Sunday, February 10, 2013
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Top competitors on individual boards
Liang scored six (four wins, two draws), and was FIFTH on BOARD TWO.
Aamir scored six (four wins, two draws), and was FIFTH place on BOARD FOUR.
Ahmed won his first six games in a row, and was FIFTH on BOARD EIGHT.
Aamir played seventh board two years ago. Last year, he moved up to fifth board, even while the team grew stronger. He placed fifth in state on board five. Now, he has moved up to fourth board, while the team has continued to get stronger, and our competition was stronger than ever.
Aamir scored six (four wins, two draws), and was FIFTH place on BOARD FOUR.
Ahmed won his first six games in a row, and was FIFTH on BOARD EIGHT.
Aamir played seventh board two years ago. Last year, he moved up to fifth board, even while the team grew stronger. He placed fifth in state on board five. Now, he has moved up to fourth board, while the team has continued to get stronger, and our competition was stronger than ever.
Christian draws Schmakel!
..and in fact, he maintained a winning position throughout the game. But with 40 seconds on the clock, there was not time to play it out.
Way to go, Christian!
Few indeed are those who have played Sam Schmakel to a draw.
Way to go, Christian!
Few indeed are those who have played Sam Schmakel to a draw.
110
Christian and Liang 5 -5
Edmond :35 - 11
Aamir 5 - 6:30
Ryan 13:30 - 1:18
Slav 4:40 - 7
Ahmed lost
Edmond :35 - 11
Aamir 5 - 6:30
Ryan 13:30 - 1:18
Slav 4:40 - 7
Ahmed lost
105
Christian 9 min to 6 on Schmakel
Liang 7 - 7
Edmond 3:30 - 12, but he hasn't lost 10 seconds in the last 10 minutes
Aamir 6:30 - 9
Ryan 16- 3
Slav 7- 7
Ahmed is nursing 7 seconds
Alex lost.
Liang 7 - 7
Edmond 3:30 - 12, but he hasn't lost 10 seconds in the last 10 minutes
Aamir 6:30 - 9
Ryan 16- 3
Slav 7- 7
Ahmed is nursing 7 seconds
Alex lost.
95 minutes
Still not a single decision.
Ryan has Parker-Turner at a big time deficit 22 minutes to Philip's 3.
Edmond, Alex and Ahmed are down to less than 3 minutes, though, too.
I had to run down to the skittles area to summon people to take notation.
Both Christian and Liang are about even on their clocks.
Still even on material.
Ryan has Parker-Turner at a big time deficit 22 minutes to Philip's 3.
Edmond, Alex and Ahmed are down to less than 3 minutes, though, too.
I had to run down to the skittles area to summon people to take notation.
Both Christian and Liang are about even on their clocks.
Still even on material.
65
Ryan has taken that bishop. He is far ahead on time. A couple of our other guys are now behind on their clocks. Material and positions still even, as far as I can tell.
I am about worn out spectating. I'm ready to say, OK, that was a really great job, guys, lets call it good.
Not an option for the team, I'm afraid. They are wrestling in slow motion on a tight rope. I cannot believe what these guys go through. The next time I think that something is hard, I am going to think of the members of this team, square my shoulders, and carry on.
I am about worn out spectating. I'm ready to say, OK, that was a really great job, guys, lets call it good.
Not an option for the team, I'm afraid. They are wrestling in slow motion on a tight rope. I cannot believe what these guys go through. The next time I think that something is hard, I am going to think of the members of this team, square my shoulders, and carry on.
60 minutes
Throughout the hall, more than half the games are finished, and the place is clearing out.
But not near Board One. --or anywhere behind the velvet rope, actually. The top eight tables are cordoned off so that the fascinating games of the top contenders do not get overrun in a crush of spectators.
Our match is far from over.
In fact, every board is in the thick of it.
Most clocks 30 minutes / 30 minutes.
Still even on material.
Except Ryan appears to be down a piece -- but he has had a pawn ready to take Parker-Turner's bishop since my last post. I don't understand why Ryan hasn't snatched up the bishop -- I don't see checks or threats from Parker-Turner, so I am hoping that Ryan is threatening something that is better than taking a free bishop.
By the way,
the sun has come out. After a completely grey couple of days, the sun is shining in a blue sky. Can't see any of it from the competition hall, but I thought I'd mention it.
But not near Board One. --or anywhere behind the velvet rope, actually. The top eight tables are cordoned off so that the fascinating games of the top contenders do not get overrun in a crush of spectators.
Our match is far from over.
In fact, every board is in the thick of it.
Most clocks 30 minutes / 30 minutes.
Still even on material.
Except Ryan appears to be down a piece -- but he has had a pawn ready to take Parker-Turner's bishop since my last post. I don't understand why Ryan hasn't snatched up the bishop -- I don't see checks or threats from Parker-Turner, so I am hoping that Ryan is threatening something that is better than taking a free bishop.
