The Panamerican Youth Championship

I should have been there eight years ago. Part of the Women’s Grand Prix was scheduled to take place in Santiago. We have put it on our calendars with Ety [Antoaneta Stefanova -Ed.]. But it was not meant to be. A sudden earthquake, merciless and devastating took lives and left Chile in ruins.

The country recovered and is back on the chess map. This year its capital hosted the Panamerican Youth championships for the ages from 8-18 years. The championships are comparable to the European championships with the slight difference that there are two continents involved: North and South America.

Over the years, the Panamerican Championships have attracted more and more participants. This year’s event welcomed representatives from twenty-two countries. Besides the large group of local players, the championships traditionally see many chess players from Peru and USA. 

Meeting the Pirc Defence - The classical way!

In this 60 Minute course GM Dejan Bojkov of Bulgaria will unveil the secrets behind the Classical Line - 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 0-0 6.0-0. Following classical principles, White occupies the centre, finishes development and can look confidently to the future.

The schedule of the event is traditionally tough. A lot of double rounds await participants and this requires perfect organization. This year almost everything was excellent. The players stayed in comfortable hotels not far from the venue, transportation was well scheduled and on time. Pairings were up shortly after the round was over and there was enough time for preparation. The activities during the free day were excellent too.

The only problem was the temperature. The event took place in the National Stadium. It was a spacious venue, but this extra space made it difficult for proper warming. The few heaters were highly insufficient to warm up the whole room. The players armed themselves with gloves, hats and coats, some were seen with blankets, but they were still suffering. It was winter in Chile and although the temperatures were rising during the day the players could not take in the sun. After all, they had to play sitting all the time. 

Try the Sicilian Kalashnikov!

Dejan Bojkov covers the main ideas behind Black’s setup, the positional ideas behind the opening, the dangers that the second player is facing and prepares a thorough and deep repertoire for those willing to play the line as Black.

Players from 22 countries fighting on the board, and to keep warm

The true value of pieces

There are many cases of material imbalance in chess. In this video series, GM Dejan Bojkov of Bulgaria makes an attempt to systematise the most important ones and gives valuable advice on how to handle the resulting positions.

In the stadium next door: Warmer outside than inside

Apart from medals, the top players fight for further rewards: titles and norms. Only the best players could win these — IM titles for the older participants, FM, CM for the younger ones.

There is also a team ranking. Traditionally, this is a fierce battle between the teams from Peru and the USA. This year, the US team was ahead. The young players from "the States" won four gold medals, two silver and six bronze medals.

How popular is chess in Chile? That is a difficult question. I'm not sure if it was just coincidence or if chess is really that popular, but the first person I met in Chile was already an avid chess fan: My taxi driver, who drove me from the airport to the hotel, once played in a simul against the best grandmaster of Chile, Ivan Morovic. He acknowledged that he was torn to pieces by the grandmaster on the board. 

Chile, too, does not remain unaffected by chess politics. Grandmasters Viorel Bologan and Julio Granda Zuniga came by and held seminars. This was part of a promotional tour in support of Arkady Dvorkovich's candidacy as FIDE president. 

Unorthodox against the French Winawer

The French Defence is an aggressive and tough opening. Typically, the second player shows his ambitions as early as on move three in the main, after - 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 - the Winawer Variation. Black’s intentions are clear - pressure in the center, and quick development. Check the new Learn in 60 minutes to find a repertoire based on the move 4.Ng1-e2. The author GM Dejan Bojkov used it to win a crucial game at the Canadian Open Championship 2011, which helped him share victory at this prestigious event.

Colour makes the difference

Santiago de Chile is a great city, very green and very friendly. But if you really want to see something out of the ordinary when visiting Chile, do not miss the chance to see Valparaiso. Chile's largest port, with its architecture and the way it is painted, is truly unique in the world.

Final standings - Under-18 Open (top 20)

A modern way to play the King's Indian

In this DVD you will find a repertoire based on flexible development whenever possible, and an explanation of some strategic nuances of the KID. The author shares with you a lot of novelties that he had prepared throughout his study of the lines.

...58 players. Results of all 12 categories.

All available games

Links

• Official site
• Full results (Chess-Results)
• Tournament Regulations (PDF)