Peterson reported Monday night that it took him 3 hours to travel 31 miles on Interstate 80 westbound, between Iowa City and Ladora, tonight. Iowa State Patrol Sgt. Bob Cox was watching a truck driver struggling to drive up a hill not far from a Coralville exit of Interstate Highway 80 in eastern Iowa shortly after 11 a.m. today."The tires are spinning and smoking and I think if we can get a wrecker to him we will just tow him into the median," said Cox. "He's blocking a lot of traffic."By one estimate there were some 150 vehicles in the ditches along Interstate Highway 80 between Davenport and Des Moines on Sunday night. "It's worse now," Cox said on Monday morning. "I've probably seen 100 off the road in just a 40-mile stretch today. It's these hills over here by Iowa City."Traffic is completely blocked on the left-hand side of the westbound lanes. Semis can't get up these hills and we're having trouble getting sand trucks to them," Cox said. Drivers were traveling about 5 mph in spots."It's hard-packed ice. It's thick, two or three inches of it. It's almost like driving on a frozen gravel road. I've only seen it like this two or three times in my 28 years out here."

Lesson: Byron and I should have checked the road conditions. We could have traveled using the St. Louis route. Byron, what were we thinking?

Every few miles, there were numerous cars off the road. Picture[s] does not do justice to what we saw!

After arriving at home on Monday night and sleeping four hours, my wife notified me that we needed to go to the hospital. The next morning, February 19 ,2008 at 9:32AM, my son, Kalen Eugene Fee was born. He weighed 7lbs. and 7 ounces.

Games coming soon!

Friday Night's Results

I hadn't played in a Blitz tournament since June. On the occasion, the session was on a Thursday night, and our club was nearly deserted with only four players competing. Imagine my surprise when I waltz into the club and there were 12 players sitting at the boards in the Rapid tournament. I was doubly surprised to find that six would be staying for the Blitz! We all had a great time playing some interesting chess. This is a weekly activity, so come out and gone us. You will be glad you did.

Fee - Dutiel Match Results

It had been going on quietly since mid-June. I had only heard about it before the last round and was wondering why I hadn't known about the Fee -Dutiel Match? Well, the results are in and I will post them below. I am hoping to get a game or two to annotate. Maybe Kenneth or Tony will be so kind as to send me their best games with notes in Chess Base 9 format and I will add my comments. I would love to go over these important games.

Late Night Ca$h Blitz...Tonight!!

The joys of late night blitz chess, plus the power of the all mighty dollar, will pull you along on a late night chess high. Yes, feel the ghosts of the chess greats of the past playing the royal game in a way that sparks the imagination. Can you command your chess army the way Mikhail Tal did? Do you have the chess genius of Bobby Fischer? Come on try! Go back to the days when the chess club was the central point of chess play across the lands. Smell the stale odor of years of cigarette smoke and unwashed chess players. Yes...yes...Uhm...I think we have made some improvements here at our chess club. The Chess Club is smoke free and I do believe everyone bathes regularly. Our goal is to make chess fun and ensure everyone has as a pleasant chess experience as possible. So come on...there will be cash prizes. Start time is 10 P.M. and will finish when the last game is played. Enjoy!!

Ca$h for the new loo

The time has come to put up the cash for the new toilet area. You will agree that an improvement is needed in capacity and layout. Last tournament I was in time trouble and in extremist...not pleasant! Ken has found a solution to our problem. A chess fund raiser of sorts and all the proceeds going to that upgrade depicted above. Who can ask for more? A chess tournament held in honor of the commode...the Bathroom Fundraiser Open I. Come out this Saturday to show your support. See you at The Chess Club.

What a Party it was...

Friday night The Chess Club celebrated it's 5th Birthday was a party and a little tournament...The Birthday Bash Open. The event was well attended with over 35 people enjoying the pre-tournament party. It all kicked off at 6 PM with Ken Fee thanking everybody for coming and free pizza and soft drinks soon followed. As everyone was getting well nourished, a beautiful birthday cake was introduced. Of course everyone had to get together for a group photograph so it could be file into the club's archives (I think a few people hid from the lens). After everyone said "Checkmate" for the camera-person about 5 times, the cake was cut. I have three words for the taste: "De-lici-ous".

