(724) WHEN DID CHESS BECOME A TEAM SPORT?

FRUITFUL ARGUMENT
      Balbalosa, 2nd from left, background, had an interesting comment about chess being a team sport. Roberto Hernandez commented and when Jeff replied back with some quotes from popular person like Phil Jackson, former head coach of Chicago Bulls and GM now of New  York Knicks, Roberto had a good time reading the replied comments. Jeff has sense of humor!             (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

         WHEN DID CHESS BECOME 
                   A TEAM SPORT?
The discussion about this comment started with these:

From: Roberto Hernandez <robert_flor31154@yahoo.com>
To: "eric@surangel.com" <eric@surangel.com>; "ksau77@gmail.com" <ksau77@gmail.com>; "bernardbgarcia@yahoo.com" <bernardbgarcia@yahoo.com>; "bernardbgarcia@yahoo.com" <bgarcia@ppr-palau.com>; Tito Cabunagan <t2@ppuc.com>; Tito Cabunagan <cabunagantito@yahoo.com>; "belle5montel@yahoo.com" <belle5montel@yahoo.com>; "denz_153@yahoo.com" <denz_153@yahoo.com>; Jeff Balbalosa <cyjeffb@yahoo.com>; "ralphgladz@yahoo.com" <ralphgladz@yahoo.com>; Joy Whipps <joyflores@surangel.com>; Peter Magbanua <dakelsmb@yahoo.com>; "jose@ppuc.com" <jose@ppuc.com>; "gigi_parrado@yahoo.com" <gigi_parrado@yahoo.com>; "eddienae@yahoo.com" <eddienae@yahoo.com>; The Chess Connoisseur <png.champ@gmail.com>; Roberto Hernandez <robert_flor31154@yahoo.com>; "flormirandahernandez@ymail.com" <flormirandahernandez@ymail.com>
Sent: Friday, May 9, 2014 8:22 AM
Subject: LAST 2 WEEKS OF 2014 PALAU OPEN (May 11 and 18)

 

Hi everybody,

   As per Jamie's instruction, we need to finish the 2014 Palau Open, Reserves and Women's at least before May 23, 2014. This is the exact date where 90 days is allowed to make this event rated.

   I have decided to put the scores of those who don't show up as losses to the top seeds as the following:

    1. Joey Balute lost to Jose, Tito, Jeff, Pax, Angie,Bheng, Eric and JJ. He drew with Arnold and Charley so that he can get at least a minimal standard rating.

    2. Charley Patris lost to Jose, Tito (official), Jeff, Pax and Angie. Drew with Bheng (official). Lost to Eric and drew with JJ and Arnold.

    3. Arnold lost to the top 6 seeds of Pool B and drew with Eric and JJ.

    4. JJ needs to play against Tito, Angie and Bheng. He drew with Eric.

    5. Eric lost to Jose, Tito and Pax and drew with Jeff, Angie and Bheng.

    6. Bheng needs to play against Jose and JJ.

    7. Angie needs to play against Jose, Pax and JJ.

    8. Pax needs to play against Jeff (priority) and Angie.

    9. Jeff's remaining game is against Pax (Black).

   10. Tito's remaining game is against Jose. They can play it in their house on Sat. so that Jose can concentrate on his last 3 games at Bethlehem. 

   11. Jose is black vs. Angie, white vs. Bheng and white vs. JJ.

IN POOL A:

    1. Neph's remaining game is against Alfredo (White).

    2. Peter drew his last 4 remaining games to Alfredo, Gladys, Jose and Joy. He lost his 5 officials games to Cyril, Robert, Dennis, Rafael and Neph.

    3. Joy lost to Cyril, Robert, Bernard and Dennis. Drew with the bottom 6 players.

    4. Jose Senase lost to Cyril, Robert, Bernard, Dennis, Rafael and Gladys (the only official game that he played). To get him a low rating, he drew with Alfredo, Joy, Peter and Neph.

    5. Gladys will have to play against Cyril (White), Bernard (white) and Dennis (black). She drew with husband Rafael, Joy and Peter. 

    6. Alfredo needs to play vs. Bernard (black), Dennis (white), and Rafael (black).

    7. Rafael needs to play 5 games --against Cyril (white), Bernard (white), Dennis (black), Alfredo (white) and Neph (black).

    8. Dennis needs to play 4 games -- vs. Cyril (black), Rafael (white), Alfredo (black) and Gladys (white).

    9. Bernard, Cyril and Rafael are the 3 players who need to play 5 games. Bernard must have the priority to play the top 2 seeds in Pool A --Cyril (white) and Robert (black) before his games vs. Rafael (black), Alfredo (white) and Gladys (black)

   10. Robert will play Bernard on May 11 and Cyril on May 18.

   11. Cyril must play Bernard (black), Dennis (White), Rafael (black) and Gladys (black).

 

RAPID TIME CONTROL MIGHT BE USED EXCEPT IN THE ROBERT-BERNARD, CYRIL-BERNARD, TITO-JOSE, JEFF-PAX, AND DENNIS-CYRIL MATCHES BECAUSE THEY HAVE CHANCES FOR THE TOP 4 FINISHERS.

    To players who are available on Sat., please arrange your games' time so that I can provide the chess materials and be present during your games (morning or afternoon).

    GOOD LUCK TO ALL AND LET'S FINISH THIS EVENT IN TIME!!!!

