Second Annual Fischer Random Chess Cup!!

[Mel-o-rama]

Now Announcing the Second Annual Fischer Random Chess Cup!!

The tournament is now over. Winners: Exam Committee with 100% win ratio and Abstract Actuary with 6.0 points.

Current tournament standings:


---------Player---------- GS GF W D L Pts Win%
1. Exam Committee (2) 2 2 2 0 0 2.0 1.000
2. Abstract Actuary (20) 7 7 6 0 1 6.0 0.857
3. Suthrn (4) 5 5 4 0 1 4.0 0.800
4. Hagbard Celine (3) 4 4 2 1 1 2.5 0.500
5. Kohl (4) 8 8 3 1 4 3.5 0.375
6. acctuary (2) 3 3 1 0 2 1.0 0.333
7. Mel-o-rama (4) 6 6 1 0 5 1.0 0.167
8. Ultimate Anyone (8) 7 7 1 0 6 1.0 0.143

Game -------Wht------- -------Blk------- -------Winner------
1 Abstract Actuary vs Mel-o-rama <Abstract Actuary>
2 Mel-o-rama vs Kohl <Kohl>
3 Kohl vs Abstract Actuary <Abstract Actuary>
4 Mel-o-rama vs ACCtuary <ACCtuary>
5 Abstract Actuary vs Hagbard Celine <Hagbard Celine>
6 Hagbard Celine vs Exam Committee <Exam Committee>
7 Ultimate Anyone vs Abstract Actuary <Abstract Actuary>
8 Kohl vs Ultimate Anyone <Kohl>
9 Ultimate Anyone vs Hagbard Celine <Hagbard Celine>
10 Exam Committee vs Kohl <Exam Committee>
11 Abstract Actuary vs Kohl <Abstract Actuary>
12 Kohl vs Suthrn <Suthrn>
13 Suthrn vs Ultimate Anyone <Suthrn>
14 Ultimate Anyone vs Mel-o-rama <Mel-o-rama>
15 Suthrn vs Abstract Actuary <Abstract Actuary>
16 Hagbard Celine vs Kohl <draw>
17 Mel-o-rama vs Abstract Actuary <Abstract Actuary>
18 Ultimate Anyone vs Kohl <Kohl>
19 Suthrn vs Mel-o-rama <Suthrn>
20 ACCtuary vs Suthrn <Suthrn>
21 ACCtuary vs Ultimate Anyone <Ultimate Anyone>

What is Fischer Random? It's normal chess, but the opening position is computer-randomized. The pawns stay in the same place, but the first-row pieces are jumbled up. It's such a simple concept, but it's so complicated. All opening databases are instantly out the window!!

All rules are the same as in normal chess with one exception: castling (which is explained below).

Castling: Just like in normal chess, you can castle if the King hasn't moved yet, and if the associated Rook hasn't moved. But regardless of where the king and rook are, their ending position is as if they had castled in normal chess. Castling with the queen-most rook will land the king and rook on c# and d#. Castling with the king-most rook will land them on f# and g#. Needless to say, those squares need to be vacant before you can castle there. If you're eligible to castle, you'll see a "0-0" or "0-0-0" button. You can click either of those buttons to see what the position will look like after castling. (Clicking the castling buttons doesn't constitute a Submit.)

Entering the tournament:

Step 1. Register with Scheming Mind (http://www.schemingmind.com/) (featured on my new website ;)). Registration is free and easy. After you register, go to My Details/Challenge Preferences. There you can set the maximum number of games at the top. Next to Chess960 check the box to say "I can be challenged to Chess960 games". (That's code for Fischer Random.) Next to Time Controls, make sure you have 'Standard' checked.

Step 2. Post your intent to play on this thread, tell us your Scheming Mind name, and say how many games you're able to play at one time. If you get filled up with games and you finish one of them, I'll assign you another game unless you tell me otherwise. You can change the number of games you wish to play at any time during the tournament.

Step 3. When you receive your game assignments, one of you challenge the other using the following process. Go to Players/Search Player Database. Type in the name of your opponent. If your opponent remembered to update their Challenge Preferences, you should see a challenge button.

Step 4. When you finish your game, post your game here for us all to enjoy. (Be sure to include the FEN line, which tells what the starting position is.)

Step 5. As you play your games, I'll keep up with the stats and update them periodically.

Rules of the tournament:

The games start now, and I'll make the first assignments in about an hour. You can join at any time during the open period. The open period runs till January 14, and any final games will be assigned on January 15. If you decide you wish to play no more new games during the open period, that's fine - just let us know.

Games are to be played on Scheming Mind, and are to have the 'Standard' time control - that is, 30 days + 1 day/move.

These games are just for fun and won't be considered in the PMS ratings.

As I assign games, you will not play the same player twice at the same time, but it's possible for you to play that same player again after you've finished a game with them.

Good luck and may the best Fischer win!!

[Mel-o-rama]

Oh yeah - I need to post my own interest! I'm "Mel-o-rama" on Scheming Mind, and I'll start off with 3 games.

[Mel-o-rama]

Explanation of stats.

