FTR Chess Tournament

[JeffreyGB]

Several of us were talking in IRC and we concluded that there needed to be an FTR chess tournament. Further, we decided we should put some money on it!

Here's the way it's going to work:
A win will earn you a point; a tie will earn you half a point; a loss earns you nothing. We'll start the games as soon as soon as we have enough people signed up, however more can continue to sign up for a while, until we start round 2. In all rounds after round 1, you'll be matched against someone with as close to your score as possible. After 5 rounds, whoever is in the top 4 positions get paid (unless we have a really low turn out, in which case that'll change to top 3 or top 2).

$5 buy-in, (payment means TBA). I can hold the money, or we can ask one of the admins here to do it.

I'm thinking the payout structure would be something like this:
Over 10 people:
1 = 50%
2 = 25%
3 = 15%
4 = 10%

10 or less:
1 = 50%
2 = 30%
3 = 20%

5 or less:
1 = 70%
2 = 30%

So yeah...let me know if you're interested. We'll get this going...

[Sykedupp]

I'm very interested as long as its a live-ish game and not one like pawn-C4 or crap like that :P.

-Chris

[lonnie]

I'm interested. Playing at MS gaming zone? or yahoo?

When?

[koolmoe]

I'll play if we're talking about online play with 5/0 or so time parameters. I'm not up for long games or 1/0 2/0 blitz.

[JeffreyGB]

I'd expect something more like 15/0

[Legendash]

i don't know what that means but i'm interested. i suck as far as i remember.

[Zangief]

What kind of level of play are you guys at? I'm pretty much a chess fish. I used to play in high school, but not very well ....

[JeffreyGB]

I consider myself pretty good...

[Sykedupp]

Back when I was 13 I won the BC Junior Chess Championship and got to go to Ontario for the National Finals. Since then, I've played leisurely but not competatively. We used to train on programs like computer chess programs, and we'd practice beating them.

But like I said im not nearly as good as I was, but I still consider myself a good player.

-Chris

[Zangief]

So you guys have like tons of openings memorized? What's your favorite?

[Sykedupp]

cant say, you'll play me and find out in the tournament maybe? :P

-Chris

[Zangief]

I doubt it. You guys sound too good for me. I need an edge to play!

[Sykedupp]

aww cmon its only $5 lol

-Chris

[Zangief]

aww cmon its only $5 lol

That's true ....

What does 15/0 mean above?

[JeffreyGB]

It refers to the time limits that you can set. 15 minutes for the game to play out (per side). If you run out of time, you lose. In the end, all of that is implemented by the game server. All you have to do is set it for 15 minutes.

[JeffreyGB]

So you guys have like tons of openings memorized? What's your favorite?

Actually, I don't have that many openings memorized...used to have a few, but I've gotten out of practice. For a look at my style though, you could do a search for Chess and find the thread in which I killed a500lbgorilla.

[Cocco_Bill]

I doubt I would lose as much as a pawn against you scrubs!

[Sykedupp]

cocco dont talk about that which you know nothing about :P

jeffrey, want a chess match on Yahoo or something?

[JeffreyGB]

Like right now? good by me.

[The_Cheat]

i think in the tournament format there should be a limit to how many games you can play, or losses count against you or something. cause someone could just play like a thousand games and have the most points.

[a500lbgorilla]

I smell fish.

-'rilla

[JeffreyGB]

i think in the tournament format there should be a limit to how many games you can play, or losses count against you or something. cause someone could just play like a thousand games and have the most points.

Evidently I wasn't clear...you'll have an assigned opponent based on matching past win/loss records. Each round is just one game. Probably going to have 5 rounds. That means everyone plays 5 games, unless someone like loses the first 4 and doesn't want to play the last one or something.

[Sykedupp]

Sorry jeff I had to rush off, but PM me when you notice us both online and we can have a game :P

-Chris

[The_Cheat]

i think in the tournament format there should be a limit to how many games you can play, or losses count against you or something. cause someone could just play like a thousand games and have the most points.

Evidently I wasn't clear...you'll have an assigned opponent based on matching past win/loss records. Each round is just one game. Probably going to have 5 rounds. That means everyone plays 5 games, unless someone like loses the first 4 and doesn't want to play the last one or something.

ah. sounds good

[lonnie]

So you guys have like tons of openings memorized? What's your favorite?

