Visit to the Chicago Chess Center

This past week I was in Chicago, so I dropped by the Chicago Chess Center on Monday for one of their "Free Slow Game" events - a single-round 60+30.

The Chicago Chess Center is a small facility - but they have an absolutely amazing chess library (see photos at the bottom of this post).

But first, a Puzzle

I again found myself playing black vs an adult player - and again faced an d4 Nf3 opening. I said after my last game that I was done playing the Old Indian, but this time I really mean it. After this game I started into anything else - i.e. the even Old Benoni. I don't like these closed positions that require calculating unclear pawn breaks - at all.

Still, I was able to maneuver into a better position - but, as has happened in several recent games, I didn't calculate deep enough and played a "lemon" move that instantly lost.

I've made this critical position a puzzle. See if you can find the correct move:

The Game

Here is the full game. After I failed the above tactic, the game was pretty much completely lost after move 18... Still, I don't resign until it's completely hopeless.

Model Game: Kamsky - Grischuk

I found another game where white played 3. Bg5 - but black came out on top.

Main takeaway: black plays for a pawn break almost immediately - rather than playing a passive "system." This has to be the way to go.

BONUS CONTENT: Chicago Chess Center

As promised, photos from my visit to the Chicago Chess Center

1976 First Edition

I thought I was done buying chess books for a while, but after browsing this one I had to immediately order my own copy. Out of print!

Lichess doesn't support uploading video, so here are three stills from an Instagram story I posted:



There was another room with just as many shelves crammed with books!

MORE BONUS CONTENT

Also, we paid a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago, where I stumbled across the original Man Ray chess set.

That's all for now. Back to studying the Old Benoni!