Sunday, July 31

US Open in Indianapolis

Participants of the Denker Invitational. NM Michael Wang is in second row,
sixth from the right, wearing light blue dress shirt. Photo credit: US Chess

The 117th US Open kicked off this weekend in Indianapolis.  The 9-round tournament features three schedules: one game per day, 6 days beginning on Tuesday, and 4 days at an accelerated time control.  The 6-day schedule tends to be most popular.  After the merge prior to round 7, all participants compete for the same prizes.  At the time of this post, there are 10 Grandmasters among the 311 entrants, led by top rated GM Alex Lenderman (Note: GM Illia Nyzhnyk is now the highest rated after joining the 6-day schedule.)

The annual US Open features daily side events alongside the main tournament.  Chess politicians from around America meet to discuss the business of governing the US Chess Federation.  Three prestigious scholastic invitationals each offer $5,000 college scholarships to the winners.  The Denker, named after the late GM Arnold Denker, attracts the high school state champion from every state.  The Barber, named after organizer Dewain Barber of Southern California, targets top K-8 players from each state.  Likewise, the National Girl's Tournament of Champions invites the top young ladies.  Each of these invitationals runs 6 rounds over four days.

Saturday, July 30

People's Open in Berkeley

Top boards in 3-day schedule, from left to right: GM Parimarjan Negi (W),
GM Nick DeFirmian (B), FM Cameron Wheeler (W) and IM Kesav Viswanadha (B).

The 41st Annual People's Tournament returned to its traditional roots on the campus of the University of California at Berkeley.  Due to the lack of a suitable venue in Berkeley, this event was held at Santa Clara in recent years.  This year, chess came home to The Faculty Club on campus.

  • Top players:
    • GM Parimarjan Negi, GM Cristian Chirila
    • IM Kesav Viswanadha, IM Ricardo DeGuzman, IM Elliott Winslow
    • FM Cameron Wheeler, SM Arun Sharma, FM Andy Lee
  • 169 total participants