I played the Open section of the Alabama State Championship, finishing with a score of 2.5/6, a great result that was good for a 16th-place tie in the Open.  Not bad for my first Open Championship.

The rundown:

1) Loss to John Chancy (1909).  This was a great game until 45. b4, which I believe to be a game-changing error on my part.  By pushing my pawns too far too soon, I created a situation where he had waiting moves with his pawns and I did not.  I cannot win a king duel that way.  Eventually, he breaks me down and wins the game.

2) and 3) Nice draws against Valerie Hodgson (1500) and David Worley (1695).  I was 0.0/1 against both players until this tournament.  I make it to both endgames with equality and hold the draws.  David makes a nice final try with 37.  ...Bc7.  If I continue by rote playing my king between e2 and f2, I play 38. Ke2 Bxg3 and lose the game.  I even told him "a year ago, I fall for it."

 4) Loss to Alex Weiner (1950).  His 20. Nc7 is a nice tactic to win the pawn that ultimately dooms me.  This is the only game in which I fail to reach the endgame with equality.

5) Solid draw against Adam Townes (1669).  Adam was rated below me a year ago.  He is doing well.  In the big middlegame swapoff, I kept hoping he would play ...cxd3 because I was sure I could pick off the passed pawn.  Oh well, he knew better, and I held the draw.

6) Full-point bye and an early trip home.  Nice work if you can get it.

Playing these opponents, I made it through five middlegames losing a grand total of one pawn (to Alex).  Botching one endgame and holding three draws is pretty good work for me.  I like it.

Enjoy.

Download this PGN file here