2008 National Chess Congress

Over the Thanksgiving weekend I went to the 38th National Chess Congress at the Sheraton Hotel in Philly. This has become a tradition for me and my family. I have played in this big chess tournament in the last four years. This year, I really had a great time. I met all my chess friends there. I also did fairly well, scored 4/6 in the U1800 section.

On the first day, I lost pretty badly in round one. I think that I was still in the holiday mood not in the chess mood. The good thing happened after the first round. After the lunch (my dad got me some noodles from the Chinese restaurant, which is very delicious), I won the second game over a 1600 rated player. The game was very exciting. Even though I had an advantage, I was time trouble. So did my opponent. When I won the game in the end, I had 47 seconds left on the clock. My opponent had only 25 seconds left. In the third round, I was paired against a 1400 rated player. It was not very hard for me to win that game. After three rounds, our group (two days schedule) was merged with the people who played the three day schedule. So the U1800 section has 77 players total. Starting from the fourth round, I am going to play the longer time control. So I decided to take my time and think as hard as I can. My hard work paid off in the game. My opponent had an unsuccessful attack. He exchanged a knight and two pawns for one of my rooks. Then I won the exchange back to end up two pawns ahead. My opponent resigned, which saved us from a long lasting game. In the end of my first day of the tournament, I got 3 points of 4 games, which is not bad.

On the second day, I only had two games. Both of my opponents are pretty good players. In both games, I had the chance, but I missed. Then I made a little mistake and blundered a pawn in both games. However, I did not give up and fought to the end. I won the pawn back and managed to draw in both games. I am pretty happy with this tournament result. My USCF rating finally breaks 1700.