Colorado Springs Chess News

Game Of The Week

By Timothy Brennan

Hey Paul,

Wow - I'm honored it is Tim Brennan week again :-) (http://cschess.webs.com/apps/blog/show/2929363-tiny-tim). I am still overwhelmed about the Francisco Baltier awards! I can't really remember what I did to deserve having my own week, but that's great! Thanks!

A lot has happened in my life since last year! I got a pet cat, and ... - well that's about it. Pretty much everything else is the same :-).

One thing that I have been thinking a lot about lately is two different "zen" stories. Here is the one:

Two traveling monks reached a river where they met a young woman. Wary of the current, she asked if they could carry her across. One of the monks hesitated, but the other quickly picked her up onto his shoulders, transported her across the water, and put her down on the other bank. She thanked him and departed.

As the monks continued on their way, the one was brooding and preoccupied. Unable to hold his silence, he spoke out. “Brother, our spiritual training teaches us to avoid any contact with women, but you picked that one up on your shoulders and carried her!”

“Brother,” the second monk replied, “I set her down hours ago. Why are you are still carrying her?”

I love this story. I think the story works best if you don't try to explain it. Because everyone can get something different out of it. I first read this in A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle.

Since this is a chess newsletter, I suppose you could make some analogies to chess. Being able to let go after a loss, and not carry it into the next round for example. Or having the “NOTHING IS OVER” mentality that is the spirit of the Baltier award - keep playing best moves and make the person earn it.

Another topic I have been really interested in lately is the subconscious mind. Basically the subconscious mind is controlling a lot of the things that we do everyday. Most of us are running around on autopilot. We have 10,000 thoughts per day, but 9,900 of them are the same thoughts that we had the day before. This is one of the things that make it very hard for people to change themselves or their lives. Because their programming runs at a very deep level.

I think that the same is true for chess. People have their ideas about how chess works. There is a cognitive bias called the “confirmation bias,” which is “a tendency to search for or interpret new information in a way that confirms one's preconceptions and to avoid information and interpretations which contradict prior beliefs.” So when we see a new idea we are using it with all of our previous ideas, which may or may not be good ones.

I attended a seminar a couple years ago about making money. One of the things they said was, “The three most dangerous words in the English language are ‘I know that.’” I have seen people say this about stuff in chess. Like, “I know what a knight fork is.” Of course, everyone knows what this is. But then they go and miss it in their next game. They won't take the time to study 100 different knight fork tactics because they “know that” already. But if they studied the 100 different knight fork problems, they would be much less likely to miss it in the future. Instead they go and look for new information, because they already “know” the other stuff.

It is actually kind of sad to me to see so many people make very little progress in chess. It is like you get to a certain level, then you either “know” the stuff already, or everything that you don't know gets sucked into your confirmation bias of the stuff that is already in your brain and just gets misapplied. Of course, I am not an exception to these rules. And these things do not just apply to chess. Just some interesting things I have been thinking about.

Thanks again for the honor!!

Here is a game where awesome editor Randy Reynolds crushed me pretty good.

Cheers,Tim

Timothy's 2nd Epistle To Paul

http://www.chessvideos.tv/chess-game-replayer.php?id=96601

[Event "Al Ufer Memorial"]

[Site "http://cschess.webs.com/"]

[Date "2008.01.05"]

[Round "2"]

[White "Reynolds, Randy"]

[Black "Brennan, Tim"]

[Result "1-0"]

[ECO "B02"]

[WhiteElo "1703"]

[BlackElo "1741"]

[PlyCount "47"]

[EventDate "2008.01.05"]

1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Nf6 3. Nc3 Nxd5 4. Bc4 c6 5. Nge2 Bf5 6. d3 e6 7. O-O Bd6 8.

