2015 US Chess Championships

L1m1tless

First round is under way.

Wesley So and Hikaru Nakamura the obvious picks.

They have been going toe to toe for the number one spot in the US

Will So's trip to Bunratty give him the edge? :P

Live Coverage

eclipsechaser

I'm struggling to understand what just happened in Wesley So's match against Samuel Shankland.

Was 92. g4 just a massive mistake because he as expecting 92... fxg4 followed by 93. Nxe4 which instantly draws?

If so, it is just remarkable that he missed Nxg4. Am I missing something?

L1m1tless

I think you are right in your thinking. Amazing how he missed it!

eclipsechaser

Neo_Ninja wrote: »

I think you are right in your thinking. Amazing how he missed it!

Perhaps he thought Nxe4 still worked after Nxg4 but it's a trivial king and pawn win. I'm not sure which is more likely: that he miscalculated that line or just missed Nxg4 completely.

Incredible mistake but I guess after 90 moves, it's gets easier to make silly moves. It's got to hurt though...

L1m1tless

I am a Naka fan so I was disappointed but it makes for a more exciting tournament. I believe it also ended a 42 game unbeaten run by SS.

I reckon he just missed Nxg4. A sleepless night ahead for sure.

L1m1tless

So loses to 14 year old Samuel Sevian! Advantage Naka although he threw away a win against Kamsky.

Naka v So tomorrow. Should be a good one to watch.

eclipsechaser

Neo_Ninja wrote: »

So loses to 14 year old Samuel Sevian! Advantage Naka.

Naka v So tomorrow. Should be a good one to watch.

But Naka just blew a win against Kamsky...

Exciting tournament so far!

L1m1tless

Yeah! Just edited my post with that! Enjoyable tournament so far. Ray Robson tied for first now too.

L1m1tless

I must say, The Women's Championship is very entertaining, Some exciting games happening the last round or two.

Robson - So game is very dull today.

L1m1tless

I spoke too soon. In an exciting turn of events Ray beat So to move into second.

Naka only managing a draw stays half a point ahead. They play eachother in round 10.

Valmont

Young Sevian seems like a real future prospect for the world championship. I can't believe he's only 14!

L1m1tless

Definitely! He looks much older too. I was shocked when I saw he was only 14

L1m1tless

Starting in 10 mins, Sevian V Nakamura Should be a great game.

Valmont

Is there live coverage available anywhere?

L1m1tless

Yes its here, When you get to the page. Click on the little blue video camera to bring up the video and computer analysis.

L1m1tless

Wesley So loses by forfeit after 6 moves for writing himself motivational notes on a separate sheet

eclipsechaser

Neo_Ninja wrote: »

Wesley So loses by forfeit after 6 moves for writing himself motivational notes on a separate sheet

It's like an Onion article...

L1m1tless

eclipsechaser wrote: »

It's like an Onion article...

Yes but unfortunately true!

Valmont

That's funny, I always write notes to myself like 'LOOK AT YOUR CLOCK' or 'DOUBLE CHECK'. I didn't know it was against the rules!

brilliantboy

It's quite clear what has happened here..

Wesley So's recent ascent to the world top 10 is chiefly thanks to an elaborate code he has developed and conceals in these "motivational notes"

L1m1tless

They had already warned him twice about writing on his scoresheet, He then started to write on a separate sheet, he must have assumed this was OK as it wasn't on the scoresheet.

eclipsechaser

Neo_Ninja wrote: »

Yes but unfortunately true!

There is more to it here: http://m.startribune.com/local/299426421.html#continue

Valmont

I agree with the arbiter. So wasn't cheating but if they were to let him carry on, no doubt someone would take advantage of the leniency at some point to pass a message of some kind to an onlooker or something.

L1m1tless

Well done boards.ie chess fans. We predicted the winner! If only we put on a few €€€€l!

Mustafa Chess

How come So gets to go to the big one that started today and Nakamura does not. What is going on with that.

L1m1tless

Nakamura afraid to play Carlsen again! :P