PARA GAMES

PARA R3: CATOLOS

[W: Des CATOLOS]
[B: Rhal SOL CRUZ]
[PARA GAMES]
[R3 BD5]
[MERALCO, Pasig City]
[July 11, 2009]
[0-1]



1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bb5 d6
The (Old) Steinitz Defense of the RUY LOPEZ was championed by the first World Champion Wilhelm Steinitz.

4 d4 a6? 
Alekhine vs Capablanca in St. Petersburg 1914 continued with 4... exd4 5. Nxd4 Bd7 6. Nc3 Nf6 7. O-O Be7 8. Nf5 Bxf5 9. exf5 O-O 10. Re1 Nd7 11. Nd5 Bf6 12. c3 Nb6 13. Nxf6+ Qxf6 14. Bxc6 bxc6 15. Qf3 Rfe8 16. Be3 c5 17. Re2 Re5 18. Rae1 Rae8 19. Qb7 Qxf5 20. Qxc7 Qe6 21. Qxa7 Nd5 22. Kf1 Nf4 23. Rd2 Nxg2 24. Kxg2 Qg4+ 25.Kf1 Qh3+ 26. Ke2 Rxe3+ 27. fxe3 Qxe3+ 28. Kd1 Qxe1+ 29. Kc2 Qe4+ 30. Kb3 Qc6 31. a4 d5 32. a5 Qb5+ 33. Ka3 Rb8 34. Ka2 h6 35. a6 Qb3+ 0-1



5 BxNc6 bxc6 6 dxe4 Bg4 7 exd6 cxd6 
Developing the B with 7... Bxd6 is better.


8 O-O Bxf3? 
Developing the N with 8... Nf6 is better.


9 Qxf3 +- Nf6 10 Bg5 Be7 11 Nc3 h6 12 Be3 Rb8 13 b3 Nh7? 
Rybka recommends castling at this point.


14 Rad1 +- Bf6 15 Na4 Bg5 16 Bxg5 Nxg5 17 Qf4 O-O 18 Qxd6 Qxd6 19 Rxd6 Rbc8? 20 Nc5 Rfd8 21 Rfd1 Re8 22 f3 f6 23 Nxa6 Nf7 24 Rd7 Ra8?? 25 Nc5? Rxa2 26 c4 Ne5

27 Nd3?? Nxd7 -+
[0-1]

VCR CUP: NM Vasquez

[W: Rhal SOL CRUZ]
[B: NM VASQUEZ]
[BD 4 of 7]
[VCR CUP SIMUL]
[MERALCO, Pasig City]
[July 3, 2009]
1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Nc3 Nf6 4 d4 Bb4 5 PxP NxP 6 Bd2 NxB 7 QxN O-O 8 a3 BxN 9 QxB Re8 10 Bc4 Qe7 11 O-O NxP??



[1/2-`1/2

Sol Cruz vs NM Vasquez

W: Rhal SOL CRUZ
B: NM VASQUEZ
MERALCO, Pasig City



1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Nc3 Nf6 4 d4 PxP 5 NxP Bb4 6 NxN bxc6 7 Bd3 O-O 8 O-O Re8 9 Re1 d6 10 Bd2 h6 11 a3 Ba5 12 b4 Bb6 13 Na4 Ng4 14 Nxb6 axb6 15 h3 Nd5 16 Bf4 Qf6 17 BxN RxB 18 Re3 d5 19 Qe2 PxP 20 RxP RxR 21 QxR QxR+ 22 Kh2 Qf6???
[1-0]

PALMDALE AGE GROUP

IM Rolando NOLTE

JPF Thanksgiving Cup
W: IM Rolando NOLTE
B: Rhal SOL CRUZ
Simul Match

1 Nf3 d5 2 d4 Nf6 3 c4 c6 4 Nc3 e6 5 e3 Bb4 6 Qc2 Nbd7 7 Bd2 b6 8 a3

8... Bd6?
Rybka rates this as an advantage for White (+1.26). It recommends 8... Be7 (+0.34) and 8... Bxc3 (+0.43).

9 Bd3 Qc7

10 e4 dxe4=
Nimzovich wrote in My System, "A center pawn should always be taken if this can be done without too great danger."

11 Nxe4 c5 12 Nxd6+ Qxd6 13 O-O-O Bb7=













However, cxd4 will give Black a slight advantage (-0.23).

14 dxc5 Qxc5 (0.32)
Better is Nxc5 (-0.20).

15 Bb4 Qc7=
This is Rybka's top choice!













16 Be2 a5
This gives White a slight advantage (0.60). Nc5, Ne4 and Be4 equalizes.

17 Bd6 Qc6
Again, this is Rybka's top choice!

18 Ng5













18... Ne4??
The best move is Qxg2=.

19 Bf3+- (2.63) f5 20 Nxe6 Rc8 21 Nxg7+ Kd8 22 Ne6+ Ke8 23 Bh5# 


[1-0] 

