There’s been extensive coverage on Chessbase of the Tkachiev incident and how it was handled.

French champion GM Vladislav Tkachiev was literally falling-down drunk at the board during a high-level tournament in Calcutta.  The arbiter unsuccessfully attempted to rouse him.  He was ultimately declared in forfeiture.  Some claim that the arbiter’s attempt was unlawful assistance.

Original report.

Arbiter’s response.

GM Nigel Short’s conclusive rebuttal.

Cool anecdote from this Susan Polgar profile of Rex Sinquefield, rich guy that bankrolled the posh club that just hosted the US Chess Championship.

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From Round 1 of the US Championship, currently underway.

(Hat tip: Mig Greengard.)

Check out the Chess Club and Scholastic Center in St. Louis, where the U.S. Chess Championship is currently underway.

Click pic for full report, including more photos, from ChessBase.

Contrast to my local club, which meets at the oddly-apostrophe’d Carl’s Jr.

Trained lawyer GM Gata Kamsky currently leads for the championship.

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Speaking of chess, here’s one of my favorite chess videos:

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The leading Mormon blogs so far have not been able to beat the Junior Ganymede in at least one category: chess.  Recent victories over T&S blogfather Nate Oman and BCC newcomer Scott B. below.

Anyone else want to play?

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NYT chess columnist Dylan Loeb McClain notes a promising 10 year-old chess player who just won the Utah game-in-60 championship (all moves must be played in 60 minutes).  Good for this kid, Kayden Troff.

A few thoughts: (more…)