Xiong springs to classic first

Xiong takes A while Bai bags B

The U.S. chess Mecca of St. Louis upheld its tradition of excellence by hosting the Spring Classic consisting of two Grandmaster tournaments, both featuring an interesting mix of players.

The “A” event boasted average rating of 2653 and it was graced by the participation of two great visitors, Vassily Ivanchuk and Rustam Kasimdzhanov. Yet, their experience failed in the face of relentless assault from the younger generation.

Ivanchuk will turn 50 next week! | Photo Austin Fuller

Ivanchuk problems started early with a loss with White to Varuzhan Akobian and it got worse, as the tournament progressed.

Despite this success the 24-year-old from the Netherlands finished with a slightly disappointing 4 out of 9. A similar fate awaited the pre-tournament favourite, the only 2700+ among the field, Vietnam's Le Quang Liem, who only managed a +1 score while losing some rating points.

The spotlight was captured by the inspiring play of local talent Ray Robson, Jeffery Xiong and Illya Nyzhnyk (I know the latter still represents Ukraine, but Illya has been living in the U.S. for some time already since he became a member of Webster University team, so I count him as one of ours).

One critical battle was fought in Round 2.

The Reliable Petroff

The Petroff (or Russian) Defence which is characterised by the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 has been popular at the highest levels for many years and enjoys the reputation of being an extremely solid defence.

Nyzhnyk is in his last year at Webster University | Photo: Austin Fuller

On the strength of this win Illya took an early lead, but he was unable to build on it. While a Round 6 win over Eric Hansen (a popular Canadian GM of the "ChessBrahs" fame), saw Nyzhnyk going up to +2, ultimately it proved not be enough to win the tournament.

First it was Ray who joined the leaders by prevailing in the following encounter.

A Classical Guide to the French Defence

This DVD gives you the key to start out with the French Defence. GM Yannick Pelletier is a specialist of this opening, and believes that the most efficient way to understand its ideas, plans, and typical structures is to study classical lines.

Robson (left) and Akobian | Photo: Austin Fuller

Varuzhan Akobian once again delighted his fans with uncompromising play, but ultimately his constant struggles with the clock caused him to finish in the bottom half of the standings.

In the same penultimate round the future winner nearly suffered a big setback.

A lifetime repertoire: Play the Nimzo Indian

This DVD provides everything you need to know to be able to play one of the most classical openings with Black, the Nimzo-Indian, arising after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4. Nearly every World Championship and top tournament features the Nimzo-Indian.

It took Rustam Kasimdzhanov until the least round to notch his one and only victory in St. Louis. I can only imagine how difficult it is to combine coaching duties to a World Championship contender with his own career aspirations.

Kasimdzhanov seldom plays nowadays | Photo: Austin Fuller

As for Jeffery, escaping from what looked a sure defeat inspired him to fight for all the marbles in the last round money game.

No need to fear the Slav Exchange Variation

The Slav is a magnificent opening, but for many players there is one little blot on its escutcheon - that is the Exchange Variation. Not only does Black apparently have no prospects of obtaining the full point, but since he has an extra tempo White may well make attempts to win the game. But if you know what you are doing, you can easily do two things as Black: equalise and break the symmetry.

Jeffery is only 19 and he has been through wars already. One can expect a big push form him in 2019, and what would be a better time and place for that than a week from now when St. Louis hosts another U.S. Championship? Let's keep our hopes high not only for Jeffery but also for Ray and Varuzhan, along with Sam Sevian and Alex Lenderman, who are defending the U.S. colours at the World Teams in Astana, and Awonder Liang and Timur Gareyev, who are resting at home (or possibly jumping out of aeroplanes). There will be some big scalps to be taken at the Championship. Go get 'em, boys!

Final standings — Group A

All games — Group A

Commentary playlist

Click or tap the menu icon to select a video from the playlist.

Saint Louis Chess Club YouTube channel

Bai navigates B

To conclude my report I'd like to say a few words about the “B” tournament. There wasn't much of an intrigue involved in determining a winner of the event. The 20-year old Bai Jinshi from China is accustomed to playing in the United States, and he sailed smoothly through the field by using his comprehensive opening preparation combined with competent positional play. Most of his victories were achieved in deep endgame.

I was delighted to see a familiar name there, my old friend and teammate Greg Kaidanov received a rare invitation to play in a closed event.

As the following game demonstrates Greg did not exactly embarrass himself in St. Louis.

Click or tap the second game to switch

"Greg parties like it's the 1984 USSR Young Masters in Vilnius all over again!"

Congratulations to all participants and big thank to St. Louis Chess Club for making these events possible!

Final standings — Group B

All games — Group B

Links

• Official site
• Spring Classic: Youth leads (after Round 7)