SHELL NCR Kiddies Results

Rank Name Pts
1 ALFONSO Jeremiah 7
2 BALTAZAR Melwyn Kenneth 6½
3 CRISTOBAL Kristian Paulo 6½
4 NANOLA Christian 6
5 MEDINA Vince Angelo 6
6 BERSAMINA Paulo 6
7 DULAY Dave Patrick 6
8 JAVIER Neil Collins 6
9 LAGULA Mcdominique 6
10 EVANGELISTA Paul Bert 6
11 MEJIA Giovanni 6
12 FLORES Christian Anthony 6
13 VERGARA Sudama Khrisna 6
14 KWOK Malcolm Leeland 5½
15 CORONEL Aldous Roy 5½
16 SICAT Kevin 5½
17 DOCENA Jerad 5½
18 DE LEON Haince Patrick 5½
19 FLORO Ralph Jordan 5½
20 FUERTE Vincent Joseph 5½
21 LOBITANA Raffy 5½
22 SAMANTILA Daryl Unix 5½
23 SALDO Jonniel Lloyd 5½
24 CRUZ Renato 5
25 CASIANO Paul Benjamin 5
26 ENRIQUEZ Jean Karen 5
27 PAULITE Christian Carlo 5
28 COBSILEN Clifford Jr. 5
29 MALIAM Elijah 5
30 VERANO Dante Leonardo 5
31 CORTES Ma. Essah Theresa 5
32 QUE Joseph Ernest 5
33 CABUAL Gino Divino 5
34 RICO Eva Marian 5
35 BONIFACIO Anfernee 5
36 DRAPETE Christian Ray 5
37 CANADA Crissa 5
38 AVELLANA Renzoe Vince 5
39 CASTRO Jose Carlo 5
40 GALAS Bernadette 5
41 MARGARITO John Eric 5
42 GUTIERREZ Jaymarc 5
43 MAGPILY John Michael 5
44 LABOG Marc Kevin 5
45 GONZALES Julius 5
46 MAYOR Lorenz Jeremy 5
47 REYES Prince Kenneth 5
48 QUINTO Sheila Mae 5
49 BARCELON Bryan 5
50 CABIDA Christian Dave 5
51 SAQUILAYAN Drexter 5
52 JIMENEZ Wilmark 5
53 RAMOS Justine Joshua 5
54 ORTEGA Evan Reck 5
55 MADCASIM Reema 5
56 PRAILE John Canny 5
57 LUCHINA Christian David 5
58 PRADO Davemar 5
59 GERALDINO Cyrey 5
60 PEREZ Remdee Angiel 5
61 MARCELLANA Mark James 5
62 LAUDE Edward Rowell 5
63 ONG GUE Romel Septan 4½
64 CUNANAN Homel Aristotle 4½
65 NOCELLADO Jerick 4½
66 BONIFACIO Joribene 4½
67 CANAPE Ynna Sophia 4½
68 DELA CRUZ Jean Paula 4½
69 VIERNES Tucker Howard Elsteine 4½
70 MENDEZ Lawrence 4½
71 CARANYAGAN Carlo 4½
72 PRESENTE Juan Carlos 4½
73 PALACIO John Tristan 4½
74 GUTIERREZ John Cedric 4½
75 CAPULE Shem Jasper 4½
76 CAUNCA Louie 4½
77 SAN JUAN M. Mae=bel Grace 4½
78 ROMASANTA Rommel 4½
79 FULCHER Lawrean Angeley 4½
80 FAGON Romy 4
81 DELA CRUZ Jon Ira 4
82 SALTORIO Jefferson 4
83 AQUINO Stella Theresa 4
84 ALVAREZ Don 4
85 LOZANO Marx 4
86 FUERTE Mary Joyce 4
87 MAGO Ian Rogel 4
88 BALINGIT Hans Christian 4
89 CULILI Yosef Banderas 4
90 DE CASTRO Ma. Allianah Joie 4
91 UY Philip Andrew 4
92 VILLA Enrica 4
93 RAMOS Lucas 4
94 LUMACAD Jerome Christian 4
95 DOCENA Jesca 4
96 DATU John Vasilly 4
97 PRAILE Mary Rose 4
98 FRONDA Jusmel Christian 4
99 ANONUEVO Amansinaya 4
100 CADOY Brian Christian 4
101 DUENAS Erveen Mars 4
102 RELATIVO Paul Carlo 4
103 CABUGAO Earl Nathaniel 4
104 MANERO Marc Angelo 4
105 MARQUEZ Ivan Csar 4
106 MIRANDA Mel Joseph 4
107 TALAPIAN Surewin 4
108 ORINION Joseph 4
109 YANO Elvin 4
110 MACAPAGAL Kianjoo 4
111 COCHING Caesar Louis Zion 4
112 VICENTE Venice 4
113 CAMILLO Francine 4
114 GACELO Marvin Bryan 4
115 GUTIERREZ Mikael Bianca 4
116 PALMA Vince 4
117 COCHING Christiane 4
EXIOMO Ronald Joseph 4
119 PELAYO Ariel Kenneth 4
120 SUEDE Alexis 4
121 EXIOMO Rodney 4
122 DELA CRUZ Timothy James 4
123 NG Jenny Sze Mui 4
124 DIONISIO Nikko Ver 4
125 NARCISO Jeru Israel 4
126 ALI Bin-Ali 4
127 MARIANO Justine Nicole 4
128 MADCASIM Abdullah 4
129 FORTES Roben Jaime 4
130 LEGASPI Jhonel 4
131 RAMOS Noah 4
132 ESTAVILLO Stephen Von 4
133 ROGADO Jonas Joshua 4
134 GRANADA Matthew 4
135 REYES Mark Onil 4
136 JERUSALEM Edwin Jr. 4
137 SANTIANO Al 4
138 HERNANDEZ Mackay 4
139 GUTIERREZ Dennis Iii 4
140 SABULARSE Julian Lorenzo 4
141 NUESTRO Angelo Isaiah 4
142 BUCLATIN Raycel 4
143 FERNANDEZ Patrick Lance 4
144 MALIAM Clarissa Faith 4
145 NASAD Vincent Frank 4
146 MENDOZA Shania Mae 3½
147 YANO Kimberly Ann 3½
148 GERALDINO Rey 3½
149 ENAJE Melody 3½
150 CASIANO Martina Sophia 3½
151 ABOGANDA Jhay 3½
152 FERRER John Paul 3½
153 ULANDAY Kevin Paolo 3½
154 TABOL Ana Margarita 3½
155 LANDICHO Maverick John Michael 3½
156 GAMAYOT Janela Joyce 3½
157 SALTORIO Jolina Mae. 3½