By the way,
the sun has come out. After a completely grey couple of days, the sun is shining in a blue sky. Can't see any of it from the competition hall, but I thought I'd mention it.
50 minutes in
50 minutes in.
All boards active.
All even on material.
All close on time.
All positions ... well, too bad I don't know anything about chess, or I would tell you. I think Christian offered a queen's gambit to Schmakel, and Schmakel accepted the gambit. Very soon, Schmakel had knight, bishop and rook out in the middle of the board (not the center, just spread across the space in front of the pawns), and Christian had his queen out. This looks unusual to me. I've gotten accustomed to seeing the top boards, especially, with intricate pawn structures and all the pieces arrayed behind the lines, shifting around in inscrutable little steps.
All boards active.
All even on material.
All close on time.
All positions ... well, too bad I don't know anything about chess, or I would tell you. I think Christian offered a queen's gambit to Schmakel, and Schmakel accepted the gambit. Very soon, Schmakel had knight, bishop and rook out in the middle of the board (not the center, just spread across the space in front of the pawns), and Christian had his queen out. This looks unusual to me. I've gotten accustomed to seeing the top boards, especially, with intricate pawn structures and all the pieces arrayed behind the lines, shifting around in inscrutable little steps.
Round 7 Tables
| Table | Seed | Defending | Seed | Challenging |
| 1 | 1 | Chicago (Whitney Young) | 2 | Chicago (Northside) |
| 2 | 4 | Urbana (University) | 11 | Skokie (Niles North) |
| 3 | 5 | Evanston (Twp.) | 10 | Lincolnshire (Stevenson) |
| 4 | 6 | Hinsdale (Central) | 12 | Aurora (Waubonsie Valley) |
| 5 | 7 | Naperville (North) | 18 | Glenview (Glenbrook South) |
| 6 | 8 | Winnetka (New Trier) | 14 | Orland Park (Sandburg) |
| 7 | 3 | Wheaton (W. Warrenville South) | 9 | Lisle (Benet Academy) |
This is IT
Bring on Whitney Young!
This is what we have aimed for. The title shot -- Northside versus Whitney Young in the final round.
SECONDS
Alex wins!
Aamir draws.
we have 24.5 points. It takes 34.5 to win
Liang 3 minutes, Maddy Reiches 16 seconds. 2 bishops each, pawn each. Both pawns on 7th rank.
Liang promotes pawn first. knocked over piece - 2 minutes added to Reiches' clock.
Reiches promotes.
Pressure is unbearable. Hard to breath.
Reiches moves queen.
Blunder
Liang takes.
WIN!
Aamir draws.
we have 24.5 points. It takes 34.5 to win
Liang 3 minutes, Maddy Reiches 16 seconds. 2 bishops each, pawn each. Both pawns on 7th rank.
Liang promotes pawn first. knocked over piece - 2 minutes added to Reiches' clock.
Reiches promotes.
Pressure is unbearable. Hard to breath.
Reiches moves queen.
Blunder
Liang takes.
WIN!
.
Liang up 5 minutes - 0:59 seconds against 2nd board opponent, Maddy Reiches. Reiches looks flustered, just flung a Communication Card back to steward.
Aamir and opp down to minutes, Aamir hands booklet to James to take notation.
Slav's opponent is back, with 6 minutes on his clock.
Alex is up 6 min to 1:30, and still has 2 pawn advantage. This is the only one I feel I can predict, and it looks good for Alex.
But the rest hang in the balance.
Aamir and opp down to minutes, Aamir hands booklet to James to take notation.
Slav's opponent is back, with 6 minutes on his clock.
Alex is up 6 min to 1:30, and still has 2 pawn advantage. This is the only one I feel I can predict, and it looks good for Alex.
But the rest hang in the balance.
...
Christian is down to seconds vs minutes.
Slav's opponent has left the time ticking, but Slav has just 2:02 left, and he is down a knight - the inverse of Ahmed's situation. But if they trade pawns, knight and king can't mate, so Slav would have a draw.
Christian resigns.
score now 13-12
Slav's opponent has left the time ticking, but Slav has just 2:02 left, and he is down a knight - the inverse of Ahmed's situation. But if they trade pawns, knight and king can't mate, so Slav would have a draw.
Christian resigns.
score now 13-12
...
Evanston is really giving us a run for our money.
Slav has just 2 minutes, to 22 opponent. Christian 3 minutes to 18. aamir is up 13 minutes to 5. Others are even.
Alex still working on 2 pawn advantage.
Slav has just 2 minutes, to 22 opponent. Christian 3 minutes to 18. aamir is up 13 minutes to 5. Others are even.
Alex still working on 2 pawn advantage.
..
Christian down to 4 minutes vs. 25 or so. But Christian can do a lot with 4 minutes. Ask Ahmed!
