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This tournament was set up for three rounds on one day at the home of Bruce Moon on 29 August 1993. Time per move was unlimited. We used the one point per win and one half point per draw or stalemate scoring system. (Others, such as 4-3-2-1 can be used.) We also selected the "varied" communication format, selecting one mode for each round. At about two and one half hours per round the total length of the tournament was about nine hours. The four players were John Zimmerman, Byron Massey, Bill Nulf (who came in as a last minute replacement believing that he would be playing in a standard chess quad tournament) and Bruce Moon. Players will be identified respectively as JZ, BM, BN, and BAM. The first round was silent communication, the second round open and secret, and the last open only (see rules). Remember: "---" indicates a skipped turn because a checked player must respond first.
ROUND 1 (silent)
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
BN BM BAM JZ
1 d3 0-0 g5 Nf3
2 Ne3 d8 h6 f2
3 Nd5 dxe7 Bg7 Bg2
4 Nxe7 c7 Rf8 Ne1
5 0-0 Bb7 Nf6 Bf3
6 Bxg5 d6 Nxg4 f1
7 a4 dxe7 Rxa8+ ---
8 --- Bxa8 Nxh2 Kxh2
9 Be3+ Kb8 Kh7 Bd1
10 axb5 Nb7 Be5 Bxc2+
11 Ka2 Nd6 Kg7 Kh3
12 Bd2 Bd5+ --- ---
13 Ka3 Nxb5+ --- ---
14 Kb4 Nd6 Bxb2 Nxd3+
15 Ka5 Nc4+ --- ---
16 Kb5 Nxd2 Bxa1 e1
17 Resigns Be6+ --- Kh2
18 --- Nf3+ --- Kh1
19 --- Bd5 Bc3 d1
20 --- Ne5+ --- Kh2
21 --- Nxf7 Bd4 Nf4
22 --- Bc4 Bc5? 2e
23 --- Nd6 Kh8 Nd3
24 --- f7 Bd4 c1
25 --- Nf5 Ba1 Bd1
26 --- Ne3 Kg7 Nb4
27 --- Nf1+ --- Kg2
28 --- Nd2 Bc3 e3
29 --- Nb1 Bxb4 d2
30 --- Kc8 Be7 Bc2
31 --- Ba2 Bg5 Kf2
32 --- Kd7 Bh4+ Ke2
33 --- Ke6 Bf6 Be4
34 --- Na3 h5 d3
35 --- Nb5 h4 c3
36 --- Nd4+ --- Ke1
37 --- Nf5+ Res b1
38 --- Bxb1 --- Bxb1
39 --- Nd4 --- Ba2+
40 --- Ke7 --- b3
41 --- Nxb3 --- Bxb3
42 --- g7 --- Bc2
43 --- Kd6 --- Bd3
44 --- Kc5 --- c2
45 --- Kd4 --- Kd2
46 --- Res ---
1. BM opens with 1 ... 0-0, a move later considered too
conservative. Moving bishop pawn early invites a death
trap.
3. 3 ... ... Nd7 threatens mate against South (BN) and
discovers an attack on West's (BM's) R. Ironically, had
West (BM) not castled early, East (JZ) would have placed
West (BM) in check, which would have allowed mate against
South (BN), because South (BN) would not have a move with
which to defend himself. On the downside, castling early
leaves the player vulnerable to possible Pawn attacks
from the right-hand opponent.
4. Why did BM not play 4 ... d7, forcing North (BAM) to lose
a piece?
6. JZ missed 6 ... ... NxP.
7. BAM felt forced to exchange rooks. He assumed BM would
exchange and BAM would lose a move. This presumption was
questioned by JZ. BAM then takes JZ N thereby winning
the exchange. However he loses a N to the two other
players. JZ declines to take BN B because he didn't want
to split pawns. And East (JZ) missed the fact that NxP
attacks both R and N.
22. JZ missed 22 ... ... Ne6+!.
29. JZ missed 29 ... ... BxN completely. BM NxP probably not
best move -- insures JZ win. JZ and BM believe that BAM
resigned too early, perhaps loosing his cool.
Unfortunately, throughout the tournament BN's objective
seemed to be aggressively vengeful play rather than cool
headed winning strategy.Communications option 1 (silent)
was played only once before by three of the players. This
version brings about different strategies and tactics
because a player must count on another player(s) seeing
his intended combinations while wanting to achieve the
same results.
ROUND 2 (open and secret communications allowed)
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
BM JZ BAM BN
1 0-0 d7 Nf6 f4
2 b3 c8 g6 e1
3 d3? Nc6 Bg7? e2
4 Nc3 Nxe7 Rf8 d2
5 Ne2? Nc6 Nd5 Rxe2
6 Bb2 0-0 h5 d1
7 Bxg7+ --- Kxg7 c1
8 c4 e7 Re8 Bg2
9 Kc2? bxc4 Nxe7 Bxc6
10 dxc4 Bb7 Nxc8+ ---
11 --- Ka6 Rxe2 Bxb7+
12 --- Kxb7 Nd6+ ---
13 --- Kc6 Ne4 Nf3
14 Kd3 Rd8+ --- ---
15 Kxe2 Rxd2+ --- ---
16 Kxf3 Rd1+ --- Kh2
17 Kxe4 Kc7 h4 Kg2
18 a4 Rd2+ --- Kf1??
