Ameteur Team West

Evan and I are here in Orange County for the Amateur Team West Chess Tournament. It has been an interesting set of circumstances that brought us here. After several failed attempts trying to put together a scholastic ACA team, we had resigned to the fact that Evan would not be playing this tournament. Then I got wind that UCLA was looking for a player for their team within his rating. Although that didn't pan out, through that communication, we were contacted about NorCal Chess looking for an alternate for their team. Unbeknownst to us the NorCal team is the reigning team champions for the last two years. We signed up for Ted Castro's team with the understanding that Evan would play maybe 2-3 games. Evan was thrilled by the prospect of playing on the top seat team and I was thrilled Evan would have access to a top notch coach and get to finally experience what a real chess team environment is like.

We drove out yesterday so that we could visit with our friends playing in the scholastic event. It was, as is always the case with scholastic tournaments, total utter chaos. So much so that we stay out of the tourmanent hall area altogether.

This morning we were told that Evan would not be playing for his team for the first round but he would be able to play for another team if he just wanted to get a game in. Evan jumped at the opportunity. But as the round neared, we were told the spot had been filled and he would not be able to play. Then we ran into Simone Sobel who said someone from her team didn't show up who was supposed to play all games and they were going to have to forfeit one of their games. I asked her if she wanted me to play. So with 3 minutes to forfeiture, I jumped in. I played a kid who was rated about 1400 and I think I played one of the worst games in my life! I think I was just feeling pressured with time and all these people watching my game wondering who I was and why I was playing. It just was soo embarassing. Even Simone told Evan that I needed to get some lessons. Awful. I don't care too much because I didn't make her team lose anything, but I know I could have and do play better chess than that. I was black and I was not keeping a scoresheet. I just moved pieces and played defensively the whole time. He had my butt kicked really early in the game. I think we lasted 25 moves. Oh, well to finish it off Evan got to play for the second round of the day and he has to play Haamlet who we know from West Valley. Hamlet is rated 2069. I just hope Evan can at the least pull out a draw. I know he can. He plays better up and I am hoping this is the game that pulls him out of his slump.

Time will tell. I am using my time between rounds to work on a website for Timur Gareyev. He is planning to break the Blindfold Chess World Record late next year and I am helping to promote his event. Stay tuned for more details here.

Evan ended up winning the best game of his life when he played Hamlet. AND his team won the tournament. Had it not been for Evan's contributing win, he may have felt like he was riding coat-tails but he can feel good about his win and having supported his team. The tournament and experience itself was a huge confidence builder and a great opportunity for me to meet and connect with Ted Castro. He went over Evan's games with Evan and taught him some end game tactics. The chemistry between the two was really special to watch as a MOM. Ted is a genuine and warm person and I am so happy that I got a chance to meet him.