Here's a hypothetical stat sheet:

---------Player--------- GS GF W D L Pts Win%
1. Abstract Actuary (5) 5 3 2 1 0 2.5 0.667
2. Mel-o-rama (3) 5 4 2 1 1 2.5 0.500

Players are listed in order by Win%. The number in front of the name is what place you're in. The number after your name is the max number of games you want to play at a time.
GS = Games Started (Total)
GF = Games Finished (Total)
W = Win; D = Draw; L = Loss
Pts calculated with Win = 1.0; Draw = 0.5; and Loss = 0.0
Win % = W / GF

[Abstract Actuary]

I'm in. My name is Abstract Actuary on scheming minds and I signed up for 20 games max at a time. I'll do whatever.

[Mel-o-rama]

Okay, let the first game begin!

Game #1. Abstract Actuary (white) will play Mel-o-rama (black).

[Kohl]

I'm in. My name is Kohl on Scheming Mind and I signed up for 4 games max at a time.

[SirVLCIV]

I'm out this round. Too busy IRL.

[ACCtuary]

I'll play. I can play 1 game at a time. I registered as acctuary.

[Mel-o-rama]

Welcome, Kohl!! (That's still a funny avatar!) Here are two more games to assign:

Game #2. Mel-o-rama (white) vs Kohl (black)
Game #3. Kohl (white) vs Abstract Actuary (black)

[Mel-o-rama]

Oops - my post crossed ACCtuary's post. Here's one more game:

Game #4. Mel-o-rama (white) vs. ACCtuary (black)

[Kohl]

Help please. I've challenged AA to a normal game. Someone unknown to me has challenged me to a normal game. How do I delete games? I'm new (obviously) to this website.

[Mel-o-rama]

Same thing happened to me a year ago. Check here (http://www.actuarialoutpost.com/actuarial_discussion_forum/showthread.php?t=47840&page=3) and scroll down.

It seems that the person receiving the challenge has the power to decline and the game will disappear. Do you see a Decline choice under the Submit button on your who-the-heck-is-this game? AA will have to decline your challenge as well.

[Kohl]

I think I have it fixed now.

[Hagbard Celine]

I'd like to play 3 max games please.

Hagbard Celine

[Macroman]

I'll play. My name there is "Exam Committe". Go figure. I'll take two games please.

[Mel-o-rama]

Hey y'all. Welcome to our new participants! Here are two more game assignments:

Game#5: Abstract Actuary vs Hagbard Celine
Game#6: Hagbard Celine vs Exam Committee

[Hagbard Celine]

I'll play. My name there is "Exam Committe". Go figure. I'll take two games please.


You need to do this:

go to My Details/Challenge Preferences. There you can set the maximum number of games at the top. Next to Chess960 check the box to say "I can be challenged to Chess960 games". (That's code for Fischer Random.) Next to Time Controls, make sure you have 'Standard' checked.


so I can challenge you.

[Ultimate Anyone?]

I'll give this a shot, although I can't move as fast as some others. (My apologies in advance to those who want super-fast games, or even fast games. I'll do my best.)

The site says a maximum of 8 challenges, so I'll go for that.

[Abstract Actuary]

This is awesome. So far I really like schemingmind.com. I like that you are given a board to play out the position with and don't have to do all the analysis in your head. I also like that you can write notes to your opponent during the game. Also Fischer Random Chess is fun.

[Mel-o-rama]

Welcome Ultimate! I do believe I can assign you 3 games:

Game #7. Ultimate vs. Abstract Actuary
Game #8. Kohl vs. Ultimate
Game #9. Ultimate vs. Hagbard

I'm at home today, and I left my handy spreadsheet at work, so I'll update the standings tomorrow to reflect these games. Good luck!

[Macroman]

Sorry, Hagbard. I issued the challenge.

[Kohl]

Game #2. Mel-o-rama (white) vs Kohl (black)

1. g4 e6 2. f4 d5 3. e4 c6 4. d4 g5 5. Ne2 Nd6 6. e5 Nc4 7. a3 a5 8. Qf2 Ra6 9. Ne3 b5 10. Nxc4 bxc4 11. h4 h6 12. fxg5 hxg5 13. hxg5 Rxg5 14. Qh4 f6 15. Bd2 Rg7 16. exf6 Rb7 17. g5 Rab6 18. Ra2 Bg6 19. Qh2+ Ka8 20. Bxa5 Ra6 21. Bxd8 Qxd8 22. Nf4 Bf5 23. Re1 Qf8 24. Qg3 c5 25. dxc5 Qxc5 26. Bg2 c3 27. Nxd5 exd5 28. b4 Ka7 29. Re7
29... Qg1+ 30. Re1 Qd4 31. Qe3 Qxe3 32. Rxe3 Re6 33. Rxc3
33... Re5 34. Rf3
34... Rc7
35. Rf2 Bg6 36. Bxd5 Rxd5 37. Rg2 Rh7 38. Kb2 Rh5 39. Rf2 Rhxg5 40. Kb3 Bf7 41. c4 Rd3+ 42. Ka4 Bxc4 43. f7 Bb3#
Black Win

Abstract Actuary wins. :oops: I didn't see that checkmate but figured he was close. I took the liberity of editing out my profanity. ;)

[Abstract Actuary]

Game #2. Mel-o-rama (white) vs Kohl (black)

