11.30.09 On a recent trip to Boston we took in the Boston University Open (David Vigorito took first with a perfect score) and checked out the chess scene at Harvard Square in Cambridge (where a lot of imperfect but nonetheless fun chess was being played).

The Boston University Open took place on November 7, 2009 at the George Sherman Union on Boston University's Charles River Campus. The tournament, which was played in four rounds at G/60, attracted 91 players. Former Massachusetts State Champion David Vigorito was the only player in the open section to go unbeaten and untied. Vigorito was closely followed by Anya Corke with 3.5 points and a group of five players each scoring 3.0 points.

After enjoying the tournament and strolling around campus we made our way over to Cambridge and Harvard Square's Au Bon Pain cafe, the modern-day version of Paris's Cafe de la Regence. Chess of all kinds is played there--blitz, bughouse, skittles and serious matches--all in the midst of philisophical, theosophical and political banter.

No chess player's trip to Harvard Square would be complete of course without a visit to Leavitt & Peirce, a wonderful emporium established in 1883 specializing in chess sets and tobacco. We hope you enjoy the photos!

2009 Boston University Open Crosstable

Outside the playing hall on Commonwealth Avenue

Tournament winner David Vigorito makes a move in his game vs. Max Enkin in round three of the Boston University Open.

David Vigorito (left) vs. Max Enkin

Second place finisher Anya Corke

The only player to nick Anya Corke for a draw: Aung Kyaw Lwin

Paul MacIntyre (left) vs. Chris Williams

Natasha Christiansen, wife of GM Larry Christiansen, has played in a number of Boston University Opens.

Jesse Nicholas (right) makes a move in his game vs. Lawyer Times

Boston University Chess Club Faculty Advisor Dean Robert Oresick (left) plays Massachusetts Chess Association's Mark Kaprielian.

The 90+ players in the tournament hall

Dr. Dmitriy Noy

Michelle Chen focuses intensely on her kingside. It paid off. She defeated Lior Rozhansky (2032) in this game.

Tournamnet Director Bernardo Iglesias at the controls.

Students enjoy gourmet meals prepared to order in one of Boston University's dining halls.

The U.S. flag at half staff to honor the fallen at Fort Hood, Texas.

The Leavitt & Peirce storefront on Massachusetts Avenue in Harvard Square

Leavitt & Peirce has a fine selection of chess sets and boards as well as a private upstairs divan to get in a few games.

The place to buy fine chess equipment in the Boston area

Practical tournament sets too!

John Harvard himself considers a position with a couple of his feline companions.

Although the outdoor tables were vacant on this chilly November evening...

...there was plenty of chess action--and good coffee--inside Au Bon Pain.