158 GRIMALDO Michael 3½
159 REYES John Ray 3½
160 NARCISO Jeremy John 3½
161 ASUNCION Ryan James 3½
162 SOL CRUZ Raul Jr. 3½
163 MONTECLARO Mark Lester 3½
164 GUTIERREZ Dennis Jr. 3
165 BASILIO Mikko Joselino 3
166 CATINDIG Julie Pearl 3
167 DE LEON Luke Matthew 3
168 CABILES Albert 3
169 SALAZAR John Emil 3
170 DELA CRUZ Roel Ian 3
171 WERBA Crystal Jade 3
172 PAGKALIWANGAN Joshua 3
173 BALSALUBRE Ricardo 3
174 GUMASING Manolito 3
175 SALCEDO Byl Ezekiel 3
176 CAMILLO Francisc 3
177 VILLANUEVA Angelie 3
178 DE LIMA Fritz 3
179 VOLUNTATE Joshua Ron 3
180 AUSTRIA Jonas Philip 3
181 DURIAN Miscah Allain 3
182 DELOS SANTOS Kim Limuel 3
183 ALVAREZ Angel 3
184 ESCOLAR Vincenzo Giusseppe 3
185 MAGURA Lawrence 3
186 BUCLATIN Geneel 3
187 REANO Jessther 3
188 TUMANDA Al Samuel 3
189 MAGO Rojan Vic 3
190 CASTILLO James Gabriel 3
191 PERICO Jenerson 3
192 BULABOS John Kenneth 3
193 SAMPANG Jesse Justine 3
194 YATOR Anthony 3
195 SOPUNGCO Andrew 3
196 TUAZON Rica Portia 3
197 GONZALES Timothy Dale 3
198 SAN JUAN Nastasha Michelle 3
199 JARDELIZA Rose Ann Florita 3
200 BERMEJO Rakel Mari 3
201 RAMOS Liam 3
202 BERMEJO Arturo III 3
203 DURANA Chiari Emilie 3
204 ABUCEJO Francis Albert 3
205 VALDEZ Romeo Jr. 3
206 DIONISIO Lucy Jane 3
207 CABALUNA Mike Akdrub 3
208 STO. DOMINGO Harvey 3
209 CHAVEZ Elclaro Luis 3
210 KOBAYASHI Ariza 3
211 DESEO Anthony 3
212 MONTEZA Jomarie 3
213 MELICANO Angelika 3
214 VENTINILLA Coleene Denise 3
215 AQUINO Shaira Mae 3
216 SALDO Joan 3
217 DONGUINES Peter Lev 3
218 MAGPILY Francois Marie 3
219 LUMACAD Marylaine 3
220 LIM Pauline 3
221 JACULO Philip 3
222 MADLANGBAYAN Alvin 3
223 REANO Jesspher Jerean 3
224 GONZALES Lorraine Agaphe Danne 3
225 DONGUINES John Fleer 2½
226 CATAGUE Krystal Joy 2½
227 SAQUILAYAN Ma. Theresa 2½
228 RILLORAZA Israelito 2½
229 PANGANIBAN Reymark 2½
230 GERALDINO John Ray 2½
231 VILLANUEVA Joyce 2½
232 DAYOS David Matthew 2½
233 MARCELLANA Jan Erlson 2½
234 FULCHER Lance Jaime 2½
235 REYNANTE Robert Ray 2½
236 EUSEBIO Christian Paul 2½
237 GARCIA Danrev 2
238 IGNACIO Robin 2
239 GUTIERREZ Myka Sofia 2
240 MACALALAD John Rusty 2
241 CUNANAN Harold Thaddeus 2
242 ESCOLAR Leonzo Francessco 2
243 RODRIGUEZ Charles 2
244 DURIAN Christian 2
245 COLUMNA Dheyvern Lee Kate 2
246 GALAN Colin Anand 2
247 MANALOTO John Romvi 2
248 BUCAL Aeron 2
249 COCHING Christia Anne 2
250 PERICO Jenry 2
251 DACANAY Veronica 2
252 BORROMEO Maureen 2
253 SAMPANG Joe Mari 2
254 GONZALES John Paul Jesther 2
255 LANDICHO James David 2
256 LIPALAM Jerwin 2
257 ESTRIBELLO Brian Edward 2
258 LACAMBRA Jarel Renz 2
259 CLARIN Ivan Paul John 2
260 TOMAS Lee 2
261 SISTOSA Lea Kim 2
262 LLAGAS Jayson 2
263 ESCOLAR Bianza Czhae Lourdez 2
264 BUSTILLO Jerome 2
265 TARDECILLA Dec-Ember 2
266 CUNANAN Harvey Matthew 2
267 MOSE Jeramie Nathan 2
SALTORIO Jomari 2
269 GONZALES Elisha Hanley 2
270 PRESENTE Janna Clarissa 2
271 SALCEDO Robie 2
272 CAPULONG Neil Jahn 1½
273 RUIZ Joshua 1½
274 CHAVEZ Potenciano Clarito 1½
275 GOTUACO Sandro 1½
276 REYES Harold Philip 1½
277 AREVALO Mary Angelica 1½
278 BUSTILLO Janinah Claire 1
279 IGNACIO Stephen John 1
280 TOMAS Xian Ngo 1
281 STO.DOMINGO Ranhiel 1
282 DELA CRUZ Jandro 1
283 BORROMEO Via 1
284 PRUDENTE Leonardo 1
285 SANTIANO Alina 1
286 CARREDO Jeane Axcel 1
287 PARAS Christian Daniel 1
288 PAUIG Juan Romeo 1
289 GERALDINO Princess Aizelle 1
290 CERENO Juse 1
291 VILLAFLOR Ralph Vittorio 1
292 ESPARAGOSA Elton Adan Jamie 1
293 ALDEA Mark Jayson 1
294 SILVA Danielle 1
295 ABRIL John Benedict 1
296 DATU Ma. Perlhene 1
297 SALDO Jim Cyril 1
298 PRESENTE Jose Cenon 1
299 LACAMBRA Jalen Rhey ½
300 LABIOS Neil Errolson 0
301 MIRANDA Kenneth John 0
302 BRILLO Jerald 0
MONTEZA Jan Aron 0
304 BALINGIT Patrick Rainier 0
305 SANTOS Alyssa 0
306 LUCERES Avelino Eberglen 0
307 MANGAHIS Marc Rodel 0
308 ELLAZAR Razhel Nicole Anne 0
309 LUCERES Begavic 0
310 PANGILINAN Stephen Rome 0