At 7 PM the clocks were started and the Birthday Bash Open was underway. This was also well attended with 19 entrants. Every contest moved right along as it was Game 45 minutes. After round 2 Tim Steiner and John Quimby (both with a score of 2/2) were sharing the lead, Frank H. Smith was in the top position for the Under 2000 with a score of 1.5/2, and Frank Whitsell was leading the Under 1600 group with a score of 1.5/2. At this point I believe everyone was a little fatigued. Why not? It was getting close to 11 PM and there was one more round. Who would finish in the money? Prior to this last round several of the contestants were spied drinking coffee and having more cake. I wonder if this produce any unfair advantage or maybe it just made them more sleepy? Who knows if caffeine and sugar actually help simulate the brain and help you compute that extra ply in those tough positions?

It was 11 PM when the clocks were start for the final round. By 12:20 AM it was all over. The Open ended with Tim Steiner, John Quimby, and Frank H. Smith in a three way tie for first with a score of 2.5/3. Those three went home $50 richer! In the Under 1600 there was another three way tie with Joseph Conklin Jr., Daiki Sampei, and Todd Forbes sharing the prize with a score of 2/3. These three lined their pockets with $25! Well done gentlemen. Thank you to all of you for being with us to celebrate this important day!

Birthday Bash Open...Friday Night

Happy Birthday to The Chess Club...PARTY!!! Celebrating our 5th year. Come join us and share free pizza, cake, and drinks. The party begins at 6 PM and will continue until 7 PM. After the party we will be conducting our Birthday Bash Open. Remember...everyone is invited and there is no requirement to play in the Open. So come on and have a good time. The Open Prizes Fund of $225 is 100% Guaranteed. $75 1st Open U2000 1st$75 U1600 1st $75 Accelerated pairings will be used. The format is a 3 Round Swiss, Game/45 Affects both Quick and Regular rating. The first round starts just after 7 PM. No Byes Available. Entry Fees is $25 by June 27th or $30 on site. USCF and State Affiliate membership required (MCA dues $5). Other state memberships accepted. We hope to see you there!

Visit our Chess Store for all your chess equipment needs!

Blitz Grand Prix Thursday Nights

Just a reminder to all and sundry that Thursday night is Blitz Grand Prix night. This is a summer long Grand Prix and will last for a total of 13 weeks. It is USCF Quick rated G5. Cash prizes will be awarded to the 1st and 2nd place finishers. At present Tony Dutiel is leading on points, but there is eleven more weeks and anyone could win it! Last week was a real showdown with four players battling it out over 12 rounds. That is a good chess value! Blitz is an excellent place to try out a new line in your pet opening or gain experience in a new one. It also provides a way to increase your tactical vision while obtaining enough rated games to collect a "real" rating. So come out and join the fun.

Frank Smith Wins Club Championship

The sixth annual Chess Club Championship was held yesterday in the club's new tournament room. This room sports a new white paint job, ample lighting, and a wall to wall carpet. By all accounts, the participants liked the quiet, well lit, and clean playing area. Just one of the many features I liked about this new tournament room is that the toilet is close at hand. No more mad scrambles in time trouble, thankfully. The Chess Club events are always well organized and the 2007 Club Championship went smoothly. Attendance was good with 18 chess warriors, but down from last year total of 22 players.

In the Open section it was a chess battle royal. The action produce decisive wins in all games, with the exception of a third round game between Tony Dutiel and Tim Steiner that ended in a draw. This was fighting chess at it best and where most of the games went to the player commanding the ebony army. Frank Smith and Bob Spies shared 1st after round 2. When the smoke cleared after round 3 Smith was the sole leader. Frank went on to be crowned Open Champion with a score of 4/4. Well done! I am sure we will be hearing more of Frank in the future. Tony Dutiel became the club's Under 1900 Champion with a score of 2.5/4. Let's hear it for Tony...applause.

In the Reserve section it was a fighting finish between Joseph Conklin Jr. and Frank Whitsell. Both of these fine chess players had a score of 3/3 and the winner would have to be determined by series of tie breaking Blitz games. When the dust settled it was Frank Whitsell that claimed the title for the club's Under 1600 Champion. Todd Forbes grabbed the Under 1300 Champion plaque with a score of 2.5/4. Great games fellas!

All the tournament participants helped make this Championship a success. Thank you all for coming and we hope to see you at the club's Birthday Bash on June 29th.

Front row: Frank Smith Back row from left to right: Tony Dutiel, Frank Whitsell, Todd Forbes

Club Championship...Today!

The Chess Club's Championship is Today. Good Luck to all.

