With the passing of Fischer a lot of new information about Bobby has come to light. With several books on offer now as well as different documentaries there is a lot of different material out there to give one a perspective on Robert James Fischer’s final years.

What a waste… and it turns out in the end that he killed himself by refusing medical treatment for an ailment that he needn’t have died from in this day and age. Surely a sign of his mental incompetence and his stupidity. He would rave on and on about how he was a genius but who would let their own teeth rot out of their head, or not allow treatment for what ailed one’s own body? Bobby Fischer, that is who!

Mr Benson has offered up some interesting insights on Bobby Fischer and his photos will be a definitive record of Bobby at the height of his popularity. Fantastic photos!

Odd time control, eh? It certainly is – but this was a tie break game to determine who alone would claim the title of United States Chess Champion as both players were tied on 6.5 each. This format of tie break is known as an “Armageddon” game – where the player of the White pieces gets more time and MUST win the game to win the match while the player of the Black pieces will get the “draw odds” which is to say that if they should draw it is treated as a win.

This year both players had to place a secret bid – the amount of time that they would be willing to accept as black – in order to get the Black pieces. The draw odds is a significant advantage! So both players wanted the Black pieces for this game… but Kamsky’s bid was far lower than Shulman’s and so he won the Black pieces.

Please make note – this is not a “normal” tournament chess game but a tie break. Normal chess would never feature such rules and the only reason why anyone would use such a tie break format is to balance the need for the event to finish up in a timely manner while still allowing both players to battle it out for first – winning it upon their own merits.

Here now is this exciting game!

THIS IS WHERE THE GAME WOULD GO – IF THIS SITE WOULD ALLOW ME TO POST IT LIKE ALL MY OTHER BLOGS HAVE!

In the final position Gata Kamsky achieved a well known draw – that neither player felt the need to play out as it was too obvious for both of them. Gata managed to do this with only seconds remaining upon his chess clock! Next time – don’t bid so low Gata!

This is the second time that Gata Kamsky has become US Champion – the last time was 19 years ago when he was still a teenager! Congratulations Gata Kamsky!

- Chess Coach Sean Tobin.

I had been using another blog – my older one – as my main place to post as of recently.  Now that I am an official an Arizonian it is time to blog about chess – ONLY PRIMARILY ON THIS BLOG!  So from now this is the site that gets my fullest attentions.

I have had a very good Semester this year even with all of the distractions – of a personal nature.  Those are gone and over and I am free!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Which it really turns out to be rather better “place” to be – at least for me.  Now I can focus on my chess – the teaching of it and playing of it!  Gone are the distractions of yesteryear.

This year witnessed the arrival of Coach Sean on the National scene with some of his best students – all of whom managed plus scores!  Making me quite proud of all of them but of course!  It has also come to pass that I can now play more chess – making it the focus I have always wanted it to be.  Traveling and chess playing will be my objective by 2012 – right now I have to work on becoming the best chess coach that I can be while building my future.

What went out in 2010?  My Aunt, whom I loved passed away.  Donna Carlson was a very big figure for me in my childhood and the way she was lost was a real tragedy.  I will always remember her.

My eight year relationship with Bree ended.  Gone are the illusions of yesterday and what remains is a foundation from which to build my future.  I really do look forward to this now… the stars are lining up for me!  I wish Bree all the best in her pursuit of happiness – long may she ride that train till the end of the line.

One of my best friends from Oregon – Jason Evers turns out not to really be named “Jason Evers” at all.  His real name is Doitchin Krasev!  We became really good friends – best friends in my book – about eight years ago and in all that time I never witnessed him do an unkind act unto anyone.  He would literally give you the shirt right off of his back if you needed it.  He is and shall always be my friend until such time as someone can make a solid case against him – in my estimation – as to why I should rethink this friendship.  This story is still evolving and as it does it seems to become more complex and more interesting.

Just when you think you know someone!  Just when I thought I knew the people around me… it turns out that one of them had assumed an identity for over eight years and had never been fully honest with me – shame on you Bree!  I have to say I trust Jason more than Bree these days as regards many things – at this point in time! : P  Of course that is just how “unusual” this year has been for me.   Jason is still my friend and I his.

This weekend it is time to go play in the AMATEUR WEST CHAMPIONSHIP being held in TUCSON ARIZONA.  So you can expect to see a full photo essay here on this blog – so stay tuned!  I also hope to post some excellent chess puzzles for everyone here as well!!

Now – HENCEFORTH – THIS BLOG WILL ONLY FEATURE CHESS CONTENT!  NO POLITICS OR PERSONAL STUFF – JUST CHESS!  Ah!

Make it a great weekend – Chess Coach Sean Tobin.

CHESS COACH SEAN

Banging off the rust from his chess game!

I have been busy calling and emailing the parents of my chess students, I have been setting up websites for my individual clubs and I have been working on lessons.  So I have been real busy – lame excuse I know!

I am looking to put some more “content” on this site ASAP – so stay tuned!

- Chess Coach Sean Tobin.

- Coach Sean.

These were the photos from the start of round four this morning – Sunday the 24th – shot from 9AM till about 9:30AM.  Then I had to leave the tournament site to meet my teaching commitments as a chess coach back in Phoenix Arizona.  Quite the event – next year I shall play!  – Coach Sean.

Now that is what I call a cake!

“THE” CAKE!

I went to the Birthday party for my student Mitchell today – and THIS was his Birthday cake!  WOW!  Now that is a Birthday cake for a serious chess player!  If you need/want to know who the artist is that produced this Birthday Cake then here you go:

SUGAR

SUGAR

CAKE

STUDIO

Ted Scutti – President and Sugar Artist

Business office:
387 N 2nd Avenue, Unit 1G
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: 602.300.2625

http://wwwsugarsugarcakestudio.com

And don’t forget to save me a slice of cake! : P – Coach Sean.

I will provide some commentary upon games from this event in upcoming postings – as there are already many interesting games that have been played as of round four.  Shirov will have to really focus now and control his nerves if he is to attempt the amazing feat matching Karpov’s phenomenal accomplishment at Linares 1994.  Let us all cheer on Shirov’s brand of chess – fighting chess – and keep our fingers crossed for more of it in upcoming rounds.

- Sean Tobin.