R7 Catague vs Sol Cruz

SHELL NCR Leg
SM MOA, Pasay City
W: Kristal CATAGUE
B: Rhal SOL CRUZ
R7 Bd?

1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bc4 Nf6 4 Nc3 Bb4 5 Qe2 d6 6 h3 Bd7 7 a3 BxN 8 PxB Qe7 9 Be3 h6 10 Ba2 Be6 11 c4 b6 12 Nh4 NxP 13 Bg5 NxB 14 Nf3 NxN 15 QxN Bd7

 [0-1]

R6: Eusebio vs Sol Cruz

SHELL NCR
SM MOA, Pasay City
R6 Bd125
W: Christian EUSEBIO
B: Rhal SOL CRUZ


1 e4 e5 2 Bc4 Nf6 3 d3 Be7 4 Nc3 c5 5 Nf3 Nc6 6 Bg5 d6 7 BxN BxB 8 O-O O-O 9 a4 a5 10 b3 Bg4 11 h3 Bd7 12 Ne2 b6 13 c3 Qe7 14 d4 PxP 15 PxP PxP 16 NxP NxN

Result: 0-1

R5 Sol Cruz vs Castillo

Shell National Youth Championship
SM MOA, Pasay City
R5 Kiddies Division
W: Rhal SOL CRUZ
B: James CASTILLO

1 e4 e6 2 d4 d6 3 Nf3 Nf6 4 Nc3 Be7 5 Bg5 O-O 6 Bd3 c5 7 BxN BxB 8 d5 Qa5 9 Qd2 PxP 10 PxP Bg4 11 Be2 BxN 12 BxB b5 13 O-O b4 14 Nd1 Nd7 15 c3 PxP 16 NxP Ne5 17 Be4

[0-1]

R4: Jim Saldo

SHELL National Championship
Kiddies Division
W: Rhal SOL CRUZ
B: Jim SALDO
Venue: SM MOA, Pasay City



1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 f6 3 Nc3 Bc5 4 g3 g6 5 Bg2 f5 6 PxP PxP 7 d4 Nf6 8 PxB Ne4 9 NxN PxN 10 NxP e3 11 Bxe3 Qf6 12 Nd3 QxP 13 NxQ d6 14 Qh5+ Kd8 15 Bg5+ Kd7 16 Qf7# [1-0]

R3 Gutierrez vs Sol Cruz

SHELL National Youth Championship
R3 Bd119 Kiddies Division G/25
W: Dennis GUTIERREZ, JR
B: Rhal SOL CRUZ, JR

1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Nc3 Nf6 4 Bc4 Bc5In opening theory, this is known as the ITALIAN GAME. But this is a rare variation with only 348 games out of the 4,261 in the database. The c3 square is usually occupied by a pawn rather than a N.

5 d3 O-OUsual is 5... d6

6 Bg5 d6The Middle Game in Chess, "In all cases, it is well to unpin the piece in question as quickly as possible, not only to give it back its freedom of action, but also to liberate the masked piece."

In practice, the usual response to the B pin is 6... h6 as played in Ivanovic vs World Champion Khalifman in Moscow 1993 [0-1].

7 Nd5 Be6 8 Nxf6+ gxf6Modern Art of Attack, "The prime aim of any attack against the orthodox castled position must be to provoke a weakness in its structure in order to focus the attack there."

9 Bh6 Re8 10 Nd2 Bxc4??Portable Chess Coach, "Avoid impulsive behavior and snap judgments. A single hasty move can lose a game you spent hours trying to win."

The best is 10... f5 11 Qh5 Qf6=.

11 Qg4+
Result: [1-0]

Sol Cruz vs Geraldino

Shell National Championship R2
Kiddies Division
W: Rhal SOL CRUZ
B: Jhon Rey GERALDINO
CARO-KANN DEFENSE - Exchange Variation.



1 e4 c6 2 d4 d5 3 PxP PxP 4 Nf3 Nc6 5 Nc3 Nf6 6 Bb5 a6 7 Bd3 e6 8 Bg5 Be7 9 O-O O-O 10 Ne2 h6 11 BxN BxB 12 b3 Bd7 13 c4 PxP 14 PxP Qc7 15 Rc1 e5 16 PxP BxP 17 NxB QxN 18 Re1 ... [1/2-1/2]

Docena vs Sol Cruz

Shell National Youth Championship
Kiddies Division
Round 1 
W: Jesca DOCENA
B: Rhal SOL CRUZ

1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 d4 PxP 4 NxP Bc5 5 Be3 NxN 6 BxN BxB 7 QxB Qf6 8 QxQ NxQ 9 Nc3 d6 10 Bc4 c6 11 a4 O-O 12 O-O Bd7 13 Rd1 d5 14 PxP PxP 15 BxP NxB 16 RxN Bc6 17 Rd6 Rad8 Rd1 RxR 19 RxR Rc8 20 h3 Re1+ 21 Kh2 Rc1?? [1-0]

Shell NCR Leg

Annonuevo vs Sol Cruz

Relorcasa Age Group
14 Under Group
Round 6 Board 9
W: Ammansinaya ANONUEVO
B: Rhal SOL CRUZ

R5 Sol Cruz vs Matugas

1st Relorcasa Age Group
Celebrity Sports Club, Quezon City
R5 Bd5
W: Rhal SOL CRUZ
B: Miguel MATUGAS
[June 12, 2009]



Rybka recommends 13 Na4 instead of 13 b3 that led to a quality advantage for Black.

Rhal lost in the endgame.

R4: Carl Sanchez

Relorcasa Kiddies
Celebrity Sports Plaza, Quezon City
R4 Bd8 14U G/25
W: Carl SANCHEZ
B: Rhal SOL CRUZ




1 c4 e5 2 d3 Nf6 3 Nc3 c5 4 g3 Nc6 5 Bg2 g6 6 e4 Bg7 7 Bg5 d6 8 Nd5 Bd7 8 Ne2 Be6 9 BxN BxB 10 NxB QxN 11 O-O h5 12 h4 g5 13 PxP QxP 14 f3 h4 15 Kf2 PxP+ 16 NxP O-O-O 17 Qa4 Kb8 18 a3 Qd219 Ne2 Nd4 20 Qd1 QxP 21 a4 NxN 22 QxN Qd4+ 23 Qe3 QxQ 24 KxQ Rhg8

R2: Alaurin vs Sol Cruz

Relorcasa Age Group
14 Under R2 Bd9
W: Gabriel ALAURIN
B: Rhal SOL CRUZ
Celebrity Sports Club



1 e4 e5 2 Bc4 Nf6 3 Nf3 Nc6
By simply developing both N's early in the game, Rhal has stirred the game into the so-called TWO KNIGHTS' GAME. It is one of the oldest of openings, dating back to 1580.