1. g4 e6 2. f4 d5 3. e4 c6 4. d4 g5 5. Ne2 Nd6 6. e5 Nc4 7. a3 a5 8. Qf2 Ra6 9. Ne3 b5 10. Nxc4 bxc4 11. h4 h6 12. fxg5 hxg5 13. hxg5 Rxg5 14. Qh4 f6 15. Bd2 Rg7 16. exf6 Rb7 17. g5 Rab6 18. Ra2 Bg6 19. Qh2+ Ka8 20. Bxa5 Ra6 21. Bxd8 Qxd8 22. Nf4 Bf5 23. Re1 Qf8 24. Qg3 c5 25. dxc5 Qxc5 26. Bg2 c3 27. Nxd5 exd5 28. b4 Ka7 29. Re7
29... Qg1+ 30. Re1 Qd4 31. Qe3 Qxe3 32. Rxe3 Re6 33. Rxc3
33... Re5 34. Rf3
34... Rc7
35. Rf2 Bg6 36. Bxd5 Rxd5 37. Rg2 Rh7 38. Kb2 Rh5 39. Rf2 Rhxg5 40. Kb3 Bf7 41. c4 Rd3+ 42. Ka4 Bxc4 43. f7 Bb3#
Black Win

Abstract Actuary wins. :oops: I didn't see that checkmate but figured he was close. I took the liberity of editing out my profanity. ;)

It was a great game that went back and forth a bunch of times. There was a period where I thought I was going to be lucky to get a draw out of it. Not sure why you sacked the second bishop, that is when I started to think about a win again.

Anyway, the starting position was 747 (not sure if that is all the info you need).

If it isn't - from left to right, from White's perspective [RKNNBQRB].

It was a fun game to play - very interesting.

[Mel-o-rama]

Way to go, Abstract Actuary! First win of the tournament!

Oh, and that "[RKNNBQRB]" should be good enough to identify the opening position.

[Mel-o-rama]

Here's another game assignment, plus an option for Kohl.

Game #10. Exam Committee vs. Kohl

So, Kohl, this gives you 3 games total, which means you have 1 game I can assign you. Would you prefer a rematch with Abstract Actuary (colors reversed), or would you prefer to wait for another participant?

[Kohl]

I defeated Ultimate Anyone? The start position was a big advantage to white. I had an attack off my first move that Ultimate countered for the first few moves.

Start position 478
RNNKRBBQ

1. g4 c6 2. e4 Nd6 3. e5 Nb5 4. Bxb5 cxb5 5. Qxb7 Nc6 6. Qxa8+


Here's another game assignment, plus an option for Kohl.

Game #10. Exam Committee vs. Kohl

So, Kohl, this gives you 3 games total, which means you have 1 game I can assign you. Would you prefer a rematch with Abstract Actuary (colors reversed), or would you prefer to wait for another participant?

I'd love a rematch with Abstract Actuary. I think he has my number, which probably is a setback mentally before I make a first move, but on the upside that games are fun (despite he always wins). :)

[Mel-o-rama]

Hey y'all,

I must apologize for disappearing. Evidently, I was without internet for a few days. I'll make some moves in the next little while, and assign some more games.

[Mel-o-rama]

Okay Kohl. I randomly chose between Abstract and Ultimate for a rematch with you. It looks like we need more participants!

Game #11. Abstract Actuary vs. Kohl

[Suthrn]

It looks like we need more participants!



Ok - I just signed up as Suthrn for up to 4 games.

[Mel-o-rama]

Hey Suthrn, welcome to the games! You get 3 games to start off with. I'm also bumping my maximum number of games to 4, since some of my other games are wrapping up. Here are four new game assignments (no repeats in these!):

#12. Kohl vs Suthrn
#13. Suthrn vs Ultimate
#14. Ultimate vs Mel-o-rama
#15. Suthrn vs Abstract Actuary

[Suthrn]

Kohl (White) resigned our game. The game didn't start well for me. As soon as I hit the submit button for my first move, it looked like I had given away a rook.

1. f4 d5 2. Qxa7 Nd7 3. Nb3 Nab6 4. Nc5 g5 5. fxg5 Bd4 6. Nxb7+ Bxb7 7. Qa3 Qxg5 8. Qd3 Bf2 9. Qxh7 Qf6 10. e4 dxe4 11. Rxe4 Rh8 12. Qxh8+ Qxh8 13. Rf4 Bc5 14. b4 Nd5 15. Rxf7 Qh5+ 16. Ke1 Qxf7 17. Rb3 Qf2+ 0-1

Start position was 375 (NRBKRNQB).

[Abstract Actuary]

Mel-O-Rama resigned in our game. I was white. Good game Mel-O

1. e4 e5
2. Bc4 Nf6
3. d3 g6
4. Nf3 a6
5. b4 b5
6. Bb3 Nc6
7. Ng5 d5
8. Bxd5 Nxd5
9. exd5 Nxb4
10. Bxe5 Nxa2
11. Bxh8 Be7
12. Nc3 Nxc1
13. Nxf7+ Qxf7
14. Kxc1 Bb4
15. Qe4 Qe8
16. Bf6+ Kd7
17. Qg4+ Kd6
18. Qxb4+ Kd7
19. Qg4+ Kd6
20. Qe4 Qxe4
21. dxe4 Re8
22. f3 b4
23. Na4 Black resigns

Starting position was BNRKQBNR (242)

[Kohl]

