STIP Open 2025

Introduction

Hi Everyone, this is post #5 on my Road to GM by 2028 series where i document my chess journey and lessons learned. I scored a decent 5/9, but it could have been way better. Unfortunate events occurred such as drawing a 1700 and losing 2 games in a row.
I was sick during this event, and was unable to think clearly as a result. Thankfully, i still performed at a good level, and reached 2000 in FIDE rapid ratings.

The Town

Stip is located in the middle of Macedonia, just outside of the main city Skopje. Stip is a small town, consisting of a couple of blocks. It was very nice at the hotel region, as there was a national restaurant located near the hotel, with traditional food. It was very good. Here are some pics below.


The town is atop a hill, which is the cause of heavy winds. Overall, it was great at Stip, and i hope to play this annual tournament again.

Thoughts on the games

Game 1 Michael Burns-Vlakeski, Dimitar 1-0

A usual first round game, where one always plays a lower rated opponent. Apart from terribly forgetting my opening theory, the game was smooth.

Game 2 Michael Burns-GM Rajkovic, Dusan 1/2-1/2

As white again, I decided to go directly at his king, as he played Sicilian Kan with a6, which often focuses on queenside development rather than kingside play. I got a advantage, squandered it, and ended up 2 pawns down in a ending. Thankfully, he just blundered his pawns, and i was even winning. But with no time, I offered a draw and it was quickly accepted. I am happy as it could have gone either way.

Game 3 Shapkaroski, Goce-Michael Burns 1/2-1/2

Here come the black games. He played e4 c5 Nc3 Nc6 Bb5!? where i chose e6 and after f4 I did not know what to do. c4 was the way to go with counterplay. After finishing development, as this is rapid chess, I was lured into a "fake" fork. Being non attentive, I snapped up the rook quickly and landed face flat into a strategically lost position. As the time trouble approached, my started becoming emotional, such as grimacing and fidgeting. I took my chance and sacrificed my doubled pawns, and activated my bishop pair against his cut-off king. He had to accept perpetual or else lose a bishop. A nice save, but i have to stop getting into these situations in the first place.

Game 4: IM Stamenkov, Vanco-Michael Burns 1/2-1/2

My strong opponent opted for a very placid and un-challenging setup as white with 1.d4, which allowed me to equalize easily with the queens indian. He traded most of the pieces and I followed it up with a draw offer. Peace agreed.

Game 5: Michael Burns-Micov, Vladimir 1-0

The Sicilian Kan seems to be very popular among the older generation, as my experienced opponent opted for this line. As i said earlier, it is risky as it doe not prioritize king safety, which sometimes leaves the kingside exposed. (Trust me I play this line myself sometimes ;).) I started play on the dark squares around his king, and topped it off with a lovely combination, sacrificing a pawn to lift my rook with tempo on his bishop. The game ended in checkmate soon after.

Game 6 GM Drenchev, Petar-Michael Burns 1-0

A bad opening mishap again. At least i will have my openings to learn. He converted without error.

Game 7 Michael Burns-IM Todorovic, Goran N

He played the Nimzowitch defense, but sneakily transposed into a favorable King's Indian. I succumbed to the standard KID attack without counterplay on the queenside. A sad loss.

Game 8 Stojcheski, Aleksandar-Michael Burns 1/2-1/2

Annoying. As he was 1700, and the fact that he played Alapin to kill the game so early. He defended very well, and i could not outplay him.

Game 9 Michael Burns-Gjorgjevski, Janco 1-0

Finally, a good way to finish off the tournament, making 2000 Elo FIDE rapid. He played a awkward sideline, Qb6, against the rossolimo and landed into a worse position. I started misplaying it, but the time scramble approached, and he blundered 2 pawns in a ending. A nice win to top it off.

Final Thoughts

Happily, I gained 53 Points from this tournament, bumping me from 1977 to 2030. Very happy to draw a GM.
I still need to keep it up with the openings. And to play better in general.
Thanks for reading! I don't know exactly when my next tournament is.
Michael Burns