19 Rxc1++ --- --- s e3
20 Kf3 Rb2 f5 s d3
21 Rc3 Kc6 g5 s e4
22 a5 Kb7 Kf6 s d4
23 axb4? Kxb6 Ke5 s sf
24 Rc1? Rxb3 g4+ ---
25 Kg2 Kc5 Kf4 ---
26 Rf1+ --- Kg5 ---
27 Rc1 Rb8 h3+ ---
28 Kh1 Rg8+ Kf4 ---
29 Rf1+ --- Kg3 ---
30 Rxf5+ Kxc4 h2 ---
31 Rf1 Re8 Kh3 ---
32 Rf2 Re3+ g3 ---
33 Rxh2+ --- Kg4 ---
34 Rh8 Re1+ --- ---
35 Kg2 Re6 Kf5 ---
36 Rc8+ Kd5 Kf4 ---
37 Rf8+ --- Kg4 ---
38 Rg8+ --- Kf5 ---
39 Rd8+ Rd6 Kg4 ---
40 Rg8+ --- Res ---
41 Kh3 Rf6 --- ---
42 Kg4 Ke5 --- ---
43 Re8+ Kd5 --- ---
44 Kg5 Rf7 --- ---
45 Kg6 Rd7 --- ---
46 Kf6? Ra7 --- ---
47 Re7 Ra8 --- ---
48 Kf7 Kd6 --- ---
49 Re6+? Kd7 DO --- ---
50 Rf6 Rb8 --- ---
51 Kg7 Ke7 --- ---
52 Rf7+ Ke6 --- ---
53 Rf8 Rb7+ --- ---
54 Kh8 Rb5 --- ---
55 Kg7^Q Rg5+ --- ---
56 Kh6 Res --- ---
[Note -- it was decided by chance who got to sit where, because in three
rounds, distribution of right-hand opponents does not come out even.
It was also decided by chance who went first in each round.]
[Special symbols: DO = makes draw offer; s = annexed by South; ^Q =
King "upchucks" Queen.]
This time BM's 0-0 leaves his flank vulnerable to BN.
The early NP move leaves player open to right-hand opponent's RP, and BN
takes full advantage.
8. BM doesn't see mate avoidance move until JZ points it out
in order to keep BAM from becoming too powerful and to
incur BM's gratitude.
9. Why does BM not play PxN?
10. BAM's thinking if NxB then BxN+ which leads to BxR.
11. BN's bishop exchange saves BAM's N.
14. BM offers to capture BAM's R if JZ will check, and
successive checks capture successive pieces.
16. JZ thinks Rd1 is mate; it isn't but it keeps BM from
mating. However BN could have resigned and pulled his
pawns off the board allowing BM to play RxR.
18. BN knowingly commits suicide.
22. a5 makes pawn vulnerable but also BM overlooks the fact
that annexed side must have at one legal move on each
turn or those pieces become frozen. BM and JZ realize
that they have to work together to prevent BAM's pawn
crush.
31. BM asks JZ not to mate him so that he can move up to f2
to attack BAM's pawn. JZ agrees and honors his
commitment, which later costs him the game.
40. Pawn at g3 remains frozen at BAM's option.
44. JZ mistakenly believes that BM queens on a8 not h8 square
and facilitates BM's movement in that direction and
realizes his mistake a couple of moves later, perhaps too
later.
Another chess club member arrived (Joe McGaffigan) and caused some distraction during the last two games. Across the board conversation opened up with criticisms, zingers, one liners, etc., including: "`It won't be long now!` said the butcher, who dropped his cleaver." -- among other things.
ROUND 3 (open discussion)
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
BN BAM JZ BM
1 d3 d7 Nf6 e2
2 Be3? c5 g6 Bg2+
3 --- Bb7 Nxd7 exd1
4 Rxd1 Bxg2+ --- Rxg2
5 Rxg1+? --- --- Kh2
6 Rxg2+? --- --- Kxg2
7 Bxc5?? Rxd7 h5 f4
8 Bxb6 Nc4 0-0 Nf3
9 dxc4?? Rd1++ --- ---
10 w a4 Kb7 h4 Ne5
11 w Bd4 Rg1+? --- Kh2
12 w b3 Rd1 e6 e3
13 w Bc3 Rd8 Kg7 Nc6+
14 --- --- Kg8 Nxd8+
15 --- Kc7 Be7? e4 DO
16 w Bxh8 Kd7 Bg5 Nb7
17 w Be5+ --- --- Kg2
18 w Bc7 Kc6 Bxe3 Nc5
19 w b4 Kb5 g5 Nd7
20 w a5 Kc6 Bd2 Ne5+
21 --- Kb5 Kf8 Nd7+
22 --- --- Ke8 Nf6+
23 --- --- Ke7 Nd5+
24 --- --- Kd7 Nc3+
25 --- Ka6 Kc8 Na4
26 w c5 Kb5 Bf4 Nc3+
27 --- Kc6 Bxc7 Nd5
28 w b5 bxc7 Kb8 Nb4+
29 --- Kd6 h3+ Kxh3
30 w c6 d7 e5 Nd5
31 w c4 e7 Kc8 Nc7?
32 w b6 Kc5 Kb8 Ne6+
33 --- Kd6 Kc8 Nd8
34 w a6 Kc5 Kb8 Nb7+
35 --- Kb4 Kc8 Nd6+
36 --- --- Kd8 Nb7+
37 --- --- Kc8 Nd6+
38 --- --- Kd8 Nb7+
Draw by repetition.
[Special symbols: DO = makes draw offer; w = annexed by West.]
4. BM thinks winning two pieces for one is a bargain
especially if the two pieces come from the "tag team"
which has been "trampling" him the whole tournament. JZ
believes that BM's tactics leave him down a piece net to
BN which is unsound.
5. By this time it is apparent that BN has lost all control
of his tactical play.
9. BN finishes his suicide agenda despite pleading from JZ
and BM. Then he persists in declaring that he did not
allow mate deliberately.
11. Rd2+ preferable.
13. BM finds that discovered check can obtain BAM's R.
15. JZ offers to give up his R and save BM's N in exchange
for BM shepherding in JZ's KP for R promotion which would
go after BAM's pieces first. BM agrees. BM makes draw
offer and BAM accepts but JZ doesn't, wanting to play on
partly for expositional purposes.
18. BM and JZ are teaming up but Bxe3 saves BM's N.
29. BM offers BAM JZ KP if BAM agrees to leave his N alone
deliberately breaking agreement with JZ. Shortly
thereafter BM said "He [JZ] knows that I'm a backstabbing
piece of crap. I've burned my bridges now." BN, still
around, was overheard saying "I'm happy with my game."
among other comments that were technically not allowed by
a non-player and unappreciated. JZ, ignominiously, later
offers to help BM if BM lets JZ RP through despite being
backstabbed already, thus overcoming emotion with
strategy.