The 2007 Chess Club Championship Reminder

Our club championship will be held this coming Saturday, June 16th. Registration starts at 9 AM and will finish at 10AM. The on-site entry fee is $35. One ½ point bye available for any round. You must ask when registering. No byes once the tournament begins. This is a four round tournament at Game 60/Sudden Death. The 1st round begins at 10 AM with rounds to follow at: 12 noon/2:30PM/4:30PM. We have two sections: Open and U1600. Prizes: Open 1st $100 U1600 1st $100 Plaque for each Club Champion! Open/U1900/U1600/U1300. 30 Move Draw Rule. Club Champion Tiebreaks: The first tiebreak is based on wins. For example, if players A and B both have 4 points, the player with the most wins will be the club champion. The second tiebreak is wins with Black. The third tiebreak for players who are tied after four rounds will be 5 0 blitz games until one player wins two games and the club championship. Draws do not count. The player, who is ahead in tiebreak, will play the first game with white. Players will rotate colors each game. If three players or more are tied, a four-round Swiss game 5 0 blitz tournament will result and the winner will be the club champion. USCF and MCA memberships are required and available onsite. However, you don't have to be a Chess Club member to play in our championship...open to the public. Come one and all! We hope to see you at the championship!!!

A Knight to Remember

Last night's Summer Blitz Grand Prix was F.U.N. Fun is the only word to describe these wild 5 minute games. No chess masterpieces to be found in the 24 games played...no sir! Even if there was one with a brilliancy nobody remembers it. Nope, just the fun they had playing chess. To be honest, I got kind of roped into it last night. I had only stopped by the club to return an item to Ken and have a look at the games and have a bite to eat at the Italian restaurant near the club. Rodney Crites was going that way and offered to take me over to introduce me to the lovely ladies who work there, but wanted to know if I would join the blitz grand prix. Why not? So I handed over my money to Ken ($5 for the grand prix and $25 for the club championship) and off with Rodney to the land of spaghetti and meatballs, which turned out to be good and filling. Upon my return to the club the games started. Wow! I never realised how difficult it is to fight the clock and your opponent during a blitz game. This was my first time playing this way. I can see why the younger crowd enjoys it. Like I said, it is fun! The results? Tony Dutiel (score 5/6) finished on top, Ken Fee (score 4/6) second, Todd Forbes (score 2/6) third, and Rodney Crites (score 1/6) brought up the rear of the field. The positon below was from my game with Tony. What started out as good for white (Forbes) soon turn to excellent for black (Tony).

White to play. What are the best candidate moves? Why? Which one would you play and why?

Summer Blitz Grand Prix...Tonight

The Chess Club's summer program has begun. On tonight's agenda is Blitz G5 and will be the start of the summer Blitz Grand Prix. This event will be played every Thursday in June, July, and August...a total of 13 weeks. Every Thursday in June, July, and August (13 Thursdays). Registration starts at 6:30PM and the rounds start at 7 PM. The rounds will be double round robin...so the player's will play each opponent twice. Entry Fee will be $5.00 for club members. $10.00 for everyone else. Grand Prix Prizes: 1st $100 2nd $50 USCF membership required and USCF Quick Chess Ratings will be used! As always, Chess Equipment, Books, and Videos for sale on site! Go to www.powerpawn.net for all your chess needs!

Chess Club for Kids and Cash Quad Successful

I don't know where to begin? I started last Saturday just like every other before it. I fired up my notebook and did my log-in thing on playchess. Wow, Judit polgar was playing against Evgeny Bareev and this was their last game of the FIDE Candidates Match. If Judit wins we get to see some blitz games. Anything less she goes home. She draw and I was off to see how the summer program at The Chess Club was coming along.

When I arrived I was greeted by Ken Fee. He was excited about some recent improvements he had made to the club's playing areas and he explained that he had some really nice changes in the works. He had moved the main tournament playing area from the upstairs level and placed it into a large downstairs room. This room can hold 24 players, plus there are two more rooms that can be used for overflow. He has painted this room white and it will have wall to wall carpeting. Nice. Of course, he will decorate the walls in the usual way...lots of chess posters! I for one like that. Some of his plans include the Grandmaster room. This will be for the top boards in tournaments and will be appointed accordingly. Nice chessmen, wood board, upgraded chairs, etc. I think it is a great idea.