 

Robert

 

THE FIRST TO REPLY ABOUT THIS IS JEFFREY BALBALOSA:

From: Jeff D. Balbalosa [mailto:cyjeffb@yahoo.com]
Sent: Sunday, May 11, 2014 10:25 PM
To: Roberto Hernandez; eric@surangel.com; ksau77@gmail.com; bernardbgarcia@yahoo.com; Tito Cabunagan; belle5montel@yahoo.com; denz_153@yahoo.com; ralphgladz@yahoo.com; Joy Whipps; Peter Magbanua; jose@ppuc.com; gigi_parrado@yahoo.com; The Chess Connoisseur
Subject: Re: LAST 2 WEEKS OF 2014 PALAU OPEN (May 11 and 18)

Robert,

 

Thank you for voting for me as a new Member of the PCF Board. I am grateful that you have trust in me 

and I have something to contribute for the development of Chess in Palau. 

Regarding to you decision, you can not just make our games (jeff, angie, bheng) Draw against Sir Eric. What is your BASIS? 

We always showed up every Sunday. You can not by pass the Board Members decision about those unplayed games.

 

PLEASE RESPECT the Board! Talk to the Board, DO NOT decide alone!

 

 

Respectfully,

 

Jeffrey D. BalbalosaSystems Analyst/Programmer

Surangel And Sons, Co.

Koror, Palau 96940

AND FOLLOWED BY TITO CABUNAGAN's REMARK:

  From: Tito Cabunagan <t2@ppuc.com>
To: 'Jeff D. Balbalosa' <cyjeffb@yahoo.com>; 'Roberto Hernandez' <robert_flor31154@yahoo.com>; eric@surangel.com; ksau77@gmail.com; bernardbgarcia@yahoo.com; belle5montel@yahoo.com; denz_153@yahoo.com; ralphgladz@yahoo.com; 'Joy Whipps' <joyflores@surangel.com>; 'Peter Magbanua' <dakelsmb@yahoo.com>; jose@ppuc.com; gigi_parrado@yahoo.com; 'The Chess Connoisseur' <png.champ@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, May 12, 2014 8:02 AM
Subject: RE: LAST 2 WEEKS OF 2014 PALAU OPEN (May 11 and 18)

Hello Jeff,

 

That’s an excellent comment. That’s the reason why I have the confident of recommending you as one of the Board Member in lieu of Jamie Kemure. Keep up the good work.

Let’s enjoy chess and play to the highest level of our excitement, camaraderie and have fun.

My reminder to the group, please always put in your mind that we are here in Palau to work for a living. Playing chess is only a recreation and mind refreshing after five days

Of office works.

 

I agree with Jeff. Let’s talk and discuss anything related with chess and plan for the betterment of our group. According to Geofrey Borg Planning is really important

To avoid an early checkmate.

 

Thanks,

 

Tito

Jeffrey Balbalosa commented these:
 

Hello Everyone,

Chess is a Team Sport NOT an Individual, you need a full force of attack in order to deliver CHECKMATE your opponent.

WE NEED TO WORK AS A TEAM for the development of Chess in Palau and in order to deliver SUCCESS!

Thank you Tito for the support!

Respectfully,

Jeffrey D. BalbalosaSystems Analyst/Programmer

Surangel And Sons, Co.

Koror, Palau 96940

ROBERTO RESPONDED ABOUT TITO AND JEFFREY'S    REMARK WITH THESE:

 

 Hello Everyone,

   Thank you, Jeff and Tito for your comments. I appreciate those for the betterment of chess in Palau.

   I'm sorry about my first email regarding the 2014 Palau Open that I used the word "I decided" which I should have used "I'm suggesting".

   A wrong choice of word simply ruined a good intention. Eric is off-island and I have 2 days to inform the players of a decision that needs to be done for the last 2 Sundays of the event.

   I'M DOING THIS IN THE LAST 12 YEARS AND ONLY RECENTLY THAT THERE ARE COMPLAINS ABOUT THIS.

   Maybe somebody will say it's different now because we have a Board. But if we have a Board meeting (even without Eric) on Monday (May 12) and we decided to finish the event on May 18, can Cyril, Bernard and Rafael finish 5 games in one day?

Dennis and Jose --4 games?

   The 3 complains of Jeff, Angie and Bheng were already settled. It's a win for each of them over Eric instead of draws. It's true that they need points to increase their rating and Eric don't show in the tournament site. Never mind about the continuing drop in Eric's rating and him being their boss.

   The penultimate round is over and still, Bernard and Jose need to play 4 games. I will be playing Cyril on May 18. Bernard needs to play Cyril, Rafael, Alfredo and Gladys. Jeff vs. Pax for Pool B or overall championship.

   Special games were arranged for Neph vs. Rafael on Monday evening at Rafael's residence. Dennis will arrange also a weekday evening (Mon-Thu) schedule. Cyril, Bernard and Alfredo are encourage to do the same.

   ON THE FINAL DAY OF 2014 PALAU OPEN, ABSENT PLAYERS WILL LOSE BY DEFAULT and GAMES NOT PLAYED BY PRESENT PLAYERS WILL BE DECLARED DRAWS. IF BOTH PLAYERS ARE ABSENT, IT WILL BE A LOSS TO BOTH OF THEM.

    It's my first time to read a quote like this by Jeff: "Chess is a Team Sport NOT an individual."

    3-time NBA Champion Miami Heat is a TEAM.  World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen IS INDIVIDUAL.