Abstract Actuary wins.
Chess960
Start position 296 NRKBRNBQ
1. c4 g6 2. d4 c5 3. O-O cxd4 4. Bd2 Be5 5. Bh6+ Bg7 6. Bxg7+ Rxg7 7. Rxd4 e5 8. Rh4 f5 9. b4 Nf7 10. f4 exf4 11. Rhxf4 d5 12. c5 b6 13. g4 fxg4 14. Rxg4 bxc5 15. bxc5 Qc6 16. Nb3 Qe6 17. Rg2 Qe3+ 18. Rff2 Kg8 19. Rg3 Qe5 20. Qd4 Qxd4 21. Nxd4 Bd7 22. c6 Bxc6 23. Nxc6 Rd7 24. Nd4 Nd8 25. Re3 Rge7 26. Ref3 Rf7 27. Rxf7 Rxf7 28. Rxf7 Nxf7 29. a3 h5 30. Nf2 Kg7 31. Nd3 g5 32. Nb4 Nb6 33. Ba2 Nc4 34. a4 Nb2 35. a5 g4 36. Nxd5 Ng5 37. a6 Nh3+ 38. Kg2 Kg6 39. Bb3 Kg5 40. Nc6 h4 41. Nxa7 Nf4+ 42. Nxf4 Kxf4 43. Nb5 h3+ 44. Kf2

Mel has given me an advantage. Let's see if I can pull it out.

[Mel-o-rama]

Okay everyone!

I have a few games to update in the stats. We have a few days left before we close off the tournament (and no more new games). Let your friends know that it's not too late to sign up. Do any of you want to change your number of max games? I'll give you a chance before I assign new games after lunch.

Suthrn: Could you update your last post and add the starting position as seen from white? (eg NRBKRBNQ)

[Abstract Actuary]

I resigned to Hagbard Celine. Good Game, Hagbard. I had a win, but walked into a Queen fork. Ugh!!! I should have played 30. Qb6! instead of 30. Qa7?? and my attack is very hard to stop without losing significant material

Starting position NBRKNRBQ

1. g4 c6 2. f4 Nd6 3. h4 Bc7 4. c4 f6 5. d3 O-O-O 6. Bxa7 e5 7. f5 g6 8. fxg6 hxg6 9. Bc5 Be6 10. g5 f5 11. Qh2 Rf7 12. Nf3 e4 13. Bxd6 Bxd6 14. Qxd6 exf3 15. Rxf3 Qxh4 16. Qg3 Qh1+ 17. Kd2 Qh8 18. Kc2 Rh7 19. Nb3 Rh2 20. Re1 Re8 21. Re3 Rf8 22. Qd6 Nc7 23. Re5 Ne8 24. Qd4 Qh5 25. Nc5 Nc7 26. Qc3 Qxg5 27. Qa5 Qf6 28. d4 Bxc4 29. Kc3 Bd5 30. Qa7 Nb5+
Black Win

[Hagbard Celine]

Good game AA...I got very lucky! To be honest, I almost resigned because I thought you had a forced mate (if your King was on C2 instead of C3 I think you would have). I didn't see the Queen fork for a while. And you're right, if you had played Qb6 I was definitely dead.

[Abstract Actuary]

I know, when I made Qa7, I thought it was forced mate (you could have stopped it by sacraficing your Queen for my rook). If my King was only on c2 . . .

[Mel-o-rama]

The tournament continues on! Abstract has the most points so far, while Suthrn and Hagbard are tied for first place.

As for more games, I'm going to wait for either: one more game to finish, or one more person to join up. Then I'll assign some more games. Final game assignments will be given on Monday. Good luck!

[Hagbard Celine]

while Suthrn and Hagbard are tied for first place.

Oh boy, I should enjoy it while it lasts (not for very long)!

[ACCtuary]

Mel-o resigned to me. Good game! I'll up my max to 2. What should I do now?

Starting Position 457
RNNBBKQR

1. f3 d5 2. Bf2 c6 3. Nd3 Bb6 4. e4 Na6 5. Be2 f6 6. Nc5 Nd6 7. Bxa6 bxa6 8. Nxa6 dxe4 9. Bxb6 axb6 10. Qxb6 Qc4+ 11. Ke1 Rxa6 12. Qb3 Qxb3 13. cxb3 Bg6 14. Nc3 Kf7 15. Ke2 Rd8 16. Rhd1 exf3+ 17. gxf3 Nb5 18. Nxb5 cxb5 19. d3 Rad6

[Mel-o-rama]

It's Friday afternoon, and I'm bushed! I'm going to wait till Monday and see if any more games finish. Good game, ACCtuary, BTW!

On Monday, I'll assign the last games, bringing everyone to their maxes (except for Ultimate and Abstract Actuary who have pretty high maxes).

[4sigma]

Here's another game assignment, plus an option for Kohl.

Game #10. Exam Committee vs. Kohl

:rofl:

[Mel-o-rama]

Okay, here are the final assignments: 4 new match-ups and 2 rematches (colors reversed). Good luck everyone!!

16. Hagbard vs Kohl
17. Mel-o vs Abstract (rematch)
18. Ultimate vs Kohl (rematch)
19. Suthrn vs Mel-o
20. ACCtuary vs Suthrn
21. ACCtuary vs Ultimate

[Abstract Actuary]

Okay, here are the final assignments: 4 new match-ups and 2 rematches (colors reversed). Good luck everyone!!

