tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67321913883504830592024-03-05T06:21:55.037-05:00JMB ChessJohn Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10911570384631690889noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732191388350483059.post-42806142922144697022014-07-29T18:34:00.000-04:002014-07-29T18:34:42.390-04:00Barber Tournament of K-8 Champions - Day 4 (Final Day)<br />
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>11:00 AM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tried to work, but that isn't going to happen today -
can't concentrate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Going to go
downstairs to camp out outside playing hall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some serious storm clouds rolling in - looks like rain is going to start
early today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpndYLqGaSK1hv85_aPQiC8vVYHo6-CGVTM025JPXno2ycj6wzAP21TgmOe-wFFF0OPo3NYKGSdcgOysd_AoMvLX3i65cK7VxQVhoGK2rxn7bg8z6gQk9Fi1vcCsZS0DcFqGQ4heosYM/s1600/storm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpndYLqGaSK1hv85_aPQiC8vVYHo6-CGVTM025JPXno2ycj6wzAP21TgmOe-wFFF0OPo3NYKGSdcgOysd_AoMvLX3i65cK7VxQVhoGK2rxn7bg8z6gQk9Fi1vcCsZS0DcFqGQ4heosYM/s1600/storm.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After 5 rounds, NJ is 1.5 points behind NY in the state
vs. state competition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lots of tough
matchups in last round for both NJ and NY players.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NY has the edge, but NJ still has hope.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>11:47 AM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tom Petty song, "The Waiting" is playing over
and over and over in my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does he
still play?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Petty is one performer that
I have never seen that I want to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Need
to see if he is still active - he must be at least 134 years old by now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>11:52 AM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Went to bathroom and came back to find that two people
snaked my seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got to find a new place
to hang.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>11:53 AM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peeked inside the playing hall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>JM at the board like a statue - staring
intensely at the board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When JM first
started playing tournaments he got into a habit of strolling around the room,
checking out all the other games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
don't know if it was nervous energy or a bad habit he picked up from other
kids, but it used to drive me crazy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have noticed over the last few years that he no longer does this - he stays
focused and at his board all game long now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The only time he strolls around now is when he knows he has the game
won.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it is near the end of the game
and JM is walking around the room, I know he is going to win.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used to hate seeing him walk around the
room - what I would give to see him walking around the room an hour or two from
now!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>12:01 PM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Found a better seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I can see if JM comes out and goes to the bathroom, but he can't see
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he goes to bathroom I might even
be able to sneak in and check out his board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>12:42 PM</u></h4>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hanging out with Michele in lobby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the top boards are still playing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gavin DeGraw (one of Michele's favorite
singers) is playing at House of Blues in Orlando tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Michele and I trying to come up with a plan
to go to the concert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not sure we can
pull it off - going to have to wait to see him on our cruise in a few
weeks.....<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>12:51 PM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stuck head back in playing hall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About 15 people watching JM's game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Must be an interesting game, which is exactly
what JM will tell me later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>1:21 PM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I see the crowd move away from JM's game and see the 2
players talking to each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
means the game is over - I have no idea who won.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They finish talking - JM's opponent starts
walking to the back of the room, flashes a big smile and thumbs up and shakes
someone's hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That can mean only one
thing - JM lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walk over to JM - he
is holding it together well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tells me
he is going to go over the game with his opponent, and I tell him to take all
the time he needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walk out of the
tournament room and go down the hall to wait for him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>2:15 PM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">JM spent about an hour going over game with his opponent
- I am sure it helped him to take all that time and decompress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched Advait Patel beat David Brodsky to
win the Barber championship - you could cut the tension with a knife at the end
of that game!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really don't know how
these kids do it - I have such tremendous respect for them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRL24tPAMMRnpLigLLn0yosq_3YQJuyoG6CVuCgOABpUpnB6EtBE8ymdVr2XQ5HZs1m9Q5ZHmAUuuSvQYsuAmdsxoHTaldcx6GZEDwp1UGENevaCDM7TIgXFaeldyFswku4X4uXXhtP5M/s1600/post+game.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRL24tPAMMRnpLigLLn0yosq_3YQJuyoG6CVuCgOABpUpnB6EtBE8ymdVr2XQ5HZs1m9Q5ZHmAUuuSvQYsuAmdsxoHTaldcx6GZEDwp1UGENevaCDM7TIgXFaeldyFswku4X4uXXhtP5M/s1600/post+game.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Round 6 post game analysis<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p></o:p> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">An hour after the loss, JM is handling it well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still hanging out amongst the crowd near the
playing hall - watching the remaining games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Going to be a tough afternoon for JM - this one will definitely hurt for
a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kind of glad he is going right
into another tournament tomorrow so he can get right back on the horse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He even just said he didn't want to take a
bye In round 1 - he wants to play tonight!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think after the adrenaline stops flowing he will stick with the
original plan of taking a bye in round 1 and starting the US Open
tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The US Open is a big
tournament, but there will be absolutely no pressure on John Michael in this
tournament - he will be around the 40th highest rated player out of 400 or
so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He won't feel any nervousness at
all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's weird but the US Open will
feel like just "another tournament" to him compared to the
pressure-packed tournament he just finished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For the rest of the day, we are going to kick back and relax.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Awards ceremony at 4:00 PM, but then it will
be some restful family time for the rest of the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I am typing this, JM already changed his
mind and decided not to play tonight - we are sticking with the original plan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I really hope he can grasp just how special he is, and
what a tremendous accomplishment it is just to qualify to play in the Barber
tournament, let alone battle it out all the way to the end with the top player
in the tournament.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no shame in
losing to a player rated 2349.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>JM is so
darn competitive - that fierce nature helps him accomplish great things, and it
also is undoubtedly making him crazy right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I can't wait for us to get away from the crowd and have some down time
so I can tell him how much I love him and how proud I am of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He inspires me and many others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Watching him compete and get the most out of
his talents makes me want to work harder at getting more out of myself. The
problem is, I am not world class at anything like he is at chess!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>4:00 PM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Awards ceremony.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nicely done ceremony.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>JM
officially finished tied for third.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
NJ team won the state competition, earning each player a $100 gift certificate
from the chess bookstore - way to go Kimberly, Christopher and John
Michael!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You did NJ proud!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI18u2-zb1y6DzXOKX_7F35ZXH9W27TYiT035VFvvO-fkU-pueWb9n7T9mo-Y5WULz1Pm1kTMyFEN1SlDHWdoajQfhWJZc76xm42-X9bGnhN8v5RPG6GQLGUHPYkPXmpO9OfG3Jxr0k80/s1600/state+champs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI18u2-zb1y6DzXOKX_7F35ZXH9W27TYiT035VFvvO-fkU-pueWb9n7T9mo-Y5WULz1Pm1kTMyFEN1SlDHWdoajQfhWJZc76xm42-X9bGnhN8v5RPG6GQLGUHPYkPXmpO9OfG3Jxr0k80/s1600/state+champs.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The Champs!<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p></o:p> </div>
<br />
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>5:52 PM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Back in the hotel room to relax for the evening after a
long 4 days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quote of the day from JM:
"I am mentally done."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has
handled the last round loss well - I am proud of how he has handled himself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is no doubt in my mind that John Michael will be
back soon in a national championship, thrilling us all along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully his nutty father will have figured
out a way to deal with his own tournament jitters by then!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Congratulations to all the champions, and to all the
players who qualified to participate in this prestigious tournament.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very special group of kids - every single one
of them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hope you all enjoyed JM's latest chess adventure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For now - Adios from Orlando!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
John Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10911570384631690889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732191388350483059.post-2174952684242914192014-07-29T10:30:00.000-04:002014-07-29T10:30:14.752-04:00Tuesday morning update before final round<h3>
Tuesday, July 29 2014</h3>
<br />
<br />
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>3:35 AM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Woke up in the middle of a bizarre dream, and made the
mistake of grabbing my phone to see if pairings were up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shouldn't have done that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No way I am getting back to sleep now - my
brain is off and running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least there
is no chance of me oversleeping and making JM late for the round (the Seinfeld
episode where Elaine is dating the wake up call guy is in my head - was just on
the other day).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">JM is paired against Joshua Sheng from CA (2349) in the
last round on board 1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>JM will be
playing the black pieces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is by far
the most accomplished player in the tournament.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Highest rated player by 50+ points, tons of national tournament
experience - this kid is a monster (I mean that in a very positive way - Joshua
is a fantastic player).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is only fitting
that the tournament will come down to the top two rated players on board 1,
playing one game for all the marbles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you want to be the best, you've got to beat the best.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here are the scenarios:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1) If JM wins, he will be at the minimum Barber Co-Champion,
no matter what happens in any other games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This tournament recognizes every player that ties for first as
co-champion (some tournaments use tiebreakers and have only 1 champion).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Barber tournament will use tiebreakers to
determine prize money, but all first place finishers are co-champions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2) If JM wins and board 2 (Advait Patel vs. David
Brodsky) ends in a draw, JM is clear first place and sole champion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If board 2 ends in a win by either player, JM
will be co-champion with that player.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3) If JM draws he could still be co-champion ONLY if
board 2 ends in a draw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this scenario
there would probably be multiple co-champions, since there are a lot of players
at 3.5 points that could become co-champions with a win in final round.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">4) If JM loses he is definitely out of the running.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p> </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is going to be an intense day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember the pressure of the final days of
the World Youth Championship in Brazil in 2011 and the SuperNationals in
Nashville in 2013.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>JM was in contention
in both of those tournaments but couldn't pull out a win on the last day to
bring it home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know he is thinking
about that today - hopefully he can get his nerves under control, play his best
game today and let the chips fall where they may.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don't get too many chances to win a
national or world championship - this is the third time JM has put himself into
contention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For JM, he definitely
adheres to the famous Pat Riley comment, "There is winning, and there is
misery."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By around 2:00 PM today,
there will be extreme elation or incredible dejection for JM - not going to be
any middle ground.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>8:05 AM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">JM wakes up in a nasty, foul mood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Definitely the nerves hitting him right
away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Going to be fun navigating through
the next 2 hours!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>9:15 AM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Back in hotel room after breakfast downstairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Breakfast was lighthearted as usual - JM still wound up, but some laughs at breakfast. Now back in the room - </span>JM preparing on laptop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very quiet - the calm before the storm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>10:00 AM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Round 6 is underway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Very quiet walk to the playing hall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>JM was on laptop until the moment we walked out of the hotel room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Normally we have funny banter on the way to
the playing hall, but not today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>JM is
deep in thought and I am not going to do anything to distract him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Opponent showed up a minute or so after round
started, they shook hands and now the endless wait begins......what time do the
bars open in Orlando?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For those who are
wondering, I don't normally go to the bar every day - just during chess
tournaments!</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh250Aq5pM1WmP_65VlPF7nKpME_piiQqXQWfUypX5BweCzeckGhlsmBU1tiZduz6hRZs5hAvEnnU9ATsEJN5AEitPk5YiS5TBx0ToPIl8refSg4A8wo2ld13ZnqLqbTzSXB0oHfJFGCo4/s1600/round+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh250Aq5pM1WmP_65VlPF7nKpME_piiQqXQWfUypX5BweCzeckGhlsmBU1tiZduz6hRZs5hAvEnnU9ATsEJN5AEitPk5YiS5TBx0ToPIl8refSg4A8wo2ld13ZnqLqbTzSXB0oHfJFGCo4/s1600/round+6.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