    Chess becomes a TEAM SPORT ONLY during World Chess Olympiad and other chess team championships BUT STILL, PLAYERS PLAY INDIVIDUALLY AND THEIR INDIVIDUAL RESULTS CONTRIBUTE TO THE TEAMS' SUCCESSES OR FAILURES!

    GOOD LUCK TO ALL PLAYERS ON THE FINAL DAY OF 2014 PALAU OPEN!!!

Robert 

   

P. S.

I will be sending the attachment to FIDE about new Board Member Jeffrey Balbalosa, Treasurer Dennis Gonzales, Delegate Eric Ksau Whipps and keeping Jamie Kenmure as Rating Officer.  

THE ATTACHMENT:

CM BERNARDO GARCIA JOINED IN THE DISCUSSION WITH THESE:

 Bernard Garcia

To MeTito Cabunaganeric@surangel.com and 11 More...

May 12 at 6:20 PM

PCF,

 

As usual we are taking the most complicated and controversial path. Seriously…

 

As per Jamie we need to submit the result to him by May 26, so we don’t need to rush on May 18.

 

I will play Cyril on May 25, and will play Rafael on May 18. I don’t need to play the others as they didn’t show in the tournament site (on time) during the time I was there.

 

Lets not make things complicated and instead put solution in the table.

 

No one should make a “1 size fit all win/draw formula” for games not played. Instead use a “common sense”, a no-show (low rated) player cannot get a win over a higher rated player who is on the tournament site.

 

Come on, people…

 

Cheers,

 

Bernard Garcia

ROBERTO RESPONDED WITH THESE:

 

Hi Bernard,

    You are very much mistaken! In the email from Jamie entitled "FW: Palau Open and Reserves" it's very clear that he said May 23rd (Friday) and not May 26 (Monday) as you said. We must submit the results by this date and not by your date.

   Please read it again. You have a forwarded copy of it. Whatever your opinion is, we will finish the tournament on May 18, submit the results on May 19 so that Jamie can submit it to FIDE.

   I would like to remind everybody of the date that 2014 Palau Open was submitted to FIDE is March 09, 2014 -May 03, 2014. We exceeded already that date by 2 weeks.

    I'll give you an example of what you are saying "No one should make a "1 size fit  all win/draw formula" for games not played-- In the 2013 Palau Blitz Chess Championship, Herbert Galiza played 8 games (all losses). I submitted to Jamie the results of that tourney with Herbert's 12 remaining games all blank. Also all other games not played there are blank.

NOW, HOW DID HERBERT GOT A FIDE BLITZ RATING OF 1562 WHEN HE DIDN'T SCORE EVEN A DRAW?

TELL ME NOW WHO IS MAKING A 1 SIZE FITS (NOT FIT) ALL WIN/DRAW FORMULA?

    By the way, Herbert Galiza's FIDE ID no. is 16600630, born on 08/26/85, tel. no. 488-8965 and no. 203 in the list of Palau Chess Players (Including Honorary Members) From June 09, 2002-Present.

   Why am I telling you this figures? PLEASE MAKE SURE OF THE DATE OR FIGURES BEFORE MAKING A COMMENT. IT'S TOTALLY USELESS IF YOU MAKE A SINGLE DIGIT MISTAKE.

   At this stage, Palau is trying to have international ratings to as many players as possible. This is what me and Eric are trying to achieve. After this event, 6 additional players will have international ratings. Let's not ruin it.

   I'm asking everybody that if you will make a comment/suggestion, before pressing the send button, please read again twice your comment/suggestion and check your own records (if you have) before sending it.

   Best regards to all. SEE YOU ALL ON MAY 18 FOR THE FINAL DAY OF 2014 PALAU OPEN CHESS TOURNEY.

Robert

    

BERNARD GOT A DIFFERENT DATE IN HIS CHAT WITH JAMIE:

 Bernard Garcia

To Me eric@surangel.comTito Cabunagan and 11 More...

May 13 at 6:59 AM

Hi,

 

Please see below message from Jamie. Again we have a board and the board will decide.

 

Looking on previous years practice will not make things better as there are a lot of questionable practices on previous year when the board doesn’t have any right on making a decision.

 

 

 

Regards,

 

Bernard Garcia

 

  

AND NOW--HERE'S THE FUNNY MESSAGE OF JEFF ABOUT "CHESS IN A TEAM SPORT" :
 

Jeff D. Balbalosa

To Me Bernard Garcia eric@surangel.com and 9 More...

May 13 at 7:43 AM

Hello Everyone,

Robert, thanks you for fixing our games with Sir Eric I really appreciate it. When it comes to employment, yes, he is our Boss but when it comes to Chess he is our opponent (cheeeerrrrsss....) 

Anyway, you cut my sentence and didn't include my email about "Chess is a Team Sport NOT an Individual" to your reply.

As far as I believed, Chess is a Team Sport NOT an Individual, you need a FULL FORCE of attack in order to deliver CHECKMATE your opponent (I am talking about Chess pieces)

You cannot ATTACK your QUEEN ALONE, or the ROOK, or the BISHOP, or the KNIGHT, or the PAWN, YOU NEED YOUR PIECES TO BE CONNECTED TO EACH OTHER, Does it make sense?

Like Boxing, to me it is a TEAM sport, there's TEAM PACQUAIO, TEAM BRADLEY, TEAM MAYWEATHER although in the Ring only a Boxer can go inside to fight but still, there's a team.