Alex is up 2 pawns, with each a rook on the board.
Slav is far down on time.
Edmond and Liang both clocks even at around 12 minutes.
Alex is up 2 pawns, with each a rook on the board.
Slav is far down on time.
Edmond and Liang both clocks even at around 12 minutes.
Ahmed wins!!
He converted the advantage of a knight against pawns while both rooks were in play, despite being down seconds to over half hour of time. Wow! Now that is good chess! Ahmed remains undefeated 6-0.
We have now scored 13-0.
We have now scored 13-0.
Ev
Ryan takes the first win.
ahmed is down to 6 seconds against 40 minutes, but up a knight to a pawn. both have rooks.
ahmed is down to 6 seconds against 40 minutes, but up a knight to a pawn. both have rooks.
Evanston mid-game
Christain is way done on time, as are Slav and Ahmed. Ryan is up a rook to a knight, and has his rook in the center of the board.
The whole room is tense. In the sixth round, almost all teams have found matches at their level, and the contests are evenly balanced.
The whole room is tense. In the sixth round, almost all teams have found matches at their level, and the contests are evenly balanced.
Ascending to competition
Can you see anyone I missed?
Round 6 early
Ryan has a commanding position. His opponent blundered.
Ahmed is way down on time.
Aamir's position is strong.
Others are fairly balanced.
Ahmed is way down on time.
Aamir's position is strong.
Others are fairly balanced.
Round 6 vs. Evanston background
We face Evanston. When Evanston came to Northside last month, it was a worthy match. Evanston played well and took us down to the last few minutes on almost all boards. On the other hand, when the chips fell, we won on six boards, drew one and only lost one to score a big 58.5-9.5 win. Alex is out for revenge, since he had the sole loss in our previous match. He may have a secret weapon to unleash.
We will see what Evanston brings this time. And we will try to vanquish them again at every turn, whatever they bring.
Note on "family history" with Evanston: Coach Florin Felecan played for Evanston his senior year in high school, and he was the greatest player ever on the Evanston team. (in case you didn't know already, he won the Denker championship that year, a tournament among the best players from every state in the US.)
We will see what Evanston brings this time. And we will try to vanquish them again at every turn, whatever they bring.
Note on "family history" with Evanston: Coach Florin Felecan played for Evanston his senior year in high school, and he was the greatest player ever on the Evanston team. (in case you didn't know already, he won the Denker championship that year, a tournament among the best players from every state in the US.)
Round 6 Tables
| Table | Seed | Defending | Seed | Challenging |
| 1 | 1 | Chicago (Whitney Young) | 4 | Urbana (University) |
| 2 | 2 | Chicago (Northside) | 5 | Evanston (Twp.) |
| 3 | 3 | Wheaton (W. Warrenville South) | 18 | Glenview (Glenbrook South) |
| 4 | 6 | Hinsdale (Central) | 17 | Riverside (R.-Brookfield) |
| 5 | 7 | Naperville (North) | 22 | Palatine (Fremd) |
| 6 | 8 | Winnetka (New Trier) | 19 | Bloomington (H.S.) |
| 7 | 9 | Lisle (Benet Academy) | 24 | Downers Grove (North) |
| 8 | 10 | Lincolnshire (Stevenson) | 21 | Glen Ellyn (Glenbard South) |
| 9 | 11 | Skokie (Niles North) | 37 | Buffalo Grove |
| 10 | 12 | Aurora (Waubonsie Valley) | 23 | Mt. Prospect (Prospect) |
| 11 | 14 | Orland Park (Sandburg) | 42 | Normal (Community) |
| 12 | 13 | Naperville (Neuqua Valley) | 20 | Naperville (Central) |
| 13 | 15 | Park Ridge (Maine South) | 55 | Heyworth |
| 14 | 16 | Aurora (IMSA) | 56 | Tinley Park (Andrew) |
| 15 | 25 | Wheaton (North) | 52 | Highland Park |
| 16 | 26 | Carol Stream (Glenbard North) | 53 | Bensenville (Fenton) |
| 17 | 27 | Glen Ellyn (Glenbard West) | 61 | Oak Lawn (Community) |
| 18 | 28 | Oak Lawn (Richards) | 57 | New Lenox (Lincoln-Way Central) |
| 19 | 29 | Urbana (H.S.) | 59 | Chicago (St. Ignatius College Prep) |
| 20 | 31 | Chicago (Lane) | 60 | Darien (Hinsdale South) |
Urbana beat Naperville North. We cannot play them again.
Stevenson took second board from Whitney Young. Their first board took Sam Schmakel to the wall. He had a time advantage on Sam of 4:13 minutes to 0:46 seconds, in a very tight position, and Sam went down to about 17 seconds at the end, but Sam did pull out a win.