Ng3 Bg6 9. Nce4 O-O 10. Nxd6 Qxd6 11. a3 Nd7 12. Bd2 N7b6 13. Bb3 Rad8 14. f4

Rfe8 15. Qf3 Nf6 16. f5 exf5 17. Nxf5 Bxf5 18. Qxf5 Qd4+ 19. Kh1 Qxb2 20. Rae1

Qxa3 21. Bh6 Nbd5 22. Rxe8+ Rxe8 23. Bxd5 cxd5 24. Bxg7 1-0

This Week In Chess

On April 8th, the CSCC held the second round of the Poor Richard's Bookstore April Open. Here are the current standings:

Score, Player

2.0 Josh S Bloomer

1.5 Anthea J Carson

1.5 Brian D Wall

1.5 M Paul Covington

1.5 Mitchell Anderson

1.0 Bill Whinemiller

1.0 Dean W Brown

1.0 Dragan Plakalovic

0.5 Fred Eric Spell

0.5 Gerald J Maier

0.5 Michael J Wokurka

0.5 Thomas Mullikin

0.0 Michael C Davis

Pueblo Tournaments

By Liz Wood

June 6, 2009

Pueblo Open III

5 round Swiss system tournament.

Time Control: G/30 TD 5

Site: The Daily Grind, 209 S. Union, Pueblo

Directions: Take 1st Street exit, three blocks to Union; Union & D Street

Sections: Open

Entry fee: Entry fee: $20; Sr, Jr, Unr $15; CSCA & USCF required, OSA. Pre-registration entry fee: $15, which must be paid at the time of pre-registration.

Prizes: Cash prizes based on entry fees will be distributed at the conclusion of the event.

Final round byes must be requested before the start of Round 2, and are irrevocable.

Registration: 9:00-9:45, Rounds: 10, 11:15, 12:30, 2:30, 3:45.

For further information, contact Liz Wood, [email protected] ( 719-566-6929 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              719-566-6929      end_of_the_skype_highlighting) or Jerry Maier, (719-660-5531 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              719-660-5531      end_of_the_skype_highlighting) Send pre-registrations to: Jerry Maier at 229 Hargrove Court, Colorado Springs CO 80919-2213 or [email protected] by June 4th.

COLORADO TOUR EVENT

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

August 8, 2009

It's a Hot Time in Town Tonight Tournament --- An Open One-Day Rated Chess Tournament

Time Control: 5 round Swiss System, G/30 TD 5

Location: at the Daily Grind, 209 S. Union, Pueblo (take 1st Street exit, three blocks to Union; Union & D Street)

Registration 9:00-9:45, Rounds 10, 11:15, 12:30, 2:30, 3:45.

Entry fee: $20; Sr, Jr, Unr $15; CSCA & USCF required, OSA. Pre-registration entry fee: $15, which must be paid at the time of pre-registration. Cash prizes based on entry fees will be distributed at the conclusion of the event.

Final round byes must be requested before the start of Round 2, and are irrevocable.

For further information, contact Liz Wood, [email protected] ( 719-566-6929 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              719-566-6929      end_of_the_skype_highlighting) or Jerry Maier, (719-660-5531 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              719-660-5531      end_of_the_skype_highlighting) Send pre-registrations to: Jerry Maier at 229 Hargrove Court, Colorado Springs CO 80919-2213 or [email protected] by August 6th.

COLORADO TOUR EVENT

October 3, 2009

SOCO Open II Tournament --- A One-Day Rated Chess Tournament

5SS, G/30 TD 5

Location: at the Daily Grind, 209 S. Union, Pueblo (take 1st Street exit, three blocks to Union; Union & D Street)

Registration 9:00-9:45, Rounds 10, 11:15, 12:30, 2:30, 3:45.

Entry fee: $20; Sr, Jr, Unr $15; CSCA & USCF required, OSA. Pre-registration entry fee: $15, which must be paid at the time of pre-registration. Cash prizes based on entry fees will be distributed at the conclusion of the event.

Final round byes must be requested before the start of Round 2, and are irrevocable.

For further information, contact Liz Wood, [email protected] ( 719-566-6929 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              719-566-6929      end_of_the_skype_highlighting) or Jerry Maier, (719-660-5531 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              719-660-5531      end_of_the_skype_highlighting) Send pre-registrations to: Jerry Maier at 229 Hargrove Court, Colorado Springs CO 80919-2213 or [email protected] by October 1st.

