January 14 and 15 concluded the 2012 Beach Chess Tournament. This year’s event was unique in that, to my knowledge, there has not been an instance in which three non-high school players were the only individuals with the possibility of winning the event overall. I only recall one other instance in 1999 when one Junior High School student made it to the championship match.
This year, David Morris and Luke Otting played an Evan’s Gambit. White never managed to regain the pawn and soon lost a few more, allowing David Morris (Perrysburg JH) to win the event 6-0, leaving Luke with third overall.
Second place overall went to elementary student Ben Brasic. After drawing his first round, he went on to win the next five. I must also mention that Ben had the two most interesting endgames (that I saw) of the event. The first was surprisingly drawn despite his two pawn advantage in a pure pawn endgame. It was very tricky and easy to misplay, but the analysis team (Ryan Clayton, John Pokrzywa and myself) were able to find the draw. The following round, Ben had to attempt to stop three connected passed pawns with a bishop. With the white king leaving the queenside, the game became easily winning.
As I count, this year my visit to the tournament brings me to my 17th year. Perhaps we should have a parents and friends event next year? In any case, the site at Owen’s Community College is a wonderful location and quite an enjoyable time. Please keep in mind of other upcoming events (links on the right) and hopefully if I don’t see you at those, then perhaps during the next chess season.