DCC 2017 Review and Survey

".... we are here to play chess, take us to Brian Wall"

2017 Year End Review: 

Before getting to the December 2017 Quick Tournament report let me review a few statistics relating to the state of the Denver Chess Club's Tuesday night tournaments. First, I want to say what I really like about Dean Clow's CassiaChess software is its record keeping. We now have accurate attendance figures and prize money accounting for over two years. The records for 2015 are unfortunately incomplete and before that non-existent.

On average, in 2016 over the course of the month we would see 47 individual players. Weekly, we would pair an average of around 36 players. This was definitely an increase over past years. From memory. I'm guessing in 2015 the weekly average would have been around 28 players, if that.

In 2017 over the course of the year we averaged 65 individual players monthly. Our weekly attendance increased to an average of 46. Our high point in 2017 was the 3rd week of June when we paired 62 players. 31 boards in an energetic room. We had a weekly average of 50 or more players in 5 separate months. Encouraged by the significant increase in attendance, our goal for 2018 is to have an attendance of between 50 to 60 players each and every week.

In 2016 our average monthly prize money payout was 557 dollars. In 2017 DCC expenses increased and consequently the average monthly prize payout remained about the same; 575 dollars. But we also will be awarding 18 DCC Tour prizes to Colorado chess players who played often and played well in DCC tournaments. We had guaranteed a 1500 dollar payout but increased attendance resulted in a 2017 DCC Tour prize fund of 1848 dollars. Which will be awarded to the top 3 players in each of 6 rating classes, with each group getting an equal share. Thus, for the Tuesday night tournaments and the brand new DCC Tour, the DCC paid out a total of 8748 dollars in prize money over the course of the year.

If we include the prize money paid out at the MLK, the Denver Open and the Fall Classic the total rises to nearly 14,500 dollars. Well, now. I think it is safe to say the Denver Chess Club has never paid out that much prize money. I am proud of the fact that it is DCC policy to spread the prize money as far and wide as possible. Regardless of a players rating, they have a chance to win prize money in DCC tournaments. 

One final 2017 note: Our fearless, and greatly esteemed President, Brian Wall, the most well known chess player in Colorado, and throughout the entire world, seriously beloved by all, would like it to be known that he, the Magnificent, only lost two Tuesday night games all year. When aliens land here from outer space, it will not be; "take us to your leader", but instead, "we are here to play chess, take us to Brian Wall" :-)

2017 DCC Survey:

DCC players were not the least bit apathetic about filling out the survey. 

The DCC survey indicated that by far the most popular time control is for standard rated games. In months with 5 Tuesdays It seems as if most players would rather have a 5th round instead of Blitz on the 5th Tuesday. Although a good number also like the Blitz tournament. Speaking of time controls, it is unfortunate that we failed to include a dual rated time control question on the survey, in light of a recent Brian Wall Yahoo group discussion.

Players voted to continue the DCC Tour by a margin of 3 to 1, but 22 players also said they didn't know what the DCC tour was. Astounding to me. We will be posting the 2018 Tour details on the DCC website after the first of the year. 

We would like more players to register online for Tuesday nights, but it seems most players prefer to pay in person, or did not know online registration was available.

Quite a few players would like a separate Friday night event at our major weekend tournaments. With either a Blitz tournament or a meet and greet with a well know GM giving a lecture rather than a simul. The DCC board has discussed this and due to financial considerations and arrangement difficulties, the idea has been placed on the back burner for the coming year. Unless something falls into our lap.

For two day weekend tournaments, players preferred low entry fees and low prize funds as opposed to high entry fees to make a high prize fund. But the numbers were not far apart. For one day tournaments low entry fees was favored by a 3 to 1 margin.

We asked if players would like the occasional Bughouse, Blindfold, Fischer 960, or quirky tournaments like Clone Wars. There was definitely some interest for each, but most players selected "none of the above".

From the general comments: We are definitely going to "Use social media engagement to advertise events". We will address "Lectures could be better organized". "Find a permanent location" Our own building is a dream. "Pizza every last Tuesday of the month" is probably not going to happen :-)

We took it as a good sign that DCC players were not the least bit apathetic about filling out the survey. The increasing attendance and the vibrant feeling in the room on Tuesday nights is satisfying and we hope to build on that in the coming year. Feedback on any DCC issue is always welcome.

DCC December 2017 Quick Chess Report:

Since we were not going to be playing the day after Christmas, Dean Clow liked the idea of playing a 9 round G/20; d3 Quick tournament. With 3 rounds on each of the first 3 Tuesdays in December. We were pleased to have 4 Master level players; Josh Bloomer, Brian Wall, Chris Peterson, and Richard Shtivelband, (recently moved to Denver from New York) playing all 9 rounds. In addition we had Gunnar Andersen - taking a break form his chess coaching schedule - playing the last three rounds. The best of Colorado chess here at the Denver Chess Club. Not to mention the 10 Experts and strong Class A players who were also playing. 

Not a bad turnout for a Quick rated tournament. We averaged about 36 players each week. 

