To win a USCF tournament is a very hard thing to do. After nearly 4 years of battle with this monster of a game, I finally found myself at the top of the standings with a perfect score at the end, and crossed the 1300 mark jumping up to 1350. As a bonus I received my 2nd of 5 norms needed to get a category 4 title. Whats that you say? To be a master you need a rating of 2200 and 5 norms. A norm is when you score well in a tournament where your opponents are strong and around the 2200 range. A category 4 title is for the 1200 rating. 3 more to go. Nice!! Here is my experience from the tourney and in this post my thoughts on round 1 playing on the white side of the Ruy Lopez.
Before this tourney I had no nerves, unusual for me, I was very focused like a Russian anything ready to go in and take care of business. One game at a time, one move at a time. Pairings go up and I'm the highest rated player in the section, so right away I know this is mine to lose and everyone will be gunning for me. I took my place on board 1, and across from me is a young kid of about elementary age looking nearly terrified as I stare with my best poker face back at him, speaking very clearly with my eyes that I will show no mercy. Of course this was just a physcological tactic I needed to establish really just for myself. I didnt see a little kid, I saw the enemy. It's sounds brutal I know, but I will recall my very first tournament about 3 years ago.
I faced a very young girl, maybe 7 years old, hair in little pig tails, very cute and reminded me of my daughter who was only just a bit younger. I'm a 30 year old man, stand about 6'4 with a scruffy beard. I thought how can I possibly beat this cute little girl, that would be just wrong!! So we play and I go a bit easy on her, and she crushed me!! This little girl could play chess and didn't even hesitate to take advantage of my every mistake. I learned very fast that a chess player can not be judged by their age, rather by their rating. Then add 200 points to that rating cuz they are on the way up.
Young kids also have their own ways of distracting the adults, sometimes it's just chatter throughout the match, other times they won't sit still, other times all their friends ambush the table actually leaning on board to watch the game. I've even had one friend of my opponent yell at me to hurry up and move (kids play quick, I can't think that fast.)
OK, so I'm focused, psychological battle has begun and I'm feeling very comfortable, the TD says shake hands and start the clocks. I play my usual 1. e4 and thought to myself as the calming effects of "the zone" come over me, my favorite quote from Pirates of the Caribbean when Captain Jack finally gets his ship back. Taking control of the helm, he whispers, "...Bring me that horizon."
In between rounds I'm recalling the tourney I played here the month before.I won round 1 and then drew a 900 player in round 2 because I got all crazy and took way too many risks. My mindset was still very focused and in the zone. There will be no reckless behavior in this round. Pairings go up, I take my spot again at board 1, and another young man. Both of his parents were there and his dad was very well dressed and looked rich!! The kid had one of the digital chess move recorders, which I want btw, but it seemed that dad plays chess and is probably very good. Anyways, dad stood directly behind him the entire match. I felt a rather empathetic annoyance for my opponent having his father breathing over his shoulder. Advantage mine before move 1 has even been played. Sicilian Najdorf.
Between rounds I just sat at board 1. This was my spot and to remove me you'll have to beat me. The next little kid was a chatty young man. He knew the USCF rules very well and in the middle of our game he yelled at the game going on next to us. They agreed to a checkmate and somebody at another game told them it was not checkmate. My opponent went berserk!! Started
yelling at that person that if they agree to checkmate it's checkmate and he cant tell them otherwise!!! He played quick and aggressive from the beginning of our game. Both of us had 2 points at the start of the match. Ruy Lopez.
OK...here we are in the super bowl!!! I was already seating at board 1 waiting for my final challenger. A very young man who while on his way to gaining 3 points (solely tied with me for 1st) beat a 1200+ player. So although his rating was around 1000 I knew this kid was much better than that. He was a very nice and polite young man, and we chatted a little about the tourney thus far. I pointedly asked him if we were the only two with 3 points. He responded, "Yes I think so" I was still very focused at this point, but knew this would be my toughest challenge of the night and I was so close to winning my first USCF tourney, but so was he!!! So the zone turned on and again I thought of my favorite Pirates quote and played 1. e4 (Sicilian Dragon Yugoslav Attack)
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