31. BM had 31 --- --- --- NxP+ 32 --- --- Kd8 (or b8) NxP+,
followed by the draw by repetition, or taking the a-Pawn.
BAM is shut out of either sequence.
34. Allows NxP+ giving time for N to get away, but was not
seen by BM and JZ until next move.
35. Starts draw by repetition to circumvent BAM win. To
varying degrees all were uneasy with this "solution".
Such a finish is only possible when other remaining
players get skipped. Perhaps tournament adjustments
could alleviate problem.
This tournament combined all 3 communication formats. Other tournaments
could utilize only one option.
Summary observations made at the time include:
BM: His contention was that the last [game] was best, but pointed out
there was no clear winner for tournament.
BAM: Feels someone should work out some basic openings.
BN: Decided he liked talking options better.
JZ: "I like it [all formats] if all players are comparable. However,
allowances can be made for a player(s) who are less disposed to
rational control. This game can tell you more about your opponents
than regular chess." In the talking formats, a weaker player may be
coached into making "correct" moves.
GO BACK TO TOURNAMENTS:
This tournament was also set up for 3 rounds on one day. It was played at the home of Bruce Moon on August 28, 1994. Time per move was unlimited. We used the one point per win and one-half point per draw (or stalemate) system. Others such as 4-3-2-1 can be used. We again selected the "varied" communication format, choosing one mode for each round. Total tournament was about ten hours, with breaks between games. The four players were John Zimmerman(JZ), Byron Massey(BM), David Francis(DF), and Bruce Moon(BAM). Remember, "----" indicates a skipped turn (due to check or elimination).
ROUND 1 (open discussion)
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
BM BAM DF JZ
1 b3 b7d7 Nf6 g4f4
2 Bb2 b6c6 g6 g2f2
3 Nc3 b5d5 Bg7 0-0
4 Ba3 Nb7 Bf8 Nf3
5 Na4 0-0 h6 Ne5
6 b4 Nd8 0-0 Nxf7
7 b5 Bc8 Rh7 Ne5
8 Nc5 Kb6 g5 Nc4+
9 ---- Kc7 Bg7 Nb6
10 Rb3 Rxa3 Ne4+ ----
11 Kb1 Ra5 Be5+ ----
12 ---- Kxb6 Nxd2+ ----
13 Kc1 Kxc5 Bd6+ ----
14 ---- Kb6 Nc4+ ----
15 ---- Ka7 Bc5+ ----
16 ---- Ka8 Nxa5 g1e1
17 bxc6 Ne6 Bd6 e1d1?
18 Rxb8+?? Ka7 Nxc6+ ----
19 ---- Ka6 Nxb8+ ----
20 ---- Kb7 gxf4 g3f3!
21 c4 Nc7 Nxd7 Rg1+
22 ---- ---- Rg7 Re1
23 a4 Bxd7 Rg3 Bxd7
24 a5 Na6 Kf8 f2e2
25 Kd2 Nb8 h5 Rf1
26 a6+ Nxa6 h4 d1c1
27 c5 Nb8 Bxc5 Bh3
28 Kc3 Nd7+ Kg7 c1b1
29 Kb2 Nxc5 Kg6 b1a1=R
30 Kc3 Na5+ ---- ----
31 Kb3 Nc5+ ---- ----
32 Kc3 Na5+ ---- ----
33 Kb3 Nc5+ ---- ----
34 Kc3 ---- ---- ----
Draw by repetition.
COMMENTS (directed to move numbers):
3. South "likes his game" -- so far. North duplicates
South. East: West's 3 ... b5d5 "superadventurous."
5. South disregards attacked Pawn for mating chance at b6.
East persuades North not to be too aggressive so East can
concentrate on South. However, East intuitively likes 5
... ... ... Ne5 placement.
6. West agrees to let East take North's Pawn, East agrees
not to take West's Knight.
7. South squeezes down on West.
8. Unclear if South's Knight move is best.
9. West explains that East must save him or South will annex
West's pieces. In return, West agrees to take South's
Bishop, which East could have gotten.
10. West plays 10 ... RxB and North's check prevents
recapture.
11. North plays to eliminate East Knight, which is better
than direct capture, then forks South allowing West to
play 13 ... Kxc5.
17. In playing 17 bxc6, leaving Rook en prise, South may
understand that North doesn't want to lose his Knight,
dropping a piece relative to East and West. East
completely misses 17 ... ... ... Bxe6!, checking North,
which gains time for East escape.
18. South's 18 Rxb8+?? loses. South may have misunderstood
North's intentions; otherwise, a pure error.
20. North expects recapture but misses 20 ... ... ... f3!,
stopping him up.
21. West cuts off North's Knight, and North "forced" to get
something for it.
23. North and East agree -- East takes West's Bishop if North
waits 2 moves to take Pawn.
26. East finally sells South on Pawn distraction, promising
Bishop is "owned" by South. Never discussed was the
possibility of parking Bishop on b1 to block East's own
Pawn advance!
27. North 27 ... ... Bxc5 questionable. South's Pawn can
only tie down West or cost West a piece, both of which
help North.
29. East heard "whispers" of possible perpetual check, but
couldn't see it and promoted Pawn to Rook anyway.