16. Hagbard vs Kohl
17. Mel-o vs Abstract (rematch)
18. Ultimate vs Kohl (rematch)
19. Suthrn vs Mel-o
20. ACCtuary vs Suthrn
21. ACCtuary vs Ultimate

Ouch, I only get one more game??!? At least it should be a good one. Good luck Mel-O

[Mel-o-rama]

Sorry about that, Abstract. The randomization came out that way. However, you could use one more game to get you up to a total of 8 (and match Ultimate).

Let me ask this question to everyone. Are you satisfied with the total number of games you got? If you'd like to play any more games (with the option to defer the game till after you finish one of your present games), just let me know by Wednesday morning, and I'll assign a couple more games.

(I'm satisfied with my own games, so I won't be taking any more.)

[Abstract Actuary]

I'll play as many as you'll let me.

[Abstract Actuary]

I defeated UltimateAnyone?. I was black. The starting position was RKQRBBNN. Good game UA?.

1. e3 c5
2. g3 d5
3. Bd3 Ng6
4. Bxg6 fxg6
5. Nf3 Bc6
6. Ng5 h6
7. Nh7 d4
8. d3 Bxh1
9. Nxf8 Rxf8
10. e4 Bf3
11. Rd2 Nf6
12. a4 Qd6
13. Qa2 Qd7
14. Qc4 b6
15. e5 Nd5
16. c3 dxc3
17. bxc3 Rb8
18. Rb2 Rb7
19. Rb5 Kc7
20. Rab1 Rfb8
21. d4 Rc8
22. R1b3 Kd8
23. dxc5 a6
24. R5b4 Nxb4
25. Qg8+ Kc7
26. Qf7 Nd3+

0-1

[Kohl]

Game #10. Exam Committee vs. Kohl
BBQNRKRN white EC mates Kohl
1. b3 c5 2. Ne3 Bxh2 3. c4 g6 4. g3 Bxg1 5. Kxg1 b6 6. Nd5 Bxd5 7. cxd5 Qb7 8. d4 cxd4 9. Bxd4 Qxd5 10. Qh6+ Rg7 11. Qxg7#

I went from being up a rook to blowing it all in ten moves! :oops:

[Kohl]

Hagbard Celine and I played to a draw.
BRQBKNNR
1. b4 f6 2. e4 b5 3. d3 c5 4. Ne3 cxb4 5. Nf3 a5 6. O-O e6 7. a3 bxa3 8. Qxa3 b4 9. Qb3 Qa6 10. Be2 a4 11. Qb2 a3 12. Qd4 e5 13. Qc4 Qxc4 14. Nxc4 Bc7 15. c3 d5 16. exd5 Bxd5 17. cxb4 a2 18. Rb2 Ra8 19. Bd1 e4 20. Ne3 exf3 21. Nxd5 Ne6 22. Bxf3 Ra7 23. Nxc7+ Nxc7 24. b5 Ra3 25. b6 Na6 26. b7 Nb8 27. Rc1 Rxd3 28. Rc8+ Rd8 29. Rxd8+ Kxd8 30. Rxa2 Ne7 31. Ra8 Kc7 32. Bd4 Re8 33. Ba7 Nec6 34. Bxb8+ Nxb8 35. h3 Re1+ 36. Kh2 Rf1 37. Kg3 g5 38. Bd5 h5 39. Kf3 h4 40. Ke2 Rg1 41. Ke3 Re1+ 42. Kf3 Re5 43. Ra5 Kb6 44. Ra8 Kc7=

Great game, Hagbard. I’m surprised it closed to a draw with how aggressively we played.

[Hagbard Celine]

Great game, Hagbard. I’m surprised it closed to a draw with how aggressively we played.

Yeah, me too. I probably had a win somewhere in there, but I sure as heck didn't find it. Good job sniffing out my final mistake! :)

[Kohl]

Yeah, me too. I probably had a win somewhere in there, but I sure as heck didn't find it. Good job sniffing out my final mistake! :)

I'm not sure it was a mistake, but it was the move I was hoping you would make. ;)

[Suthrn]

Mel-o-rama (Black) resigned our game. Starting position was 550 (RNBKNBQR).

1. e4 d6 2. d4 f5 3. f3 Nf6 4. Nc3 e5 5. d5 c6 6. Bc4 b5 7. Bb3 Bb7 8. dxc6 Nxc6 9. Bxg8 Rxg8 10. Bg5 Be7 11. Bxf6 Bxf6 12. Nxb5 fxe4 13. Nxd6 1-0

It sounds like Mel is preoccupied with exam studying right now (or perhaps he/she is setting me up for the kill next time!).

[Kohl]

It sounds like Mel is preoccupied
I get the same feeling in my game with Mel. He is unMellike right now.