Getting set for last roundJohn Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10911570384631690889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732191388350483059.post-21668846326630267032014-07-28T23:16:00.000-04:002014-07-28T23:16:30.226-04:00Barber Tournament of K-8 Champions - Day 3<h3>
Monday, July 28 2014</h3>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>6:00 AM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Day starts with me banging my toe in the darkness against
some piece of furniture in the hotel room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Toe looks like it was on the bad end of a heavyweight fight - bloodied
and bruised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully my cursing and
muttering do not appear to have been heard by Michele or John Michael - they
are still sleeping.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pairings are up for round 4, and as we expected, John
Michael is at board 1 against David Brodsky from NY (2253), the only player
with 3.0 points through round 3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was
going to fire up laptop and get some work in, but decided not to risk waking up
JM - he didn't get to sleep until after midnight last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Going to let him sleep as long as possible
this morning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Big day today in the Barber Tournament of K-8
Champions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the end of today, we will
know if John Michael is in contention to win it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By tonight there will be 5 rounds completed
out of 6 - if JM can win both his games today he will play Tuesday morning at
10:00 AM with a chance to win the tournament.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Seems easy enough - just win two games today!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Elsewhere in the Rosen Centre Hotel, there
are a bunch of other very talented chess kids that are going to wake up
thinking the same thing - "just win 2 today".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are all capable of winning 2 today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Going to be tremendous battles today on the
top boards - very exciting stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
anticipation is killing me - knowing that your son is one good day away from
having a chance to play for a national championship is quite a rush.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>10:00 AM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Daily breakfast at hotel cafe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>JM in good spirits - lots of laughs at
breakfast as we recapped Michele's flying bug story from yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Michele has a tremendous ability to keep
things light for JM during tense times, something that is very needed at these
tournaments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>10:45 AM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Back in hotel room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Once we got back to room, it was almost as if a switch flipped in JM as
he went into preparation mode.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No more
laughs - he is all business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Laptop
open, mouse clicking furiously, Chessbase running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the rounds go by, you can sense more
urgency from JM in his prep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without
talking about it, he knows what is at stake and is leaving no stone unturned as
he prepares.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I couldn't be prouder of John Michael.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has a ton of God given talent, but he also
works incredibly hard at maximizing his natural talent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His crazy fierce competitive spirit is truly
a joy to behold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kid is a champ, no
matter what happens today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wouldn't
bet against JM - my money is on him putting forth a big effort today and
getting himself into a position to win it all on Tuesday.</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwv64X5XUUwzcgcQKl93P1QkdrmGchiWrOVQ2DgX_3wRkR2iapyUa1a4T3_FtJEzoZp_POuotV4qFTFZFkCRqkzSqgCwbXJPPHgJrSGkmCQEHcu73yZWUEvLYa-GjNzXwrO3aJTYWiqWM/s1600/preparing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwv64X5XUUwzcgcQKl93P1QkdrmGchiWrOVQ2DgX_3wRkR2iapyUa1a4T3_FtJEzoZp_POuotV4qFTFZFkCRqkzSqgCwbXJPPHgJrSGkmCQEHcu73yZWUEvLYa-GjNzXwrO3aJTYWiqWM/s1600/preparing.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Preparing before the round<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>11:21 AM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For some reason, Michele has thought the early rounds
started at 11:00 AM, and now JM's first coach, Hal Sprechman just texted me
asking if the round started at 11:00 AM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Did I screw up again?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>11:22 AM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Checked tournament website for the 178th time this
weekend - start time is 12:00 PM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
didn't screw up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>11:28 AM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Checked tournament website for the 179th time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still a 12:00 PM start.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>11:29 AM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">JM shuts the laptop and simply says, "ok".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is ready to roll. I love his focus and intensity before the round starts - never gets old watching him prepare.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>12:00 PM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Round 4 is underway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is going to be a long few hours.</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoszq_rTgQlo43lRdVv5H3JnXgvseH0fj8zfC3SDaAS3Rck-aqeiW671H9Nt0WxTnfSTg_YjZl_R8lEkph2kYorfh9-7xzIp8fVhT9ZTlu2ixnvsdy_zy9_zmypuzXyKEW5JCa8LNmhFo/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoszq_rTgQlo43lRdVv5H3JnXgvseH0fj8zfC3SDaAS3Rck-aqeiW671H9Nt0WxTnfSTg_YjZl_R8lEkph2kYorfh9-7xzIp8fVhT9ZTlu2ixnvsdy_zy9_zmypuzXyKEW5JCa8LNmhFo/s1600/photo.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMkVnmcSrkBvP19ETq1rrFJeRtolR9zJlUAdpe8yJN-PBMLdwq3wae3cmyockLvBRHSjZT52oGjl5iMY8vyvMDA-_qok0u4TJ_hqtW8vtXJ1hIycXbg3PpGZBEacwHd3IO9r7yyjfG7XQ/s1600/round+4a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> All smiles before the round begins</o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>2:07 PM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">JM sends me his normal text after he finishes a game when
I am not outside the playing hall: "Done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I'll be up in a little bit."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He never tells me in his text if he won, lost or drew - he makes me
sweat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could he be done after only 2
hours?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did someone blunder into a
loss?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was it a quick draw?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I head to the tournament room, and see JM
hanging out with his opponent and 2 of the tournament directors having a
leisurely conversation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don't want to
put either of the kids on the spot by asking who won, so I tell JM to let me
know when he is ready to go upstairs and walk past them to the tournament
room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I go to the scoresheet and see a
"1" next to John Michael's name - he won.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3.5 points at the end of round 4 - he is back
in at least a tie for first place and once again controls his own destiny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walk back out of playing hall and see JM
hanging out with a few kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walk down
the hall and grab a seat to let JM kick back and relax with his friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a few minutes JM comes by and you can
guess how the conversation went:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Me: "Congratulations John Michael - great job."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">JM: "Thanks."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Me: "How was the game?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">JM: "It was interesting."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">JM: "What time is the next round?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Me: "7:00 PM"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">JM: "Are you sure, Dad?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>4:00 PM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With the extra time due to the quick game, we ventured
out of the hotel down to an Irish Pub a half mile down the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still hot out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got back to hotel just before the daily 4:00
PM thunderstorm started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Checked on the
last few games still being played and went back to hotel room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On elevator ride coming up JM remarked how
well the NJ players were doing - he said Christopher Wu was tied for the lead
in the Denker and Kimberly Ding was only 1 point out of the lead in the
NGIT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Dad, wouldn't it be cool if
NJ swept all three titles?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like
the way he thinks......</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MnRwU_ZZMGLC3XWIivIDe8jbe3acFvW7iOaU8rBOAAfDXYLEpuOEwuT7CkaMMg53SB5uKgaSR5_VEP1xE6Is-OLbkqEOgePKRHPDScM50ix9AXmUstxy9U80aktzwsyvLbvDOZMszac/s1600/irish+pub.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MnRwU_ZZMGLC3XWIivIDe8jbe3acFvW7iOaU8rBOAAfDXYLEpuOEwuT7CkaMMg53SB5uKgaSR5_VEP1xE6Is-OLbkqEOgePKRHPDScM50ix9AXmUstxy9U80aktzwsyvLbvDOZMszac/s1600/irish+pub.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
A little fun between rounds<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>5:40 PM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pairings are up - John Michael is playing Advait Patel
from WV (2265). Advait is a top level tournament player and a very formidable
opponent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John Michael played Advait at
the SuperNationals in Nashville in 2013 - they played to a draw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The stakes go up every round - the winner of
this game will be playing for the championship in round 6 (final round) Tuesday morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the game ends in a draw it
opens up all sorts of possibilities for the final round - many potential contenders if this game ends in a draw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Going to be another long night!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>7:00 PM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Game has started - time for a beer!</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEeA-gU_qdMMlz-spRN2Vy_W7jf-No-6ggN0HyrjGHAR-9uQjciZ_2JDabZhk0xu2c5CgS47b-g5QPh_5ameXplcZMxY6uNA0tSftU-KUkm8PPzN_-beX3gNN_Zyw8R3izdrcYFNNj1GA/s1600/round+5a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEeA-gU_qdMMlz-spRN2Vy_W7jf-No-6ggN0HyrjGHAR-9uQjciZ_2JDabZhk0xu2c5CgS47b-g5QPh_5ameXplcZMxY6uNA0tSftU-KUkm8PPzN_-beX3gNN_Zyw8R3izdrcYFNNj1GA/s1600/round+5a.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Dad, do you have to take a picture before EVERY round?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QJVZjg_CF8FGOb0ICzPU4L1FP0hdDfNkhQFnY3lCbEtmdgy5GS3mFeL-9YGg78S8bo0G2d9K-O8pIt-Gz7SJ7HFtHxJoHRwno4eAmof0hrq9WDBxU1gTsFGiv5zG4HXdMlNHVzNefX4/s1600/round+5b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QJVZjg_CF8FGOb0ICzPU4L1FP0hdDfNkhQFnY3lCbEtmdgy5GS3mFeL-9YGg78S8bo0G2d9K-O8pIt-Gz7SJ7HFtHxJoHRwno4eAmof0hrq9WDBxU1gTsFGiv5zG4HXdMlNHVzNefX4/s1600/round+5b.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
JM and Advait sharing a laugh before round 5<br />
<br />
<br />
<h4>
</h4>
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>9:30 PM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Michele and I are perched at our normal seat at the bar -
just waiting for news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is
torture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have nothing interesting left
to say!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>9:47 PM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Draw for JM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not
the result he wanted I am sure, but a result that still keeps him in contention
to win it all tomorrow, with 4.0 points after 5 rounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the other top boards are still playing -
many possibilities for tomorrow's opponent depending on how tonight's games
finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most likely JM can still win
tournament with a win tomorrow, but we won't know for sure until all the
results are in later tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
definitely has no room for error tomorrow - a win will be needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Draw and a final score of 4.5 points will
most likely not be enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now the trick
is getting him to bed as soon as possible - tomorrow's final game is at 10:00
AM - 2 hours earlier than today!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><u>11:09 PM</u></span></h4>
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span> </h4>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Just ran back down to playing hall to see if other games were finished. All of the top contenders are done. John Michael is tied for first place with 2 other players at 4.0. Looks like there are 9 or 10 players right behind with 3.5 points. A photo finish in store for tomorrow with a ton of players still in contention. If JM wins tomorrow he will finish no worse than tied for first (could possibly finish first outright depending on outcome of other games) and then it would come down to tiebreakers to determine national champion. A draw will most likely eliminate him from national championship contention (unless every other game is a draw), and a loss will definitely eliminate him. He will need to play his best game of the tournament tomorrow - biggest game of his career to date!</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
John Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10911570384631690889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732191388350483059.post-68180781101855522122014-07-28T12:29:00.002-04:002014-07-28T12:29:32.411-04:00Day 2 Barber Pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfHHCrBYbUO-dfmJqrB3FjA2Ve0QQXfX4S8OJ-d6M4jM2tReVW8aBifbLr-wZovo6fXw3wjBjT5k7icJeoFOdZWJOBpnl1BZKIPyZ0cguYDiaF8dlPF6kX612isWpOhNYalkptElQEkM/s1600/round+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfHHCrBYbUO-dfmJqrB3FjA2Ve0QQXfX4S8OJ-d6M4jM2tReVW8aBifbLr-wZovo6fXw3wjBjT5k7icJeoFOdZWJOBpnl1BZKIPyZ0cguYDiaF8dlPF6kX612isWpOhNYalkptElQEkM/s1600/round+2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Good to get to board early to go through routine<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioK4s22DTHMmqdoeU9vBKGm_9iGAlsG5mLPXlUSibUHaVM_urVY-al0FaTH0964SZzzEFtZFLhf4XCoFuFXKsWssNPHZco5RJu4GMpxGIrQYuQcg41MWzrSSvXF23YYdWAsYI5uRVzZy8/s1600/round+2a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioK4s22DTHMmqdoeU9vBKGm_9iGAlsG5mLPXlUSibUHaVM_urVY-al0FaTH0964SZzzEFtZFLhf4XCoFuFXKsWssNPHZco5RJu4GMpxGIrQYuQcg41MWzrSSvXF23YYdWAsYI5uRVzZy8/s1600/round+2a.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Hustle and bustle before start of round 2<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NMmB7MpRBM4lw1388MFKs187VRK8F0TChPcK2yDs6SpWuBUsWJGI9iB83vBSTP0YUFcUcs-FxJ17IWO91WFH6jj01Bh0hSrTucO1fPtbImZgBZyMLR2ue5eyA3_HnqTmFolksFoKepM/s1600/round+2b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NMmB7MpRBM4lw1388MFKs187VRK8F0TChPcK2yDs6SpWuBUsWJGI9iB83vBSTP0YUFcUcs-FxJ17IWO91WFH6jj01Bh0hSrTucO1fPtbImZgBZyMLR2ue5eyA3_HnqTmFolksFoKepM/s1600/round+2b.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Waiting for start of round 2<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDrCXacHHTO6j-vaSK7ELiOLCsfYH29td1fYqeTPsY3EtoDNNVpQJVuIWpazNID5karJEorTKpGSCi3LCH8C1YI4F792Dq3Xa2Zap2dMrSKXRjlOeXoio4AMrTa8ehxEIZl4sBTFOn_0/s1600/pool.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDrCXacHHTO6j-vaSK7ELiOLCsfYH29td1fYqeTPsY3EtoDNNVpQJVuIWpazNID5karJEorTKpGSCi3LCH8C1YI4F792Dq3Xa2Zap2dMrSKXRjlOeXoio4AMrTa8ehxEIZl4sBTFOn_0/s1600/pool.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Nice hotel pool<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGaOpP_XNRavPDK-OBrxxMg_yAjPOq17nE-m2VQqoeTyzYebZM7FBG4vrQ4OALiPRKvS_JWkeCPczrrzeAcr2sLoo6mW88FUATcpYb0-fdKTdM30hopFKUkLfd7gvNle0rQ2SS3P3uEys/s1600/round+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGaOpP_XNRavPDK-OBrxxMg_yAjPOq17nE-m2VQqoeTyzYebZM7FBG4vrQ4OALiPRKvS_JWkeCPczrrzeAcr2sLoo6mW88FUATcpYb0-fdKTdM30hopFKUkLfd7gvNle0rQ2SS3P3uEys/s1600/round+3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Waiting for start of round 3<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4MeMf2od6lcvxl_f3NEYXCY866LB9T0l2i9I4kzBIxilt9qJI5yolPH0vlnG1RjkcLuPUwFWKetYTKxMSIkpPHbaPmlbEWTOBhVMvWTntyvZ6EKBcaIDqXz1E_UsMvsYc2JbQhdMw2Q/s1600/round+3+stare+down.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4MeMf2od6lcvxl_f3NEYXCY866LB9T0l2i9I4kzBIxilt9qJI5yolPH0vlnG1RjkcLuPUwFWKetYTKxMSIkpPHbaPmlbEWTOBhVMvWTntyvZ6EKBcaIDqXz1E_UsMvsYc2JbQhdMw2Q/s1600/round+3+stare+down.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Round 3 stare down (he doesn't really do this, by the way)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwyQqx_gI8d-PMhScd2VKlgOboEbuMQXz6tAncoXvGfc5ldtpZQy7kxBWotHxUoNF6Vhe2YClzm4Bnt5Jrhn3IIqwGcydwN3xhvyl98-GWoS4u2meHNDrOru-zxh0N2WJVoBUVsiNBKo/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwyQqx_gI8d-PMhScd2VKlgOboEbuMQXz6tAncoXvGfc5ldtpZQy7kxBWotHxUoNF6Vhe2YClzm4Bnt5Jrhn3IIqwGcydwN3xhvyl98-GWoS4u2meHNDrOru-zxh0N2WJVoBUVsiNBKo/s1600/photo.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Sunday night in Orlando!<br />