Definitely the Sicilian Defense when playing with the black pieces. I loved the attacking possibilities it offered. Really opens the attack up on your queenside and provides tons of tactical opportunites.

[Legendash]

omg i'm going to get raped here, horsy's make L's yeah?

[Grand_MasterB]

omg i'm going to get raped here, horsy's make L's yeah?

haha too funny. I laughed out loud at work when i read that!

[kling]

I could possibly be interested in this. Let me know.

[Lucid]

I'm interested in playing. I use to be pretty decent but its been a while. I find it interesting that there are so many chess players among winning poker players.

[face]

Where and when? Chess is fun. I like the four pawn attack with white and petroff's and the sicilian with black. Also, check out this funny/tricky opening line with black against queen's gambit (I believe this is called the Budapest Gambit):

1. d4 d5
2. c4 e5
3. dxe5 d4
4. e3? bb5+
5. bd2 d4xe3!
6. bxb5 e3xf2+
7. e1-e2 f2-g1(N)+!
8 rxg1 bc8-g4+ (wins queen next move)
9. resigns

[Legendash]

bump

[JeffreyGB]

I'll compile everything together and send out pms for this in a couple of weeks...currently I'm going through finals, so organizing it isn't going to happen 'til that's done.

[JeffreyGB]

Ok, assuming everyone who replied is still interested, here's the list of those who will play:

1. JeffreyGB
2. Sykedupp
3. lonnie
4. koolmoe
5. legendash
6. Zangief
7. Cocco_Bill
8. The_Cheat
9. a500lbgorilla
10. kling
11. Lucid
12. face

If anyone else wants in, let me know. Also, I'm expecting at least a few of the people on there to drop out.

Please pm me for how you'd like to handle the buy-in. I'm leaning toward just doing a player-to-player transfer, preferrably through pokerstars.

[vaks]

OMFG IM SOOO INTRESATED>>>>>> LIKE YOU DONT UNDERSTAND>>>> CHESS USE TO BE MY LIFE!!!!! AHHH

Count me IN... (now ifonly i could build a 5$ bankroll)

but yes please count me in

[Sykedupp]

Count me out, unless somebody wants to spot $5 for me (if i win, ill give you $10)

-Chris

[Legendash]

I'm still interested but i do have finals for the next couple of weeks so i can't be sure if i'll be available

[LeFou]

you forgot me.

[LeFou]

1. d4 d5
2. c4 e5
3. dxe5 d4
4. e3? bb5+

*how do you figure? You mean 4 ... bb4+?

5. bd2 d4xe3!
6. bxb5 <---bxb4! e3xf2+
7. e1-e2

-The obvious exf2 (which your friends will actually play) results in immediate 7 ... QxQ, with what looks like decent trapping opportunities (7. Nd2, Bc3, Bd2). Alas, none of these are nearly tight enough.

I believe the correct play might be 6. a3, a simple counterthreat. Qa4+ is tempting, but 7 ... Nc6 takes care of this and the bishop on b4 so all you've really done is weaken d2 -- an important square at this particular moment.

[Trebor]

1. d4 d5
2. c4 e5
3. dxe5 d4
4. e3? bb5+
5. bd2 d4xe3!
6. bxb5 e3xf2+
7. e1-e2 f2-g1(N)+!
8 rxg1 bc8-g4+ (wins queen next move)
9. resigns

is not called the Budapest Gambit

1. d4 d5
2. c4 e5
3. dxe5 d4
4. Nf3 Nc6
5. Nbd2 Bg4
6. a3 Qe7
7. h3 Bxf3
8. Nxf3 0-0-0
9. Qd3 Nxe5
Those are the first moves of the main line Albin Counter Gambit. It is generally thought that black does not get enough initiative to overcome the pawn.