4 Ng5 Bc5
This is the WILKES-BARRE VARIATION.

5 Nxf7 Bxf2+ 6 KxBf2 Nxe4+ 7 Ke3 Qh4 8 NxR Qf4+ 9 Kd3 Nb4+ 10 Ke2 Qf2# [0-1]

1st RELORCASA KIDDIES

Another exciting event for youth chessplayers is beginning to unfold the 1ST NCFP DIRECTOR MANUEL RELORCASA & CELEBRITY AGE-GROUP CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP which is scheduled on June 12, 2009 9:00am at Celebrity Sports Plaza, Capitol Hills Drive, Quezon City. This event is part of the chess promotion program organized by chess enthusiast Atty. Manuel Relorcasa, Director of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines in cooperation with the Bureau of Customs and Celebrity Sports Plaza.

At stake in the age bracket are: Under-14 and Under-10 Champion P 1,000 each plus trophies, 2nd Place P 800 each plus medals, 3rd place P 500 each plus medals, 4th place P 300 each plus medals, 5th place P 200 each plus medals. Special Awards Top Celebrity Youngest Player P 300, Top Quezon City Youngest Player P 300. All winners and special awardees will receive a copy of Pinoy Chess Magazine.

The tournament format shall be played in Seven(7) Rounds Swiss System and the allotted time of twenty five(25) minutes for each player to finish the game. The event will be supervised by the National Association of Philippine Chess Arbiters,Inc.(NAPCA) and sanctioned by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines(NCFP).

Registration fee is P 100 on or before June 10 at Celebrity Sports Plaza or to any official member of NAPCA and P 150 on the date of event-June 12. For details and inquiries please call or text the tournament secretariat 09291475550, 09166169586, (02) 247-0978, (02) 886-3478 or visit the Celebrity Sports Plaza and look for Ms. Joy or Ms. Deunice of Celebrity Sports Plaza or call at 951-3333 local 262 or 231.

KASPAROV CHESS FOUNDATION

Chess is one of the oldest and most challenging games. Remarkably, the game has also proven to be an invaluable educational aide and one of the latest pedagogical tools for young students. Through the game of chess, children learn analytical and disciplined thinking skills, which are applicable to many other intellectual pursuits.

More than any other game, chess has the potential to transform a child. If taught correctly, chess can be a student's driving force, helping him/her in every aspect of critical thinking development.

Chess is also extremely beneficial in raising self-esteem, teaching determination, self-motivation and sportsmanship. It's one of the few positive in-school and extra-curricular activities for students of all ages and from all backgrounds. Chess is the one great equalizer in education, in which anyone with determination to succeed can excel.

But don't just take our word for it. Check out what the experts have been saying about chess as a key component in a child's education:

• A 2-yr study conducted in NY by IBM found that learning chess improves reading test scores and reading performance in elementary schools. Source: Dr. Stuart Marguilies

• Grades increased in all subjects for young students taking part in a chess experiment. Source: Education Ministry of Moldova

• Learning chess improves both memory and verbal reasoning skills. Source: Dr. Robert Ferguson: A one year study in Bradford, 6th grade children

• Learning chess improves mathematical problem solving abilities. Source: Louis Gourdreau

• Learning chess had a positive influence on the development of both numerical and verbal aptitudes. Source: Albert Frank: A one year study of high school students in Zaire

• A knowledge of chess is encouraged as a way to develop a preschooler's intellect and academic readiness. Source: Terrell Bell, former US Secretary of Education

• Learning chess promotes earlier development of intellectual maturation and cognitive abilities. Source: John Christiann: A study of elementary school students in Belguim

• In just one year, chess tuition will improve a student's learning abilities, concentration, application, sense of logic, self-discipline, respect, behavior and the ability to take responsibility for his/her own actions. Source: Garry Kasparov

CHESS FOR KIDS

Here is the sample list with 12 reasons your kids should take up Chess.

1. Chess requires higher level thinking skills; 2. Chess improves ability to concentrate; 3. Chess provides tremendous motivation; 4. Chess is inexpensive; 5. Chess is quite; 6. Chess is an esteem builder;

7. Chess improves discipline; 8. Chess helps students become less impulsive; 9. Chess is a great vehicle for teaching sportsmanship; 10. Chess is fun; 11. Chess teaches patience; 12. Chess is safe.

(Ann Campbell, Chess Life, October, 1997)

NM Roland Perez

3rd CASIANO SOL CRUZ MEMORIAL SIMUL
MERALCO, Pasig City
W: Junior Sol Cruz
B: NM Roland Perez


1 e4 c5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bb5
In opening theory, this is the ROSSOLIMO VARIATION of the SICILIAN DEFENSE.

3... g6
http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1259461 

http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1033908
http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1044390
http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1539786
http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1626453
http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1621182

In the Battle of GMs 2009 in Dapitan, GM Wesley So played the rare 3... Nf6 vs GM Joey Antonio [1/2-1/2]. 


According to Chessgames.com database, the top 3 most popular moves are 3... g6 with 2,255 games, 3... d6 with1,405 games, and 3... e6 with 1,176 games.

4 Nc3
The most popular move is 4 O-O [1,327 times in 2,255 games] followed by 4 BxNc6 [768 in 2,255 games] which was the choice of GM Joey Antonio, 2009 Asian Continental Finalist, vs Van Huy Nguyen [1-0].

4... Bg7 5 d3 d6 6 O-O
One of the most important guidelines in chess is to protect your K from harm.
Watson in Mastering the Chess Openings

6... Bd7 7 Bd2 e6 8 Rb1 Ne7

9 b3? a6 10 Ne2??? PxB -+

3rd SOL CRUZ MEMORIAL CUP

DEGOLLADO vs SOL CRUZ

W: Danny DEGOLLADO
B: Rhal SOL CRUZ
MERALCO vs Lores Match
Pasig City
Time Control: 15'-15'

1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bc4 Nf6 4 Nc3 Bb4
FOUR KNIGHTS' GAME - ITALIAN VARIATION.

5 d3 O-O
MASTERING THE CHESS OPENINGS, "One of the most important guidelines in chess is to protect your K from harm."

6 a3 BxNc3+ 7 bxBc3 d6 8 h3 b6 9 Be3 h6
THE ART OF CHESS, "Refrain from pushing any RP merely to prevent B attacking N or pinning, as it is called."

10 Qd2 Bb7
LOGICAL CHESS, "In the opening, a B is best placed for attack when it controls a diagonal passing through the center or when it pins a hostile N and renders it immobile."

11 Bxh6 gxBh6 12 Qxh6













W sacrifices a piece for a stormy attack.