<br />
<br />
John Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10911570384631690889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732191388350483059.post-39298865797357790522014-07-28T00:10:00.000-04:002014-07-28T00:10:42.602-04:00Barber Tournament of K-8 Champions - Day 2<h4>
<u>Sunday, July 27 2014</u></h4>
<br />
<br />
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>6:00 AM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">John Michael's Dad here (that is my identity these days)
reporting from Orlando.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Going to be
another hot day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>JM and Michele
peacefully sleeping (as any sane person should be at 6:00 AM on a Sunday
morning!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Standings and round 2
pairings are not online yet, so no idea who JM is playing in round 2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two games today - 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yesterday was a good start - a win in a
little over 3 hours is a good way to start tournament.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On days where there are two games, you always
root for a short game to be played at night, and if there is going to be a long
game, you hope that it is played during the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These tournaments are exhausting for the
players - sleep is at a premium especially in the later rounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A few years ago, after JM had been playing for a couple
of years and was showing that he had talent, I decided to start playing in
tournaments myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was drawn to the
game, but I also wanted to learn first hand what it was like to play in a chess
tournament.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will never forget my first
tournament.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>JM was around 9 years old
and playing in one of the top sections against all adults.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being an unrated player, I was in the lowest
section, and played my first game against a 6 year old, who was moving with
lighting speed and attacking me like his life depended on it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sitting in my kiddie chair, I never felt so
much pressure in my life!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ended up
squeaking out the win but it was a nerve wracking experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Watching my son methodically take apart a 35
year chess veteran while I struggled to keep pace with a 6 year old was a
humbling experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started taking
chess a little more seriously, started studying, played a few more tournaments
and had my rating top out around 1300.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
will always remember the nervousness and pressure I felt when playing in
tournaments, and I had nowhere near as much at stake as JM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a good experience that gave me a lot
of appreciation for what he goes through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>JM puts everything he has into every game he plays - he holds nothing
back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These tournaments are grueling,
and each player goes through enormous stress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Best thing I can do as a parent during a tournament is to just give him
space and enjoy what he does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember
speaking with a top United States scholastic player at the World Youth Chess
Championship in Brazil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked him what
advice he would give to a parent of a top scholastic player.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said a big thing for him during
tournaments was to be given space after a game, win or lose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He needed time to decompress after a
game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4-6 hours of intense concentration,
competition and focus is taxing, and what he needed after a game was not a pep
talk or encouragement, but silence!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good
advice from a top player, although hard for a parent - we always think we can
help - sometimes we just have to let our kids deal with life on their own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Where the heck are the pairings?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isn't everybody awake and ready to go?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Note to self - no energy drinks before 7:00
AM for the rest of the tournament.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>9:26 AM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pairings are up - and we had a shocker in round 1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joshua Sheng, the number 1 rated player
(2316), lost his first round game to a player rated 1990.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stark reminder that upsets are the norm at
these tournaments, and that these kids are not machines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A 2321 would probably beat a 1990 8 times out
of 10, but all that matters is what happens today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good news for JM is that he is at board 1,
which is where you want to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you
are at board 1 you are at the top of the tournament standings going in to that
round.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Destiny is in your own hands - if
you win, you stay in the lead no matter what anyone else does in their
games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You also get to play in a special
roped off area!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>JM is playing Yoon-Young
Kim from CT (rated 2121).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No games in
Chessbase for this opponent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Games are
going to be tougher and tougher as we progress......every game will be a
battle!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Going down to breakfast - I hope
JM eats enough!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>9:40 AM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">JM asks me what time next round is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tell him 12:00 PM, and he answers with
"are you sure Dad?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back story
to this question that JM now asks me before every round:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the World Open in Virginia a few weeks
ago, I totally screwed up the start time for one of JMs games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Game was scheduled to start at 5:30 PM, but
for some crazy reason I thought his game started at 7:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Normally I am obsessing over every little
detail during a chess tournament to make sure there is zero chance of anything
going wrong - I have no idea how I messed this up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now this was bad for 2 reasons:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1) If you show up more than an hour late for your game,
it is an automatic forfeit - you lose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2) JM is a creature of habit - he has a set routine that
he goes through before every game when gets to his board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Normally we get to the board at least 10-15
minutes before the round starts so JM can get set up and settled in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Back to the World Open in Virginia - it is 6:15 PM, JM
and I are leisurely finishing up room service dinner and tossing a ball around
the hotel room, hanging out before what we thought was a 7:00 PM start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meanwhile, several floors below, hundreds of
chess games have been going on for 45 minutes or so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some reason I check the tournament
website and to my horror I see that the round start time was 5:30, not
7:00!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tell JM - we both start running
around the room panicking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>JM starts
grabbing his chess set, phone and bottled waters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think he may have gotten both his sneakers
on, but I am not 100% sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We bolt down
the hall to the elevator, and sprint to the playing hall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily he got to his board on time to avoid
forfeit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His opponent apparently also
got to the board late, because only 20 minutes had elapsed on JM's clock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Disaster avoided, but I never was more
nervous during one of JM's games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
thought of me possibly costing JM a game by him not having time to go through
his pre-game routine was a rough thought to bear for the next several
hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went back to the hotel room and
stared into space for what seemed like forever - just like those chess parents
I referenced yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe that is
why they are staring into space - they know they did something stupid to their
kid before the round.......<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 hours later, JM enters the hotel room and utters the
magic words: "I won".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He then
says "It was easy - I had tons of time left on my clock".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the pressure off, we both had a major
laughing fit remembering how crazed we were when we thought he might forfeit
the round for being late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ever since
then, before each round JM asks me what time the round starts and then asks
"are you sure Dad?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have a feeling I will be hearing "are you sure
Dad?" several hundred times over the next few years - chess players have a
good memory.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>11:36 AM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In hotel room, going down to playing hall in a few
minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Michele watching a home
renovation show on HGTV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are there more
home renovation shows or cooking shows on TV?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Seems like every time Michele puts the TV on there is one of those shows
on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She probably says the same thing
when I put on the TV and inevitably find a sports show.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>12:00 PM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Round started promptly at 12:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a very well run tournament -
organized, rounds start on time, pairings put up well in advance of round,
standings updated quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kudos to the
organizers and tournament directors!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>12:30 PM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Spent the last 15 minutes at the pool in the sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Real hot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Surprised I lasted 15 minutes out there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Going back to air conditioning, which in my opinion is one of the
greatest inventions of all time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Michele
still by the pool, soaking in the sun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>1:00 PM</u> <o:p></o:p></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just found another benefit of JM being on board 1 - his
game is being broadcast in the back of the playing hall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finally may be able to see one of his games
being played!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>JM doesn't like it when I
am in the playing hall - maybe I should go buy fake glasses and moustache so I
can sneak in and out of the room......<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>1:15 PM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is why I am kind of glad I don't watch his games -
just snuck a peek at the position and it looks like JM is getting killed - he
is down a piece and a pawn on move 16.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thankfully I am only a 1300 rated chess player - usually I have no idea
what is going on when I watch a game between two top players.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can usually take my assessment of a game
and go the other way to find out what is really happening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully I picked up the position in the middle
of a long combination that will end up with JM in good shape.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>1:20 PM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Went to pool to tell Michele that JM is losing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Felt the need to get her worried too - no use
me being the only one stressing out!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
really are too uptight - we have issues!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>1:30 PM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Still looks like JM is losing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looks way too complicated for me to figure
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Staring at this position for 5
minutes is already giving me a headache - how can someone sit there for hours
on end without their brain frying?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
kids are truly something special, every one of them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>1:35 PM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Another Michele bug event just occurred while I was in
the playing hall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For those who do not
know my wife Michele, she has a very strong dislike/fear of bugs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we chronicled a couple of bug events
on this blog from the World Youth Championship in Brazil a few years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, Michele was sitting by the pool
reading a book when all of a sudden a bug flew right at her and hit her in the
mouth (good thing her mouth was closed).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After impact, Michele saw no sign of the bug, which led her to believe
it was stuck on her somewhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
inevitable panic started to set in, and Michele ran up to a group of strangers
to ask them if a bug was on her anywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To the strangers' credit, instead of running away from this crazed woman
they calmly told her that there was no bug in sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully Michele will be calmer by dinner
time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>2:08 PM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now JM is only down 2 pawns and it looks like his
opponent's position is all disjointed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
really have no idea what is going on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>JM
is going to laugh when he reads my analysis after the tournament.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>2:31 PM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now JM is down a pawn and looks like he has a serious
attack brewing. The more I watch this game, the more I am glad that I don't
usually get to watch his games - there is no way I could take this stress if I
watched every one of his games!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is
why I bring my laptop and work - takes my mind off the game.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>3:00 PM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Don't most hotels skip the 13th floor?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not this one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Gotta ask someone about that.....<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>3:11 PM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">JM has a queen and 4 pawns - his opponent has a bishop,
rook and 3 pawns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To my uneducated eye
it looks like a position JM can (should?) win.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Who knows - I thought he was losing earlier, I think he is winning now -
it will probably end in a draw!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>3:21 PM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And just like that, it's all over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>JM won.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When I asked him how the game was he gave his usual response, "it
was interesting".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told him my
analysis, and he laughed, telling Michele, "Mom, don't listen to what Dad
tells you about the game - he doesn't know!"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could he be so calm when I was a wreck
for the last 3 hours?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plenty of time to
eat and relax - 3.5 hours until round 3 at 7:00 PM.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>4:48 PM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pairings are up for round 3 - JM is playing Angel