ROUND 2 (silent)
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
JZ BAM BM DF
1 a4 b7d7 Nd6 Nf3
2 axb5 Bxb5?? Nxb5 g2e2
3 0-0 Nb3 g6?? exd1
4 cxb3?? Rxa1+ ---- ----
5 Kxa1 b6c6 Bg7 Bg2
6 Ka2 Kb7 h6 Ng5
7 d3 b8c8 Nd6+ ----
8 ---- Kc7 f6 Nf3
9 b4 Res 0-0 Ne1
10 Be3 ---- Kf7 Nxd3
11 Ka3 ---- Nc4+ ----
12 Ka4 ---- Nxe3 Bf3
13 b3 ---- f5 Nb2+
14 Ka5 ---- fxg4 Be4
15 b5 ---- Be5 Rf2+
16 ---- ---- Ke8 Bxg6+
17 ---- ---- Kd8 Kh2
18 b6 ---- Rg8 d1c1
19 Ka6 ---- h5? Nd3-
20 Ka7 ---- Bd4 Nf4
21 Ka6 ---- e5 Ne6+
22 ---- ---- Ke7 Nxd4
23 b7 ---- Rxg6 Nf5+
24 ---- ---- Nxf5 Rxf5
25 b8=R ---- Kd6 c1b1
26 Rb4 ---- Re6 b1a1=R
27 Kb7 ---- e4 Rxh5
28 Rd4+?? ---- Ke7 Ra2???
29 Kb6 ---- e3 g1f1
30 b4 ---- Kf6 Rh6+
31 ---- ---- Ke5 Ra5+
32 ---- ---- Kxd4 R6h5???
33 bxa5 ---- Kc3 Rd5
34 a6 ---- e2 f1e1
35 a7 ---- Re4 Kg2
36 a8=R ---- Rc4 Rd2
37 Kb5 ---- Rb4+ ----
38 Kc5 ---- Rc4+ ----
39 Kb6 ---- Rb4+ ----
40 Kc5 ---- Rc4+ ----
41 Kb6 ---- Rb4+ ----
42 Kc5 ---- ---- ----
Round 2 notes:
2. South assumes free Pawn as BxP gives North NxB. But West
takes anyway??
3. West misses mate risk in kamikaze attack. North misses
South mate and plays g6?? instead of "obvious" NxR. East
goes for obvious, as NxP+ allows West to mate South.
4. South misses obvious mate (RxR!), thinking Rook exchange
hurts him, but overlooking North's covering Knight. West
realizes mistake and plays RxR to stay alive.
7. North nicely stops East attack and West approach, as West
goes into foolishly giggling fit, leaving others
wondering what was in the "tangy" mustard.
9. West felt he had no chance and resigned, leaving frozen
Pawns at c8, d7, and c6. This helps South, although that
was not West's intention.
10. South gives up on d-Pawn as advance is stopped by West's
frozen Pawns.
11. South leaves responsibility of stopping East's Pawn to
North, knowing only South's own promoted Pawn gets him
back into game, but South misses Knight fork.
12. East's Bishop move suspect.
13. East's Knight move suspect.
19. North sacrificing Pawns NOW? East "misses" Knight blocks
Bishop diagonal, and, in attacking North Bishop takes
cover off b8.
23. Nf5+ questionable. Knight exchange not beneficial to
East, and South's new Rook rebalances material.
26. North Rook move (instead of Ke6) ensures East's second
Rook, as South has no chance to cover a-file in time.
28. South Rook move a mistake (thinks he has 2 moves before
East's next turn). This gives East chance to mate (Rb5,
Ra7) and later costs South his Rook, but East misses mate
sequence.
31. Wrong! R-h5! correct.
33. North runs for Queen! East divulges North Queen plot,
but South not sure what was said. North's protests
clarifies East's comments, but South votes "no" on
sanctions, angering North.
ROUND 3 (open discussion with side conferences allowed)
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
BAM JZ DF BM
1 d3?? b8d8 e6?? g2e2
2 Be3 b7d7 Nd6 exd1
3 Rxd1 0-0 g6 0-0
4 b4 Nc6 Bg7+ ----
5 Kb1 Nxb4 h6 Nf3
6 a4 b5c5 Nf5 g4f4
7 Bc1 Bb7 Nh4 Bg2
8 Bb2 d8e8 Kh7 Kh3
9 c3 Na6 Rf8? Rh2
10 d4 d7e7 Rg8 Kg4
11 c4 f8 Nf5 g1e1
12 d5 fxg7 Nxg7?? Ng5+
13 ---- ---- Kh8 Nxf7+
14 ---- ---- Kh7 Rxh6++
5 ---- ---- e Rxa8+ ----
16 ---- Kxa8 e Nf5 Rh1
17 dxe6 Bxg2 e Nd6 Rh8+
18 ---- Nb8 e Nxc4 Rd8
19 exf7 Bd5 e Nxb6+ ----
20 ---- Kb7 e Nxd5 Rf8
21 Rxd5 Nd7 e g5 Rxf7
22 Rd1? Kc6 e stale Re7
23 Bc3 Nf6+ ---- Kf5
24 Bxe1 Nd5 ---- Re6+
25 ---- Kc7 ---- e4
26 Rd5+?? ---- ---- Kg4?!
27 Rd1 Kc8 ---- R+ draw
by perpetual check
Round 3 notes:
2. South decides to lose Knight instead of Bishop after
incorrect opening move.
6. By now it was clear North and East were working together.
8. If West and North work together here, (West BxN, North
NxB), East could have been reduced at no cost.
12. South Pawn push accompanies sell job to West, on attack
of North's Bishop. North NxP fatal mistake, and East
pounces, breaking the alliance.
13. East RxP works and saves f-Pawn which he would annex.
15. East immediately trades Rooks to reduce opponents'
material. East's combined moves (N & R) costs him his
Bishop as West suggests South PxP and East has 2 pieces
under attack.
18. Ne5 much better than Rd8.
19. West steps in to prevent East RxR in deal with South to
get East's Knight.
20. East mistakenly touches Rook, so can't play Pe4, and
gives Rook away in the process by moving too quick.
21. West deals with East, because after South RxN, South
becomes menacingly strong. West agrees not to take
East's Rook in exchange for shepherding West's Pawn to
"Rookland". East RxP also freezes Pawn at g5 because it
can't move on its turn.
22. Why didn't South play RxN+, instead? South doesn't
remember.
23. East immediately double-crosses West with RxP!
26. South captures set-up Knight believing check will not
result in PxR. East sees same mirage and move King!
27. At this time, and given South's strength, West and East
agree to perpetual check draw. Thus West and East tie
for tournament first place.