12 ... Qe7??
According to RYBKA, better is 12 ... Nh7, and Black has a slight advantage.

13 Ng5 Rad8??
RYBKA gives 13 ... d5 14 Bxd5 Nd8 15 BxBb7 NxBb7

14 Qg6+ Kh8 15 Nxf7+ Rxf7 16 Bxf7 Rf8 17 Qh6+ Nh7 18 Bg6 Rg8 19 BxNh7 QxBh7 20 QxQh7 KxQh7













Time is down to the last 5 minutes, thus Rhal stopped recording the moves. and according to Koyang Danny, he opened the f-file for his R's, managed to post his R to the 7th rank where Rhal blundered his N. 
[1-0]

MERALCO vs LORES Chess Club

LAZ vs SOL CRUZ

MERALCO vs Bago Bantay Goowill Match
W: Christine LAZ
B: Rhal SOL CRUZ, Jr.
Time: 15-15


Result: 1-0

Rhal was not aware of the time control of 15 minutes per player to finish the game.

BAGO BANTAY

W: Edgar MAILO
B: Rhal SOL CRUZ

1 d4 d5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 e3 Nf6
COMMON SENSE IN CHESS, :Bring your N's out before developing the B's, especially the QB."

4 a3 e6 5 b3 g6 6 Bb2 Bg7 7 Bd3 b6 8 Nd2 Bb7
LOGICAL CHESS, "Develop pieces with a view to controlling the center, either by ocupying it or bearing down on it from a distance, as fianchettoed B's do."

9 O-O O-O
THE 10 MOST COMMON CHESS MISTAKES, "Nothing is more important than safeguarding your K by castling early, within the first dozen moves if possible."

10 Rc1 Qe7 11 Re1 Rad8 12 h3 Rfe8













CHESS FUNDAMENTALS, "In the opening, R's may have no open files, yet they will usually stand better on the central files since there is the potential of pawn exchanges which open a file."

13 c4 Qd7 14 c5 Ne7 15 Ne5 Qc8 16 c6 Ba6 17 Bb1 Rd6 18 b4 Bb5 19 a4 Bxc6 20 b5 Bb7 21 g4 Nd7 22 f4 NxN 23 PxN Rd7 24 Rf1 Rf8 25 Ba3 Qd8 26 Nf3 Re8













Time forfeit. [1-0]

PAU BERSAMINA

W: Rhal SOL CRUZ
MERALCO 4-Board Simul
Pasig City

1 e4 c5 2 Nf3 g6 3 d3 Bg7 4 Nc3 Nc6 5 Bd2 Nf6 6 Be2 O-O 7 O-O
MASTERING THE CHESS OPENINGS, "One of the most important guidelines of chess is to protect your K from harm."
 7 ... d5 8 exd5 Nxd5













9 Rb1 (-0.36)
RYBKA recommends 9 Re1 as equal; occupation the semi-open e-file.

9 ... a6 10 Nxd5 Qxd5

d10

11 c4
This move created a positional weakness; a backward d-pawn on an open file. RYBKA rates this with (-0.50).

11 ... Qd6 12 b3 Bf5 13 Qc2 Rad8 14 Rbd1 Bxd3 15 BxBd3 QxBd3 16 QxQd3 RxQd3
Pau won the backward pawn. As Gollum said in The Lord of the Rings, "My precious."













17 Rfe1?
Better is 17 Be3?! in accordance with THE MIDDLE GAME IN CHESS, "In all cases, it is well to unpin the piece in question as quickly as possible, not only to give it back its freedom of action, but also to liberate the masked piece."

17 ... Rfd8 18 Re2 Nd4 19 NxNd4 BxBd4













20 g3?
Better, according to RYBKA, is 20 Rf1.

20 ... Bc3 21 BxBc3 RxRd1+
The pin is mightier than the sword. Pau is quality up.

22 Kg2 R1d3 23 Bb2 Rd2 24 RxRd2 RxRd2
TURNING ADVANTAGE INTO VICTORY, "The logic behind trading pieces is simple; exchanges tip the ratio of the remaining forces further in your favor."

25 Bc3 Rxa2

Result [0-1].
B: Pau BERSAMINA

2009 RP 12 UNDER CHAMPION SIMUL

G4: NM Andrew Vasquez

Summer Workshop
MERALCO, Pasig City
Day 5 Simul Play
W: Rhal SOL CRUZ
B: NM VASQUEZ

1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 d3
In opening theory, this timid move forms the PONZIANI OPENING. But Rhal does not know it.

3... Bc5 4 g3 Nf6 5 Bg2 O-O 6 O-O
Castling with a fianchetto is the very first opening set-up that Rhal learned. 


6... h6 7 c3 d6 8 Nbd2 a5 9 b3 Bg4 10 Bb2
Rapid development of the Q-side pieces is his second goal in the opening.


10... Re8 11 Re1 Bb6 12 Qe2 a4 13 Ba3 Qd7 14 Nc4 Ba7 15 bxa4 16 Nb2 dxe4 17 dxe4 Qe6 18 Qc4 Qc8 19 Rad1 Bb6

20 Bc5??
According to RYBKA, better is 20 Qb5 =

20... Be6 21 Rd5?
Qb5 is still good.

21... Nxd5 22 exd5 na5 23 Qb5 Bd7 24 Qb4 Bxc5 25 Qxc5 b6 26 Qe3 Nb7 -+
Black has the advantage; 27 Bf1, 27 Nd2, or 27 Qc1.

RESULT: 0-1

G3: NM Andrew Vasquez

Summer Workshop
MERALCO, Pasig City
Simul Play
W: Rhal SOL CRUZ
B: NM VASQUEZ

1 e4 c5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Nc3 e6 4 d3 Qc7 5 g3 a6 6 Bg2 b5 7 O-O Bb7 8 Bg5 Nf6 9 BxNf6


9... gxBf6 10 Ne2 Be7 11 b3 Rg8 12 c4 h5 13 Qd2 Ne5 14 Nh4
RYBKA suggests 14 NxNe5!? QxNe5 15 Qh6 =

14... f5 15 Nf3 fxe4 16 dxe4 Bxe4 17 Nxe5 BxBg2 18 KxBg2 Qxe5 19 Qe3 QxQe3 20 fxQe3

According to RYBKA, Black has the advantage on any of these moves: 20... Rb8 [-1.34], 20... h4 [-1.30], or 20... d6 [-1.19].