Again, in CHESS, you coordinated your pieces and they must work as a team not as individual.

Doesn't Carlsen have a coach that trained him to be a WORLD CHAMPION? Doesn't he worked with other GM's that helped him to be a strong player?

Aren't they a team? I guess, right? Maybe, this is the first time for you to know that Chess is a team sport.

PLEASE CHECK THIS ARTICLE http://www.onlinechesslessons.net/2012/04/09/chess-a-team-sport/#.U3FTa_mSy7A

"While chess is entirely an individual sport, 1-on-1, there is a very strong team element to consider as you simply can’t play your best chess without utilizing all of your pieces via a holistically organized plan and objective."

"The strength of the team is each individual member… the strength of each member is the team” – Coach Phil Jackson

Now, you learned a lesson from me (Cheeeeeerrrss...again!)

I am asking everybody NOT to cut the sentence when replying to the emails.

Respectfully,

Jeffrey D. BalbalosaSystems Analyst/Programmer

Surangel And Sons, Co.

Koror, Palau 96940

MORE COMMENTS FROM BERNARD:

 Bernard Garcia

To jeffreyMeEric Whipps and 8 More...

May 13 at 8:33 AM

PCF Board,

Jamie said he will send an email about May 26.

Is it possible for us to get a decision on this issue soon?

Lets focus on chess issues, and not fall for time waste like the saying "If you cannot win an argument, correct their grammar instead."

If you can't win an argument, correct their grammar instead.

			If you can't win an argument, correct their grammar inst... Underholdnings-website
			View on www.facebook.com	Preview by Yahoo

Cheers,

-Bernard

ANGIE PARRADO HAS AN ENLIGHTENING COMMENT:

 Gigi Parrado

To Bernard GarciajeffreyMe and 8 More...

May 13 at 9:15 AM

Hi Robert,

Sir Eric does not really care about his ratings because if he did he would show up. And I am sure he would not also approved making our games with him draw had you consulted him considering he did not exert any effort at all. Knowing him he would not agree to your "suggestion" as you put it now. And him being our Boss does not count in rating the game. For the sake of professionalism,  let's  put aside any kind of relationship  whatsoever and let everyone be given equal footing when it comes to rating the games.  Let us all play fair and square and be rated in the same manner.

It's enough for Sir Eric to see the development of Chess in Palau and we are thankful for that.  He had done more than enough for the betterment of Chess in Palau which we are ever grateful for.  His continued support and untiring efforts in any way he can is what makes Chess Palau where it is now. Guess he does not expect any return for what he did. Much more a plus in his ratings in exchange of his generosity and support is not in his agenda.  Seeing Chess Palau prosper is enough compensation for him.


Angie

PCF PRESIDENT ERICK KSAU WHIPPS IS WORRIED BY THE CHAOS:

 

On Tuesday, May 13, 2014 9:43 AM, Eric Ksau Whipps <eric@surangel.com> wrote:

Hello Everyone, 

I am very disturbed by the tone of your messages. Please consider others when you write your messages. Let us finish this tournament peacefully and rationally within the alloted time. I want to thank you all for your efforts to further chess in Palau and look forward to seeing you all soon. May your training and preparation as members of Palau Chess Team continue to progress. We can talk more about rapid and standard tournaments when I get back.

Regards, 

Eric

FINALLY, AN EMAIL FROM JAMIE KENMURE:

On Tuesday, May 13, 2014 7:20 AM, Jamie Kenmure <jchess7@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi Roberto,

On the 26th of May I will get results from the players as they will
complete their games on 25th of May.

Could you please send a cross table from the tournament of the Palau
Open and Palau Open Reserves please.

Yours

Jamie Kenmure

AFTER THIS REPLY FROM ROBERTO, EVERYTHING HAS SETTLED DOWN:

 Me

To Jamie Kenmure eric@surangel.com Tito Cabunagan and 10 More...

May 13 at 12:46 PM

Hi Jamie,

    I'm making now the cross-table of 2014 Palau Open/Reserves in which you said we must submit not later than 23rd of May in your email to Eric and was forwarded to me on May 8.

   Upon reading that deadline date, I have to do something to finish it on May 18. That action of mine was criticize by many members/participants as you can read in the 2 forwarded messages about that date.

   I totally hold on to your word (May 23rd) but you said differently about the deadline to Bernard in your chat. That single digit change caused "chaos" to us. I want to finish it on time according to your date (May 23rd) and Bernard wants to finish it according to your new date (May 25) which you just sent to me today.

   I have a lot of apologizing to do because of this. But it's a blessing in disguise that our "comments/suggestions/arguments made us more closer and enjoying the exchanges of views in different perspective. Especially the "chess is a team sport" by Jeff, which I enjoyed reading. He has sense of humor!

   As Bernard suggested, I will send you the cross-tables with the remaining games blank so you just have to fill it when the tournament concludes on May 25.

   How about the Women's? There is only 1 game played -Angie defeated Baby Edna Mission. Please do the results yourself so that it can conform also to the deadline as you have done in the past.

   Best regards.

Roberto

           

                 MORE GOOD NEWS!!!

  Dennis Gonzales

To eric@surangel.com cabunagantito@yahoo.com Me and 11 More...

May 13 at 12:52 PM

Dear Board,

I just want you to update that we already opened an account in Bank of Guam.