FINAL THOUGHTS AT THE TIME
By the time the third game was over (about 9 hours with
short breaks between games), final analysis was brief but it was agreed
that the rule for perpetual check draws had to be modified. Henceforth
only the players involved in the perpetual check itself get a draw. Any
single player left wins or the two remaining players continue playing.
Drawing players pieces are removed except for their kings which remain
frozen in place.
FINAL ANALYSIS
1. JZ: "Play showed lack of game competition since the last tournament a year ago. Too many mistakes. Opening theory still rudimentary."
2. Players taking too long may necessitate time controls. If using 4 chess clocks, each players time use could be limited. In this case, each player would punch off his own clock after his move and punch on the clock of the next player. The other side of each clock is ignored. Egg timers could also be used. Penalties for exceeding time controls could range from loss of turn to loss of pieces (order to be agreed upon before the game) to loss of game. Remember open discussion and deal making can prolong turns and distract players time management.
3. ZM "Machiavellian" Quadchess can also be played on computer bulletin board in silent "cutthroat" format(?).
GO BACK TO TOURNAMENTS:
Once again, the third annual tournament was held at the home of Bruce Moon and game play started a little after 10AM. The three rounds were completed around 5PM making for the shortest event so far, partly because the time intervals between games was reduced. Once again, the three formats were used; first game -- no talking; second game -- any over the board discussion and deal making allowed; and the third game -- any discussion and side deals allowed outside the room.
Three players returned: Bruce Moon (BAM), John Zimmerman (JZ), Byron Massey (BM), joined this year by Josh Boyd (JB), a "young and up and coming" enthusiast. Played on 24/Sept/1995.
Referring to past tournament games, JZ quickly forewarns JB that BM is the "taproot of evil" because of previous backstabbing play. BM relishes this identity but doesn't live down to the character degeneracy of past years. However, this game still doesn't necessarily bring out the best in players' integrity.
ROUND 1 (silent)
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
JB BAM JZ BM
1 d2d3 b5c5 Nf6 g2e2
2 Ne3 c5xd4 g7g6 e2d2
3 Bxd2 d4xe3 Bg7 Rxe2
4 Re1 Nc4 h7h5 Nf3
5 Rd1 Nd2 Nd7 Ng5
6 Rxd2 0-0 Ne5 g4f4
7 K61 e3f4 f7f6 g3f4
8 c2c3 Bb6 Ng4 Nf7+
9 ---- ---- Kn7 Bg2
10 b2b4 Bc4 Rf8 g1f1
11 Rd4 Bb5 Rxf7 f4e4
12 c3c4 Bc6 f6f5 Kg1
13 Rd2 Bxe4+! ---- ----
14 Kc1 Bxg2 Bh6 Resigns*
15 b4b5 Bd5 Rf6 ----
16 Kc2 Bxc4 Bxd2 ----
17 Kxd2 Bxa2 Ne5 ----
18 Resign* b8d8 e7e6 ----
19 ---- b6c6 e7e6 ----
20 ---- Kb6 h5h4 ----
21 ---- b7d7 h4h3 ----
22 ---- d7e7 Rh6 ----
23 ---- Resigns ---- ----
*=K comes off board but player's remaining
pieces become frozen in place
NOTES:
6. JB must prevent mate and can't take BM's N.
8. JZ agrees not to take BM's N after NxB on A6. BM agrees
to pursue JB and JZ tries to stave off PxB crux move on
BM's turn. BM mistakenly thought play continued in order
rather than player who effects mate going again. This
costs BM and JZ pieces. JZ not bright enough to alert BM
of telling error. BAM makes best move of tournament with
RxP+, RxR++ which clinches BAM win before BM and JZ can
marshal forces.
15. BM tries to hold out for a draw but sees hopelessness of
that almost immediately when faced with 3 moves in a row
by BAM each turn.
ROUND 2 (open discussion across board allowed)
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
BM BAM JB JZ
1 Nc3 Nc6 g7g6 g2f2
2 b2b3 b7c7 f7f5 g1e1
3 Bb2 b8d8 e7e6 Nf3
4 Nd5 ---- Bg7 0-0
5 Nxb6+ Kb7 Nf6 Ng5
6 Nd5 b5c5 Rf8 Nxe6
7 Nxc7 Kc8 Rf7 Nxc5
8 Nxa6 Rf7 f5g4 Nc6
9 Bxf6 Rf8++ w Bxf6 ----
10 c2c3 Re8 w g4xh3 Nf4
11 0-0 Rxe1+ w ---- ----
12 Kc2 Rxh2++ w ---- w f2e2
13 Rxh1 d8e8 w g6g5 w g3f3
14 Nb4 Nxb4+ w ---- w ----
15 c3xb4 e8f8 w g5g4 w Nd3
16 Resigns ---- ---- ----
NOTES:
3. After bold opening move the new kid gets ripped right
away! Welcome to ZM QUADCHESS!
4. JB's Rd1 surprisingly strong in that it forces BAM to
capture R so that BM doesn't get JB's pieces. Suddenly
BAM double attacked after JZ lets BAM attack JB. BM
release of cover gets BAM N and BAM must deal with mate
threat. BAM saves his skin with check followed by Bg2.
10. BM had temporary out square for N at d8 but went for
"breathing room" instead.
15. BAM hopes JB will not take as his B placement gives JB
another chance to unpin while JZ saves his R.
16. JB declines free BAM B after JZ doesn't take JB R. JZ now
takes R figuring he can promote pawns without it on
board.
18. JB's "early" resignation underestimates his potential.
BAM would have had to make deal, i.e., JB would use his
king to hinder JZ P promotion and in exchange BAM would
let JB's P become a R. Whether BAM would honor the deal
remains questionable, but JB still had a chance.
22. BAM has a "mirage attack" and doesn't take JZ P allowing
his B to post up covering JZ's rooking square. P push
gains nothing.