the mistake goes as follows

4. e3? Bb4+
5. Bd2 dxe3!
6. fxe3 Qh4+ (worse is 6 Qa4+ Nc6 7 Bxb4 exf2+ 8 Kxf2 Qh4+ and 6 Bxb4? exf2+ 7 Ke2 fxg1 (N)! 8 resigns)
7. g3 Qe4 leaves black ahead

the Budapest (counter) Gambit(now called defence) main line is

1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 e5 3 dxe5 Ng4 4 Nf3 Nc6 5 e3 Bb4+ 6 Bd2 Bxd2+ 7 Qxd2 0-0 8 Be2 Ncxe5 9 Nxe5 Nxe5 10 0-0 d6

[Trebor]

I believe the correct play might be 6. a3, a simple counterthreat. Qa4+ is tempting, but 7 ... Nc6 takes care of this and the bishop on b4 so all you've really done is weaken d2 -- an important square at this particular moment.

a3 absolutely, also 6 g3 Qd7 7 Bg2 0-0-0 8 h3 Bf5 9 a3 f6 which leads to some uncertain outcomes. h3 gives black even chances, the other moves are even worse.

[ArtHolmberg]

Is this tournament happening?

[JeffreyGB]

Is this tournament happening?

Yes, it will be. As I said earlier, I was too busy with finals to deal with it at the time of the original post.

Are you interested in playing?

[LeFou]

7. g3 Qe4 leaves black ahead

nice. I'm curious about your thoughts on some continuations in case a guy found himself here.
8. Nf3 Bg4
9. Be2

looks solid and would probably yield 9 ... Nc6
?

or
8. h3
preparing a succulent 9. Nf6 if 8. ... QxR (counting on a pretty shortsighted opponent, here)

If 8 ... Bxh3 you're pretty much screwed as white?

[LeFou]

hehe ... maybe not so succulent in light of 8 ... QxR 9. Nf6 Bxh3

But then 10. Qe2
maybe 10. Qe2 Nc6 11.Ng5
?

[ArtHolmberg]

Is this tournament happening?

Yes, it will be. As I said earlier, I was too busy with finals to deal with it at the time of the original post.

Are you interested in playing?

I'll play, but how will I pay the fee?

[JeffreyGB]

I'll play, but how will I pay the fee?

You tell me. I've got accounts at most of the major poker sites (and I have no qualms about signing up at another if need be), so if you have a real money account somewhere, find out how you'd transfer money at that site and I'll get the details to you regarding my account on that site. Alternatively, a $6 Neteller transfer will work as well (since they charge $1 fee).

[ArtHolmberg]

Can't play then, sorry man.

[Trebor]

nice. I'm curious about your thoughts on some continuations in case a guy found himself here.
8. Nf3 Bg4
9. Be2

think about this a bit ... look how awful white is here, clearly screwed

look at 8 Nf3 Qxe3+ ... I am not suggesting this(not the best move here) but it shows you that blacks sacrifice has been completely recovered in his position, he is definately ahead. just play it out in any rational way, u will see how hard it is for white to maintain equality of material, or gain any positional edge ... even if black just trades everything off he still seems to be able to grab up an extra pawn or build up a strong attack. so the moral of the story is dont play 4. e3? ...

[JeffreyGB]

Ok, here's an updated list. If you have an account on PokerStars, transfer the $5 entry fee to me - JGB146. If not, pm me with how you'd like to pay it. Similarly, pm me if you're no longer interested (or if you're not on this list and you are interested).

1. JeffreyGB
2. LeFou
3. lonnie
4. koolmoe
5. legendash
6. Zangief
7. Cocco_Bill
8. The_Cheat
9. a500lbgorilla
10. kling
11. Lucid
12. face
13. vaks
14. Trebor

Payout will be as follows:
1st: $35
2nd: $17.50
3rd: $10.50
4th: $7

[JeffreyGB]

So far, I've heard from only one person (who said they were no longer interested). Are the rest of you still down for playing this? If you don't have a Stars account, we'll work something else out for payment...just let me know.

Also, if anyone else is interested, we haven't started up play yet, so you can still join!

[koolmoe]

Can we have some more details? Like:

- where the games will be played
- the time format
- the tourney structure
- how matches will be arranged

Seems like all this stuff hasn't been planned out yet. If I missed it in the thread, sorry.

[JeffreyGB]

Can we have some more details? Like:

- where the games will be played
- the time format
- the tourney structure
- how matches will be arranged

Seems like all this stuff hasn't been planned out yet. If I missed it in the thread, sorry.