The Summer Cash Quad was underway too. Ken explained that he had only six people that showed. However, he was cheerful and stated that flexibility was an asset. So he ran a swiss instead and increased the cash prizes for 1st and 2nd. I don't know about you, but it seems tempting to enter and line my pockets with some extra cash. This would be particularly true if enough people enter for a quad. Please come and join the fun. The prize winners were Frank H. Smith (score 3/3) $60 and Dan Holmes (score 1.5/3) $30. Ashley Fulkerson (score 1.5/3) finished 3rd, Matthew Conway (score 1/3) finished 4th, Alan Neal (score 1/3) finished 5th, David Parker (score 1/3) finished 6th, and Rodney Crites (score 0/3) finished last. I am waiting on the games, as I am told that Frank Smith had a nice win.

The Chess Club for Kids program kicked off with a bang. I don't know if this great of a turn out was expected, but there was a full house. All the kids arrived eager to learn more about chess. They sat quietly during the instruction phase and they were attentive. The lecture was expertly given and the kids asked and answered many questions. This finished with an USCF rated game. These students of the game concentrated very hard and gave it their all. I believe everyone was a winner in some way. Finally, the excitement grew. It was announced that Bug House would be played for the last 30 minutes. Wow! The kids enjoyed that most of all. I heard many giggles and much laughter. I spied Ken Fee taking part and he seemed more of kid than the kids. One of the coaches, Tim Stiener, joined in the fun and this was agreeable to the kids because they could challenge the coach. Finally, a parent joined in and I must say that everyone present enjoyed their day at The Chess Club.

Summer Cash Quad One...This Saturday

It is that time of year...summer time. That means the Chess Club will start it's summer program and it begins this Saturday, June 2nd, 2007, with the Summer Cash Quad One. It is open to all USCF players and you DO NOT have to be a Chess Club member to participate. There is a $35 entry fee. Registration commences at 10:30 AM and the first of the 3 rounds of Game 90 Sudden Death starts at 11:00AM. The other rounds begin at 2PM and 5 PM. The quads will be selected by rating (4 players of similar strength). The prizes: 1st $50 2nd $25 for each quad! Yes, you can earn your cheese back! As always, 30 move draw rule is in effect and there will be no byes! USCF and MCA memberships are required and available on-site!!! See you there.

The Chess Club Championship

Time is getting short. The area's high school finals are underway and soon the summer recess will be in full swing. The same goes for colleges and universities. Everyone will have at least some free time this summer. Why not come to the Chess Club before boredom overtakes your life? I find a good game of chess will get the creative juices flowing and the hours will just fly by! You say: "I'm not a member". No problem! You can play for $5 a visit in off hand games or an extra charge of $5 for tournaments. It's that easy...so no need to delay! Why not begin with the 2007 Chess Club Championship? It starts June 16, 2007. We thoughtfully placed it on a Saturday for your convenience. Registration starts at 9 a.m. and will close at 10 a.m. Cost will be $35 dollars on site, but if you pre-register by June 12th there is a $10 savings. The championship will consist of 4 rounds at G60 sudden death. The round times are 10/12/2:30/4:30. Here at the Chess Club we have a 30 move draw rule. You ask: "What does that mean?". It means that each player has to play 30 legal moves before a draw offer can be made and accepted. Of course you can always try to draw by force on any move, but I would be sure it is really there before embarking on such adventures! The tournament will be played in two sections: Open and U1600. There will be a ca$h prize for the top finisher (Champion) in the Open and U1600. Plaques will be given to the top finisher (Champion) in the Open, U1900, U1600, and U1300. Those are very nice and on display at the club. Byes are available for any round, but you must ask and declare which round upon registration. A valid USCF membership is required for all players. Missouri residence will need a Missouri Chess Association membership. Both of these can be purchased at the club.

So dust off those old chess books and fire up that new chess program. Prepare now! I know I will be!! See you at the club.

Friday Night Chess Club

The purpose of The Chess Club Blog is to keep everyone up-to-date on what is happening at The Chess Club.

On September 1st, many of the members (Ron Luther; Ken Fee; Bob Holliman; Tim Steiner; and Byron Willianson) are going to the Okie Chess Festival in Tulsa, and Wayne Bartlett will be at the US Senior Open in Nashville, so the club will be only open for casual play. There will not be a Grand Prix Tournament.

The big question now is: Will Luther play in the Invitational instead of the Challenger Section even though his plus 2200 rating should place him in the higher section.

The rumour is that Ron did not annotate a game from last year, so the organizers are not happy with him since they paid his way in 2005.

I will keep you updated on Ron's status!