ROUND 3 (open discussion with side conferences allowed)
With BAM and JZ having 1 point each, everyone positions his strategy for
a tournament win or tie. Losers want to band together to beat winners
who must prevent each other from winning or even drawing. But rational
tournament winning strategy soon succumbs to game winning tactics which
lose out to emotional imperatives in waves, advantages and counter-cycles that
defy accurate prediction.
ROUND 3 (open discussion and side deals allowed)
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
JZ BAM JB BM
1 b2b4 Nc4 g7g6 g2e2
2 Nc3 b7d7 Nf6 Bg2+
3 ---- b6c6 Bg7 0-0
4 d2d3 Ne5 Rf8 Kh3
5 Nxe2 Nxd3 Ne4+ ----
6 Bb2 Nxb4 Nxg5 g1f1
7 Nf4+ ---- ---- Kg3
8 Be5 b8c8 Bxe5+ ----
9 Rb2 Bb7 Bxf4+ Kh3
10 Rxb4 Ra3+ ---- Bf3
11 Rxf4 Rxa2+ ---- ----
12 Kxa2 Resign* e7e5 Be4
13 Kb3 ---- Kg7 Ng2
14 c2c3 ---- Rh8 Ne1
15 Ka4 ---- Kf6 Nd3
16 Ka5 ---- h7h5 Nxf4
17 Kb6 ---- d5xf4 Rg1
18 Rxh5 ---- ---- Kg2
19 Rxh8 ---- Kg5 Kf3
20 Rh3+ ---- ---- Ke2
21 Re3 ---- ---- Kd2
22 Rxe4 ---- f7f5 f1e1
23 Ra4 ---- f5g4 e1d1
24 c3c4 ---- g4g3 d1c1
25 Kc7 ---- Kg4 c1b1
26 Ra1 ---- f4f3 Kc3
27 Kd6 ---- f3f2 Rd2+
28 Ke7 ---- g3g2 Kb2
29 Ra5 ---- f2f1=R b1a1=R
30 Rd5 ---- Rxd1 Rxd1
31 Rxd1 ---- g6g5 Kb3
32 Kf7 ---- Kf3 Kb4
33 Kg7 ---- g5g4 Ka5
34 Kh8 ---- Kf2 Kb6
35 Kg8^Q ---- f2f1=R Ka7
36 Qd4+,+?? --- Kf3 Ka8
37 Qa1+?? ---- ---- Kb8^Q
38 Rxg1?? ---- g4g3 Qa3+
39 ---- ---- Kf2 Qb2+
40 ---- ---- Kf3 Qc3+
41 ---- ---- Kf2 Qd2
42 ---- ---- Kf3 Qg2+
43 ---- ---- Kg4 Qe4+
44 ---- ---- Kh3 Qf5+
45 ---- ---- Kh4 Qf4+
46 ---- ---- Kh3 Qh6+
47 ---- ---- Kg4 Qe6+,+
48 Kf8 ---- Kf3 Qf5+
49 Ke8 ---- Ke3 Qc4+
50 ---- ---- Kf3 Qd5+
51 ---- ---- Kf2? Qg2+
52 ---- ---- Ke3 Qxg1+!
53 ---- ---- Kf3 Qa1
54 Kf7 ---- g3g2 Qg1
55 Ke4 ---- Kg3 Ka7
56 Kd5 ---- Kf3 Kb6
57 Kd6 ---- Kg3 Ka5
58 Kd5 ---- Kh3 Kb4
59 c4c5 ---- Kg3 Kc3
60 Kd6 ---- Kf3 Kd3
61 Kc7 ---- Kf4 Qxg2
62 Kb8 ---- Kf5 Qe4+
63 ---- ---- Kf6 Ke3
64 Ka5 ---- Kf7 Qe5
65 Ka7 ---- Kf8 Qe6
66 Kb8 ---- Kg7 Kf4
67 Ka8 ---- Kh7 Kg5
68 Kb8 ---- Kh8 s* Qg6
69 Ka8 ---- ---- Kf6
70 Kb8 ---- ---- Ke7
71 Kc7 ---- ---- Qg3+
72 Kb6 ---- ---- Kd8
73 Ka7 ---- ---- Qb3
74 Kb8 ---- ---- Qb5
75 Ka7 ---- ---- Kc7
76 Resigns ---- ---- ----
*=stalemate, pieces frozen
NOTES:
1. JZ goes after BAM right away.
5. BAM NxP available as BAM and JB agree to gang up on JZ.
6. BAM gets a free P rather than lose his N in an exchange.
He also threatens mate; JB NxP at g3 after JZ agrees to
protect it.
8. JZ misses KxN after BM indicated that he would go to h2
instead. This "misunderstanding" quashes no attack deal
between JB and JZ as JB seeks revenge.
9. JZ Be5 a saver as it puts attacking BAM in mate threat
and exposes his N but JB falls for BM siren song side
deal because he thinks JZ defaulted on N coverage. BM
agrees not to take JB's B after BxN+. JB takes JZ's B,
crippling latter's chance for tournament win but BxN
unpins JZ R to take BAM's N.
11. BAM, seeing trouble ahead, offers JZ a perpetual check
for a 1 and 1/2 point tournament tie, but after looking
over alternatives and with BM coaching, and the
understanding that both JB and BM would go after BAM if
offer was declined, and with the arrival of a milkshake
to confuse matters further, JZ turns BAM down. This
decision had major consequences on final outcome of
tournament. JZ got talked out of RxB when combination was
pointed out to him. He settles for RxP; but BAM plays
RxP+ anyway! Apparently seeing that he was going to be
mated, he makes one last try for a deal but JZ plays KxR.
After BAM resigns leaving pieces on board, JZ
successfully sneaks into a hiding place hoping JB and BM
would have a falling out.
17. BM keeps pushing JB to get his R out to attack JZ but JB
thinks it will take too long and looking to his future,
pushes Ps instead. After Ph4, BM retaliates by taking
JB's B which was quickly followed by PxN as both go after
each other. Now BM broaches a side deal to get JB's R in
the same fashion as BAM mated JZ in the previous game.
The fallout between recent partners is now complete. JZ
takes the deal.