G2: NM Andrew Vasquez

Summer Workshop
W: Rhal SOL CRUZ
B: NM Andrew VASQUEZ
MERALCO Chess Club
Day 2 Game 3
Result: 0-1

G1 NM Andrew Vasquez

Summer Workshop

MERALCO, Pasig City

W: NM Andrew VASQUEZ
B: Rhal SOL CRUZ

Day 1 Game 1

1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 d4

In opening theory, this early fight for the central squares is called as the SCOTCH GAME. It was brought back into fashion by Kasparov when he played it in his World Championship Matches.

3... exd4
A center pawn should always be taken if this can be done without too great danger. Nimzovich in My System


4 Bc4 - Scotch Gambit

4... Nf6
Black can transpose into the Two Knights Defense with 4...Nf6 or he can continue the Scotch with 4...Bc5 5.c3 and now 5...Nf6 will transpose into a safe variation of the Giuoco Piano. Black can instead accept the gambit with 5...dxc3 but this is riskier because White will gain a lead in development. http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Chess/Scotch_Gambit

Transposition to the Two Knights is often played, as in:

a. Lie vs Carlsen http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1469791
b. Sveshnikov vs Rodriguez http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1225215
c. Petrosian vs Navara http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1470225 

d. Nakamura vs Ganguly http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1371274

5 O-O
The main line is 5 e5 - Advance Variation.

5... d6
This pawn move has never been played at GM level. Usual is 5... Nxe4:
a. Friedel vs Onischuk http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1324051
b. Kokolias vs Sorokin http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1334355

6 c3 dxc3 7 Qb3














7 ... Qe7

This blocks the development of the KB and delays castling.

[7 ... Qd7 8 Nxc3 Na5 9 Qb4 Nxc4]
It is useful to exchange the opponent's strongest pieces. Popov in Chess Lessons

8 Nxc3 g6?? 9 Bg5 +-
You must try to react to a pin as soon as possible, or even try to avoid being pinned. Yusupov in Build Up Your Chess

PLSCA

W: Rhal SOL CRUZ
B: Daren DIVINAFLOR
2nd PLSCA Cup Round 2
Manila City

1 e4 e6 2 Nf3 d6 3 Nc3
COMMON SENSE IN CHESS, "Bring your N's out before developing your B's, especially the QB."

3 ... c6 4 g3 d5 5 exd5
MY SYSTEM, "A center pawn should always be taken if this can be done without too great danger."

5 ... cxd5 6 d4
THE IDEAS BEHIND THE CHESS OPENINGS, "Always try to maintain at least one pawn in the center."

6 ... Bd7 7 Bg2
CHESS FUNDAMENTALS, "Placed on the long diagonal, the B is posted for its maximum potential control of the central squares as well as eyeing the opposite wing of the enemy's camp."

7 ... Nf6 8 O-O
THE CHESS PLAYER'S HANDBOOK, "It is mostly advisable to castle the K pretty early in the game, and to do so on the K's side, because he is less subject to an attack, and better able to repel one on that side than the other."

8 ... Be7 9 Bg5
LOGICAL CHESS, "In the opening, a B is best placed for attack when it controls a diagonal passing through the center or when it pins a hostile N and renders it immobile."

9 ... O-O 10 Qd3 g6?
THE MODERN ART OF ATTACK, "One of the most common weakness occurs when an ill-advised pawn move is made in front of the K."













MANUAL OF CHESS, "The target for the attack has to be a weakness in the hostile position."

11 Rad1 Nc6 12 Rfe1
CHESS FUNDAMENTALS, "In the opening, R's may have no open files, yet they will usually stand better on the central files since there is the potential of pawn exchanges which open a file."

It is interesting to note that Rhal's selected moves are identical with RYBKA's top recommendation, which has a value of +0.40, 11 Rfe1 and 12 Rad1.

12 ... Nb4 13 Qd2 Rc8 13 a3
BEST LESSONS OF A CHESS COACH, "Do not let enemy pieces remain in your territory unchallenged."

13 ... Na6 15 Ne5













LEARN FROM GARRY KASPAROV'S GREATEST GAMES, "N's operate best near the center of the board, the squares on the 5th rank of the e & d files."

This is the STEINITZ THEORY, accumulation of small advantages, in action.

15 ... Bd6??? 16 BxN!
THE TEN MOST COMMON CHESS MISTAKES, "Skill, in fact, might be defined as the ability to exploit the other guy's mistake."

16 ... QxB 17 NxB Qe7 18 NxR QxN 19 Nb5 Be7 20 Nxa7 Rd8 21 Nb5 h6 22 Nc3 Bg5 23 f4 Bf6 24 Qe2 Qe7 25 Qe3 b6 26 Bh3 Re8 27 f5 gxf5 28 Qxh6 Bg5 29 Qh5 Kg7 30 Bxf5! Nc7 31 Qh7+ Kf6 32 Bh3 [1-0].

MERALCO E-DAY

NM ALISANGCO

Rhal Sol Cruz vs NM Nico Alisangco
AGUILAR CUP (Simul Match)
MERALCO, Pasig City

1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Nc3 Bc5 4 Bb5 d6 5 O-O
THE CHESS PLAYER'S HANDBOOK, "It is mostly advisable to castle the K pretty early in the game, and to do so on the K's side, because he is less subject to an attack, and better able to repel one on that side than the other."

5 ... Nf6
This is the FOUR KNIGHTS' GAME SPANISH VARIATION CLASSICAL LINE by transposition.

6 d3 h6 7 Bd2 O-O 8 BxN
MASTERING THE CHESS OPENINGS, "Exchanging your B for a N is reasonable, but do so only to gain some advantage (or if forced to), otherwise you will be surrendering the advantage of the B-pair for no return."

8 ... PxB 9 Qe2 Bg4 10 h3 Bh5 11 Bd3 Bb6 12 Qd2 BxN
MODERN ART OF ATTACK, "The prime aim of any attack against the orthodox castled position must be to provoke a weakness in its structure in order to focus the attack there."

13 PxB Nh5 14 Kh2 BxB 15 QxB Qh4

D15

16 Rg1
THE CHESS PLAYER'S HANDBOOK, "It is usually good play to get command of an open file, that is to say, a file which is occupied by no other man, by stationing a R at one end of it."