[Kohl]

Mel resigns to Kohl BNNBRKQR
1. b4 e5 2. c4 d6 3. Bb3 c5 4. bxc5 dxc5 5. Nd3 Nd7 6. Ba4 Ncb6 7. Nxc5 Nxc5 8. Bxe8 Kxe8 9. d4 Ncd7 10. Nd2 f6 11. d5 h5 12. h4 Qh7 13. f3 Qc2 14. Qe3 Nxc4 15. Nxc4 Qxc4 16. Qxa7 Nb6 17. Rd1 Qa6 18. Qxa6 bxa6 19. e4 Nc4 20. Ke2 Bb7 21. Kd3 Nd6 22. g3 a5 23. a4 Ba6+ 24. Kc2 Be2 25. Rd3 Bxd3+ 26. Kxd3 Nb7 27. Kc4 Be7 28. Rb1 Nd6+ 29. Kc5 Nxe4+ 30. Kc6 Nxg3 31. Rb8+ Bd8 32. Bc3 Kf7 33. Bxa5 Nf5 34. Kd7 Nxh4 35. Rxd8 Rxd8+ 36. Bxd8 Nxf3 37. a5 h4 38. a6 h3 39. a7 h2 40. a8=Q h1=Q 41. d6 Qh3+ 42. Kc7 Nd4 43. Be7 Ne6+ 44. Kd7= Nc5+ 45. Kc7 Qd7+ 46. Kb6 Na4+ 47. Ka5 Nc3 48. Kb4 Qa4+ 49. Qxa4 Nxa4 50. Kb5 Ke6 51. Kc6 Nb6 52. Bd8 Nd7 53. Ba5 g5 54. Be1 g4 55. Bg3 f5 56. Bf2 f4 57. Kc7 g3 58. Bg1 f3

[Mel-o-rama]

I think "preoccupied" is an understatement. Let's see - exams - that's always a biggie. Then there are other things that popped up - getting sick, trying to get book published, entering contest, and now I'm composing music for a secret project. Aah!

But those are no excuses. You guys won those games fair and square. Kohl: I thought my bishop could hold off all three of your connected pawns, but now I don't think so. My rook sacrifice would have worked had I not played 34. Kd7 - to get in the way of my passer.

Suthrn: I simply underestimated you - nice opening attack.

I'll update the results, and next time I'll crush y'all!

[Mel-o-rama]

Updated results: We still have three people tied with 100% win ratios: Suthrn, acctuary, and Exam Committee. EC has only one remaining game, and if he wins, he'll definitely lock in first place. (But with only 2 games played?)

Abstract Actuary still has the most points at: 4.0. Suthrn and Ultimate are the only two left who could surpass that.

Right now, Mel-o (me) and Ultimate are bringing up the rear with 0.0 pts. Ultimate has the most games in progress, so anything could happen!

[Suthrn]

Ultimate (Black) resigned our game. Starting position RNKQRNBB. Good game UA.

1. f4 Ne6 2. g3 c6 3. e4 c5 4. f5 Nd4 5. c3 Nb5 6. a4 Nd6 7. e5 Nxf5 8. Qf3 d5 9. Qxf5+ e6 10. Qc2 Nc6 11. Bxc5 Qg5 12. Bd6 O-O-O 13. b4 g6 14. Na3 Nxe5 15. Bxe5 Bxe5 16. Nb5 a6 17. Nd4 Kd7 18. Nf3 Qf6 19. Nxe5+ Kd6 20. d4 Qg5+ 21. Qd2 Qf6 22. Qf4 Qxf4+ 23. gxf4 f6 24. Ng4 f5 25. Ne5 Rc8 26. Kb2 h5 27. h4 Rb8 28. Nd2 a5 29. Nxg6 1-0

[Hagbard Celine]

I resigned to Exam Committee (Macroman) with white:

1. d4 d5 2. Nb3 e6 3. Ng3 Ng6 4. e3 Bd6 5. f4 Bd7 6. Qd2 Nb6 7. O-O-O O-O 8. Bf2 f6 9. Bd3 e5 10. fxe5 fxe5 11. Bxg6 hxg6 12. dxe5 Bxe5 13. Nd4 c5 14. Nf3 Bxb2+ 15. Kb1 Be6 16. Qd3 Nc4 17. Qxg6 Qc6 18. Nh5 Qb6 19. Qxg7+ Bxg7+ 0-1

It wasn't until after I hit submit that I realized 19. Qxg7 wasn't mate for me! :) I should have known Macroman wouldn't have missed something so obvious.

Left to right, white's perspective (start position 330):

[NRQKBBRN]

[Abstract Actuary]

I resigned to Exam Committee (Macroman) with white:

1. d4 d5 2. Nb3 e6 3. Ng3 Ng6 4. e3 Bd6 5. f4 Bd7 6. Qd2 Nb6 7. O-O-O O-O 8. Bf2 f6 9. Bd3 e5 10. fxe5 fxe5 11. Bxg6 hxg6 12. dxe5 Bxe5 13. Nd4 c5 14. Nf3 Bxb2+ 15. Kb1 Be6 16. Qd3 Nc4 17. Qxg6 Qc6 18. Nh5 Qb6 19. Qxg7+ Bxg7+ 0-1

It wasn't until after I hit submit that I realized 19. Qxg7 wasn't mate for me! :) I should have known Macroman wouldn't have missed something so obvious.

Left to right, white's perspective (start position 330):

[NRQKBBRN]

:(, there goes my aspirations to win this thing . . .