20. After much discussion, JZ sees opportunity with Rh3+.
BAM illegally kibitzes to clarify that JZ goes again
after Rh3+, Re3 so JZ goes for it and wins B at no cost!
No one objects! Then BM helps out with wrong K move.
30. JZ's Rd5 bears further analysis. Undoubtedly, a number
of implications were missed but it works for him when JB
exchanges R's.
33. BM makes Q run following JZ's run for h8 corner.
36. Wrong! JZ thought he could stop BM from queening.
Instead, R+, Q+ on diagonal wins. JZ throws tournament
away.
37. Wrong again! Ra1+, Qd6++ also wins BM's Q.
38. Wrong again! Instead of RxR, Qe5+, Ra1+ RxQ. After
almost enough checks to make for a perpetual check draw,
BM finds a way to separate JB from his P. JB
masochistically agrees to help get JZ but BM closes him
out instead, allowing him a 1/2 point stalemate. JZ's
hopes of barricading himself in quickly turn to ashes as
configuration is wrong.
Final score: BAM 1, BM 1, JZ 1, tie for 1st, JB gets 1/2.
Final thoughts: Once again players marveled at ebb and flow of game.
How quickly fortunes could turn. Winless JB ready to go again but JZ
thinks that once a year for an annual tournament is enough.
Here's hoping that you find this game as interesting as we did and that you will spread it around. The potential for playing over the net has not been explored as of this date. E-mail us with your ideas. 04/October/1996
GO BACK TO TOURNAMENTS:
The fourth, and probably last ZM "Machiavellian" Quadchess tournament to be presented on this page for expositional purposes was played on 23/12/1996 at the Bay Area Chess Club in Coos Bay Oregon. After too much foot dragging the same players as in a previous tournament finally assembled to do combat once again. They were Bruce Moon (BAM), Byron Massey (BM), John Zimmerman (JZ), and Josh Boyd (JB). Bruce Moon unexpectedly died less than two weeks later. Perhaps the conditions had something to do with the play. It was cold in the room and BM had to leave early causing at least JZ to rush some of his moves a little during the tournament. Unfortunately, due to conflicting schedules and other priorities the contestants were out of practice and the caliber of play resembled beginner status. This may make some of you feel better about starting out on your own. The first game was played in the open discussion mode, with silent and open /private discussion following in that order. Lack of communication was indeed a factor in the second game, preventing BM and JB from teaming up to counter BAM's power. Nevertheless, the ending was a surprise, demonstrating once again this game's versatility.
BAM BM JZ JB
----------------------------------------
1. b4 Nc4 e6(1) f2(2)
2. d3 Ne5 0-0 f4
3. Nc3 Nc6 h6?(3) Nf3
4. a3 d7 Nd6 Bg2
5. Ne4 e7(4) Nf5(5) Rh4?
6. Nxg3+ ---- ---- Kh2
7. Ne2 exf8 g5 Nxg5
8. Bb2 Bb7 Rh7(6) Nf3
9. Bf6 Nd4(7) Kxf8 Rg4
10. Nxg1(8) Nxc2+ ---- ----
11. Kb2 Nxa3 h5 Rg3
12. Ne2 c5 Nxg3 Ne1
13. Res.?!(9) c6 Nf5 Be4
14. ---- 0-0 Rg7 Nf3
15. ---- d5(10) Ne7 Nd2
16. ---- dxe4 Ng6 Nxe4
17. ---- Kb6 Nxf4 Nd6
18. ---- Ba6 h4 Kh1
19. ---- Kc7 h3 Nb5+??
20. ---- Nxb5 Rh7?(11) Kh2
21. ---- Bb7 Ng6 Kg3?
22. ---- d6 h2 Kg4
23. ---- Be4 Kg7 Kg5
24. ---- Ra5 Rh8 Kg4
25. ---- Bh1 Nh4 Kg5
26. ---- Nd4+ ---- Kf4
27. ---- Nxe6+?(12)fxe6 Kg4
28. ---- Ra7 Nf5 Kf4
29. ---- d8 Kg6 Res.
30. ---- Rb7 Ng3 ----
31. ---- Bc6 h1=R ----
32. ---- Kd7?(13) R1h7+ ----
33. ---- Kxe6 Rxb7 ----
34. ---- Bxb7 Rxd8 ----
35. ---- Bc6 Nf5 ----
36. ---- Be4 Re8+ ----
37. ---- Kd5 Kg5 ----
38. ---- e6 Ng7 ----
39. ---- Bf5?(14) Nxf5 ----
40. ---- exf5 Kxf5 ----
41. ---- Kc4 Ke4 ----
42. ---- Kb3?(15) Rc8 ----
43. ---- Kb2?! Ke3 ----
44. ---- Kb3?!? Kd2 ----
45. ---- Kb2 Rc7 ----
46. ---- Kb3 Kc1 ----
47. ---- Ka4 Kb2 ----
48. ---- Kb5 Kc3(16) ----
49. ---- Ka4 Rb7 ----
50. ---- Ka5 Kb3 ----
51. ---- Ka6 *
* JZ goes on to win a few moves later to take the first point.
NOTES to ROUND I
(1) P-c6 wrong because N at c4 not c6.
(2) P-f2 too timid. It gives BAM time to attack BM.
(3) JZ turns down BM pawn, felt it left him too vulnerable. This was
correct as B-b2 allows BM to take JZ B, but his h6 move too weak.
JZ fails to anticipate BM's attack or go after JB either. BM
suggests unlimited castling in the future but BAM and JZ not inclined.
(4) Outright win of a piece for a pawn!
(5) JZ and BAM agree to attack vulnerable JB but BAM doesn't need JZ
and moves off so JZ can take JB's N.
(6) JZ felt NxR left him too vulnerable to BxR, so JZ agrees not to take
JB's R for one move.
(7) Takeable by everyone! Complications are so intricate that
opportunities are missed by JZ if not others as well.
(8) BAM's instincts were Nxd4 but BM convinces BAM to team up if BAM
plays Nxg1, Nxf3+; but BM plays Nxc2+ instead!