Hernandez-Camen from PA (2231).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>JM
played Angel once previously and lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Time to look up that game to see what can be learned and improved
on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>JM definitely going to use the time
to prepare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hoagie and buffalo wings for
dinner for JM - hopefully we can stuff some fruit into him in the next hour to
take him through the evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Michele
watching yet another home improvement show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">JM is tied for first with 7 other kids at 2.0
points.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next couple of rounds will
go a long way to determining who the top contenders are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There will be no easy games from here on out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is also a state vs. state competition spanning the
three tournaments (Denker, Barber, NGIT). After 2 rounds, all 3 New Jersey
players (Kimberly Ding in the NGIT, Christopher Wu in the Denker, and John
Michael in the Barber) have perfect scores with 2.0 points.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go New Jersey!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>7:00 PM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here we go - round 3 is underway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>JM decided he didn't want to use Monroi
device (handheld device that records moves and transmits games).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He felt it was too much of a hassle to use -
he prefers the old school pen and scorebook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Good news and bad news for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His game won't be broadcast in the hall, so I won't be able to watch,
but now I don't have to run in the playing hall every 15 minutes to try to see
what is going on!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span> </div>
</span><h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>9:51 PM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
JM still playing - almost 3 hours and counting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Michele and I hanging out at the bar again
for the last couple of hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am now
camped out outside the playing hall - Michele is back upstairs in hotel
room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No idea how JM is doing - time to
just sit and wait..........<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span> </div>
</span><h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>10:20 PM</u> <o:p></o:p></h4>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Still playing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3
hours 20 minutes and counting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could be
another late night JM special.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
</span><h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>10:32 PM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
JM once played a 6 hour game on this time control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could be here until 1:00 in the
morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I go back to the bar?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
</span><h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>10:33 PM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I overhear another adult say "I just saw the number
one player in the Barber get checkmated".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My heart literally stops beating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The person he is speaking to asks who the player was and he says a name
that is not JM - he must have been referring to the Denker tournament
perhaps?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I peek into the room and JM is
still sitting at the board, so I guess his game is still going.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p></o:p> </div>
</span><h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>10:45 PM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
JM comes out of playing hall: "Draw".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is now at 2.5 points after 3 rounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looks like there is 1 player with 3.0 points,
and 6 tied with 2.5 points.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lots of
draws in round 3 on the top boards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
the highest rated player with 2.5 points, I believe JM will be on board 1
tomorrow against the player with 3.0.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Going to need a win tomorrow in round 4 to get his destiny back in his
own hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Going back to room - JM is
hungry - going to have the rest of the wings and then we will try to get him to
bed - always a challenge after a late night game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> This is my second attempt at publishing this post - I somehow deleted the one I had with all the pictures. Going to have to post the pictures tomorrow. </span>I'll be back tomorrow night (Monday) with Day
3 recap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rounds 4 and 5 are Monday at
12:00 PM and 7:00 PM.<o:p></o:p></div>
</span><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
John Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10911570384631690889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732191388350483059.post-10419726350779024522014-07-27T07:18:00.000-04:002014-07-27T07:21:04.892-04:00Barber Tournament of K-8 Champions - Day 1<br />
<h3 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Let The Games Begin</h3>
<h3 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Saturday, July 26 2014</h3>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><strong>7:15 AM<o:p></o:p></strong></u></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Burke here with the latest coverage of John Michael's
ongoing chess adventure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Burke
family is at the Rosen Centre Hotel in sunny Orlando, Florida, which is the
center of the chess world for the next 9 days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Right now I am the only Burke awake - Michele and John Michael are
sleeping in after a 5 day Disney family vacation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John Michael will be playing in the Barber
Tournament of K-8 Champions from 7/26 to 7/29, and then will be competing in
the 115th Annual United States Open Chess Championship from 7/30 to 8/3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Should be an action packed, exciting 9 days
of top level tournament chess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
going to attempt to provide a "real time" feel to these tournaments for
the next 9 days, and present the action to you "as it happened".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For those of you that have not been ardently following
the scholastic chess scene for the last several years, here is the scoop on the
Barber Tournament of K-8 Champions: This tournament is an offshoot of the
Arnold Denker Tournament of High School Champions that was started in 1985 by
GM Arnold Denker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Denker tournament
(which is also taking place in Orlando this weekend) was started to promote
chess excellence among the country's best high school players.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2011 the Barber tournament was created in
an effort to promote the top K-8 players in the country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was named to honor Dewain Barber, a long
time scholastic chess advocate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2013,
the National Girls Invitational Tournament was started, modeled after the
Barber and Denker tournaments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All 3
tournaments are held each year at this time, and will be held simultaneously
alongside the US Open.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Barber K-8 is a prestigious tournament, one of the
top scholastic tournaments that take place each year (think of a
"major" tournament in tennis like Wimbledon or a major golf
tournament like The Masters - there are many scholastic tournaments that take
place each year but only a few "majors"). You can find more info at <a href="http://www.barberchess.com/">Barber Chess</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Each state sends their official K-8 state
representative to the Barber.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In New Jersey,
the Barber representative is determined by the winner of the New Jersey Junior
Championship which is held each May.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
that tournament, John Michael was tied after the 5th and final round with
Praveen Balakrishnan (a top K-8 player in New Jersey). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The NJ Junior was decided in a series of blitz
games between Praveen and John Michael.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>First was a game/15 (ended in a draw), then a game/10 (ended in a draw),
and finally a game/5 which John Michael won.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Normal tournament games typically take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours -
having the NJ Junior come down to a series of 5-15 minute games definitely made
for an exciting event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blitz games can
go either way, and fortunately for John Michael he was able to prevail, earning
him a trip to the Barber tournament in Orlando, where he will attempt to become
the national Barber champion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A lot has happened since the Supernationals in April of
2013 (the last national championship tournament covered on this blog).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In April of 2013, John Michael's rating was
2079.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In September of 2013 John Michael
reached the 2200 rating threshold and earned the National Master title (a
prestigious title awarded to a player that reaches 2200 - currently there are
only approximately 900 active Masters in the United States).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John Michael's current rating is 2295, which
makes him the 448th highest rated player out of 53,080 registered USCF members
(99.2 percentile of all tournament players, adult or scholastic). John Michael
is currently the 6th highest rated 13 year old in the country (with 11 more
months to compete as a 13 year old) - <a href="http://www.uschess.org/component/option,com_top_players/Itemid,371?op=list&month=1407&f=usa&l=R:Top%20Age%2013&h=Top%20Age%2013.">Top 13 Year Olds - July 2014</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It has been quite a ride so far for John Michael in the
chess world, with no end in sight - lots of milestones still to achieve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of John Michael's tournaments the last
several years have been "open" tournaments consisting of both adults
and children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Typically open adult
tournaments are the only tournaments available for strong scholastic players to
get the type of competition needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John
Michael has not played many scholastic tournaments over the last few years
(World Youth Championship in Brazil, SuperNationals in Tennessee).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Barber Tournament of K-8 Champions is a
great opportunity for John Michael to win a prestigious scholastic national
title, an opportunity that does not come often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are 48 players in the Barber K-8 tournament, and John Michael is
the second highest rated player - he is definitely one of the favorites to win
the event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a strong field,
consisting of 9 Masters and 13 Experts (players rated 2000-2199.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Expert title is also a prestigious title
that only 5% of tournament players ever reach).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is a tournament consisting of the best K-8 players in the country -
the competition should be fierce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
can follow the standings and pairings at this link: <a href="http://www.alchess.com/chess/14/usopen/?page=STANDINGS&xsection=barber">Barber Standings</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tournament is a 6 game event - each player will play 6
games - it is not a knockout event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1
game Saturday, 2 Sunday, 2 Monday, 1 Tuesday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>1 point for a win, 0.5 points for a draw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Highest score at end of 6 rounds wins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If 2 or more players are tied at the end of
round 6, tiebreakers will be used to determine champion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Generally the competition gets tougher as the
the tournament progresses, as the highest scoring players get paired against
each other in each round.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Usually in a 6
round tournament of this type, a score pretty close to 6.0 is needed to
win.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One wrong move in any of the 6
games could cost a player the entire tournament, which creates a very stressful
atmosphere for the top contenders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
time control for each game is Game 90 with a 30 second increment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each player has a total of 90 minutes to make
their moves, and gets 30 seconds added to their clock each time a move is
made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is fairly common for games to
take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours when played under this time control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lots of down time for the parents!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">John Michael is rested and ready to rumble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before traveling to Orlando, he did research
the top contenders and prepared for some opponents he may play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pairings are never known until just prior to
the round, so it is always a fine line between preparing openings against
players that may or may not be played versus general chess preparation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>GM Joel Benjamin is John Michael's coach, and
does a great job with John Michael - he couldn't ask for a better mentor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They spent some time working together to
prepare for the tournament - now it is time to battle it out to see who is the
best player in the country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Should be
fun!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Going to catch up on some work now
(plenty of time to catch up on work during these tournaments).</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><strong>11:00 AM<o:p></o:p></strong></u></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Breakfast at hotel cafe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Making sure John Michael eats during tournaments is always
difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The adrenaline is flowing,
nerves are jangled, and eating is usually the last thing he wants to do during
a tournament.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First round of tournament
is at 7:00 PM today, so it was fairly easy to get through breakfast - JM chowed
down on pancakes, bacon and fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One
meal down, 8 meals to go (this is how a chess dad thinks during a tournament).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span> </div>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><strong>12:15 PM<o:p></o:p></strong></u></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Walgreens run for water and snacks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a Walgreens right next to hotel -
made a trip to stock up on water and snacks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When JM was younger, I used to stay in back of tournament room and bring
him a water bottle every hour or so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now
that he is 13, I can load him up with 3 bottles of water and a cell phone, and
he simply texts me when he is done playing (he likes it better when I am not in
the room now).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My only job at this point
as chess manager is to drive him to tournaments and make sure he eats and
sleeps as much as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a few
years, he won't even need me to do that!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Funny thing about being a parent - it is a blast watching your son grow
up and mature, but a part of you wants them to stay 13 years old forever.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><strong>12:30 PM<o:p></o:p></strong></u></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stroll around hotel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>JM is getting increasingly edgy, which means it is getting closer to
tournament time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The three of us went
for a stroll around hotel and convention center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Michele and I saw several family reunions
listed on hotel calendar that we are going to crash later (there are only so
many hours we can spend at the hotel bar!).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span> </div>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><strong>3:00 PM<o:p></o:p></strong></u></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Opening Ceremony.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nicely done Opening Ceremony for all 3 tournaments (Denker, Barber,