[Mel-o-rama]

Updated results: We still have the three tied for 1st. Exam Committee, the first to finish his games, has locked in his position at 1st (with only 2 games played we could have an interesting situation - if UA? and I both win 2 more games, and if Hagbard draws or wins 1 more, and if acctuary wins 1 more - then Exam Committee would be tied in last place for pt count - a lot of ifs but still possible). Suthrn and acctuary have to win both of their remaining games to stay at 1st.

UA? and I are still tied in last place. If I win only 1 game, UA? only needs to win 2 games to lock me into last place. (D'oh!)

Asbtract still has the lead in points. Only Suthrn can surpass him now, and I predict that the Suthrn v Abstract game will decide the winner there.

Good luck in finishing!

[Hagbard Celine]

if Hagbard draws or wins 1 more

Sorry, it looks like my game with UA? never got reported. It ended in a win for me with black:

1. b3 f6 2. Ne3 Ne6 3. Nd5 c6 4. Nb4 Nd6 5. e3 Ba5 6. Nbd3 b5 7. b4 Bb6 8. Nb3 Qf7 9. Nd4 Nxd4 10. exd4 Qxa2 11. Rc1 Qd5 12. Nf4 Qe4+ 13. Ne2 Nf5 14. f3 Qe6 15. Qf2 O-O 16. O-O Qd6 17. c3 Bc7 18. Bb3+ e6 19. g3 Ne7 20. Bc2 Nd5 21. g4 Nf4 22. Nxf4 Qxf4 23. Qh4 Qxd2 24. Bxh7+ Kf7 25. Qh5+ Ke7 26. Rfd1 Qe3+ 27. Kg2 c5 28. Qxc5+ Bd6 29. Qxa7 Qxf3+ 0-1

[BRNBKNQR] #545

[Abstract Actuary]

Mel-O resigned to me. I was black. Starting position was RQBKNBRN (790). After sacraficing a pawn to triple my pawns, it looked like Mel-O would have some pretty good play. But he got lazy with his queen and I was able to trap it. Good game Mel.

1. c3 Nf6
2. d4 c5
3. g3 e6
4. Bg5 Ng6
5. Bg2 d5
6. f4 h6
7. Bxf6+ gxf6
8. f5 Ne7
9. Bh3 Nxf5
10. Bxf5 exf5
11. Nf3 Qc7
12. Nf2 h5
13. Qc2 f4
14. Qh7 Rg7
15. Qxh5 Be6
16. g4 O-O-O
17. O-O-O cxd4
18. Nxd4 Bc5
19. Kb1 Rdg8
20. h3 Qd8
21. Nd3 Bxd4
22. cxd4 Rh8
23. Rc1+ Kb8
24. Nxf4 Rxh5
25. Nxh5 Rg8
26. Rgf1 Rg6
27. Rc2 Rh6
28. Nf4 f5
29. Nxe6 fxe6
30. gxf5 exf5
31. Rxf5 Rxh3
32. Rc5 Rh2
33. Rfxd5 Qg8
34. Rg5 Qh7+
35. Kc1 Rxe2
36. Rh5 Qg7
37. Rhg5 Qh6
38. Kd1 Re8
0-1

[Mel-o-rama]

Weekly Update: We still have the three-way tie between Suthrn, acctuary, and Exam Committee for Win %. Abstract Actuary has the most points and will lock in 1st place there if he can beat Suthrn.

Five games remain. Good luck everyone!

[Mel-o-rama]

Yeah! I won one! I beat Ultimate in this game. Ultimate was doing pretty well until move 29 when he gave away his rook.

Oh, and Ultimate, if the mate at the end surprised you, it surprised me, too. I wasn't trying to mate you, but rather I was trying to win a N. I should have seen the mate, though. Good game!

Position #7 (QNBNRKRB)
1. Ne3 g6 2. c3 d6 3. d4 e5 4. d5 c6 5. g3 Bh3+ 6. Bg2 Bxg2+ 7. Nxg2 cxd5 8. Ne3 b6 9. a4 Ne6 10. Rd1 d4 11. cxd4 exd4 12. Nc4 Rd8 13. a5 b5 14. Nca3 Qc6 15. b4 d3 16. Qa2 dxe2+ 17. Qxe2 O-O 18. Nxb5 Rd7 19. N1a3 Rfd8 20. Bb2 Rb7 21. Bxh8 Kxh8 22. Qb2+ Kg8 23. Nd4 Qa4 24. Rd3 Rxb4 25. Nb3 Qxa5 26. Nc2 Rb6 27. O-O Qf5 28. Qc3 Nc6 29. Rd5 Qxd5 30. Nd2 Ned4 31. Ne3 Ne2#

[Mel-o-rama]

Weekly Update: Nothing much to report. Four games remain.

I'm done with my games. I ended up down at the bottom, but I had fun playing. Thanks, y'all!

[Kohl]

I beat Ultimate Anyone?