COLORADO TOUR EVENT

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

December 12, 2009

Winter Wonderland Tournament --- An Open One-Day Rated Chess Tournament

5SS, G/30 TD 5

Location: at the Daily Grind, 209 S. Union, Pueblo (take 1st Street exit, three blocks to Union; Union & D Street)

Registration 9:00-9:45, Rounds 10, 11:15, 12:30, 2:30, 3:45.

Entry fee: $20; Sr, Jr, Unr $15; CSCA & USCF required, OSA. Pre-registration entry fee: $15, which must be paid at the time of pre-registration. Cash prizes based on entry fees will be distributed at the conclusion of the event.

Final round byes must be requested before the start of Round 2, and are irrevocable.

For further information, contact Liz Wood, [email protected] ( 719-566-6929 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              719-566-6929      end_of_the_skype_highlighting) or Jerry Maier, (719-660-5531 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              719-660-5531      end_of_the_skype_highlighting) Send pre-registrations to: Jerry Maier at 229 Hargrove Court, Colorado Springs CO 80919-2213 or [email protected] by December 10th.

COLORADO TOUR EVENT

Poor Richard Tournament Announcements April-September 2009

By Jerry Maier

Poor Richard’s April Open, April 1-29, 2009

5 round Swiss system tournament.

Time Control: G/90; 5-second delay

Site: Poor Richard’s Bookstore, 320 Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, CO, 80903

Directions: One block west of Nevada Ave. between Boulder and Platte St.

Section: One Open (extra matches if time and interest permits)

Entry fee: $10

Prizes: Cash prizes based on entry fees will be distributed on the final Wednesday of the month.

Registration: 1 April: 6:15 PM – 6:45 PM (may join in any Wednesday for $10)

Rounds: 7:00 PM on 1 April, 8 April, 15 April, 22 April, 29 April

Entries: Jerry Maier at 229 Hargrove Court, Colorado Springs CO 80919-2213

Phone: (719) 660-5519 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (719) 660-5519      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Email: [email protected]

2 half-point byes may be requested this month.

********************************************************************************************

Poor Richard’s May Open, May 6-27, 2009

4 round Swiss system tournament.

Time Control: G/90; 5-second delay

Site: Poor Richard’s Bookstore, 320 Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, CO, 80903

Directions: One block west of Nevada Ave. between Boulder and Platte St.

Section: One Open (extra matches if time and interest permits)

Entry fee: $10

Prizes: Cash prizes based on entry fees will be distributed on the final Wednesday of the month.

Registration: 6 May: 6:15 PM – 6:45 PM

Rounds: 7:00 PM on 6 May, 13 May, 20 May, 27 May

Entries: Jerry Maier at 229 Hargrove Court, Colorado Springs CO 80919-2213

Phone: (719) 660-5519 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (719) 660-5519      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Email: [email protected]

1 half-point bye may be requested this month.

********************************************************************************************

Poor Richard’s June Open, June 3-24, 2009

4 round Swiss system tournament.

Time Control: G/90; 5-second delay

Site: Poor Richard’s Bookstore, 320 Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, CO, 80903

Directions: One block west of Nevada Ave. between Boulder and Platte St.

Section: One Open (extra matches if time and interest permits)

Entry fee: $10

Prizes: Cash prizes based on entry fees will be distributed on the final Wednesday of the month.

Registration: 3 June: 6:15 PM – 6:45 PM

Rounds: 7:00 PM on 3 June, 10 June, 17 June, 24 June

Entries: Jerry Maier at 229 Hargrove Court, Colorado Springs CO 80919-2213

Phone: (719) 660-5519 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (719) 660-5519      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Email: [email protected]

1 half-point bye may be requested this month.

********************************************************************************************

Poor Richard’s July Open, July 1-29, 2009

5 round Swiss system tournament.

Time Control: G/90; 5-second delay

Site: Poor Richard’s Bookstore, 320 Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, CO, 80903

Directions: One block west of Nevada Ave. between Boulder and Platte St.

Section: One Open (extra matches if time and interest permits)

Entry fee: $10

Prizes: Cash prizes based on entry fees will be distributed on the final Wednesday of the month.