NGIT).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lots of history with these
tournaments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each state player
representative was named, and received a nice gold medallion for qualifying to
play in their respective tournament.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ceremony ended with group pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>About 1.5 hour long ceremony - first round is at 7:00 PM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Going to hotel cafe again for dinner -
quickest option available right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Always looking for quickest food option during tournaments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Michele and I continue to discuss our party
crashing plan for the evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tournaments didn't even start yet and Michele and I are already going
stir crazy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not easy being a chess
parent!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLAzvXyiTEQzSOzmjXSL-a4w7FhSoIwEp-2uebEX7xVuxyGFhf1n5W10qe6Rujz-kiYZTpOq8DGfqkPTBP3JTJ8EhGHGWnV0yofHbdRUaN4s8MVqucjLsGA2aazzz38IJnd70U6RZXeo/s1600/Group.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLAzvXyiTEQzSOzmjXSL-a4w7FhSoIwEp-2uebEX7xVuxyGFhf1n5W10qe6Rujz-kiYZTpOq8DGfqkPTBP3JTJ8EhGHGWnV0yofHbdRUaN4s8MVqucjLsGA2aazzz38IJnd70U6RZXeo/s1600/Group.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p> Barber K-8 Group Photo</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhllntb40WQNLjAI-VS2_Gt32F1KLUIzOLvXm85qzCE6wBcT3Tg2UxuOp8vVsnIklfJOIfnOJnfeFs8ZJlBA-S503muzXFDbWBFh73mLXkQoVfxKf1cZI-Gj8nnK1at2Ioh1L-lK592qIw/s1600/JM+Medal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhllntb40WQNLjAI-VS2_Gt32F1KLUIzOLvXm85qzCE6wBcT3Tg2UxuOp8vVsnIklfJOIfnOJnfeFs8ZJlBA-S503muzXFDbWBFh73mLXkQoVfxKf1cZI-Gj8nnK1at2Ioh1L-lK592qIw/s1600/JM+Medal.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
JM with medal<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZqFv7Q3d2dMx9wail5us0_U0MUH1xSIzEhXpf9BmbNmPJCMpEH7Db1UduFleJHtEbQcCXE-__1eI664YWlMZYaGnAkT7jEAP3PiTiBiBpZ6y3gPCUXiUmUJI57uvFh31y_TumX_j2Bk/s1600/OC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZqFv7Q3d2dMx9wail5us0_U0MUH1xSIzEhXpf9BmbNmPJCMpEH7Db1UduFleJHtEbQcCXE-__1eI664YWlMZYaGnAkT7jEAP3PiTiBiBpZ6y3gPCUXiUmUJI57uvFh31y_TumX_j2Bk/s1600/OC.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Opening Ceremony<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkP1xmEpCczmSLkH3ES1jAgCJFZC0aWwvS_Y2YYjeO3Oh54sGQ7G942wWCXGnBTYeABttBUISa__8AOKkav5Cr5GkU5uxPNCjfTWKw3ovmiLZHXw27ue0t9oQPMpYakAy5TBmXD_P6hG4/s1600/JM+Medal+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkP1xmEpCczmSLkH3ES1jAgCJFZC0aWwvS_Y2YYjeO3Oh54sGQ7G942wWCXGnBTYeABttBUISa__8AOKkav5Cr5GkU5uxPNCjfTWKw3ovmiLZHXw27ue0t9oQPMpYakAy5TBmXD_P6hG4/s1600/JM+Medal+2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
JM receiving medal from Dewain Barber<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><strong>4:57 PM<o:p></o:p></strong></u></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">JM thinks he knows who he is going to play - a 1990 rated
player with no games in Chessbase. Before we flew to Orlando, I went through
Chessbase (chess database with 5 million plus games from around the world) and
compiled games from the top Barber players to help JM prepare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was just informed by JM that there are many
other better sources of games out there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Would have been nice to know this a couple of weeks ago :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><strong>5:15 PM<o:p></o:p></strong></u></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dinner - had the buffet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not normally a buffet fan, but this one was good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can't keep eating this much!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span> </div>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><strong>6:00 PM<o:p></o:p></strong></u></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Back in room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>JM
playing Vikram Srivastava from OH - rated 2009 (not who JM thought he was going
to play).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>JM is white.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No games in Chessbase or online, so no
preparation possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Water bottles
ready, chess clock ready, gift for opponent ready (at this tournament there is
a tradition for each player to exchange a small gift from their home state - JM
has 6 cool looking "Atlantic City" pens to give to his
opponents).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing to do but wait -
this is always the toughest part, waiting for round 1 to start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always get butterflies before round 1, and
I am not even playing - I can only imagine the somersaults that JM's stomach is
doing right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is holding it
together well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Definitely has his game
face on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><strong>7:00 PM</strong></u> <o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Round 1 begins right on time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Playing r</span>oom is freezing - I think that is good -
better a cold room than a hot one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I go
back to room excited to get Michele and go to bar for Saturday night date.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am greeted with "we have a small
problem".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never good to hear those
words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently we did not give our
neighbor all the keys to our house - neighbor is locked out and can't get in to
feed our cats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have to call mother in
law to go over to our house with her keys - hopefully we have given her the
right keys......never a dull moment!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Michele doesn't want to go to the bar until we get key situation
resolved, so I am now in a hotel room on Saturday night watching Jeopardy
(which coincidentally has just had a category based on bars and drinks).</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8IE1GSPYZnjuJq8tgDT8YsxBsQ_GoO-Imn9fReZKKjsT21S1vabQimun4pq0KGJYGuHQbhS7f4dtDu7VjP014pcfv3SXZm_N1RRxr5zPnF0IVdOD0jcbNRwlMSDgH3bYooHpbdYGXvk/s1600/Pre+Game+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8IE1GSPYZnjuJq8tgDT8YsxBsQ_GoO-Imn9fReZKKjsT21S1vabQimun4pq0KGJYGuHQbhS7f4dtDu7VjP014pcfv3SXZm_N1RRxr5zPnF0IVdOD0jcbNRwlMSDgH3bYooHpbdYGXvk/s1600/Pre+Game+1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Adjusting pieces before game<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwAaLh74EKuLt0mZLkBn0q9bBm7R-lnX_SNDOKUCS9l5dfhfcLnyLZRjC-Cuqeek5fL9bxK5ETnkQo79FJI3PuC9u1CnWjUZy3TbC0iYUoZ6itGQ_F6ura37i3f5Uz-py_8CZ7CW1OOg/s1600/Pre+game+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwAaLh74EKuLt0mZLkBn0q9bBm7R-lnX_SNDOKUCS9l5dfhfcLnyLZRjC-Cuqeek5fL9bxK5ETnkQo79FJI3PuC9u1CnWjUZy3TbC0iYUoZ6itGQ_F6ura37i3f5Uz-py_8CZ7CW1OOg/s1600/Pre+game+2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Pre-Game Staredown<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
</span><br />
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>7:48 PM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In laws to the rescue!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Neighbor is in house - no need to call 24 hour locksmith!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can finally get out of this hotel room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
</span><br />
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u></u> </h4>
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>8:04 PM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At bar - almost time to check in to make sure JM is still
playing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My ritual during JM's games is
to stick my head in the room - if I see the back of his head I leave for
another hour or so before checking again.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrtywpxbWddXfVX1wC2brdq3Ca2oByTU3sEjgdF4KOMR81KXmZGpKnSaSZfo3u11mj8zKqlsLynnBPeI07pIJQeJdMMGbwOAZwztFDe41XYPMvXI5fzgrDRRCMRo0KNAiKZscqrep1_RQ/s1600/Bar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrtywpxbWddXfVX1wC2brdq3Ca2oByTU3sEjgdF4KOMR81KXmZGpKnSaSZfo3u11mj8zKqlsLynnBPeI07pIJQeJdMMGbwOAZwztFDe41XYPMvXI5fzgrDRRCMRo0KNAiKZscqrep1_RQ/s1600/Bar.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Saturday night in Orlando!<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p></o:p> </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
</span><br />
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u></u> </h4>
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>9:00 PM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 hours in - JM still playing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is when I start to get nervous - a
couple of hours into each game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
first few games of a tournament like this are nerve wracking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If JM lost game 1 it would ruin his
tournament chances, and if he wins it is more relief than anything, because he
was "supposed" to win against a lower rated opponent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tough being one of the top dogs in the
tournament (at least it is tough being the parent of a top dog).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>JM doesn't like me going into the playing
hall to watch his games, and I respect his wishes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is agonizing sitting outside the room not
having any idea how he is doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time
for another beer.....<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
</span><br />
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u></u> </h4>
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>10:00 PM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">JM still playing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Out of the top 11 boards, 10 are still playing - not uncommon for the
top rated players to play longer games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No upsets so far in round 1 - every game that has finished has been won
by the higher rated player.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Party
crashing idea didn't seem so good once we realized how tired we were after poor
sleep the last few nights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Michele has
gone back to hotel room and I have found a seat right outside tournament
room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grabbed another bottle of
water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If JM comes out I can at least
feel like I am doing my part by having water ready for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will be camped out here for the rest of the
night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isn't this thrilling commentary?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
</span><br />
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u></u> </h4>
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>10:05 PM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Random adult asked me if chess store was still open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How would I know?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did he miss the huge "Chess Store this
way" sign not 5 feet from him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does
he not know that I need to agonize in silence while my son plays?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>9 days - I can make it - I think.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
</span><br />
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u></u> </h4>
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>10:15 PM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am always amazed by how many parents at chess
tournaments wait for their kids outside the playing hall and are doing
absolutely NOTHING while they wait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
can't sit still for more than 2 minutes without getting antsy and bored.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can these people sit for hours just
staring into space?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Different strokes
for different folks, I guess.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
</span><br />
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u></u> </h4>
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u>10:20 PM<o:p></o:p></u></h4>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">JM exits tournament room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I can never tell if he won or lost for the first 2-3 seconds I see him -
he hides his emotions win or lose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
he comes over to me he whispers "I won" and all of a sudden it all is
worth it - the travel, the endless waiting around, the bad sleep, the rush to
eat between rounds - all of it fades away just by hearing those 2 magical
words: "I won".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 game down, 5
to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Going back to room for snacks and
bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully we all sleep well
tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will be back tomorrow with Day
2 recap.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
John Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10911570384631690889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732191388350483059.post-52620111158948074612013-04-07T23:33:00.000-04:002013-04-07T23:33:24.270-04:00SuperNationals - Day 3Hello All - <br />
<br />
Mr. Burke here with a wrap-up of SuperNationals V from Nashville. Oh, the highs and lows of top level tournament chess. JM started the day with high hopes - he had 4.5 points out of 5 and had a chance to win his section with 2 games to play. Unfortunately those plans didn't materialize. In Round 6 (9:00 AM game) JM played on the big stage again against a player from Illinois rated 1974. The game was another long one, and ended in a draw. JM was very disappointed in that result, as it ended any chance he had to win the tournament. He was at 5 points after 6 rounds, and the two leaders were at 5.5 and 6 points and were paired against each other for Round 7. No matter what happened in the Round 7 game between the leaders, one of the players was going to get to 6.5 points and the most JM could achieve would be 6 points with a win. Round 6 took a lot of steam out of JM, but he still had a chance to finish anywhere from 2nd to 4th with a win in round 7, the final round of the tournament.<br />
<br />
Round 7 (2:00 PM game) was another 4 hour game against a player rated 1928 from Maryland. Unfortunately JM ended up with his first loss of the tournament in this game, which resulted in a final score of 5 points out of 7 (4 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw). JM officially finished in 16th place out of 203, after the final standings and tiebreakers were calculated. <br />
<br />
All in all, it was a great experience for JM. National championship events are extremely pressure filled - he was under intense stress all weekend and handled it very well. 7 games lasting on average 3-4 hours each in a 3 day time period is rough.<br />
<br />
Here is what I will remember about this weekend:<br />
<br />
1) I am continually blown away by the effort and focus that JM (and all these kids) exhibits in each tournament. He competes with every fiber of his being and leaves it all out there. He never mails in a game, never gives anything less than his absolute best, never backs down from a challenge, never is intimidated by anything he faces. His effort inspires me to be a better person.<br />
<br />
2) JM has the fiercest competitive streak of anyone I know. Anything less than total victory is just not acceptable to JM. How many kids would lose only 1 game out of 7, finish 16th out of 203 in the biggest chess tournament of the year against top players from around the nation, and be totally disgusted and not even care about getting his trophy? JM expects to win every single game he plays and expects to be the best, and that intense drive is something that makes him great and is something that I love to see. There is disappointment right now after a tough tournament loss, but JM will be back on the big stage again. He will learn from this experience and will become a better player because of it. You can take it to the bank - JM will be mixing it up with the best in the country again soon, and he will make it to the top and win a national championship before long. It is in him to do so. It is what he will do.<br />
<br />
And yes, he did get his trophy (and it is a pretty big one too!). Will try to get pictures up tomorrow after we get home.<br />
<br />