Stevenson took second board from Whitney Young. Their first board took Sam Schmakel to the wall. He had a time advantage on Sam of 4:13 minutes to 0:46 seconds, in a very tight position, and Sam went down to about 17 seconds at the end, but Sam did pull out a win.
Round 5 finish
Christian and Liang both secured victories within a couple of minutes after my last post.
Edmond took a draw.
Northside 63-5
Edmond took a draw.
Northside 63-5
Round 5 final 25 minutes
Our boards 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 have asserted their strength and converted their advantages to wins.
Aamir, Ryan, Alex, Slav and Ahmed.
Aamir, Slav and Ahmed have extended their winning streaks to 5-0!
With about 25 minutes cumulative time on the clocks, the top three boards are all even in material and appear balanced in position as far as I can tell. Each player has some advantage on the clock.
Aamir, Ryan, Alex, Slav and Ahmed.
Aamir, Slav and Ahmed have extended their winning streaks to 5-0!
With about 25 minutes cumulative time on the clocks, the top three boards are all even in material and appear balanced in position as far as I can tell. Each player has some advantage on the clock.
history
Some interesting chit-chat among coaches this morning. A few years ago, Stevenson won the state championship. Their conference had postponed its league championship tournament until after State that year. They went back home, competed in their conference tournament, and came in third . Stevenson's coach said that was hard to explain to newspaper reporters. Whitney Young is still on the lookout for us. Four years ago, they were in nearly the same position, came in with a top seed, got upset, and then kept fighting into the final match. That is our aim, and they know it, too.
Round 5 action
Boards 5-8 are looking good.
Ryan has won his game.
Ahmed is up a rook.
Slav is up a piece.
Alex is up two pieces.
The top boards are closer, as usual. Even on material. Mostly even or ahead on time. Details to follow.
We are looking for a sweep - let's see if everyone can win their boards.
Ryan has won his game.
Ahmed is up a rook.
Slav is up a piece.
Alex is up two pieces.
The top boards are closer, as usual. Even on material. Mostly even or ahead on time. Details to follow.
We are looking for a sweep - let's see if everyone can win their boards.
Round 5
Things are still very interesting. Six undefeated teams now, so three will remain for round six, and only one by round seven. In the final round, the undefeated team will have to play against the highest-seeded team with one loss.
Round 5, we must take care of business.
Round 5, we must take care of business.
Round 5 Tables
| Table | Seed | Defending | Seed | Challenging |
| 1 | 1 | Chicago (Whitney Young) | 10 | Lincolnshire (Stevenson) |
| 2 | 4 | Urbana (University) | 7 | Naperville (North) |
| 3 | 5 | Evanston (Twp.) | 6 | Hinsdale (Central) |
| 4 | 2 | Chicago (Northside) | 25 | Wheaton (North) |
| 5 | 3 | Wheaton (W. Warrenville South) | 27 | Glen Ellyn (Glenbard West) |
| 6 | 8 | Winnetka (New Trier) | 29 | Urbana (H.S.) |
| 7 | 9 | Lisle (Benet Academy) | 28 | Oak Lawn (Richards) |
| 8 | 11 | Skokie (Niles North) | 31 | Chicago (Lane) |
| 9 | 12 | Aurora (Waubonsie Valley) | 36 | Chicago (Lincoln Park) |
| 10 | 13 | Naperville (Neuqua Valley) | 37 | Buffalo Grove |
| 11 | 14 | Orland Park (Sandburg) | 41 | Sterling (H.S.) |
| 12 | 15 | Park Ridge (Maine South) | 42 | Normal (Community) |
| 13 | 17 | Riverside (R.-Brookfield) | 52 | Highland Park |
| 14 | 18 | Glenview (Glenbrook South) | 64 | St. Charles (East) |
| 15 | 19 | Bloomington (H.S.) | 67 | Moline (H.S.) |
Note that Riverside-Brookfield is in this short list, and Bloomington, as well. This is good for our tiebreaks, if they keep winning.
Friday, February 8, 2013
....
Ahmed got a pawn promoted. Moving his queen like lightning. Click click. Hand in the air. Illegal move by opponent.
Liang down to 2:32. I trust Liang to pull out a time crisis if anyone can.
Liang down to 2:32. I trust Liang to pull out a time crisis if anyone can.
Trepidation
Christian fell. Liang is far down on time, but eight minutes remaining, and his position may be OK.
Alex and Ahmed are each ahead a pawn. Alex still has rook, a piece and queen along with 4 pawns. Ahmed is in the endgame, with three pawns and a rook to his opponent's two pawns and rook.
Edmond and Aamir both are ahead on time and even or close on material.
It is already 8:19 PM and this is far from over.
Alex and Ahmed are each ahead a pawn. Alex still has rook, a piece and queen along with 4 pawns. Ahmed is in the endgame, with three pawns and a rook to his opponent's two pawns and rook.
Edmond and Aamir both are ahead on time and even or close on material.