Registration: 1 July: 6:15 PM – 6:45 PM (may join in any Wednesday for $10)

Rounds: 7:00 PM on 1 July, 8 July, 15 July, 22 July, 29 July

Entries: Jerry Maier at 229 Hargrove Court, Colorado Springs CO 80919-2213

Phone: (719) 660-5519 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (719) 660-5519      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Email: [email protected]

2 half-point byes may be requested this month.

********************************************************************************************

Poor Richard’s August Open, August 5-26, 2009

4 round Swiss system tournament.

Time Control: G/90; 5-second delay

Site: Poor Richard’s Bookstore, 320 Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, CO, 80903

Directions: One block west of Nevada Ave. between Boulder and Platte St.

Section: One Open (extra matches if time and interest permits)

Entry fee: $10

Prizes: Cash prizes based on entry fees will be distributed on the final Wednesday of the month.

Registration: 5 August: 6:15 PM – 6:45 PM

Rounds: 7:00 PM on 5 August, 12 August, 19 August, 26 August

Entries: Jerry Maier at 229 Hargrove Court, Colorado Springs CO 80919-2213

Phone: (719) 660-5519 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (719) 660-5519      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Email: [email protected]

1 half-point bye may be requested this month.

********************************************************************************************

Poor Richard’s September Open, September 2-30, 2009

5 round Swiss system tournament.

Time Control: G/90; 5-second delay

Site: Poor Richard’s Bookstore, 320 Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, CO, 80903

Directions: One block west of Nevada Ave. between Boulder and Platte St.

Section: One Open (extra matches if time and interest permits)

Entry fee: $10

Prizes: Cash prizes based on entry fees will be distributed on the final Wednesday of the month.

Registration: 2 September: 6:15 PM – 6:45 PM (may join in any Wednesday for $10)

Rounds: 7:00 PM on 2 September, 9 September, 16 September, 23 September, 30 September

Entries: Jerry Maier at 229 Hargrove Court, Colorado Springs CO 80919-2213

Phone: (719) 660-5519 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (719) 660-5519      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Email: [email protected]

2 half-point byes may be requested this month.

Comments From Email

Martin Deschner, Friday, April 10, 2009 1:16 PM

I remember Jim Burden! Many called him the "Mad Hatter", because of the very interesting hats he wore! Regards.....Martin Deschner in Denver.

[Comment is about this newsletter: (http://cschess.webs.com/apps/blog/show/2919806-2008-jim-burden-francisco-baltier-award-winner)]

Just For Fun

I am getting ready to host a tournament on April 25th for my son’s hobby, Redemption (http://redemptioncolorado.webs.com). It is a trading card game with a Biblical theme. If you are interested, you can me contact for more information.

However, in the process of creating the format, we came across a problem that chess players might enjoy. In fact, I already asked several players who still remembered their combinatorial mathematics and could do the problem in their head.

My son asked me how many ways we could arrange the tournament with six categories and 2 time slots. Mathematically speaking, he wanted the combination of n objects in a group of size k, with n being the categories and k being the time slots.

As a Homeschool dad, I leapt at this opportunity to share combinatorial mathematics with my son. Of course, I could not remember how to derive the formula so the lesson switched to how to look up the stuff you want when you want it.

I won’t give away the answer, but if you want to check your answer, here is the website we found:

http://home.ubalt.edu/ntsbarsh/Business-stat/otherapplets/ComCount.htm

Upcoming Events

4/14 Team Tournament, 4SS, G/15. 2 player teams, alternate moves without consulting, rating sum <3200, CSCC

4/15,22,29 Poor Richard’s April Open Final Rounds, CSCC

4/16 April 2008? G/29 Grand Prix Event, CSCA

4/18 Springs Fundraiser, CSCA

4/18 DCC April Showers - Denker-Polgar Fundraiser, CSCA

4/18 casual chess at Agia Sophia coffee house, 2902 W Colorado, 8:00 PM., CSCC

For event details and additional events, see the following websites:

Colorado Springs Chess Club: CSCC (http://springschess.org/)

Boulder Chess Club: BCC (http://www.geocities.com/boulderchessclub/)

Colorado State Chess Association: CSCA (http://colorado-chess.com/)

Wyoming Chess Association: WCA (http://www.wyomingchess.com/)

Kansas Chess Association: KCA (http://www.kansaschess.org/)