        Here's the details:

   

        Bank name    - Bank of Guam- Koror Branch

        Account name: Palau Chess Federation

        Account number: 0110-029937

        Routing number: 121405115

I already deposited the money that I collected $295.00

The total collection                               - $ 400.00

Less:expenses - story board - $90.00

                        SS fees       -   15.00          105.00

Total balance                                            $295.00

Sir Eric still have $20.00 with me for the remaining of $90 that he offset for the registration fees which is total $70.

Our EIN -15038-00, Palau Chess Federation.

Best regards,

Dennis

                       SHORT EMAILS OF APPRECIATION

Bernard Garcia

To Dennis Gonzaleseric@surangel.comcabunagantito@yahoo.com and 11 More...

May 13 at 12:55 PM

Thank you very much Dennis.

-Bernard

 Eric Ksau Whipps

To Bernard GarciaDennis Gonzalescabunagantito@yahoo.com and 4 More...

May 13 at 1:31 PM

Fantastic I will give to Geoffrey and Brian. 

Sent from Samsung Mobile

Me

To Dennis Gonzales

May 13 at 10:51 PM

Thank you, Dennis. This is the start. Good luck to Palau Chess Federation.

Robert

 On May 08, 2014, the top 4 officers of Palau Chess Federation (President Erick Ksau Whipps, Vice Pres. Tito Cabunagan, General Secretary Roberto Hernandez and Treasurer Dennis Gonzales went to Bank Of Guam to open an account for PCF so that the monetary help from FIDE and Brian Jones will be sent to that account.

Roberto provided the copy of Non-Profit Charter of PCF (April 11, 2006), Jeff typed the Minutes of Board Meeting, I. D. of the 4 were presented.

Two more necessary documents are needed to have an account -- TIN or EIN no. of Palau Chess Federation and Board Resolution about the new officials of PCF.

Eric, Roberto and Dennis proceed at the Social Security office to get TIN number. It will be given on Monday, May 12. Eric proceeded to the Bank of Guam and tell them that those will be submitted on Monday and Roberto will sign the Board Resolution and Dennis will follow-up because Eric will be leaving on Friday, May 09-21, 2014 for L.A.

 Roberto asked Sib Reyes to print the 2-page Board Resolution, signed it and gave it to Dennis on Monday morning at 10:30am.

May 16, 2014

Hi Cyril and Bernard,

    Please be reminded that we have an agreement that was implemented in 2013 Palau National Chess Championship that players of the same company must play in the first 3 rounds and not in the last 3 rounds.

    The controversial 2012 PNCC has served us a lesson about this. It was followed in the 2013 PNCC where me and Paquito played in the first round. Bernard vs. Cyril, and Tito vs. Jose in the 3rd round.

    In the current 2014 Palau Open Chess tournament, it is not being followed as Bernard said he will play Cyril in the final day, May 25.

    Although I agreed with Cyril that we will play on the 18th of May, I am requesting that you (Bernard and Cyril) play on the 18th and me and Cyril on the 25th (final day). This is to avoid the doubt of what Bernard said as "game fixing" during the 2012 PNCC.

    The conflict will arise if Bernard and Cyril will play on the last day and if I would  lose my game against Cyril on the 18th. The suspicion of game fixing will be there because we didn't follow that agreement.

   Tito vs. Jose is not much complicated this time than the 2012 PNCC because they are both out of the championship but they can still finish in the top 6.

   Good luck to all! CYRIL VS. BERNARD ON MAY 18 AND ROBERTO VS. CYRIL ON THE 25TH --WHAT A MATCH-UP!

   Best regards.

Robert

  

Source: History of Chess In Palau

              By Roberto Hernandez

              May 2014

(723) PHOTOS (7TH ROUND -2014 PALAU OPEN CHESS TOURNAMENT)

FIRST GAME OF THE 7th ROUND OF 2014 PALAU OPEN CHESS TOURNAMENT - Candidate Master Bernardo Garcia against teammate in Istanbul 2012 World Chess Olympiad Roberto Hernandez at 2:35pm at Bethlehem Park.    (Photo by Roberto Hernandez - Taken by Paquito Suringa, Jr.)

Bernard opened with his pet English Opening 1. c4
Palau top player Cyril Tomas Montel, Jr., middle, defeated Dennis Gonzales, right, in 41 moves of Queen's Gambit Declined.                                            (Photo by Roberto Hernandez -- Taken by Paquito Suringa, Jr.)

THE MOVES: CM Bernardo Garcia (White) vs. NM Roberto Hernandez (Black) English Opening
     1. c4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. g3 Bg7 4. Bg2 0-0 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. 0-0 d6 7. d3 Bd7 8. Bd2 e5 9. Rb1 Rb8 10. b4 a6 11. a4 Nd4 12. Be3 Nxf3+ 13. Bxf3 Bc6 14. Nd5 Nxd5 15. cxd5 Bd7 16. b5 axb5 17. axb5 b6 18. Qd2 Qd8 19. Qb4 f5 20. Rfc1 Rb7 21. Rc4 Qa8 22. Qb3 Ra7 23. Rb4 Ra3 24. Qc4 Qa7 25. Qh4 Bf6 26. Bg5 Bxg5 27. Qxg5 Ra1 28. Rxa1 Qxa1+ 29. Kg2 Qe1 30. Rh4 e4 31. Bh5 Be8 32. Rf4 exd3 33. exd3 Qe5 34. Bf3 Bxb5 35. g4 Bxd3 36. gxf5 Bxf5 37. Kg3 b5 38. Bg4 Bxg4 39. Qxe5 dxe5 40. Rxg4 Rf4 41. Rg5 Re4 42. Kf3 Re1 43. h3 e4+ 44. Kf4 b4 45. Rg3 Rb1 46. Kxe4 b3 47. Kd3 Rc1  0-1