I've thought out all of this...sorry I didn't specifically post it. I'm actually leaving a lot of this up to the players.

Games will be played wherever the two players in the match prefer to meet. My suggestion (and preference) is Yahoo!, but any site is acceptable as long as both agree. I guess I'll state that it's to be played at Yahoo! unless both players agree to play elsewhere.

The time format will be 15/0 (15 minutes with 0 seconds delay).

It will be a 5 round tournament in the style of the US Chess Federation. No eliminations. Players will be placed into matches against others with similar win/loss records (so if you win in round 1, you'll play against someone who won; if you lose, you'll play against someone who lost). There will be tie-breaking matches as needed (I think this is fairer than the standard method of comparing the places of your opponents).

I'll post/email the list of matches. It'll be something like:
Round 1:
Player X vs Player Y
Player A vs Player D
Player B vs Player Z

Then the players that are matched up will have a given amount of time (I'm ok with anything from a day to a week...what would you guys prefer?) to play the match and report the results to me. I'd prefer to also get a history of the game, since most sites will provide this. It is the winning player's responsibility to email/pm me with the results. If there is a conflict, it will be resolved by looking at the history.

[ihategnomes]

Sign me up.

[Sykedupp]

Sign me up too, I have a friend who has money on EP and could give $5 to you...

-Chris

Sign me up too, I have a friend who has money on EP and could give $5 to you...

-Chris

Minimum inter-account transfer on Empire Poker is $50.

[Sykedupp]

how about if u let somebody take $5 from you in a hand that just the 2 of you are in? [/smart]

-Chris

[JeffreyGB]

Or assuming there's no transfer fee, he could transfer me $55 and I send him back $50 once I get it. Not sure if he'd be willing to do that, but if so, I wouldn't have a problem with it.

[Sykedupp]

his account only has $30, but if he wins some ill let you know hehe

-Chris

[Sykedupp]

Jeff! Me n you! right now! chess game in yahoo!

-Chris

you pick room

[JeffreyGB]

I'm game. You still around for this?

[JeffreyGB]

Go to beginner's section (since it's almost empty) and then look for me in Rookie's rink.

[Sykedupp]

*Calmly puts his size 12 feet into his mouth and chews*


PWNT. 2-0 to jeffrey.... They werent even close.

-Chris is even worse then 'rilla at chess

[Anonymous]

i'll play =) i used to play a lot as a kid like tournaments, i think i still have a USCF rating

[a500lbgorilla]

i'll play =) i used to play a lot as a kid like tournaments, i think i still have a USCF rating

He can take my spot.

It's -EV to torture myself through another game.

-'rilla

[JeffreyGB]

Ok, so here's the current list:

1. JeffreyGB
2. LeFou
3. lonnie
4. koolmoe
5. ihategnomes
6. Zangief
7. Cocco_Bill
8. The_Cheat
9. n00sh
10. kling
11. Lucid
12. face
13. vaks
14. Trebor
15. Sykedupp

Still haven't received any registration fees. As soon as they're all in, we can get started. To that end, I'll pm everyone on this list this afternoon.

[JeffreyGB]

Anyone else wanting to do this? So far I've only heard from 4 of the 14 people who signed up...

[Sykedupp]

thought you would pm everyone... i havent got a PM yet :P but im still up for it

[JeffreyGB]

I pmed everyone but you, since I talked to you about it on IRC.

Send me the money and I'll check you off the "losers who say they'll play but then wuss out" list

[JeffreyGB]

Ok, I'm going to open up play as of Monday. Round one will last a week (in part because I don't want to pressure people and in part because I'm going to let any late-comers/people who were slow about paying still have a chance to play). Subsequent rounds will be over as soon as all matches have been played. Results will be posted in a tournament results thread that I'll start once the time comes.

If you signed up but haven't paid yet, you have to pay the $5 entry fee to play! Do it now, so you can get in!

If you haven't signed up, but want to play, do it now and pay the $5 entry fee. Preferred method of payment is a $5 transfer @ Pokerstars to JGB146, however if you need another form of payment, that can be arranged - PM me.