(9) Way premature but BAM doesn't agree.
(10) JZ and BM collude to trap JB's B.
(11) Overlooks mate possibility with R-g2+ followed by N-h5, N-g3.
(12) BM misses that JZ also checked and can capture! Key mistake.
(13) BM declines advantageous exchange because he wanted to retain
material. Questionable decision.
(14) Thinking B covers P, BM missed NxB!
(15) BM runs into the open(?)! JZ forgot that he could have gotten a Q by
moving K-a1. Fortunately, he didn't need it.
After BAM's premature resignation stopping up JB's pawn advance
possibilities, BM had game well in hand but managed to turn a win into
a loss.
JB BM JZ BAM
----------------------------------------
1. b3(1) d7 Nf6 Nf3
2. Ne3 Nc6 g6 f4(2)
3. Nd1 Nd8 0-0 e2
4. Nc3 c8 Bg7 f1
5. Na4 0-0 Ne4+ ----
6. Nb2 Nc6 Kf8 0-0
7. c3 d8 e6 Bg2
8. Na4 e7+ Ke8 Ne1
9. Ba3 Bb7 Ng5(3) Bxc6++
10. ---- ---- e Nf3(4) Bxb4
11. Rxe1 Kb8 e Rxd8+ ----
12. ---- Ka7 e Rxa8+ ----
13. ---- Bxa8 e Nxe1 Rg1
14. Bc5 bxc5(5) e h5 f3
15. Nxc5 Kb6 e Bh8(6) Be8
16. b4 Bb7 e h4 Kg3(7)
17. Nb3 Kc7 e h3 Bb5
18. Nd4 Kd8 e h2 Bd3
19. a4 Ke8 e h1=R Bb5+
20. ---- Kxf7 e Rh7+(8) ----
21. ---- Kg8 e Rxe7 Bxa4
22. Nf5+ ---- e ---- Kg4
23. Nxe7+ Kxh8 e g5 Rh1+
24. ---- Kg7 e Nd3 Be8
25. c4 Kf6 e Nc5 Rh6+
26. ---- Kg7 e Nxb7 Rg6+
27. ---- Kf8 e e5 Rg8+(9)
28. ---- Kxe7 e e4 Kf5
29. Res.(10) stalemate-draw
NOTES for ROUND II
(1) JB doesn't pressure BM so BM blitzes JZ who must play defense and
can't attack BAM, but BAM doesn't advance on JB.
(2) Attacks JB's N and BAM P works because JZ plays P-g6 not P-g5.
(3) P-f5 crucial but JZ felt he had to stop BM's P advance. Completely
missed BAM's mating move.
(4) BAM now controls e (East) and immediately moves his newly acquired
pieces.
(5) BM irrationately captures JB's B which is needed to combat BAM's
superior material.
(6) BAM "mirage". Could have advanced hP.
(7) BAM overlooks KxP.
(8) BAM plans to exchange Bs with RxP, KxB, but misses JB's Nf5+ fork.
(9) Thinking that was mate but it forces BM to make unwanted capture
instead, still good for BAM.
(10) A brilliant strategy (if he actually thought of it), in a way.
With almost no chance of winning, at least he limits BAM to half a
point and can still tie for first with JZ by getting a win in the
final game.
BM BAM JB JZ
----------------------------------------
1. b4 d7(1) Nd6 f2(2)
2. bxa5 c6 f6 Bf1(3)
3. Nc3 Res.(4) 0-0 Bg2
4. Bb2 ---- h5 Bf3
5. Nd1 ---- g5 Ng6(5)
6. Bd4 ---- Rh6 Nxf8
7. Nb2 ---- Kxf8 Kg2
8. d3 ---- h4 e1
9. Nd1 ---- f5 gxf5
10. Be5 ---- Nxf5 Bg4
11. Nc3 ---- Nd6 Rh3
12. Rb4 ---- Nf7 Kf3
13. Bc7 ---- Rf6+ Ke3
14. Nd5+ ---- ---- Kd2(6)
15. Bf4+(7) ---- ---- gxf4
16. Nxf6(8) ---- exf6 Bh5
17. Res.(9) ---- Nd5* Rf3
18. ---- ---- Ke7 Bg4
19. ---- ---- Kd6 d1
20. ---- ---- Kc5 c1
21. ---- ---- Kc4 b1
22. ---- ---- Nc3 a1=R
23. ---- ---- Ne4+ Ke3
24. ---- ---- Ng3 Be6+
25. ---- ---- Kc3 e2(10)
26. ---- ---- Kb2 Rg1
27. ---- ---- Res.
* illegal move but nobody noticed it!
NOTES for ROUND III
(1) Expecting others to follow suit.
(2) Weak but unobtrusive. Allows PxN.
(3) Wrong! Should have remembered N©g6, PxN, B-g2++.
(4) Ultimate pique! Again an emotion based resignation (BAM disagreed).
A player who is substantially reduced often gets overlooked until
the end game as others battle for advantage against each other.
BAM felt that everyone would go after him anyway (and his resignation
would at least stop up BM's Ps).
(5) JZ felt that he needed to counter attack JB to get him off his back
and reluctantly sacrificed a N to do so.
(6) JZ runs away from his corner where he feared he would be eventually
crushed. A dangerous gamble.
(7) Another critical BM blunder. Missed PxN, saving JZ.
(8) BM takes JB N which helps JZ.
(9) Resigned to leave for another engagement.
(10) Forced move follows R-b1.
SUMMARY
JZ wins tournament with 2 points to one half each for BM and BAM and
JB 0. Disappointing level of play not surprising and lots of banter made
for an enjoyable tournament.
Bruce Moon's analysis made these presentations possible. These tournament games give you a good idea of how ZM "Machiavellian" QUADCHESS can be played well or badly. It is my hope that you can and will enjoyably play our game.
Address all responses to: (email removed contact us for address) O.com or contact the Bay Area Chess Club in North Bend, Oregon, 97459 or through HELPLINE 541-888-6716
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Last modified: Monday, December 22, 2008