RQBNKNRB
1. Nfe3 c5 2. g3 g5 3. c3 Ng6 4. Bd5 e6 5. Bc4 b5 6. Bd3 c4 7. Be4 d5 8. Bxg6 fxg6 9. Ng4 Nf7 10. d4 e5 11. Nde3 exd4 12. cxd4 h5 13. Ne5 Nxe5 14. dxe5 Bxe5 15. Nxd5 Bf5 16. e4 Bg4 17. f4 gxf4 18. gxf4 Bd4 19. Rf1 Qd6 20. a3 h4 21. Qc2 O-O 22. Qg2 Bd7 23. f5 Kh7 24. Bf4 Be5 25. Qg4 Bxf4 26. Nxf4 Bxf5 27. Qxh4+ Kg7 28. Nd5 Be6 29. Nf6 Rh8 30. Qf2 Rxh2 31. Qg1 Qd2#

This one is going to sting because Ultimate Anyone? played a beautiful game. On moves 27 and 28 he opted not to take my bishop, and then I lucked into a checkmate. Perhaps taking my bishop was a bad move, all I know is that I thought he had my number this game with that move never taken.

Good game, UA.

[Ultimate Anyone?]

This one is going to sting because Ultimate Anyone? played a beautiful game. On moves 27 and 28 he opted not to take my bishop, and then I lucked into a checkmate. Perhaps taking my bishop was a bad move, all I know is that I thought he had my number this game with that move never taken.
Yeah, that one did sting a little, but at least it was a vast improvement over our first match! Well done (again), Kohl!

Meanwhile, ACCtuary and I finished out game, and I snuck a win outta that one:

Start Position 393 (RKNBBNRQ)
1. Nfe3 c5 2. g3 g5 3. c3 Ng6 4. Bd5 e6 5. Bc4 b5 6. Bd3 c4 7. Be4 d5 8. Bxg6 fxg6 9. Ng4 Nf7 10. d4 e5 11. Nde3 exd4 12. cxd4 h5 13. Ne5 Nxe5 14. dxe5 Bxe5 15. Nxd5 Bf5 16. e4 Bg4 17. f4 gxf4 18. gxf4 Bd4 19. Rf1 Qd6 20. a3 h4 21. Qc2 O-O 22. Qg2 Bd7 23. f5 Kh7 24. Bf4 Be5 25. Qg4 Bxf4 26. Nxf4 Bxf5 27. Qxh4+ Kg7 28. Nd5 Be6 29. Nf6 Rh8 30. Qf2 Rxh2 31. Qg1 Qd2# Black Win

[Mel-o-rama]

Weekly Update: Way to go Ultimate! Now we have all won at least one game. You and I have locked in last place in points and win%.

Acctuary has been permanently knocked out of first place in win% leaving only Suthrn and Exam Committee.

Suthrn now needs to win both of his remaining games to win both the Win% and the total Pts. Right now, Abstract still holds the lead in Pts.

Good luck!

[Mel-o-rama]

Ooops - I just realized - Abstract already has 5 pts, and Suthrn only has 5 games total, so Abstract is already locked into being 1st place in Pts. Suthrn can only tie if he wins both games.

[Abstract Actuary]

I defeated Suthrn. I was Black. Starting position 773 (QRBBKNRN). Good game Suthrn.

1. Ne3 e5
2. b4 d6
3. c4 f5
4. Bb2 c6
5. d4 f4
6. Nc2 e4
7. d5 cxd5
8. Bxg7 Nhg6
9. cxd5 b6
10. e3 Qxd5
11. f3 exf3
12. gxf3 Bh4+
13. Nf2 Bxf2+
14. Kxf2 fxe3+
15. Nxe3 Qd2+
16. Be2 Nf4
17. Rge1 Nd3+
18. Kg3 Nxe1
19. Bb5+ Bd7
20. Rxe1 Ne6
21. Ng4 O-O-O
22. Bxd7+ Rxd7
23. Rxe6 Rdxg7
24. Re8+ Kc7
25. Rxg8 Rxg8
26. Qf6 Qxa2
27. Qe7+ Kc6
28. Qxh7 Qc4
29. Kf2 Qd4+
30. Kf1 Rf8
31. Kg2 a6
32. Qc2+ Kb5
33. h4 Kxb4
34. Qb1+ Ka3
35. Qe1 b5
36. Qa5+ Qa4
37. Qc3+ Ka2
38. Qd2+ Kb1
39. Qxd6 Rc8
40. h5 Qc2+
41. Kh3 a5
42. Ne3 Qb3
43. Qd2 a4
44. h6 a3
45. h7 Qe6+
46. Ng4 a2
47. Qd1+ Kb2
48. Qd4+ Kb3
49. Qd1+ Kb4
50. Qd4+ Qc4
51. Qd6+ Kb3
52. Qd1+ Ka3
53. Qe1 b4
54. Qe3+ Qc3
55. Qa7+ Kb3
56. Qf7+ Kb2

[Suthrn]

Acctuary (white) resigned our game. Starting position (QRNBKNBR).

1. c4 b5 2. Ne3 bxc4 3. Nxc4 Qxg2 0-1

[Mel-o-rama]

The tournament is now officially over.

Congratulations to Exam Committee (Macroman) for 100% win ratio; and also to Abstract Actuary for 6.0 points won.

Thanks for playing, everyone. This was fun. I liked this format.

[EC1E]

The tournament is now officially over.

Congratulations to Exam Committee (Macroman) for 100% win ratio; and also to Abstract Actuary for 6.0 points won.

Thanks for playing, everyone. This was fun. I liked this format.

Macroman played as the Exam Committee. Isn’t that funny? You admire the exam committee, do you? You will soon meet the same fate as the others. There can only be one committee.

[notmyfriends]

http://chromatism.net/current/images/lolcat.jpg