2023 Oceania Junior and Youth Update

 Just a quick update on the 2023 Oceania Junior and Youth Championships. Current entries are getting up to 140 players, and there is a hard limit of 200 players for the tournament (due to the venue size). The good news is that while some age groups will have to be merged, this will make the awarding of direct titles easier. Under the relevant FIDE regulations, if an age section has less than 8 players or has less than 3 federations involved, the section will be merged with the next section (almost always moving up). In the merged section, the lower group only requires 6 players and two federations to be present for titles to be awarded for that age group. As it now stands, this means  all of the age groups will be able to award direct titles, although the younger groups (Under 12 and below) may end up as one large section.

I've set the deadline for entry as late as possible (10th April), but there is a limit on entries. So if you wish to enter, or see who else has, then get to the website ASAP https://actjcl.org.au/oycc2023/index.html

(** I am the Chief Organiser for this event ** )

ACT Interschool kicks off

 The ACT Interschool Chess Competitions kick off tomorrow, with the 2023 ACT Secondary Girls Final being held at Merici College. Continuing the trend of increased numbers for chess events, this years tournament already has 55 entries, well up from last years 30 players. The team of players from Lyneham High School are probably the favourites, and a win for them would make up for missing out last year (by not having a team!). However both Canberra Grammar and Radford College might be looking for a different result, while defending champions Merici College will also be in the mix.

In term two, the Primary and Secondary Open zone events will be held, with the Open finals in term 3. These events are organised by the ACT Junior Chess League, and usually attract big fields. if you are a junior player in Canberra, and your school is not sending a team, then get on to your teachers to organise one!

2023 Dubbo Open - Day 2

 Top seed Dominic Fox has won the 2023 Dubbo Open, with an unbeaten 5.5/6. Starting the day on 3/3, he defeated Jonathon Harding in the days first round, before drawing with Tyler Milson. In the final round he was up against Braiden Cox, who needed a win for a chance for first. Fox won with a nice attack to secure the $550 1st prize. Blake Lynch finished outright second on 5 points, with Kye Walls and Fritz Vander Wal tied for 3rd on 4.5. The Under 1600 prize was shared between Lee Forace and Tim Hanrahan. The Under 1250 prize was won by Sean Boag and Rijul Saini was the best Unrated.

Once again the tournament was a pleasure to run. There were a number of new players competing in their very first weekend event, but as an arbiter I think I only had to deal with a single issue (an illegal move in one game). Everyone looked like they had a good time and are already looking forward to next years event.

2023 Dubbo Open - Day 1

 At the end of the first day of the 2023 Dubbo Open, 3 players share the lead with 3/3. Top seed Dominic Fox has been joined by Ky Walls and Jonathon Harding after they all went through the first day with 3 wins. Close behind are Trevor Bemrose and Tyler Milson who are on 2.5, after drawing their round 3 game.

The tournament once again attracted a good field of 37 players, with a solid bunch of players at the top. Unlike previous years where there was a surprise IM or GM in the field, this year has the Under 2000's battling it out  for the title.

Last night also saw the traditional time handicap blitz. While a number of younger players benefited  from have 5 minutes against the 1 or 2 minutes for their opponents, Braiden Cox emerged victorious with 5/5. There were the usual tales of injustice and woe (which earned extra prizes), but good fun was had by all.

Current standings for the event are available at http://tournaments.streetchess.net/dubbo2023/www2023DubboOpen/

The Dutch Stereotype

 I caught an episode of the tv series "Van der Valk" (2020 remake) this evening. I remember watching the original series as a child (probably on a Friday night on the ABC). While it is a pretty standard "police procedural" there was one nod to the setting of the series. Towards the end of the episode, Van der Valk was and the new team member played a game of chess, with the new member winning. "We need someone who can think 4 moves ahead" was the closing comment.

The Phalanx

 Two pawns abreast was some simple positional advice i once heard spoken by IM Robert Jamieson. Having central pawns side by side usually serves two purposes. The first is to efficiently cover the 4 squares in front of them, and the second is to support the necessary pawn break often needed to transform the position into a better on. On the following rapid game, I had the former, but not the later. But this was because my opponent felt the lack of space in his position required a pawn grab, which unfortunately for him, was unsound.

Press,Shaun - Rowe,Arief [D06]
Gungahlin Rapid (1), 21.03.2023

Game 1

 In a collection of games, often the 1st game sets the tone. If it is a collection of a players best games, the choice of the first game normally shows some kind of breakthrough, or indication that a new chess talent is born. In P.H. Clarkes book on Petrosian "Best Games of Chess 1946-1963", the first game fits this bill, although it is somewhat atypical of how Petrosian would play in later years. A quick tactical win, after his opponent created too many weaknesses on the queen side.

Petrosian,Tigran V - Kotkov,Yuri M [D30]
URS-ch U18 Leningrad, 1946