Gladys Anne Paloma, left, was the next victim of Cyril while at the other table, Paquito 'Pax' Suringa, Jr., 2nd from right, sacrificed a knight for 2 pawns to gain initiative and subdued WNM Angelica Parrado in 39 moves of Sicilian Defence wherein Angie blundered away her queen due to time pressure. She's got 39 seconds left while Pax still has 21 minutes.           (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

THE MOVES:

CYRIL TOMAS MONTEL, JR. (White) vs. GLADYS ANNE PALOMA (Black)     May 11, 2014

1.       e4 e6  2. d4 d5  3. e5 c5  4. c3 Nc6  5. Nf3 Nge7  6. Bd3 Ng6  7. Be3 Be7  8. 0-0  0-0  9. a3 c4  10. Bc2 Bd7  11. Nbd2  b6  12. h3 a6  13. Nh2 f6  14. c4 b5  15. Bxg6 hxg6  16. Qg4 Kf7 17. Ndf3 f5  18. Qg3 Rh8  19. Qe1 Rh5  20. Bf2 Qh8  21. h4 Rb8  22. g3 g5  23. fxg5 g6  24. Kg2 Rf8  25. Ng1 Kg8  26. Nh3 Nd8  27. Nf4 Rh7  28. Nxg6 Qg7  29. Nxf8 Bxf8  30. g4 Be7  31. Bg3 Nf7  32. gxf5 Bxg5  33. hxg5 Nxg5  34. f6 Qf7  35. Ng4 Be8  36. Rh1 Rf8  37. Qe3 Qg6  38. Rxh7 Nxh7 39. Qh6+ Qxh6  40. Nxh6 Ng5 41. Bh4 Nh7  42. Rf1 a5  43. f7 Bxf7 44. Rxf7+   1-0

Dennis Gonzales, 2nd from left, and Alfredo Pacenos, Jr., played their game not on the big table but on the bench. Their game is the longest of the event. At almost 70 moves, Dennis got a king and a knight while Alfredo had a king and a rook. Roberto start counting for if Alfredo cannot mate Dennis in 50 moves, it will be a draw. On the 41st count, Alfredo won the knight but he runs out of count as he needs 4 more moves to mate Dennis and the count is already 50 and still, no mate. Their game lasted till 7pm. They have to move to a place where there is light from the electric post.               (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

THE MOVES:

PAQUITO SURINGA, JR. (White) vs. ANGELICA PARRADO (Black)          May 11, 2014

1.       e4 c5  2. Nf3 g6  3. Bc4 Bg7  4. 0-0 e6  5. e5 Nc6  6. Re1 Ne7  7. c3 a6  8. d4 b5  9. Bd3 c4  10. Be4 d5  11. exd6 ep Qxd6  12. Be3 0-0  13. Qd2 f5  14. Bxc6 Nxc6  15. Bh6 f4  16. Bxg7 Kxg7  17. Na3 h6  18. Re4 Ne7  19. Rae1 Nd5  20. Nc2 a5  21. Na3 Rb8  22. Qc2 Rf6  23. Ne5 h5  24. Nb1 Bb7  25. Nd2 g5  26. Nf3 Rf5  27. Ng6 Bc8  28. Nge5 Nf6  29. R4e2 Bb7 30. Nxc4 bxc4  31. Rxe6 Qd5  32. Re7+ Kf8  33. Rc7 Ne4  34. Qa4 Rf7   35. Rxf7+ Kxf7  36. Ne5+ Kg8  37. f3 Nf6  38. Ng6 Kf7  39. Ne7      1-0

Jeff Balbalosa, right, has only one game left (against Paquito) but Paquito is playing Angie so he just practice with Neph Macasaet, who also has one game left (against Rafael Paloma). Jeff and Pax will pla

(722) Hernandez tops FIDE Trainers' Seminar (TBN-May 08, 2014)

AFTER THE FIRST 4 HOURS OF SEMINAR

                        FIDE C.E.O. Mr. Geoffrey Borg, middle, is flanked by Palau’s first titled player CM Bernardo Garcia, right, and NM Roberto Hernandez, who are both National Arbiters. Mr. Borg, from Malta, conducted a FIDE Trainers’ Seminar that enabled all 14 participants to get their respective titles with Roberto getting an FI Title while Bernard and 5 others got NI titles. Roberto is wearing a white Malta polo shirt given to him by Mr. Yoshiharu Kurata, a senior JICA Volunteer in Palau.

                                        (Photo by Roberto Hernandez, Taken by Gladys Anne Paloma)

              Hernandez Tops 
        FIDE Trainers' Seminar

THE RESULTS of the FIDE Trainers’ Seminar held on April 14-16, 2014 and was conducted by Mr. Geoffrey Borg is already published at FIDE website with National Master (NM) Roberto Hernandez topping the event and got a FIDE Instructor (FI) title while 6 others got National Instructor (NI) titles. The other 7 got Developmental Instructor (DI) titles.