It is already 8:19 PM and this is far from over.
Round 4 tense
One hour and fifteen minutes in to Round 4, and it is tense. I knew Naperville North is tough. Actually, I thought they were under-seeded. I can't forget that last year we met Stevenson in the fifth round, and I thought they were the strongest team in the tournament-- mis-seeded so that we met them too early. This year, I think we are fully up to our seeding, and we are capable of defeating Naperville North, but we are definitely going to have to fight hard.
Slav has won the first game, so we currently have the only points on the board. However, both Christian and Liang have about half the time on their clocks as their opponents, and the same for Ahmed. All games are even on material -- as is to be expected between two very strong teams. Aamir appears to be ahead a knight, but has a bishop that looks to me like the second half of a trade. His opponent is thinking on the clock, and I can't tell quite what hangs on his next move. I hope that Aamir has a dangerous threat that the guy is worrying about, but I didn't see it.
Board 8
Ahmed is currently listed as the number one player on Board Eight!
We have several other players who have won all three games so far.
We have several other players who have won all three games so far.
Round 4
Whew. The pairings seem very accelerated.
Here we are playing one of the top eight seeds to finish the first day. In fact, no other team is facing a seed within five, like we are. We still have three rounds to play tomorrow.
Yeah?
Well--
Bring it on!
Here we are playing one of the top eight seeds to finish the first day. In fact, no other team is facing a seed within five, like we are. We still have three rounds to play tomorrow.
Yeah?
Well--
Bring it on!
Round 4 Tables
| Table | Seed | Defending | Seed | Challenging |
| 1 | 1 | Chicago (Whitney Young) | 8 | Winnetka (New Trier) |
| 2 | 2 | Chicago (Northside) | 7 | Naperville (North) |
| 3 | 3 | Wheaton (W. Warrenville South) | 10 | Lincolnshire (Stevenson) |
| 4 | 4 | Urbana (University) | 9 | Lisle (Benet Academy) |
| 5 | 5 | Evanston (Twp.) | 12 | Aurora (Waubonsie Valley) |
| 6 | 6 | Hinsdale (Central) | 14 | Orland Park (Sandburg) |
| 7 | 11 | Skokie (Niles North) | 47 | Barrington |
| 8 | 13 | Naperville (Neuqua Valley) | 43 | Morton |
| 9 | 15 | Park Ridge (Maine South) | 46 | Palos Hills (Stagg) |
| 10 | 16 | Aurora (IMSA) | 52 | Highland Park |
| 11 | 17 | Riverside (R.-Brookfield) | 54 | Mahomet (M.-Seymour) |
| 12 | 18 | Glenview (Glenbrook South) | 48 | Bartlett |
| 13 | 19 | Bloomington (H.S.) | 57 | New Lenox (Lincoln-Way Central) |
| 14 | 20 | Naperville (Central) | 53 | Bensenville (Fenton) |
| 15 | 21 | Glen Ellyn (Glenbard South) | 55 | Heyworth |
| 16 | 22 | Palatine (Fremd) | 56 | Tinley Park (Andrew) |
| 17 | 23 | Mt. Prospect (Prospect) | 59 | Chicago (St. Ignatius College Prep) |
| 18 | 24 | Downers Grove (North) | 62 | Hoffman Estates (H.S.) |
Round 3 finish
Christian's game went the distance, as is normal -- and Christian won again.
Ahmed polished off his game.
Ryan's game went down to the wire, as he worked a delicate advantage in a tricky position. In the end, it came out a draw.
64-4
Ahmed polished off his game.
Ryan's game went down to the wire, as he worked a delicate advantage in a tricky position. In the end, it came out a draw.
64-4
Round 3 continues
Edmond has won.
Liang is up a queen to a bishop, so that ought to work out.
Ahmed is up a rook to a knight.
Ryan has a rook, to his opponent's bishop, but the queen is bearing down on his king in the corner, so the position is very tense.
Liang is up a queen to a bishop, so that ought to work out.
Ahmed is up a rook to a knight.
Ryan has a rook, to his opponent's bishop, but the queen is bearing down on his king in the corner, so the position is very tense.
Round 3 pieces are falling into place
Slav won first.
Aamir was up a rook, then I saw him win an exchange of a rook for a queen, so he was up a queen. I realized that this made victory inevitable. I decided then, instead of checking on the other games, I would just stay and watch something that I would fully understand! So I watched Aamir bring out his rook, seal in the king and start backing the king up to the wall. When he had the king on the back row, I was expecting to see the final blow, but instead, Aamir captured the poor fellow's rook with his pawn. I did not completely understand, after all. Aamir was not just "scoring points" -- he had to prevent the rook from blocking the checkmate before he could finish the game. He did. It was finished.
Ryan once again had jammed all of his pieces together in the center of the board. But he has begun clearing things out now, and I just saw him gain a rook for a knight. Looking good.