Thanks for following along on our latest chess adventure!John Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10911570384631690889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732191388350483059.post-63437778073614623292013-04-07T00:29:00.001-04:002013-04-07T00:29:35.022-04:00SuperNationals - Day 2<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.234375); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.234375); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.300781); -webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Hello all -<br /><br />Mr. Burke here with a recap of today's action. What a long, intense day it was. In Round 3 (<a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">9:00 AM</a> game) JM played against a player rated 1776 from Alabama. On paper, JM appeared to be the favorite, but the game turned into a long drawn out battle that lasted a little over 4 hours. JM ended up with the win, but he definitely had to work for it.<br /><br />We only had about 45 minutes to grab a quick lunch before the <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://1" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">2:00 PM</a> Round 4 game. JM was paired with Rishi Rajendran, a fellow NJ player that JM played a few years back in the NJ state championship (I believe it was the 3rd grade championship in 2010, but I could be off by a year). The only time JM and Rishi played they drew and ended up as NJ co-champions. The Round 4 game today was on the large elevated stage in front of the tournament room, in full view of the 2000 other players and hundreds of other spectators in the room. Talk about a pressure cooker environment! True to form, the game was a JM special that went 4.5 hours - when the game finished JM only had 30 seconds on his clock. The game was intense, and ended with both players blitzing out their moves and pounding the clock. JM ended up victorious, winning his 4th straight game.<br /><br />35 minutes later, after another quick meal, JM was back on the big stage to take on another player with a 4-0 record, a player rated 2033 from West Virginia. This was the toughest player according to rating JM had faced so far, in the dreaded Saturday night 7:00 PM game. Thankfully, the game only lasted 2 hours and ended with both players agreeing to a draw.<br /><br />All in all, a great day with 2 wins and a draw. JM currently has 4.5 points out of 5. Going into Round 5 there were 6 players with 4.0 scores, and they were all playing each other in Round 5. At 4.5 points JM definitely is in contention to win it all. 2 wins tomorrow would get him to 6.5 points and a strong possibility of at least a share of first place. Round 6 is <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://9" x-apple-data-detectors-result="9" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">at 9:00 AM</a>. This tournament has a very fast pace with 7 games in 3 days. JM hasn't had any time to even show me his games - it has been a race to eat and go to bed in between all the chess.<br /><br />Great performance today by JM - he has put himself into a position to win it all, which is what you want going into the last 2 rounds. Looking forward to an exciting day tomorrow - I will post an update <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://10" x-apple-data-detectors-result="10" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">tomorrow night</a> after the tournament is over. For those interested, you can see the standings for the K-6 Championship Section here:<a href="http://uschess.org/tournaments/2013/snv/?page=RESULTS" x-apple-data-detectors-result="11" x-apple-data-detectors-type="link" x-apple-data-detectors="true">http://uschess.org/tournaments/2013/snv/?page=RESULTS</a></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
John Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10911570384631690889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732191388350483059.post-84664800906301203422013-04-06T06:26:00.000-04:002013-04-06T06:26:46.122-04:00Standings update after round 2Mr. Burke here again with a standings update as I lie awake in bed at 5:11 AM in the morning (I am not sure who has a worse case of the nerves - me or John Michael!).<br />
<br />
The #4 and #7 seeds in JM's section both lost in round 2 to players rated 500 points lower. Definitely a reminder that upsets are quite common in national tournaments like this. These kids are not machines, and this venue can be quite intimidating, especially if it is their first experience at a national tournament. JM was a little nervous before round 1 but handled it well. He definitely started to get his mojo going after he got that first game out of the way. Every game is going to be a challenge, no matter what the rating of the opponent. Round 3 is against a 1773 rated player from Alabama. Will be posting updates throughout the day if possible.John Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10911570384631690889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732191388350483059.post-55211670151555967262013-04-05T23:39:00.000-04:002013-04-05T23:39:49.515-04:00SuperNationals - Day 1Hello all -<br />
<br />
Mr. Burke here. Day 1 of SuperNationals V in Nashville is in the books. John Michael won both of his games today, so he is off to a good start. There are 203 players in the K-6 Championship section, which typically leads to higher rated players playing down against lower rated players in the first few rounds of a tournament. John Michael is the 5th seed in his section - his opponents today were both rated about 500 points lower than him, so he was definitely heavily favored to win both games (he was the equivalent of a 14-17 point favorite in a football game) and he took care of business. 5 games left - 3 tomorrow and 2 on Sunday. Tomorrow will be a long day - games at 9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Games should get more challenging as the tournament progresses. <br />
<br />
The Gaylord Hotel and Convention Center is huge - you need a map to get around. The playing hall where John Michael is playing is big as well - holds around 2000 players. It is jam packed - 5200+ players in this tournament. Hope to get some pictures up tomorrow, time permitting. This tournament has a much different feel than the World Youth. Instead of 1 game per day for 7 days, there are 7 games packed into 3 days in this tournament. Sleeping and eating are at a premium. By the end of the day, we all pretty much pass out, so the updates won't be as lengthy this time around...<br />
<br />
Will be back tomorrow night with another update.John Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10911570384631690889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732191388350483059.post-76756517563948481962012-11-01T11:54:00.000-04:002012-11-01T11:54:02.215-04:00World Youth Round 2 Game<iframe allowtransparency="true" border="0" frameborder="0" height="519" src="http://www.chess.com/emboard?id=1127652" width="574"></iframe>John Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10911570384631690889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732191388350483059.post-26473614287603325932012-01-22T17:01:00.003-05:002012-01-22T17:14:14.459-05:00World Youth Round 1 GameHere it is - what you've all been waiting for. I'll be posting all the games I played in the World Youth, along with deep annotations. Here is the round 1 game. I played against the Indian state champion, Nadar Anand, against whom I launched a complicated attack which looked to be on the verge of succeeding. Unbelievably, every piece I threw at his king he fended away, and ended up winning. It was one of my 2 losses in the tournament.<br /><br /><iframe height="519" border="0" src="http://www.chess.com/emboard.html?id=797154" frameborder="0" width="574"></iframe>John Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10911570384631690889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732191388350483059.post-35594637958332936682011-11-26T21:06:00.001-05:002011-11-26T21:09:33.374-05:00Round 9 - Tough loss for JMHello all – Mr. Burke here again.<br /><br />The 2011 World Youth Chess Championship is finished. In Round 9, John Michael lost in 3 hours 30 minutes to Tigran Poghosyan of Germany. John Michael took the defeat very hard – he wanted to win this game so badly. After the game, we took some time to decompress from a long and grueling tournament. We didn’t go over the game – John Michael needed a well-deserved break after that game was finished. It has been a mentally, emotionally and physically draining couple of weeks. After hanging out around the hotel, we attended the closing ceremonies, grabbed a late dinner and got back to the hotel room. Tomorrow we leave Caldas Novas at 12:00 PM (9:00 AM EST) to begin the long trek back to NJ. It has been a great two weeks, but we are looking forward to getting home.<br /><br />I absolutely love John Michael’s fierce desire to win, competitiveness, and unshakeable belief that he is going to win every single time he sits down at the chess board, no matter who he is facing or how big the stakes are. It is those qualities that make him the champion he is, and those same qualities make losing so very hard to take for him. I know this experience has been great for him, and will serve him very well in the future.<br /><br />9 Games<br />5 Wins<br />2 Draws<br />2 Losses<br />6 points out of 9<br />Tied for 4th place (official finish – 21st place out of 121)<br />383 moves<br />30 hours 15 minutes of game play<br />20+ hours of pre-game preparation/post game analysis<br /><br />This tournament was a huge success for John Michael. The last round defeat will sting for a while, but when you look at the entire 9 game tournament as a whole, the tournament cannot be deemed as anything other than a great success for John Michael. He did a tremendous job!<br /><br />I am going to remember so many things about this trip – the people we met, the sights we saw, the fun we had as a family. I will never forget the effort John Michael put into this tournament, and the great success he had in the pressure cooker of a World Championship event, battling it out with the best players in the world. He represented himself and his country excellently.<br /><br />I couldn’t be prouder of John Michael – he is a great champion, an inspiration to me and many others. I love him very much.John Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10911570384631690889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732191388350483059.post-78587770306397089762011-11-25T20:43:00.006-05:002011-11-25T21:11:33.085-05:00Round 8 - JM wins and keeps medal hopes aliveHello all – Mr. Burke here again.<br /><br />It’s getting exciting in Caldas Novas! John Michael scored a gutty 82 move, 4 hour 30 minute victory today in Round 8 of the World Youth Chess Championship against Iran’s Nima Fendereski. It was a game he had to win in order to keep his medal hopes alive - a draw would have knocked him out of the running. The game was an exciting one that went back and forth, and John Michael prevailed by playing a very strong endgame. John Michael analyzed the game with GM Joel Benjamin, who again was very impressed by John Michael’s deep thinking and calculating. Just another great effort from John Michael – he now has 6 points out of 8. <br /><br />We didn’t have too much downtime after the game – it was off to dinner, and then quickly into preparation mode for the final game of the tournament, which is early tomorrow – 10:00 AM Caldas Novas time (7:00 AM EST), 5 hours earlier than our usual start time of 3:00 PM Caldas Novas time (12:00 PM EST). John Michael got into bed at around 10:30 PM (he is still awake as I type this at 11:30 PM) – hopefully he will get a good enough rest and will be refreshed to go to battle one more time tomorrow. John Michael has a tough draw tomorrow – Tigran Poghosyan from Germany (those of you that are chess fans will note the similar name to Tigran Petrosian, a former World Champion). Hopefully the 10 year old Tigran that John Michael is playing tomorrow isn’t quite as strong as the “other” Tigran!<br /><br />For those of you keeping score at home, here is where things stand. Top three finishers in each section receive gold, silver and bronze medals, just like the Olympics. The top three finishers also get trophies. 4th, 5th and 6th place finishers also receive medals. No awards given for finishing below 7th place. <br /><br />Here are the current standings after Round 8- you can also find the complete standings here: <a href="http://chess-results.com/tnr58150.aspx?art=1&rd=8&lan=1&flag=30">http://chess-results.com/tnr58150.aspx?art=1&rd=8&lan=1&flag=30</a><br /><br />1) Yi Zhu (CHN) - 7.0 pts (tiebreaker points 34.5)<br />2) Ruifeng Li (USA) - 6.5 points (TB 32.5)<br />3) VS Rathanvel (IND) - 6.5 points (TB 31.5)<br />4) Zakhar Aleksandrov (RUS) - 6.5 points (TB 31.0)<br />5) Amin Tabatabaei (IRI) - 6.5 points (TB 29.5)<br />6) Tianming Xie (USA) - 6.5 points (TB 26.5)<br />7) Kumar Jena Rakesh (IND) - 6.0 points (TB 30.0)<br />8) Viachaslau Zarubitaski (BLR) - 6.0 points (TB 27.0)<br />Tigran Poghosyan (GER) - 6.0 points (TB 27.0)<br />10) John Michael Burke (USA) - 6.0 points (TB 23.5)<br /><br /><br />Essentially John Michael is tied for 3rd. Yi Zhu is in sole possession of first place with 7.0 pts. There are 5 players tied for second place with 6.5 points, and there are 4 players (including John Michael) tied for third place with 6.0 points. If you notice, John Michael is officially in 10th place. This is due to the tiebreaker procedures that are used in tournaments of this kind. Without getting into too much of the technical details, ties are broken by using a player’s “progressive score”. Essentially a player’s score after each round is added together to get a “progressive” or “cumulative” score as the tournament progresses. Players are rewarded favorably in tiebreakers by winning early in tournaments, since by winning early and building up strong scores early, they are in turn paired with other players with strong scores as they proceed through the rounds. Thus players that are constantly playing other high scoring players are deemed to have a stronger “strength of schedule”, and theoretically have had a stronger tournament. John Michael lost his Round 1 game and drew his Round 2 game, so he has the lowest tiebreaker score of the top 10 players (look at the numbers under the “TB1” column when you click on the above link), which is why he is officially in 10th place and would lose on tiebreakers to any of the players in the top 10 if he should happen to tie with them. All players below the top 10 have 5.5 points or less, and do not need to be accounted for as we try to project what needs to happen in order for John Michael to win a medal.<br /><br />All that being said, John Michael has a chance to finish as high as 4th. Here is what needs to happen tomorrow:<br /><br />1) John Michael has to win his game. A draw or a loss knocks him out of any chance for a medal.<br />2) He will need help - a few other games on Boards 1-4 have to go his way. A win does not guarantee him a medal – he could finish as high as 4th and as low as 8th if he wins his game tomorrow. <br /><br />Here are the pairings for tomorrow - you can also find the pairings here: <a href="http://chess-results.com/tnr58150.aspx?art=2&rd=9&lan=1&flag=30">http://chess-results.com/tnr58150.aspx?art=2&rd=9&lan=1&flag=30</a><br /><br />Board 1: Tianming Xie (6.5) vs, Yi Zhu (7.0)<br />Board 2: Zakhar Alexsandrov (6.5) vs. Ruifeng Li (6.5)<br />Board 3: Amin Tabatabaei (6.5) vs. VS Rathanvel (6.5)<br />Board 4: Kumar Jena Rakesh (6.0) vs. Viachaslau Zarubitski (6.0)<br />Board 5: John Michael Burke (6.0) vs. Tigran Poghosyan (6.0)<br /><br /><br />A couple of things need to happen in the other games on Boards 1-4. If John Michael wins his game, he will be at 7 points. Essentially he needs to have as many players as possible finish below 7 points, so he can avoid tiebreakers. <br /><br />On Board 1, it would be best for John Michael if Yi Zhu won the game, as that would keep Tianming Xie at 6.5 points. Tianming is a United States player, so it is hard to root against him, but the math dictates that John Michael is helped if he loses and stays off the 7.0 point number. Yi Zhu is already at 7.0 points and can't be caught by John Michael, so a win by Yi does not hurt John Michael, but a win by Tianming would hurt John Michael's chances, as Tianming would go from 6.5 points to 7.5 points. <br /><br />On Board 2 and Board 3, the winner is not important, but avoiding draws is important. All players on Boards 2 and 3 are currently at 6.5 points. A draw on either of those boards would put both players on that board at 7 points, where a decisive victory would keep one player under 7 points. Ruifeng Li is a United States player on Board 2, so we will be rooting for him to win his game.<br /><br />On Board 4, both players are at 6 points. A draw in this game would be helpful, since neither player would get to 7 points. <br /><br />I am not 100% sure, but if there are 2 favorable results on Boards 1-4, combined with a John Michael win, I believe that will be enough to get him into the top 6 and receive a medal. The important thing is that John Michael needs to play for a win tomorrow, since a draw knocks him out of medal contention. I am hoping that the players on Boards 1-4 will also be gunning for wins as well, to hopefully generate some sharp play and avoid draws. At the end of the day, the only thing that John Michael can control is his game, and I know he will give it everything he has to get a victory. <br /><br />This has been one amazing tournament, and I am sure tomorrow will be a day to remember.<br /><br />Last round is tomorrow (Saturday) at 10:00 AM Caldas Novas time (7:00 AM EST). Thanks again for all your prayers and support, and I’ll be back tomorrow with a final recap.John Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10911570384631690889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732191388350483059.post-4991283526342045712011-11-24T19:46:00.000-05:002011-11-24T19:49:02.794-05:00Round 7 - A fighting drawHello all – Mr. Burke here.<br /><br />Round 7 is in the books at the World Youth Chess Championship. John Michael had a hard fought draw with Mercado Carlos Sandoval from Mexico. The game was a complicated one. John Michael was getting in time trouble due to the complicated nature of the game – he was down to 5 minutes on his clock at move 23 (he only had 5 minutes left to make 17 moves to get to the first time control of 40 moves in 90 minutes). Mercado offered John Michael a draw and John Michael accepted it after a couple of minutes of thought. He felt there was simply too much to analyze in the position and not enough time remaining to do so effectively. Good decision to make – why ruin 3 hours of effort with a sheer gamble if you are not sure of the road you are going down? Tough game – they were at it for 3 hours even though only 23 moves were played. In the team analysis room, GM Joel Benjamin reviewed the game with John Michael and said he “played brilliantly” and that he was “impressed”. John Michael was a little disappointed after the game – GM Benjamin showed him a move that he could have made in a certain situation that might have helped things a little, and John Michael was a little mad at himself for not seeing that move during the game. He is so hard on himself – he poured his heart out for three hours and still was beating himself up for a little while after the game. Sometimes it is easy to forget that these kids are not machines. The fact that they can play grueling games day after day at such a high level is remarkable. We are very proud of John Michael and the all-out effort he is putting into this tournament.