                In his letter to the participants, Mr. Borg noted:

Dear Participants,

                Here are the FIDE Titles that I decided should be distributed to you. In order to finalize my decisions, I took into consideration your ID-Cards and the valuable info you provided and further information I was able to collect, your behavior and attendance during the seminar and of course the written exam.

                In the Titles’ Award Table, the 14 participants were listed alphabetically according to their Surname, Name, Birth, Country, FIDE ID, and Award as follows: 1. Balbalosa, Jeffrey (1979) (Palau) (1600240) (NI) 2. Cabunagan, Tito (1959) (Palau) (16600169) (NI) 3. Garcia, Bernardo (1976) (Palau) (16600096) (NI) 4. Gonzales, Dennis (1978) (Palau) (16600150) (NI) 5. Hernandez, Roberto (1956) (Palau) (16600010) (FI) 6. Labarda, Eugene (1967) (Palau) (16600576) (DI) 7. Magbanua, Peter Erick (1977) (Palau) (166001181) (DI) 8. Mission, Baby Edna (1967) (Palau) (16600355) (DI) 9. Montel, Cyril (Tomas is missing for his complete name also the Jr. after Montel) (1970) (Palau) (16600517 –The correct FIDE ID no. is 16600037) (NI) 10. Paloma, Gladys Ann (Anne is the complete name) (1982) (Palau) (16600495) (DI) 11. Parrado, Angelica (1968) (Palau) (16600215) (DI) 12. Perdon, Ohjea Mae (1984) (Palau) (16600835) (DI) 13. Suringa, Paquito (Jr. is also missing here after Suringa) (1973) (Palau) (16600134) (DI) 14. Whipps, Eric Ksau (1977) (Palau) (16600550) (NI).  

                After this, the procedure is as follows:

1.       FIDE will approve (or disapprove) your proposed titles in the coming FIDE GA meeting (August 2014).

2.       An invoice will be sent to your federation, according to your awarded title (FIDE Instructor =100 euros  *National Instructor = 50 euros  *Developmental Instructor = 50 euros).

3.       After approval and payment the title certificates, pins and badges will be sent to your federation.

Please forward this letter to your federation officials, as they should be informed on your results.

Once more we would like to thank you for your participation and for your efforts during the Koror (Palau) FIDE Trainers’ Seminar.

                    The Lecturer                  Geoffrey Borg

                Only one official game was played in the 5^th round of 2014 Palau Open Chess tournament at Bethlehem Park last Sunday, April 27. Many players are present but most of them have played against each other already: Cyril Tomas Montel, Jr., CM Bernard Garcia, Tito Cabunagan, John Joseph Pabiona, Dennis Gonzales, Roberto Hernandez, Paquito Suringa, Jr., Neph Macasaet, Jeff Balbalosa, Angie Parrado and Baby Edna Mission.

                The only game that was played was the Hernandez- Gonzales match.

THE MOVES: Roberto Hernandez (White) vs. Dennis Gonzales (Black) Danish Gambit

1.       e4 e5 2. d4 exd4 3. c3 dxc3 4. Bc4 Bc5 5. Bxf7+ Kf8 6. Qd5 Bxf2+ 7. Ke2 Qf6 8. Bxg8 Rxg8 9. Nxc3 Bb6 10. Nh3 Qe6 11. Rf1+ Ke8 12. Qh5+ Qg6 13. Qxg6+ hxg6 14. Nf4 g5 15. Nfd5 g4 16. Nxb6 axb6 17. Nd5 Na6 18. b4 b5 19. a4 c6 20. Nb6 Nc7 21. Nxa8 Nxa8 22. axb5 Nb6 23. Be3 Nc4 24. Ra8 Kd8 25. b6 d6 26. Bg5+ Kd7 27. Rf7+ Ke6 28. Re7#.

RESULTS OF 6^TH ROUND (May 04, 2014):

       Tito snapped the 4-game winning streak of Jeff in 31 moves of French Defence; Paquito sacrificed a whole rook to obtain a perpetual check on Jose Celiz to claim a draw in 51 moves of King’s Indian Defence; Gladys Anne Paloma blundered away his queen and lost to Neph Macasaet in 53 moves of  Queen’s Pawn Opening and in the last game of the day that lasted till 6:20pm, Roberto took the measure of Rafael Paloma in 57 moves of Sicilian Defence to lead both pool with 6 straight wins.

THE MOVES: Rafael Paloma (White) vs. Roberto Hernandez (Black) Sicilian Defence

1.       e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bc4 e6 4. d4 cxd4 5. Qxd4 Nf6 6. Qe3 Nf6 7. h3 Be7 8. 0-0 0-0 9. a3 d5 10. exd5 exd5 11. Bb5 Re8 12. Qd3 a6 13. Bxc6 bxc6 14. b4 Qc7 15. Bb2 Ne4 16. Be5 Bd6 17. Bxd6 Qxd6 18. Qd4 Nf6 19. c4 Re4 20. Qd3 Rxc4 21. Nbd2 Rf4 22. Rfe1 Bf5 23. Qf1 h6 24. g3 Rxf3 25. Nxf3 Be4 26. Nd2 Bg6 27. Rac1 Ne4 28. Nxe4 Bxe4 29. Re3 Bg6 30. Rc5 d4 31. Re1 d3 32. Rec1 Be4 33. Qd1 d2 34. Ra1 Qd3 35. Re5 Bf3 36. Re3 Qxe3 37. fxe3 Bxd1 38. Rxd1 Rd8 39. Kf2 Rd3 40. Ke2 Rxa3 41. Rxd2 Rb3 42. Rd8+ Kh7 43. Ra8 Rxb4 44. Rxh6 c5 45. Rc6 c4 46. Kf3 f6 47. h4 Kg6 48. g4 Kf7 49. Rc7+ Ke6 50. Rxg7 Kd6 51. Rg6 Ke5 52. Rxh6 c3 53. Rh5+ Ke6 54. Ra5 c2 55. Ra6+ Kd5 56. Rxf6 c1=Q 57. Rf5+ Ke6    0-1

Solution to last week’s puzzle: (It’s mate in 2 not 3) 1. Qxf7+!! Bxf7 2. Bxf7 mate.

