IM Danny Kopec Memorial Tournament Report

November 20, 2016

Thirty-eight players turned out to honor the memory of former University of Maine professor and Maine State Chess Champion International Master Danny Kopec on Saturday, November 19, 2016 in the Bangor Room at the University of Maine Orono Memorial Union. Winners were: Sergio Mejia (Open), Stevie Baston (U2000), and Anthony Freudig (U1550). Here is the illustrated tournament report with USCF crosstables. We would welcome the submission of any games from this event to post on our games link.

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WCC R6: Match Tied 3-3 at Halfway Point

November 18, 2016

After six game in the World Chess Championship Match the score is equal at 3.0 points apiece. Today's game was the quickest of the match at around an hour and a half and thirty-two moves. Tomorrow is a rest day and when the Match continues with Game 7 on Sunday, Carlsen will again have the Black pieces as he did in Game 6. When asked what the players will do on the rest day Karjakin said, "Maybe I will take helicopter!" to which Magnus replied, "I am not going to go in a helicopter, that scares me."

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WCC R5: Fifth Game Fifth Draw; Karjakin Nearly Converts a Win

November 17, 2016

Carlsen, playing the White pieces in Game 5, opened with the Giuoco Piano an ancient opening first played in the early 16th century. The last time it was played in a World Chess Championship Match was in 1981 during the Karpov-Korchnoi Match. Karjakin was much better at some point and after the game Carlsen said he was lucky to get the draw. It was Karjakin's best game of the match--to procure winning chances after the previous two games, in which he was clearly worse, is a sure sign of his resilience and a harbinger of a great match to come. In the next two games Carlsen will have Black. Game 6 will happen tomorrow, Friday, November 17th.

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WCC R4: Epic 94-Move Draw

November 15, 2016

The game started, as did Game 2 when Karjakin had the White pieces, with 1.e4 and a Ruy Lopez. The challenger played what he thought was a brilliant move with 18.Bxh6 but after 18...Qc6 Karjakin thought, 'What have I done?' By move 40 there were only two results possible according to GM commentator Judit Polgar: Black wins or the game is drawn. Carlsen pushed the computer evaluation up to a full -2.00 but winning a won position is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Karjakin again showed his Karpov-like defensive mettle by establishing a fortress and holding on like grim death. Carlsen's King went on a walk to a2 and then to g4 without being able to penetrate White's position. On move 94 the players agreed to a draw. The match is tied at 2.0. Tomorrow is a rest day. Game 5 is scheduled for Thursday.

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WCC R3: Roller Coaster Games Ends in Draw

November 14, 2016

The third game in the World Chess Championship match ended in a draw after a back-and-forth battle that looked drawn until Black's 30th and 31st moves Ra2 and c5. Commenters thought these moves were too optimistic and the beginning of Black's problems. When 64...Be7 appeared many observers thought Black was losing. Karjakin then showed why he is the challenger playing 67...Rxh3 and allowing the capture of his Bishop. This led to Carlsen losing his important f-pawn and after making two less-than-perfect Rook moves the evaluation dropped to 0.00. Six moves later the players shook hands and agreed to a draw after nearly seven hours of chess.

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Film Screening: Chess Champs: An Island's Pride

November 13, 2016

You must see this film! Local independent filmmaker Veronica Young chronicles the 2012-2013 season of the most successful scholastic chess program in Maine state history--the Deer Isle-Stonington Mariners. Granted exclusive access to all aspects of the team, Young presents a touching and intimate inside look at the players, parents, coaches, boosters, tournaments, and events that shaped the story of Mariners chess and their legendary coach Dick Powell. A poignant view into the heart and soul of what it means to be a scholastic chess player, this film brought me through a surprising spectrum of emotions. Two enthusiastic thumbs up.

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Roger Morin Wins George Cunningham Brilliancy Prize

November 13, 2016

Established by ChessMaine.net and funded by a generous anonymous donor, the George Cunningham Brilliancy Prize was created to remember and honor one of the most influential figures in Maine chess history and to recognize games played in the state that evoke a certain harmony and aesthetic. The winner of the Prize for the three-month period August - October, 2016 is Roger Morin for his game vs Will Ravn at the National Chess Day Tournament played on October 8th in Brewer. For his efforts Roger will receive a $100 check. Congratulations Roger!

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WCC R2: A "Completely Normal" Draw

November 12, 2016

That's how challenger Sergey Karjakin described game 2 in the World Chess Championship. The game started as a Ruy Lopez and followed well-trodden main lines until the game entered unchartered territory on Black's 12th move with Re8. Carlsen had an easy time liquidating to an even endgame and at times looked bored with the position. In a match of this nature, draws are very common during the first few games as both players feel each other out and are mostly unwilling to tip their preparation hand too early. The Match is tied at 1 point apiece. Sunday is a rest day. Game 3 will take place on Monday, November 14th.

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WCC R1: An Exciting Trompowsky Ends in a Draw

November 11, 2016

Magnus Carlsen surprised his opponent by playing the Trompowsky (1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5) in the first game of the World Chess Championship and got a lead on the clock as Karjakin had to step carefully in a well-prepared line. After exchanging bishop for knight and doubling Black's pawns on the f-file, White had some advantage throughout the middle game but Karjakin kept his cool and steered the game into safe waters. In the post-game press conference, both players mentioned that they heard crowd noises during the game and at one point during the game Carlsen looked up from the board suddenly and gazed out into the audience.

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ChessMaine to Broadcast World Championship Games

November 7, 2016

Thanks to an exclusive partnership with Agon Limited, the organizers of the World Chess Championship, ChessMaine.net is able to bring you free access to the games of the Match and a 10% discount on the Full Access Package including: 360 Video, Virtual Reality, Multi-Camera View, and Live GM Commentary. To take advantage of this offer use Promo Code PAWNE5 at checkout. We hope you enjoy following the games on ChessMaine.net.

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