<br /><br />Currently John Michael is in 21st place, with 5 points out of 7. There is one clear leader at this point with 6.5 points, three players at 6 points, four players with 5.5 points, and twelve others tied with John Michael at 5 points. 2 rounds to go.<br /><br />Tomorrow’s game is with Nima Fendereski from Iran. Can’t find too many recent games for Nima in our database, so the preparation may be a little less extensive for tomorrow’s game, which wouldn’t be a bad thing. There tend to be more opening “surprises” late in tournaments, as players sometimes prepare special openings designed to catch opponents off guard when things get down to crunch time in the last couple of rounds.<br /><br />The day was also successful outside of the chess arena. Picking up on the “lizard story” from last evening….when we woke up this morning there was no sign of the lizard in the room. I figured he had left the room, although I continued to scan the walls continuously while we got ready for the day. Sure enough, after we got back from breakfast, the lizard had poked his head out from behind the shelf that had apparently acted as his bunker for the evening. Mrs. Burke took control – she ran down the hall to grab one of the housekeepers that was doing room service about 10 doors down. Unable to say in Portuguese, “There is a lizard in my room and my husband is too scared to do anything about it”, she simply grabbed the housekeeper, and marched arm in arm with her down to our room. As I hid in the corner behind the curtains, Mrs. Burke pointed out the lizard to her. Our 80-pound housekeeper saved the day by grabbing some toilet paper, nimbly hopping up on a stool, and aggressively grabbing at the lizard just like John Michael aggressively attacks his opponents on the chess board. The lizard ran, but he couldn’t get away from our hero – she nabbed him, and took him out of the room. The whole thing took about 30 seconds, and our room was lizard free. We will all sleep better tonight!<br /><br />Round 8 is tomorrow at 3:00 PM Caldas Novas time (12:00 PM EST). See you tomorrow night with another update.John Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10911570384631690889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732191388350483059.post-65295811194378714652011-11-23T20:07:00.002-05:002011-11-23T20:10:56.347-05:00Round 6 - JM wins 4th in a rowHello all – Mr. Burke here.<br /><br />The train keeps rolling – John Michael scored a big victory today in Round 6 of the World Youth Chess Championship. His opponent was Viktor Gazik from Slovakia. Viktor and John Michael had a fairly equal position out of the opening, and it looked like this one was going to be a JM 4 hour special, given the caliber of his opponent and the position on the board. Unfortunately for Viktor, he blundered a piece in a fairly innocent position, and you simply don’t blunder a piece to John Michael and live to tell about it. John Michael pounced on the gift, and swiftly put Viktor away in 25 moves/2.5 hours. Great technique by John Michael to put the game away.<br /><br />Currently John Michael has 4.5 points out of 6, and is officially tied for 16th. In John Michael’s section, there is one player alone at the top with 6 points out of 6, seven players with 5 points, and eight other players tied at 4.5 points with John Michael. There will definitely be shifts in the standings among the leaders over the next 3 rounds as they all face off against each other. Too early to try to project how things will turn out – we are going with the Al Davis motto of “Just Win, Baby” and simply taking one game at a time and focusing only on the next opponent. Tomorrow’s opponent is Mercado Carlos Sandoval from Mexico. Mercado played in the same Pan American Championship in July as John Michael’s 3rd, 4th and 5th round opponents. For some reason the luck of the draw has paired John Michael with four players from that tournament.<br /><br />There is a good article about the tournament on the USCF website written by Andi Rosen (we traveled from Atlanta with Andi, her husband Brad, and their son Eric – great people). John Michael and I are even quoted in the article – you can check it out here: <a href="http://main.uschess.org/content/view/11494/645">http://main.uschess.org/content/view/11494/645</a>.<br /><br />A couple of funny stories from today. When John Michael got to his board for his game, his opponent (Viktor Gazik) had already arrived. Viktor was not seated at the time John Michael got to the board, but a lot of his stuff was there. In particular, he had 2 mice (not real mice, stuffed animal mice) with their jaws perched on his rooks. He also had some sort of Slovakian-looking high powered energy drink and a candy bar. I had a feeling that Viktor was going to be a character, and we were not disappointed. When Viktor sat down, he immediately started chatting nonstop in Slovakian. At least I presume it was Slovakian (is that actually a language?) because we couldn’t understand a thing he was saying. That didn’t stop ol’ Viktor – he talked with passion and vigor and didn’t seem to mind or care that he wasn’t getting much of a response. Sitting at the next board across from John Michael, directly next to Viktor, was Albert Lu (John Michael’s opponent from Round 2 – “The Thrilla in Brazilla”). Albert is a really cool kid. On the encouragement of his dad, Albert started talking to Viktor in Chinese. John Michael chimed in with English, and the three of them had a heck of a conversation in three different languages for a few minutes before the round. John Michael and Albert had a good time with it, and it was good to see them laugh and relieve some of the tension before the round began.<br /><br />The second funny story occurred when we got back to our room. One thing we haven’t mentioned so far is the amount of bugs there are in Brazil. Lots and lots of bugs. All kinds of ugly bugs, flying things, creeping things – you name the bug, it is here, sometimes in your room. The Burkes don’t like bugs, so this is not good. Tonight when we got back to our hotel room, there was what looked like a little baby lizard on the wall directly above one of the beds. Needless to say, quite a spectacle was caused by the Burkes: “Get it Daddy!”, “Don’t kill it!”, followed by me banging the wall wth my shoe (for what reason I am not sure) and watching the lizard scurry across the wall and disappear behind the hanging clothes in the corner of the room. I am typing with one eye on the computer and the other scanning the room for this foul creature. I have no idea how I am going to sleep tonight knowing that thing is in the room. I am shocked that Mrs. Burke and John Michael are actually sleeping as I type this. Maybe I can sleep in the waiting area while John Michael plays tomorrow………<br /><br />Round 7 is tomorrow at 3:00 PM Caldas Novas time (12:00 EST). I’ll be back with a recap of the game tomorrow night.John Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10911570384631690889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732191388350483059.post-12328696088445348422011-11-22T19:57:00.001-05:002011-11-22T20:05:36.274-05:00Round 5 - Another win for JMHello all - <br /><br />Mr. Burke here again. John Michael won his Round 5 game today against Rodriguez Aldo Joaquim Diaz from Peru, giving him 3 nice victories in a row and getting him back in the medal hunt (top 3 players receive gold, silver and bronze medals). John Michael played a very strong opening, was able to gain an advantage through some nice tactics, and converted his advantage into victory in a tidy 29 move, 2 hour 30 minute game. It was a game where John Michael was in control from the start, and was never in any danger. Games like this don’t happen too often in tournaments of this caliber – you take these kind of victories any chance you can. John Michael currently has 3.5 points out of 5, which puts him in 26th place out of 121 in his section. There are two players that are tied for first with 5 points, three players with 4.5 points, ten players with 4 points, and ten other players tied with John Michael with 3.5 points. <br /><br />From here on out, the competition is going to be much tougher. For those that are not familiar with how matchups are generated in chess tournaments, it is fairly simple. Players are paired against each other based on how many points they have in the tournament. For example in Round 6 the two players that have 5 points are facing off against each other, the two that have 4.5 are playing each other, and so on. The only exception is that you can’t play the same player twice. As tournaments progress, the players in contention will be playing stronger and stronger competition, because they are going to be facing off against players that have similar results. You can see the pairings for the section here: <a href="http://chess-results.com/tnr58150.aspx?art=2&rd=6&lan=1&flag=30">http://chess-results.com/tnr58150.aspx?art=2&rd=6&lan=1&flag=30</a>. The player John Michael is facing tomorrow is actually the player that was the #6 seed in the section going into this tournament, rated 1978 FIDE. Definitely looks like a step up in class from his last 3 opponents - should be quite a battle! <br /><br />John Michael was happy to get the win, and was very happy that it only took two and a half hours! We were able to get to dinner right when the dining hall opened at 7:00 PM, got in a couple quick games of billiards next to the pool bar (where there was a game of Portuguese Bingo taking place), and got back to the room at a reasonable hour. Trying to make sure John Michael gets as much sleep as possible, but it is tough. He is still full of adrenaline hours after his game, and I am sure it is tough to just shut things down and go to bed – it takes him a while to fall asleep at night (he probably is playing the day’s game again in his head!).<br /><br />We are past the halfway point of the tournament – 5 games down, 4 left to play. Round 6 is tomorrow (Wednesday) at 3:00 PM Caldas Novas time. Will be back tomorrow night with result.John Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10911570384631690889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732191388350483059.post-6556241730078336972011-11-22T10:49:00.001-05:002011-11-22T10:51:56.795-05:00Thoughts from JMB's MomHi Everyone – JMB’s Mom here (one of my better titles)<br /><br />I wanted to give my half time thoughts on my experience thus far….<br /><br />I am amazed at these kids…all of them! There are kids from all over the world, from ages 6-18 and they are fabulous!! My husband and I sit in the waiting area for hours each game. As we sit and wait for JMB to get done what we came to do, I watch the faces of all the kids walk through the door from the convention center after their game…some of them beaming, some of them crying, some of them with straight poker faces on. The little ones who just lost, are so heartbreaking…you want to scoop them up and hug them and tell them it is only a game- BUT IT IS NOT ONLY A GAME. It is not only a game to them. They play each game with such heart. I can only hope that they use this intensity with all they do in life. To the people like me who thought it was kind of cool that my kid was good enough at something to be invited – I totally missed what this means to these kids. They all came here to win and I can only imagine the emotional roller coaster that they feel game to game.<br /><br />As a parent, we want to protect them from any hurt or disappointments. As a parent, we know that we cannot. We know that our children have to feel disappointment to learn how to pick themself up… straighten themself up, and look at each experience as a lesson well learned. Will they learn that today….probably not….not while they are emotionally immersed. <br /><br />I had doubts about this adventure, for a lot of reasons. Now, I am glad we did it. It may turn out to be a time in my son’s life that he will later pinpoint as pivotal. It may turn out to be nothing in my son’s life…no big moment, nothing changed in him, I really don’t know yet how and if he will be affected in his soul – but I am different from this. I remember what it is like to love doing something so much that it is not work to you. I remember what it is like to love something so much you want to be the best in it. I remember what it is like to want to engage with people that are the best in my trade…come head to head with them and win….succeed in a goal or vision that you set before yourself.<br /><br />Thank you to all the kids – the best of the best – all ages – all of the participating 70+ Countries – for reminding me what it is like to want to be my best!John Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10911570384631690889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732191388350483059.post-91175180615951486152011-11-21T06:57:00.003-05:002011-11-21T18:19:24.499-05:00Some info from JMBHi, this is John Michael. Here is some interesting info thus far.<br /><br />· The first kid I played, from India, spoke good English, thankfully. <br />· The second kid was from the US, so no problems there. <br />· The 3rd and 4th were from Columbia and Peru, and they spoke no English at all. I had a hard time understanding what they were saying, but I got through.<br />· I will upload all my games when I get home, it might take a long time, maybe a week after we return.<br />· The food’s good, they have chicken, rice, and pasta every day (but different types).<br />· They call French fries “potato chip.”<br />· For breakfast, they have a bunch of breads and cakes and stuff.<br />· The bathrooms and water fountain are in the playing room, thankfully. <br />· If your opponent fails to show up after 15 minutes, you win the game.<br />· After every move you make and you hit the clock, 30 seconds gets added to your time (called increment).<br />· No one speaks English here.<br />· The 5th round game will be against another Peruvian.<br />· I am sitting on the bed right now.<br />· You start out with 1 hour and 30 minutes at the beginning of the game. You have to make 40 moves without running out of time. After you do this, an extra 30 minutes gets added to your time.<br />· My favorite part of the trip is all the people I’m meeting.John Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10911570384631690889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732191388350483059.post-50694114120672324122011-11-21T05:07:00.008-05:002011-11-21T05:43:23.245-05:00Chess PicturesJohn Michael analyzing Round 4 game with GM Joel Benjamin.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQNA1uwPX2O-P96JwDXRF9M8waEx55lf8eLtnxA6JPShbykfebrfiFAGjw9uoWu792f3aYRE1jgAXA4i_oCQ_OBuKfFNj_uZcVQvASh82U63vRWtOhwNiQzayb340xRQj7R5jB1-dKGA/s1600/SAM_0274.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677395988229668610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQNA1uwPX2O-P96JwDXRF9M8waEx55lf8eLtnxA6JPShbykfebrfiFAGjw9uoWu792f3aYRE1jgAXA4i_oCQ_OBuKfFNj_uZcVQvASh82U63vRWtOhwNiQzayb340xRQj7R5jB1-dKGA/s400/SAM_0274.JPG" /></a><br />John Michael preparing opening lines to play against his opponent.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0Vcbo-zCldIVkQ8fJTWbbERnI4vZumxAAKJyIR6NJi_WXXFdEIiMhPPaHuyFLh01276XmW-LJRTXS4H3JwxhbR3y-YksuJNX5R59Qh88NwqJN-DbrKVbG3d54RuX4fso2XkvQek_Tdg/s1600/SAM_0265.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677394705845260274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0Vcbo-zCldIVkQ8fJTWbbERnI4vZumxAAKJyIR6NJi_WXXFdEIiMhPPaHuyFLh01276XmW-LJRTXS4H3JwxhbR3y-YksuJNX5R59Qh88NwqJN-DbrKVbG3d54RuX4fso2XkvQek_Tdg/s400/SAM_0265.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Tournament hall.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-s1Nk3BnpjK6VYOwIo1gJRMfCkMriFL3e96mBoDV4aBSeAmk8IiAogr3IaT35clSQqMNvEAFdmAbUVhZmvnbzIsHZi20MxeUYU1oGpphi4WIULwNbgayln1dJxRqtHXoVoVGtuSEv6N0/s1600/SAM_0264.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677393573185187890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-s1Nk3BnpjK6VYOwIo1gJRMfCkMriFL3e96mBoDV4aBSeAmk8IiAogr3IaT35clSQqMNvEAFdmAbUVhZmvnbzIsHZi20MxeUYU1oGpphi4WIULwNbgayln1dJxRqtHXoVoVGtuSEv6N0/s400/SAM_0264.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />The United States team room is always busy as players finish their games and come to meet with their coaches to analyze the games that were just completed.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49rPndtCjpvv8P19BJ6zT2fFVT_HIs4m7snX4B1giibYUIs4a8Av3DPG3hx20tzPcO2VwLxWAwXqnwtemkktKhyA6z_UmAyH6RAaqaI3sXJ3iJF-mOLwjznTCMJXMxfpnevFqiFQUovk/s1600/SAM_0263.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677392370607679138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49rPndtCjpvv8P19BJ6zT2fFVT_HIs4m7snX4B1giibYUIs4a8Av3DPG3hx20tzPcO2VwLxWAwXqnwtemkktKhyA6z_UmAyH6RAaqaI3sXJ3iJF-mOLwjznTCMJXMxfpnevFqiFQUovk/s400/SAM_0263.JPG" /></a><br />John Michael analyzing Round 3 game with GM John Fedorowicz.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXZgSCJ6TzL3q2w9L19H3JyLrSN3tR5zUYcB8LMt7i4cIwX_4uBuMQYszOMmhNtYhyphenhyphenXHGntzAPANDhe9aKVHGNOGAicTyfns04h7yWX3HsgrMYK_1aW4sSyT-_fwr-K-K4OB-q2ZjIR4/s1600/SAM_0262.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677391069946099570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXZgSCJ6TzL3q2w9L19H3JyLrSN3tR5zUYcB8LMt7i4cIwX_4uBuMQYszOMmhNtYhyphenhyphenXHGntzAPANDhe9aKVHGNOGAicTyfns04h7yWX3HsgrMYK_1aW4sSyT-_fwr-K-K4OB-q2ZjIR4/s400/SAM_0262.JPG" /></a><br />Entering tournament hall before Round 3.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGRLA1aNbnZ4nlOCuWcsJrse_2VJS-Iyxi4fiCLeLw_pQqvO9j3SpowdH4J6GoOLnghWk8IMP9JXy4M28HfnyDMpYaXS4dOq0t_DntkI8AB8rc2YVJhGW4r4at52UWrdZwyD1_3ts3-Y/s1600/SAM_0258.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677390062087145362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGRLA1aNbnZ4nlOCuWcsJrse_2VJS-Iyxi4fiCLeLw_pQqvO9j3SpowdH4J6GoOLnghWk8IMP9JXy4M28HfnyDMpYaXS4dOq0t_DntkI8AB8rc2YVJhGW4r4at52UWrdZwyD1_3ts3-Y/s400/SAM_0258.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>John Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10911570384631690889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732191388350483059.post-83505138839028425792011-11-20T21:31:00.008-05:002011-11-20T22:27:52.029-05:00Water park picturesThere is a water park right across the street from our hotel - here are some pictures.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPM-LQYyO5We-qpE66LrlbtjHYspisGntZCnCF_YRB87l-Ich7QQ7dM4NrfbjqmY3G9fKvagA-x-xnQxa73C0vTKahAs9IdkdTWRx2fALvqYGZLmFeNRUi_jnvcPoZyo4N97TgAqwq4WA/s1600/SAM_0222.