This week’s puzzle: White to move and mates in 3 (Solution next issue)

Source: Chessmate by Roberto Hernandez
             Tia Belau Newspaper
             Pages 10-11
             Volume 23
             Issue 37
             May 08, 2014 (Thursday)     Monday's Issue is full of ads
            

(721) MUSIC AND ME (March 27, 2014) RUSSIANS THAT DON'T PLAY CHESS

A SHOT OF ABSOLUT VODKA
     This group of Russian guests at Palau Royal Resort gave me a shot of Absolut vodka upon knowing that I've been to Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia in 2010 World Chess Olympiad. Surprisingly, none of them play chess professionally or as a hobby. They come to Palau to escape winter in Russia and enjoy the sun. I'm holding a Tia Belau Newspaper and showed them that I write about chess there for 11 years and that this picture might be featured there someday.        (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)
                                                                     (Taken by Jackie, the bartender)



RUSSIANS THAT DON'T PLAY CHESS

ON APRIL 05, 2014, we have about 14 Russian guests at Palau Royal Resort that will stay for 2 weeks. 

During their first week, I haven't approached them and introduce myself that I have been to Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia during the 2010 World Chess Olympiad from Sept. 19-Oct. 04.

I have met some Russians especially during the winter season in Europe but almost all of them don't play chess. I said to one of them, "I thought all Russians play chess."

Before the 2012 World Chess Olympiad in Istanbul, Turkey, I checked the Russians top 100 players --97 of them are Grandmasters!!!
2 are International Masters (IM) and the 100th is not even a FIDE Master but his rating is more than 2500, better than most other GMs.

Three days before the group left, I approached them but only 2 of them can speak good English so she became the translator. 

I have with me a copy of the latest Tia Belau Newspaper and 3 business cards where I have a photo in each side. 

After some introductions and mentioned of the 2010 World Chess Olympiad in Khanty-Mansiysk, they asked me to sit with them and have a shot of Absolut vodka that they're having at their table. They are very proud to have somebody who's been to their country especially from a small island like Palau.

I sat for about 5 minutes and ask Jackie, the bartender to take a photo of us. I don't want to let go this opportunity having photo with new acquaintances. 

Then it's time to play "Happy Birthday" song for one of them -- Yuri. I finished drinking the vodka shot and before playing Happy Birthday, I ask the F & B Manager Edwin Acuyan if they have cake with candle for dramatic birthday greeting. 

From right to left, Edwin Acuyan, Roberto Hernandez, Chef Ai Lin Liao and Leizl Michael during the farewell party of Chef Ai Lin at Conference Room of Palau Royal Resort.
                                                        (Photo by Roberto Hernandez, Taken by Rea Arceo)

              
Edwin ask one of the staff to get a slice of cake at the display window and charge it to him. The Russians are spending lots of money and a slice of cake is a show of gratitude.

After playing the Happy Birthday song, there's big applause among all of them. Other guests are carried away by a simple greeting with dramatic effect.

I followed it up with "Those Were The Days", an American song by Mary Hopskin that has a very popular Russian version.

They all sung it in Russian.

Next, I played "From Russia With Love" and Edwin said, "You're really from Russia tonight, ha?" 

The next day, one of them go to me and start humming a Russian song. I used my "music instinct" or by ear as there is no music score available. 

Upon knowing that I can carry on with that Russian song, the guy continues singing with his voice getting higher and clearer.

A lady, 3rd from left in the photo, is taking a video of his singing.

The Assistant Food and Beverage Manager Marylin Alonzo, came near me and said, "No singing." Because Michelle Liao, the DOB of Palau Royal Resort, is having dinner at the wooden area and Marylin said that the other guests are getting distracted by the singing.

Marilyn Alonzo is 6th from left (back row). This photo was taken during the farewell party of Executive Chef Masaki Horie, on Marilyn's left.


But I cannot stop in the middle of the song and Marylin also talk to the lady taking a video.

After he finished the song, a very loud applause from their group. Some applause also from other guests. THEY ARE NOT DISTRACTED. THEY ENJOY HEARING A DIFFERENT AND BEAUTIFUL MELODY ESPECIALLY FROM A EUROPEAN MAN!

The next day, there are no customers at 8:30 pm and Marylin sings a lot of songs chosen from my songbooks. CUSTOMERS CAN'T SING BUT SHE CAN?

She didn't mention about what she has tried to do in stopping the Russian guy from singing. Maybe she realized that it's not a distraction but an added attraction to guests.


Source: Chess And Music (Perfect Combination)
           The Beginning of Chess In Palau
           By Roberto Hernandez
           May 2014
           To be published as a book in the future