Quick chess ratings were used for pairings, but maybe we should use regular ratings for any future Quick tournament. Everybody knows Neil Bhavikatti is way better than his 1330 Quick rating. Sullivan and Griffin McConnell, 1650. Sara Herman, 1770... I don't think so. All of them more like 1900 at least. Anyway, that said, on to who won what.

 In the foreground, Richard Shtivelband with the White pieces against Daoud Zupa. Brian Wall with Black is playing Earle Wikle

Only 2 players went undefeated; Mr. Shtivelband with 6 wins and 3 draws, and Mr. Wall with 5 wins and 4 draws.  Richard's 7.5 points tied for 1st place with Mr. Bloomer.  Josh and Richard drew their round 4 game and Josh lost to Brian in round 5, but  otherwise won all his games. They share the combined 1st and 2nd place prizes, and each won 65 dollars.

Daniel Herman playing White against Josh Bloomer in round 8.

Mr. Wall finished a half point behind with 7 points. Brian regretted agreeing to a 6 move draw with Mr. Shtivelband in round 6. Quoting Mr. Wall "...I beat Josh Bloomer but was cursed when Richard Shtivelband offered me a draw after 6 moves. After that I could only draw every game like Schlecter/Giri." He still took clear 3rd place and won 40 dollars. See diagrams below.

It does not seem right that Daniel Herman did not win money for his 4th place finish. In the first 6 rounds he only lost to Mr. Shtivelband in round 3. Then for the last 3 rounds he had to face in order; Brian Wall, Josh Bloomer, and Gunnar Andersen. A tough row to hoe. His score; Draw, Loss, Win. to ended up with 6.5 points and no money. His win over Mr Andersen was a classic Rook and Pawns ending battle that went down to the last seconds on the clock for both players.

The exciting endgame between Gunnar Andersen and Daniel Herman has drawn a crowd.  

For the following prize winners, keep in mind their Quick ratings were used. Sara Herman won the U1900 prize with a 6 point score, that included wins over Chris Peterson and Earle Wikle. Was good to see Mr. Wikle at this tournament, and we hope to see him more often, now that he has joined the DCC. Neil Bhavikatti won the U1800 prize with 5.5 points. He also took a game from Mr. Peterson. Chris had a rough tournament, but he did work his way up to board 1 for the last round. Only to lose to Mr. Shtivelband. Sara and Neil each won 35 dollars.

Neil Bhavikatti is checking out Sara Herman's round 7 game against Daoud Zupa.

Griffin McConnell and Seth Vander share the combined U1700 and U1500 prize of 70 dollars with 5 point final scores. Griffin is probably disappointed with his score in light of the recent increase in his regular rating; while Mr. Vander is probably quite pleased after a long lay off from tournament chess. Welcome back, Mr. Vander. Griffin, just count the money :-)

Shirley Herman and Nicolas Torres having some fun with Seth Vander's dog. 

None other than Shirley Herman won the U1300 prize of 35 dollars with a final score of 4.5 points. Winning against the wily DCC veteran, Paul Kullback, in the last round. Again, I'm gonna tell anyone who will listen that Ms. Herman is way better than her 3 digit Quick rating. Way better than her regular rating too.

Finally, next Tuesday, January 2nd, we will be having our annual DCC Pizza Party to kick off the New Year. All Colorado chess players are invited and welcome. Then the 5 round  January tournament will determine the DCC Tuesday Night 2018 Champions in 3 sections; Open, U1900 and U1500. Winners receive a trophy and of course the prize money. 

Thanks to all who have and are playing at the Denver Chess Club,

J.C. MacNeil

Here is a few of Brian Wall's games from the Quick tournament: 

1) Brian Wall vs. Ricardo Bogaert. Round 3. Black has just played 30... Kf8. Find the tactical shot Mr. Wall plays in this position. https://denverchess.com/games/view/17183 With computer notes: https://denverchess.com/games/view/17184 

2) Brian Wall vs. Meint Olthof. Round 2. White's last move was 34. Qb6 and Mr. Olthof's flag fell.  Bran credited Meint with having played a good game, but he could not withstand Brian's masterful technique from around move 22. onward. https://denverchess.com/games/view/17188 With computer notes: https://denverchess.com/games/view/17189 

3) Brian Wall vs. Josh Bloomer. Round 5. Black has just played 21... Bc3 and Mr. Wall played 22. Qa3 later saying any other Queen move was better. Where would you have moved the Queen? 

4) The same game after 32. Qb8+.  Here Brian said something like... he had been looking for a draw, but "couldn't find one, so I was forced to win the game" :-) See how he did just that here: https://denverchess.com/games/view/17210 With computer notes: https://denverchess.com/games/view/17211

5) Richard Shtivelband vs. Brian Wall. Round 6. Draw agreed in this position. 6 moves into the game. The photo below sort of captures Mr. Wall's regret after accepting the draw offer. 

 Brian Wall is sitting away from the tables, while everybody else is still playing.