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677285000648009106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPM-LQYyO5We-qpE66LrlbtjHYspisGntZCnCF_YRB87l-Ich7QQ7dM4NrfbjqmY3G9fKvagA-x-xnQxa73C0vTKahAs9IdkdTWRx2fALvqYGZLmFeNRUi_jnvcPoZyo4N97TgAqwq4WA/s320/SAM_0222.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpnd__uhtt7pg_KkXR9RhUCQJT4V3XmlY7NOtGCSpFseB7SHZO78vKrDR4iTOzR7yPSb2FWe0CYRIhKzgrhMZAjrBFSHMxKqeAnYGFoGCIkVsKgz7TMkE4fbBo4_rw8vA-aIeMjWzHtQ/s1600/SAM_0221.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677283580914843346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpnd__uhtt7pg_KkXR9RhUCQJT4V3XmlY7NOtGCSpFseB7SHZO78vKrDR4iTOzR7yPSb2FWe0CYRIhKzgrhMZAjrBFSHMxKqeAnYGFoGCIkVsKgz7TMkE4fbBo4_rw8vA-aIeMjWzHtQ/s320/SAM_0221.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnLgYquQ9z0h3e5yE23Q6K-FbCwQdZi9nHIjwstOEV1KS-ug-uXRwB7k97Tcu3dy-AslU4rCATg0gsuE_AL9r_FgBs2zI95F6_by7R4GBYSvCAkqTxKiJ1cH5lLJ7UlfsTJDFzdFJrTw/s1600/SAM_0220.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677281913086240898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnLgYquQ9z0h3e5yE23Q6K-FbCwQdZi9nHIjwstOEV1KS-ug-uXRwB7k97Tcu3dy-AslU4rCATg0gsuE_AL9r_FgBs2zI95F6_by7R4GBYSvCAkqTxKiJ1cH5lLJ7UlfsTJDFzdFJrTw/s320/SAM_0220.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn1w3pOQr2Hy9GBXajyPPIviZoZTn_3zqrhsAvC_fBeWp1BvNIfUORKZla0cP0P05klc3yTv397IIHtfa_lkr84bASD5Faf1BcVq4FQsGd4fFzDla4HmoUZpZEcGWIz3PcriP7Fstbrq8/s1600/SAM_0219.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677279727974568226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn1w3pOQr2Hy9GBXajyPPIviZoZTn_3zqrhsAvC_fBeWp1BvNIfUORKZla0cP0P05klc3yTv397IIHtfa_lkr84bASD5Faf1BcVq4FQsGd4fFzDla4HmoUZpZEcGWIz3PcriP7Fstbrq8/s320/SAM_0219.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYw9jL9_l4AiloqzOVFTSrC4qAyjbMr2cC7PDHfCtPTg_5ZWqrE8_kNkXm5mbLzeYAykh21ACb-2tsHniB3lC1OQOR4A2UKfEKzE7XKHD4hInCOFfH5Ecqa6i43AR3_C0bS8uU2cc6F3E/s1600/SAM_0218.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677274697527461490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYw9jL9_l4AiloqzOVFTSrC4qAyjbMr2cC7PDHfCtPTg_5ZWqrE8_kNkXm5mbLzeYAykh21ACb-2tsHniB3lC1OQOR4A2UKfEKzE7XKHD4hInCOFfH5Ecqa6i43AR3_C0bS8uU2cc6F3E/s320/SAM_0218.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLeIpWQkWKuN_zg3IBJFVmI_pX0mLwP7zZN-FrjDXeFyGcBNE3yhxFotfH_RzJTReVRIv8NJigahKN_iWC69eFgdk5H6s0QPjE3aScgTExVyQeVcwfFW1hVQplHdK4PgKPBEYvUNLhxw/s1600/SAM_0217.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677272573025193970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLeIpWQkWKuN_zg3IBJFVmI_pX0mLwP7zZN-FrjDXeFyGcBNE3yhxFotfH_RzJTReVRIv8NJigahKN_iWC69eFgdk5H6s0QPjE3aScgTExVyQeVcwfFW1hVQplHdK4PgKPBEYvUNLhxw/s320/SAM_0217.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>John Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10911570384631690889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732191388350483059.post-28245895415149432212011-11-20T21:19:00.000-05:002011-11-20T21:22:05.337-05:00Rounds 3 and 4 - JM starting to rollHello all – Mr. Burke here again.<br /><br />John Michael had a great day today, scoring wins in both of his games. After 4 rounds John Michael has 2.5 points out of 4. Currently he is in 45th place, out of 121 players. For those that are interested, you can follow the standings here: <a href="http://chess-results.com/tnr58150.aspx?art=0&lan=1&flag=30">http://chess-results.com/tnr58150.aspx?art=0&lan=1&flag=30</a>. <br /><br />In Round 3. John Michael had white against Brayan Arley Polanco from Colombia. Brayan had no FIDE rating, but we assumed he was a talented player, as he scored 7.5 points out of 9 at the Pan American Youth Championships in Colombia in July, according to what we were able to research in Chessbase. As we suspected, Brayan played the Sicilian Dragon opening, and John Michael was able to win a pawn early, and then took advantage of a mistake by his opponent to get ahead by a rook. From there, John Michael cruised to an easy victory in a little under two hours. A nice workmanlike victory to start the day. It was good for John Michael to get a quick victory on a day where he had 2 games to play. We had several hours to kick back and relax before his Round 4 game at 5:00 PM.<br /><br />In Round 4, John Michael had black against Curse Flavio Gonzales from Peru. Curse was rated 1715 FIDE, and had also played in the Pan American Youth Championships in July. We only had about an hour to research this opponent, but it was time well spent. From reviewing his opponent’s games, John Michael saw that he liked to play a lot of wild gambits in the opening, which was extremely valuable information to know. It is such a difference to know well ahead of time who your opponent is – much different than any of the tournaments John Michael has played thus far. True to form, Curse played a new gambit in the opening that John Michael had not faced previously. John Michael was able to dodge all the tricks that Curse was throwing his way, and then took control in the middlegame. John Michael played well and won his game fairly easily in about 3 hours.<br /><br />Much different scene entering the tournament hall today. Parents were allowed into the hall to seat their children, which made things go much smoother. It appears that the organizers of this event are making favorable adjustments day by day to help things go smoother.<br /><br />Overall it was a solid day for John Michael. 2 wins in 2 games to get him back in the hunt. Still a long way to go – 5 games left to play, with Monday a rest day and Round 5 starting on Tuesday at 3:00 PM Caldas Novas time. Looking forward to a rest day tomorrow – probably going to sleep in and lounge around the hotel. A trip to town or the water park may be in order. Will be back on Tuesday evening with results from Round 5.<br /><br />Mr. BurkeJohn Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10911570384631690889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732191388350483059.post-41415260270013093132011-11-19T20:12:00.013-05:002011-11-20T21:29:23.364-05:00More Pictures"Welcome to the World Chess Championship" sign in front of hotel.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFaFMEUlnA7tF-a61OuT4ZwTqudn1VQBX7yALGhZtplYAXD2H35QkroeNaelrXr3vYoEt4bbTK8lVf95_sjK4xcJMAGXV2ZYgjf8QOrT4GCD7ARTv25eUty5Jrts6b14zIgPSdYmIDQsg/s1600/SAM_0216.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677263588583761938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFaFMEUlnA7tF-a61OuT4ZwTqudn1VQBX7yALGhZtplYAXD2H35QkroeNaelrXr3vYoEt4bbTK8lVf95_sjK4xcJMAGXV2ZYgjf8QOrT4GCD7ARTv25eUty5Jrts6b14zIgPSdYmIDQsg/s320/SAM_0216.JPG" /></a><br />Mrs. Burke and John Michael in front of hotel.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixlBFdk27Y5rTc9aaBtGvea860NjTO2vZtbGjahyloxwdpWhTWR76tLEf3FTWtO9HOr0kWZHxkmepgn-qJnLQ5CTUCXu5COKF5RePNwECIBg3r5kY1dzEND5VtKcPKfqmvdJw-2tcS4Rw/s1600/SAM_0215.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677260109242387090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixlBFdk27Y5rTc9aaBtGvea860NjTO2vZtbGjahyloxwdpWhTWR76tLEf3FTWtO9HOr0kWZHxkmepgn-qJnLQ5CTUCXu5COKF5RePNwECIBg3r5kY1dzEND5VtKcPKfqmvdJw-2tcS4Rw/s320/SAM_0215.JPG" /></a><br />Great action shot of John Michael flying out of water slide.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhELUDgi0KOAxApHe_JBlHNFYbnAWI1ZRoOGx86Kj7xLGZs3yP4LYrOTC6eWURHUIajcEIiQRF8cPv1JRIY9RAAhbCX7EByjoF4NSbu9g0SIEbgRcw7x-WAumIC7DJoppEWl5RYOMCI0cM/s1600/SAM_0213.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677257742542957842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhELUDgi0KOAxApHe_JBlHNFYbnAWI1ZRoOGx86Kj7xLGZs3yP4LYrOTC6eWURHUIajcEIiQRF8cPv1JRIY9RAAhbCX7EByjoF4NSbu9g0SIEbgRcw7x-WAumIC7DJoppEWl5RYOMCI0cM/s320/SAM_0213.JPG" /></a><br />Ping-pong is always a good diversion from chess.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJgz8U0SKsRtsX5C3Y7Uet19IIOf9RP2ZwgDHeAzZzOPASEwdZx1MO6_bmkXM4d2t1biGW5r_PyLXf7PkFnzFSBAeL3UjBUQ6ccvH80ab4seZg4zziO4yhozGYBP1TksfJADLj_LBvD8/s1600/SAM_0209.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677254946020729330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJgz8U0SKsRtsX5C3Y7Uet19IIOf9RP2ZwgDHeAzZzOPASEwdZx1MO6_bmkXM4d2t1biGW5r_PyLXf7PkFnzFSBAeL3UjBUQ6ccvH80ab4seZg4zziO4yhozGYBP1TksfJADLj_LBvD8/s320/SAM_0209.JPG" /></a><br />John Michael on the camera - he takes pretty good pictures!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztCGi20oDzDZbH1L_2xZ40m2kusqErRVv5Iol8twFXLDHCUOaY8NtpMNiZSgn7eayLDCp031OSrbdhMZiIZ1QL7QSJEeCuygEGeT_jTkzIOQlJoUWfoSdiDJxoXKz1Lpb_FzcugrUQrQ/s1600/SAM_0205.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676895509487222626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztCGi20oDzDZbH1L_2xZ40m2kusqErRVv5Iol8twFXLDHCUOaY8NtpMNiZSgn7eayLDCp031OSrbdhMZiIZ1QL7QSJEeCuygEGeT_jTkzIOQlJoUWfoSdiDJxoXKz1Lpb_FzcugrUQrQ/s320/SAM_0205.JPG" /></a><br />"I am in Brazil and out of school for 2 weeks!"<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXnAWs5aV2_zRXaCzZIO1JBE9uMcEsFL2OugfkQkUDmORoLVwT7taYqnR8-o4HVxmJxbEHf6M-xh4eLmLHYmwHsv8cmdfckLn8pO7xis_Dw7dWI4qpw84O7a1N7PiEUo-6QyxlAaCxE8/s1600/SAM_0202.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676893292917516914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXnAWs5aV2_zRXaCzZIO1JBE9uMcEsFL2OugfkQkUDmORoLVwT7taYqnR8-o4HVxmJxbEHf6M-xh4eLmLHYmwHsv8cmdfckLn8pO7xis_Dw7dWI4qpw84O7a1N7PiEUo-6QyxlAaCxE8/s320/SAM_0202.JPG" /></a><br />"I hope the ice cream in Brazil tastes as good as it does in the United States."<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9Qrv5VV_D4PQmOWlh9SUTIAJy_wUev9MHuvqVQg2-GVGWJMOnf77mGX0I5Rn4Gp4MzIBD22fyQRnZbQmmATZKaUmGjkfWFV5jnV8sO7hGN_UklkL9qukZfyaaeadY-Hih2UOPBWUNv8/s1600/SAM_0199.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676887729689742066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9Qrv5VV_D4PQmOWlh9SUTIAJy_wUev9MHuvqVQg2-GVGWJMOnf77mGX0I5Rn4Gp4MzIBD22fyQRnZbQmmATZKaUmGjkfWFV5jnV8sO7hGN_UklkL9qukZfyaaeadY-Hih2UOPBWUNv8/s320/SAM_0199.JPG" /></a><br />The room we are staying in is small, but functional.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfqSm0aNg3mM0MhQpFPOz02P-oc9Xq14LQsduExWZ2jrFcqYxJpswcNQjxTUAvByKCFxAGJqRnvsExkrqX7Ra-9V4KfRYsLWM2PpirIgrGbSUWIABq9pvrDScCXEXoUOM3pA45jh25ooU/s1600/SAM_0196.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676884949996167362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfqSm0aNg3mM0MhQpFPOz02P-oc9Xq14LQsduExWZ2jrFcqYxJpswcNQjxTUAvByKCFxAGJqRnvsExkrqX7Ra-9V4KfRYsLWM2PpirIgrGbSUWIABq9pvrDScCXEXoUOM3pA45jh25ooU/s320/SAM_0196.JPG" /></a><br />One of the many pools at Thermas DiRoma hotel.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkJW965x42HgiZ3GsJ147qXfnccw8zkgCFGCNvlKaoWhUsMOQsFwrkFAR8rFkZshemWO1xV2qqVvc669BYyXdkOdi7Wg9F-n2PpJpULW9WCcc6iPmW6dMSYPMTdwTQe0HjwO5Sdlrifw/s1600/SAM_0188.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676881461088431042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkJW965x42HgiZ3GsJ147qXfnccw8zkgCFGCNvlKaoWhUsMOQsFwrkFAR8rFkZshemWO1xV2qqVvc669BYyXdkOdi7Wg9F-n2PpJpULW9WCcc6iPmW6dMSYPMTdwTQe0HjwO5Sdlrifw/s320/SAM_0188.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>John Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10911570384631690889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732191388350483059.post-20536295762176580772011-11-19T20:07:00.002-05:002011-11-19T20:10:41.781-05:00Round 2 - The Thrilla in BrazillaMr. Burke here again.<br /><br />All I can say is – wow.<br /><br />In an epic battle that lasted 99 moves and 5 hours and 30 minutes, John Michael played Albert Lu, the #2 seed (out of 121) in his section, to a draw. It truly was an incredible game. There was a little bit of everything in this game: time pressure for both players, interesting tactics, and a long endgame where John Michael had a rook and 2 pawns against Albert’s 2 bishops and 2 pawns. Albert had all the winning chances, and John Michael had to fend off Albert for about 50 moves in a very tricky endgame where one slight mistake could have cost him the game. John Michael showed me the game when we got back to the hotel room, and it was remarkable. To withstand that sort of pressure against the #2 player in his section is quite a feat. John Michael was tired but happy after the game was finished. Out of 550 or so games that take place in each round, his was the last one to finish! Great to see him get on the board with half a point – he earned it! It is always good to get your first points on the board in the tournament.<br /><br />It was a little different entering the tournament hall for Round 2. Parents were not able to enter the hall to seat their children at their boards. Not a big deal for us, as we arrived 30 minutes early at the hall, and John Michael had no issues getting in and finding his board. Some other folks were not so lucky. There was a huge logjam at the door starting at about 15 minutes before the round, as there was no notification given to the delegations that players would have to enter without parents. Lot of confusion as parents were being turned away. Definitely going to have to get there very early before each round to avoid any issues.<br /><br />Tomorrow (Sunday) will be the most grueling day of the tournament. It is the only day where there are 2 games. Round 3 is at 10:00 AM Caldas Novas time, and Round 4 is at 5:00 PM. Going to be a long and late day! No games on Monday, so we can sleep in as late as we want. Will report back tomorrow night with results from Round 3 and 4.<br /><br />Thank you for all your emails – I have read them all, but haven’t had too much of a chance to reply. Will reply to everyone when we get back.<br /><br />Mr. BurkeJohn Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10911570384631690889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732191388350483059.post-15387670232406841932011-11-19T04:53:00.011-05:002011-11-19T20:04:38.185-05:00Round 1 Pictures<div>John Michael in United States uniform.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5mYYCy7eExb9xC7xXSnCkegEZUma7cLn3Ubnafj6YRXMU7EEf_4IfF-3tvAKQ4joL-nxVsIp52FPf6KcZhxT1UUYEcA-o09AHG06G647PoeaOhocL7JkjMyNc7Rp34nv-o98eX9Ujz0/s1600/SAM_0227.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676644335815755186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5mYYCy7eExb9xC7xXSnCkegEZUma7cLn3Ubnafj6YRXMU7EEf_4IfF-3tvAKQ4joL-nxVsIp52FPf6KcZhxT1UUYEcA-o09AHG06G647PoeaOhocL7JkjMyNc7Rp34nv-o98eX9Ujz0/s320/SAM_0227.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Waiting area for parents.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sWkK7nSOZOh56iPlpXVGlfFH2YFk8yB-fblupSUtN7FhL34MJ-UnrxiNusK4xf0FTpS-b1XgyB0iw-jMqaOArzoWushh9x4Ai6OyLArukbfp1d3s-NIyeqwQ7u-7FrD9oM7Oc7NUMZM/s1600/SAM_0229.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676645279620321810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sWkK7nSOZOh56iPlpXVGlfFH2YFk8yB-fblupSUtN7FhL34MJ-UnrxiNusK4xf0FTpS-b1XgyB0iw-jMqaOArzoWushh9x4Ai6OyLArukbfp1d3s-NIyeqwQ7u-7FrD9oM7Oc7NUMZM/s320/SAM_0229.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><div>Entering tournament hall.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMX0_GTQONNa7fY5BJx1xCBK7_n6Vo37Qcek3I0NvoybaLp5Xt-TBxu76OMaUxdgJVi0glXfcCZ7J27HS9Eme5-hymBcC75GoaqWdrcZExwpjlg9jk88HSpREq6UIh8nj02erEheYNCcM/s1600/SAM_0240.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676647195880540946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMX0_GTQONNa7fY5BJx1xCBK7_n6Vo37Qcek3I0NvoybaLp5Xt-TBxu76OMaUxdgJVi0glXfcCZ7J27HS9Eme5-hymBcC75GoaqWdrcZExwpjlg9jk88HSpREq6UIh8nj02erEheYNCcM/s320/SAM_0240.JPG" /></a><br />Mr. Burke staring down John Michael's opponent, looking for signs of weakness (only kidding - I am always very nice to John Michael's opponents).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqT75m2oE6sw_bupIo-OfkWoM8zv6-8dOtFPTAv613vfBMCbbqiCZaoykjtF3cy3aU3Ubey57KrK1fW4dL4QnDtKht5qDcxXoeHSX-rl05AZS3twxz7kyPboRa9QdBSTtuCgYLVFcNFJY/s1600/SAM_0241.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676649339745952978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqT75m2oE6sw_bupIo-OfkWoM8zv6-8dOtFPTAv613vfBMCbbqiCZaoykjtF3cy3aU3Ubey57KrK1fW4dL4QnDtKht5qDcxXoeHSX-rl05AZS3twxz7kyPboRa9QdBSTtuCgYLVFcNFJY/s320/SAM_0241.JPG" /></a><br />Isn't the guy on the far right a little too old to be playing in the U10 section?<br /></div></div><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PwgEoq1wxL2hNnHkRnlonzplExKqjzR1ToBE7UEtDvbrxN79I9WsRwzx9PWn3k22FLioBp8Ptt9lsg1x7vmK4CfJK5XCIh1_Z3stTvD06vdezbhoFPdef_CFPqYAsZ1WfzBRx2TmP_k/s1600/SAM_0243.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676650958405690946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PwgEoq1wxL2hNnHkRnlonzplExKqjzR1ToBE7UEtDvbrxN79I9WsRwzx9PWn3k22FLioBp8Ptt9lsg1x7vmK4CfJK5XCIh1_Z3stTvD06vdezbhoFPdef_CFPqYAsZ1WfzBRx2TmP_k/s320/SAM_0243.JPG" /></a><br />John Michael filling in scoresheet before the game.</p><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEgK1WFVzinoN6JOFtz9W1_wxzqdllBWjaV2OddLYKryptLmBAG7KTuY1VlyXd5SVQjpQm2jkfDGSKiIscwLnEkjuqTWNhpbnrm7an7fYyxxWeUJtxvPJZDK9zVWHMOTLBA9u6plsDWs/s1600/SAM_0246.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676652561058259362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEgK1WFVzinoN6JOFtz9W1_wxzqdllBWjaV2OddLYKryptLmBAG7KTuY1VlyXd5SVQjpQm2jkfDGSKiIscwLnEkjuqTWNhpbnrm7an7fYyxxWeUJtxvPJZDK9zVWHMOTLBA9u6plsDWs/s320/SAM_0246.JPG" /></a><br /><br />View of the tournament hall from the balcony.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEl8SCSWZZstyDsbQG11B16RMkVRE_20y8GCuNzpgFfVkX4pbcX8Vrca7JbIbY4bmPLaLuKNBKxdvIowIZJNxSXyvw-TGVA0gHvrPfrGNgqjIU6_c14pG52EkI7t3nvAhraBsXlZE0820/s1600/SAM_0251.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676873942803276530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEl8SCSWZZstyDsbQG11B16RMkVRE_20y8GCuNzpgFfVkX4pbcX8Vrca7JbIbY4bmPLaLuKNBKxdvIowIZJNxSXyvw-TGVA0gHvrPfrGNgqjIU6_c14pG52EkI7t3nvAhraBsXlZE0820/s320/SAM_0251.JPG" /></a><br />Ceremonial pre-game handshake with Nadar Anand from India.</p><br /><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzQbgqbQg-9-vYrV8o8KtjYnYHaY5ZkkKqhBXMNFJ-6cx8wYv5xt6VTNrBFoYF8kyTie6jRKdRUaST2RHRTjwegsxlZbvkQBtWtxGpCYbAXCr28eRZMLC7coJGav7cim7If8t8Ixe3dE/s1600/SAM_0253.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676876421606684834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzQbgqbQg-9-vYrV8o8KtjYnYHaY5ZkkKqhBXMNFJ-6cx8wYv5xt6VTNrBFoYF8kyTie6jRKdRUaST2RHRTjwegsxlZbvkQBtWtxGpCYbAXCr28eRZMLC7coJGav7cim7If8t8Ixe3dE/s320/SAM_0253.JPG" /></a><br /><br /></p>John Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10911570384631690889noreply@blogger.com0