Midwest Class results

Yes, I'm still blogging, but I've been doing procrastinators' tax returns for the past couple weeks.  Back in business later this week.

The Midwest Class was rather strong this year!  Check out the results.  Dmitry Gurevich won the top section 4-1, on tiebreaks over his GM colleagues Nikola Mitkov, Yury Shulman, and Swiss Gambiteer Mesgen Amanov.

Midwest Class: date change

In case you didn't get the email...

Dates changed for Midwest Class!

22nd annual

MIDWEST CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Oct 11-13 or 12-13, 2013 (new dates)

WESTIN CHICAGO NORTH SHORE HOTEL, WHEELING, IL 
Luxurious hotel, free parking, $105 special room rates
$20,000 projected prizes, $16,000 minimumINCLUDING NEW MIXED DOUBLES PRIZES: $600-300.
In 7 sections: Master, Expert, Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, Class E

SCHEDULE & TIME CONTROL: 
       3-day schedule: Oct 18-20, 40/110, SD/30, d10.
       2-day schedule: Oct 19-20, rounds 1-2 G/90, d5, then merges with 3-day.
       
EARLY FINISH TIMES: Compared to past years, play will end each day about two hours earlier Sunday, one hour earlier Friday and Saturday.

Midwest Class results: GMs Shulman & Mitkov tie for first

Results here!  And the post-event ratings are already up on MSA.

It's procrastinators' tax deadline day: more when I catch my breath.

Student Leaves Teacher in the Dust

After 1st Board Robert Moskwa upped his rating to 2017 over my 2011 two weeks ago, I decided that I had to play in the Midwest Class last weekend in order to see if I could put myself back ahead. For a brief moment Friday night, I had some hope when Robert only managed a draw in the first round with 2137 rated Vijay Raghavan while I beat 2134 rated Robert O'Donnell. Had we stopped then, I would have had the edge by a couple of points. Alas, we played Saturday and I lost twice while Robert won twice. On Sunday, I managed to redeem myself with a couple of wins while Robert picked up a win and a draw.

End result: Robert Moskwa goes 4-1 to tie for 1st in the Expert Section and ups his rating to 2048; Vincent Hart goes 3-2 to tie for 8th and ups his rating to 2016.

Interesting side note for those those of us who get frustrated losing to the youngsters. Ninety-seven year old (That's right 97!) Erik Karklins went 3.5-1.5 to tie for 3rd beating Matthew Stevens 11, Alex Bian 12, and Troy Zimmerman 16.

Midwest Class this weekend in Wheeling

Don't miss this Illinois Tour event!  Details on the ICA website.  The prize fund is guaranteed to be $16,000, and if the 250 paid entry quota is hit, the prize fund will be $20,000. Not bad for a weekend event!

I won't be there to play (I make my living as a tax accountant, and the procrastinator's deadline is October 15th), but hope to stop by on Sunday to kibitz and see friends.

Preregister for the 2011 Midwest Class!

The event returns to the Westin Chicago North Shore in Wheeling next weekend, October 14-16! Play on Friday night, or begin play Saturday morning: your choice! Details here!

While I don't like to play for money, I do tend to cash my prize checks. So I should note that there are $16,000 in guaranteed prizes next weekend, and that the projected prize fund is $20,000....

Save money and preregister by Tuesday, October 11th!