Hello chess enthusiasts! I’m excited to share the result of my first game in the Rest of the World (RoW) 2024 Semi-Finals. This match ended in a well-fought draw against International Master Allyne Smith, a highly experienced and decorated correspondence player.

Rest of the World (RoW) Championship 2024 Semi-Final 4

With the discontinuation of the World Zone due to funding, ICCF restructured the format, integrating former World Zone qualifiers into the RoW tournaments. As a result, the RoW now hosts both individual and team championships, creating a more inclusive global competition.

Tournament Details:

• Type: International Players (13 participants)
• Games per Player: 12 (one against each participant)
• Time Control: 10 moves in 50 days (with doubling after 20 days)
• Qualification Requirements:
  • Rating between 2300-2499 at entry
  • 1st or 2nd place in RoW Championship Preliminary
  • Qualifiers from the former World Zone
  • Rating Deviation (RD) of 150 or less

Organizer: Juan Alberto Martello
Directed by: Richard Mitsuo Fuzishawa

The tournament has a unique structure. With a Baumbach tie-breaker, strict draw rules (only one offer every 10 moves), and no special leave, it encourages competitive endurance and technical precision. Given my rating of 2165, I’m the lowest-rated player, and every game is a true test against opponents with either CCM or IM titles. A challenging yet motivating setup!

About IM Allyne Smith

Allyne Smith is an International Master (IM) in correspondence chess, currently rated 2402, and brings a wealth of experience to the board. Having completed 873 games and over 31,000 moves in 64 tournaments, his style is both seasoned and strategic. In recent years, he achieved the titles of Correspondence Chess Expert (CCE) in 2022 and Correspondence Chess Master (CCM) in 2023. With 132 wins to his name, he is known for his resilience and precision—a formidable opponent to face.

My Game Against IM Allyne Smith

In our game, I chose an opening I’m comfortable with but took a detour on move 14, playing 15. Bd3, an offbeat move and, as far as I can tell, a novelty. In correspondence chess, innovation can disrupt an opponent’s preparation, creating a complex position where knowledge meets intuition—a principle I often repeat here!

My annotations cover critical moments, tactical considerations, and alternative lines I examined along the way. I aimed to create a balanced but dynamic position, hoping to keep my esteemed opponent on uncertain ground. Here’s the full game analysis with insights into my thought process and a game summary:

Game Summary

Opening:
The game began with the English Opening, A17 variation, leading to a symmetrical pawn structure after 1. Nf3 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 d5 4. e3. White played a solid opening, aiming for a flexible development. Black responded with standard moves, developing pieces harmoniously with Bd6, O-O, and c5, asserting control over the center.

Early Moves:
White opted for a solid development plan with Nf3, c4, and e3, while Black countered with the moves Bd6, O-O, and c5, striking at the center. The position remained balanced early on, with both sides vying for control.

Middle Game:
After 8. d4, White gained central control, while Black responded with an exchange on d4 and development moves like Be5. By move 10, the position remained balanced after both sides exchanged minor pieces.

Move 14:
The key moment came with White’s 14. Bb5, where White aimed to break the symmetry, gaining slight initiative. Bb5 rules out playing Bf3 but Bb5 threatens to capture the rook. However, Black responded solidly with 14…Bd7, maintaining a stable position and avoiding immediate tactical threats.

Critical Moment:
At move 16, White pushed 16. h3 to challenge Black’s knight on g4, and Black responded with 16…Nh2, a preparatory move. Black’s real tactical shot came with 18…Nf3+, which would have created serious pressure on White’s position. White’s 19. Kh1 was forced to evade the check, but Black continued with 19…Qh5, aiming at White’s weakened kingside.

Endgame Transition:
White’s 20. gxf3 allowed Black to continue pressing, and after 20…Bxh3, Black grabbed a key pawn while keeping up the pressure. The game progressed with both sides executing precise moves. As White’s position weakened further, Black seized the initiative with 21…Re6, launching an attack on White’s king.

The subsequent repetition of checks led to a draw offer, which White accepted. Both players agreed on a draw as the position was no longer likely to offer either side a decisive advantage.

Amici Sumus

Thank you for reading! More updates are coming soon, as I’ll share further results and reflections from this tournament. If you enjoy my analysis and insights, consider supporting me with a virtual coffee ☕️ or maybe even a beer! Your support truly helps keep this blog going.

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