16 ... Nf6 17 Rg3 c5 18 Ne2 g5 19 Qd2 Nh5 20 Rg2 Nf4 21 NxN
THE ART OF CHESS, "When you are castled K-side, beware of adverse N posted at his f4/f5. Prevent his entrance there by means of your own N or B, or when he arrives get rid of him in exchange as soon as you can."

21 ... QxN+ 22 QxQ
BEST LESSONS OF A CHESS COACH, "When defending against a strong pressure, try to trade Q's."

22 ... KPXQ 23 h4 f6 24 Rag1 Kg7

D24

25 h5
Rybka

25 Rb8 26 b3 a5 27 a4 Rb4 28 Re1 Re8 29 Re2 Kf7 30 Kh3 Ke6 31 Kg4 Ke5 32 Rg1 Ke6 33 Rg2 Kf7 34 Kf5???
Rybka

34 ... Re5+ 35 Kg4 f5+ 36 Kh3 g4+ [0-1].

NM LEGASPI

Olvida Memorial Simul
Rhal Sol Cruz vs NM Rhobel Legaspi
MERALCO, Pasig City

1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Nf6 Nc3
The FOUR KNIGHTS GAME which adheres to the principle of developing the knights before the bishops.

4 Bb5 Bb4
This is the SPANISH - SYMMETRICAL VARIATION.

5 O-O O-O
WINNING CHESS OPENINGS, "The purpose of the opening is to get a safe King and an equal middlegame."

6 d3
For six (6) moves, Rhal has been playing the moves of World Champions; Lasker vs Tarrasch in World Championship 1908, Capablanca vs Steiner in Los Angeles 1933, Botvinnik vs Panov in USSR Championship 1939 and Ponomariov vs Azarov in European U12 Championship 1995.

6 ... Nd4



















7 Bd2???
PORTABLE CHESS COACH, "Many beginners seem to forget that they have an opponent, going about their plans without noticing the plans being made against them."

7 ... BxN 8 BxB NxB 9 Bb4 d6 10 c4 a5 11 PxN PxB 12 Qd2 Bg4 13 QxP BxN 14 PxB Nh5 15 h3 Qh4 16 Kh2 Nf4 17 b6 QxP+ 18 Kg1 Qg2#

4Ns: RHAL vs PAPA

1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Nc3 Nc6 4 Bb5 Nd4
The FOUR KNIGHTS - SPANISH RUBINSTEIN VARIATION.

MODERN CHESS OPENINGS, "Black's best winning attempt is 4 ... Nd4, known as the RUBINSTEIN VARIATION. It is a violent attempt to avoid the symmetry with a pawn sacrifice."

5 Nxe5 NxB 6 NxN Bc5 7 O-O
WINNING CHESS OPENINGS, "The purpose of the opening is to get a safe King and an equal middlegame."

7 ... d6 8 Nf3 NxP 9 Qe1 Qe7 10 Nxc7+ QxN 11 QxN+ Be6 12 Ng5 Qd7 13 NxB PxN 14 d4 Bb6 15 Be3 d5 16 Qg5 O-O-O 17 Rfe1 h5 18 Qh3 Qe7 19 Bf4 BxP 20 RxP Qd7 21 c3 BxP+ 22 KxB Rdf8 23 Kg3 h4+ 24 Kf3 g5 25 Re5 RxB+ 26 Ke2 g4 27 Qe3 Re4 28 RxR PxR 29 Qxa7 Qd6+ 30 Kd1 Rd8 31 Qa8+ Kc7 32 Qa5+ Kb8 33 Qe5+ Rd6 34 Qh8+ Ka7

35 Qxh4? e3 36 Qxg4 Qd2+ 37 Kf1 e2+ 38 QxP Rf6+ ... [0-1]

The Ten Greatest Chess Books Ever Written

by AJ Goldsby
www.geocities.com.lifemasteraj

1) THE ART OF CHESS ANALYSIS by GM Jan Timman
In my opinion, this is the greatest chess book ever written. Not only was it the best analysis I had ever seen, the variations were beautiful.

2) MY SYSTEM by Aaron Nimzovich
This is the book that makes average players into Masters, and turns Masters into GM's. Not only did this book explain many of the "new" ideas of the hyper moderns, it also teach the basics of strategy and planning. This book was a landmark in the chess world and easily one of the most important books from the standpoint of chess history.


3) THINK LIKE A GRANDMASTER by Alexander Kotov
Not only a great book, but a masterpiece of training methods.

4) THE CHESS STRUGGLE IN PRACTICE by GM David Bronstein
As one of the competitors, GM Bronstein offers a unique and valuable insight into the ideas and the psychology of what must have been going through the players minds' at the time of the game. He does not drown the player with a sea of variations, but instead offers much verbiage and explanation.

5) MY 60 MEMORABLE GAMES by Robert Fischer
Anyone who spends some serious time in this book MUST improve.

6) THE WORLD'S GREATEST CHESS GAMES by GM John Nunn, GM John Emms, and FM Graham Burgess.
This book is one of the best instructional and analytical books I have seen in my entire chess career.

7) THE MOST INSTRUCTIVE GAMES OF CHESS EVER PLAYED [62 Masterpieces of Chess Strategy]; by Irving Chernev.
It contains 62 true masterpieces of chess by various different players. (Masters such as Fischer, Capablanca, Alekhine, Tal, etc.) Each game is carefully and lovingly annotated.

8) THE LIFE AND GAMES OF MIKHAIL TAL by GM M. Tal. This is one of the greatest works of love of all time that are in print.

9) MASTERS OF THE CHESS BOARD by GM Richard Reti. Here the dynamic young genius of the hyper-modern revolution goes through all the masters that had played chess up to that point. Reti rates "The Older Masters," in Part I. (Anderssen, Morphy, Steinitz, Tarrasch, Lasker, Schlecter, and H.N. Pillsbury. Apparently Reti felt this group of players had covered all the basics of chess and showed several distinctive styles.) In Part Two, Reti rates many of the more modern masters of that time. (Such as Maroczy, Marshall, Rubinstein, Capablanca, Alekhine, etc.)

10) 500 MASTER GAMES OF CHESS by GM Savielly Tartakower and J. Du Mont.
Easily a truly great book and a monumental work. Every single opening is represented.