For the norm

Back to last month's New York International: Adarsh Jayakumar had a sizable opening advantage against Alan Stein, but it evaporated in the middle game, and it seemed that either player could win. Then Adarsh sets an subtle, lethal trap....

It's not easy making norms

Not only does the master have to win against 2400+ players, he or she also has to find a way to beat well-prepared experts who play active, solid chess.  (And all the young players today seem to be well-prepared...)  The stronger player needs to find winning chances, preferably without creating losing chances....

Adarsh proves up to the task, but the modestly-rated Sarah Chiang had chances of her own until late in the game.

Adarsh Jayakumar wins second IM norm

The International Master title requires three norm performances: the 5th New York International Open is Adarsh's second.  He scored 6-3 in a strong field.  Congratulations to Adarsh!

FM Eric Rosen just missed a norm with 5½-3½.  Another veteran of the Illinois Chess Association's Warren Junior Program is IM Zhe Quan, who is now a Canadian citizen and who plays top board for New York University.  Zhe Quan scored 6-3 and was in contention for a Grandmaster norm.