Edmond is up a rook. That should do it.
Aamir was up a rook, then I saw him win an exchange of a rook for a queen, so he was up a queen. I realized that this made victory inevitable. I decided then, instead of checking on the other games, I would just stay and watch something that I would fully understand! So I watched Aamir bring out his rook, seal in the king and start backing the king up to the wall. When he had the king on the back row, I was expecting to see the final blow, but instead, Aamir captured the poor fellow's rook with his pawn. I did not completely understand, after all. Aamir was not just "scoring points" -- he had to prevent the rook from blocking the checkmate before he could finish the game. He did. It was finished.
Ryan once again had jammed all of his pieces together in the center of the board. But he has begun clearing things out now, and I just saw him gain a rook for a knight. Looking good.
Edmond is up a rook. That should do it.
Round 3
This enormous tournament begins with accelerated pairings, which means that the top half of the teams only play against one another. But after two rounds, the field opens up to all. This typically means that in the third round, a top seed would expect to play one of the better teams from the lower half of the field, getting a bit of a breather, actually. However, the tournament also uses Swiss pairings, in which the top teams play relatively stronger opponents rather than playing against the lowest-seeded opponents, as they would in a single-elimination bracket tournament.
So, because of the end of accelerated pairings, I thought we would be playing 67 seed or perhaps a lucky 92. But, because of Swiss pairings, we are not*. We are up against 17 seed Riverside Brookfield. So we will not have it easy. Then again, we are clearly favored, and the coach of Riverside Brookfield reminded me, with a note of regret, if not doomed resignation, that this is the third time they have faced us in the past 12 months, and we have never gone easy on them before.
*Note: If you look at the Tables below, note that Tables 4 on down are facing opponents seeded at least 40 places lower, but 3 faces 28, while 1 and 2 face 16 and 17, respectively.
So, because of the end of accelerated pairings, I thought we would be playing 67 seed or perhaps a lucky 92. But, because of Swiss pairings, we are not*. We are up against 17 seed Riverside Brookfield. So we will not have it easy. Then again, we are clearly favored, and the coach of Riverside Brookfield reminded me, with a note of regret, if not doomed resignation, that this is the third time they have faced us in the past 12 months, and we have never gone easy on them before.
*Note: If you look at the Tables below, note that Tables 4 on down are facing opponents seeded at least 40 places lower, but 3 faces 28, while 1 and 2 face 16 and 17, respectively.
Round 3 Tables
| Round 3 | ||||
| Table | Seed | Defending | Seed | Challenging |
| 1 | 1 | Chicago (Whitney Young) | 16 | Aurora (IMSA) |
| 2 | 2 | Chicago (Northside) | 17 | Riverside (R.-Brookfield) |
| 3 | 3 | Wheaton (W. Warrenville South) | 28 | Oak Lawn (Richards) |
| 4 | 4 | Urbana (University) | 67 | Moline (H.S.) |
| 5 | 5 | Evanston (Twp.) | 47 | Barrington |
| 6 | 6 | Hinsdale (Central) | 65 | Charleston |
| 7 | 7 | Naperville (North) | 74 | Downers Grove (South) |
| 8 | 8 | Winnetka (New Trier) | 87 | Frankfort (Lincoln-Way North) |
| 9 | 9 | Lisle (Benet Academy) | 92 | Normal (University) |
| 10 | 10 | Lincolnshire (Stevenson) | 99 | Schaumburg (H.S.) |
| 11 | 12 | Aurora (Waubonsie Valley) | 101 | Flossmoor (Homewood-F.) |
| 12 | 14 | Orland Park (Sandburg) | 116 | Chicago (Mt. Carmel) |
| 13 | 11 | Skokie (Niles North) | 98 | Rockford (Jefferson) |
| 14 | 13 | Naperville (Neuqua Valley) | 69 | Aurora (Central Catholic) |
| 15 | 15 | Park Ridge (Maine South) | 70 | Chicago (De La Salle) |
| 16 | 18 | Glenview (Glenbrook South) | 71 | Oak Park (O.P.-River Forest) |
| 17 | 19 | Bloomington (H.S.) | 72 | Chicago (Payton) |
Round 2 Finale
Northside 61-7. Liang and Slav won their games. Alex took his game to the very end, but ultimately could not surmount the deficit. Christian was in a very tense situation. He clearly held an advantage, but the position made it difficult to cash in. He fell behind on time in the waning minutes. Then his opponent was stuck thinking and lost his time advantage. Christian traded his queen for both rooks, which was good. His opponent went down to five seconds, but Christian had little to spare. He mated with 21 seconds left on his clock. Whew.
Meanwhile, Whitney Young was enmeshed in a few tough games as well. Gavin McClanahan gave Schmakel a workout on board one, but did not prevail. Whitney managed to shake off the specter of Glenbrook South, and wound up winning most boards, only suffering a draw between CJ Swan and Jacob Reber on second board. After the initial two rounds, Northside has scored a few more points than Whitney Young, but we both have our sights set further down the road.
Meanwhile, Whitney Young was enmeshed in a few tough games as well. Gavin McClanahan gave Schmakel a workout on board one, but did not prevail. Whitney managed to shake off the specter of Glenbrook South, and wound up winning most boards, only suffering a draw between CJ Swan and Jacob Reber on second board. After the initial two rounds, Northside has scored a few more points than Whitney Young, but we both have our sights set further down the road.
Round 2, cont...
Ahmed closed out his game. Edmond is up a rook to a knight, plus a pawn. Still playing: Christian, Liang, Alex, Slav.
mid-Round 2
Aamir and Ryan have won the first games. Slav has almost run his opponent out of time already. On the other hand, Ahmed has only a few minutes of time left, but he has captured both rooks and a knight unanswered, so he should be mopping up in a few more minutes. Our first three boards are all up on time, and Liang is ahead a knight, which should be too much for his opponent. Alex, however, appears to be in trouble, with his opponent ahead by a rook to a bishop, plus three pawns.
Round 2 Tables
| Round 2 | ||||
| Table | Seed | Defending | Seed | Challenging |
| 1 | 1 | Chicago (Whitney Young) | 18 | Glenview (Glenbrook South) |
| 2 | 2 | Chicago (Northside) | 19 | Bloomington (H.S.) |
| 3 | 3 | Wheaton (W. Warrenville South) | 22 | Palatine (Fremd) |
| 4 | 4 | Urbana (University) | 21 | Glen Ellyn (Glenbard South) |
| 5 | 5 | Evanston (Twp.) | 20 | Naperville (Central) |
| 6 | 6 | Hinsdale (Central) | 23 | Mt. Prospect (Prospect) |
| 7 | 7 | Naperville (North) | 24 | Downers Grove (North) |
| 8 | 8 | Winnetka (New Trier) | 25 | Wheaton (North) |
| 9 | 9 | Lisle (Benet Academy) | 26 | Carol Stream (Glenbard North) |
| 10 | 10 | Lincolnshire (Stevenson) | 27 | Glen Ellyn (Glenbard West) |
| 11 | 11 | Skokie (Niles North) | 28 | Oak Lawn (Richards) |
| 12 | 12 | Aurora (Waubonsie Valley) | 31 | Chicago (Lane) |
| 13 | 13 | Naperville (Neuqua Valley) | 47 | Barrington |
| 14 | 14 | Orland Park (Sandburg) | 62 | Hoffman Estates (H.S.) |
| 15 | 16 | Aurora (IMSA) | 64 | St. Charles (East) |
| 16 | 17 | Riverside (R.-Brookfield) | 61 | Oak Lawn (Community) |
| 17 | 15 | Park Ridge (Maine South) | 66 | Chicago (Kelly) |
| 18 | 29 | Urbana (H.S.) | 72 | Chicago (Payton) |
The Whole Universe
Panoramic view of the competition hall.
137 schools.
1,096 simultaneous competitors.
Hundreds of coaches.
Plus Eric Rosen and Michael Auger, who just showed up.
Round 2
Accelerated pairings are still in effect, which means we play another team from the top half of the field who also won their first round. Our opponent is Bloomington, seeded 19. Meanwhile, Whitney Young faces Glenbrook South, who were seeded only 18, but who have had a history of success versus WY. That should disturb Paul Kash a little.
Ryan offered a pawn sacrifice early in his game, which seems to have left his opponent befuddled. Ryan is moving deliberately, and yet his opponent let several minutes tick off his clock, trying to decide what to do. Christian also had his opponent thinking hard. After Christian spent just 3 seconds off his clock, clearly following a very familiar opening line, he got an opportunity to stroll about and check in on the rest of the team's games, and even take a quick peek at Whitney Young's games before his opponent made a move and pressed his clock. Whitney Young, by the way, is right beside us, since they are playing on Table 1 and we are on Table 2.
Ryan offered a pawn sacrifice early in his game, which seems to have left his opponent befuddled. Ryan is moving deliberately, and yet his opponent let several minutes tick off his clock, trying to decide what to do. Christian also had his opponent thinking hard. After Christian spent just 3 seconds off his clock, clearly following a very familiar opening line, he got an opportunity to stroll about and check in on the rest of the team's games, and even take a quick peek at Whitney Young's games before his opponent made a move and pressed his clock. Whitney Young, by the way, is right beside us, since they are playing on Table 1 and we are on Table 2.
Round 1 other results
Whitney Young dropped a board first round, while we swept.
No upsets among the top 14 seeds. 16 IMSA beat 15 Park Ridge on the bubble.
Kelly swept Joliet Central, which was exciting. They move up to challenge Park Ridge on board 17 now.
Lane got a win over Bradley - Boubonnais, to move up several tables.
No upsets among the top 14 seeds. 16 IMSA beat 15 Park Ridge on the bubble.
Kelly swept Joliet Central, which was exciting. They move up to challenge Park Ridge on board 17 now.
Lane got a win over Bradley - Boubonnais, to move up several tables.
Sweet sweep
Check out
IHSA results (click here) right now to see Northside sweep as only result posted first page.
OK, the Northside only view has expired. But you can look at Northside 68-0 and contrast it with Whitney Young 63-5.
IHSA results (click here) right now to see Northside sweep as only result posted first page.
OK, the Northside only view has expired. But you can look at Northside 68-0 and contrast it with Whitney Young 63-5.
Finishing up Round 1
Edmond won his game moments after the last post. Ahmed polished off his opponent.
Liang won. Aamir won. Christian won. Alex won, and that is that for round one.
68-0 is what we wanted. So far, we are on track.
The main drama was for your faithful blogger to find internet access to keep you all up to date. The Peoria Civic Center offered to sell me two days of wireless access for $25. I swallowed and decided not to tell them that that is about 6% of the CPS coaching stipend for the whole year.
Liang won. Aamir won. Christian won. Alex won, and that is that for round one.
68-0 is what we wanted. So far, we are on track.
The main drama was for your faithful blogger to find internet access to keep you all up to date. The Peoria Civic Center offered to sell me two days of wireless access for $25. I swallowed and decided not to tell them that that is about 6% of the CPS coaching stipend for the whole year.
The first games
Slav and Ryan finished out their games with wins. Edmond is in control. Ahmed is crushing his opponent, up a Knight, a Bishop and a pawn. He spent his time (he is down to 15 minutes while the other player still has 43) wisely, so he can demolish the opposition. Alex is in the thick of things. Liang is up on time, and up a Rook to a Bishop. Christian is behind on time, but he just forked the Bishop and King, followed by another check -- looking strong. Aamir is up a rook, and his opponent just offered a draw. Smile :-)
Tournament Underway
Slav forked the queen and knight on move seven. Not a standard opening, but looks like a good sign for us. Christian's opponent accepted Q gambit, balanced position early on. Ahmed and Slav are playing thoughtfully, taking their time. Ryan crowded in center with black and white pieces. Christian seems to have established control of the center.
I just ran into Kaneland's coach while I was returning from coaches' meeting -- he said his players looked OK for first 25 minutes, but their positions starting to crumble. From out side if things, that's the way it we supposed to go.
I just ran into Kaneland's coach while I was returning from coaches' meeting -- he said his players looked OK for first 25 minutes, but their positions starting to crumble. From out side if things, that's the way it we supposed to go.
Dawn
Coach Caveney is pounding on doors. Time for the team to shake off sleep and prepare for action. OK, well, at least time for breakfast. It takes a while before the action gets underway. Walk over to the Civic Center, trying not to get wet. Register, stake out a table in the skittles area (that is probably the most important variable in the next few hours), attend opening ceremony. Three hours from now, the players will shake hands and make their first move.
Top Tables Round 1
| Table | Seed | Defending | Seed | Challenging |
| 1 | 1 | Chicago (Whitney Young) | 33 | Summit (Argo) |
| 2 | 2 | Chicago (Northside) | 34 | Maple Park (Kaneland) |
| 3 | 3 | Wheaton (W. Warrenville South) | 35 | Stillman Valley |
| 4 | 4 | Urbana (University) | 36 | Chicago (Lincoln Park) |
| 5 | 5 | Evanston (Twp.) | 37 | Buffalo Grove |
| 6 | 6 | Hinsdale (Central) | 38 | Skokie (Niles West) |
| 7 | 7 | Naperville (North) | 39 | Cary (C.-Grove) |
| 8 | 8 | Winnetka (New Trier) | 40 | Chicago (St. Patrick) |
| 9 | 9 | Lisle (Benet Academy) | 41 | Sterling (H.S.) |
| 10 | 10 | Lincolnshire (Stevenson) | 42 | Normal (Community) |
| 11 | 11 | Skokie (Niles North) | 43 | Morton |
| 12 | 12 | Aurora (Waubonsie Valley) | 44 | Rolling Meadows |
| 13 | 13 | Naperville (Neuqua Valley) | 46 | Palos Hills (Stagg) |
Wheaton Warrenville is the surprise entry at Table 3. Most of the others are familiar and more or less expected. Note Niles North, last year's (yawn) champs, down at 11 this year, and Stevenson, last year's strongest team at 10. Waubonsie Valley is seeded right behind them. Waubonsie Valley played us in the final round at the Glenbard South Tournament, so they are a team to watch out for this year. Benet Academy brought a bevy of talented freshmen last year, and exceeded expectations.
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