2016 CONIC, Round 1: Costello Makes a Statement

The 2016 ChessKid Online National Invitational Championship (CONIC) has just begun, with Round 1 featuring several interesting games.  Among them was the upset victory by Alex Costello over top seed Brandon Jacobson.  Playing White, the two highest-rated players in the event went into the double-edged Poisoned Pawn variation of the French Winawer.  Costello emerged with a clear advantage (after 17 ... f6?), and although he erred in the middlegame (with 29. Qg2?), he was back in the driver's seat shortly afterwards.  White's kingside passers proved to be the big difference, and Costello brought home a well-deserved point.  

San Diego Chess Club members NM Kevin Yang, NM Alex Costello, and onsite TD Chuck Ensey

There are still four (4) rounds remaining, however, so there is still a lot of chess left to play.  No player in any section has yet been eliminated from title contention, so stay tuned this weekend for Rounds 2 through 5!  

For a look at yesterday's preview article:  https://www.chess.com/article/view/its-that-time-again-2016-chesskid-online-national-invitational-championships-a-preview

To see pairings by section for all rounds:  https://www.chess.com/article/view/2016-conic-pairings-by-section

Link to results and standings:  https://www.chess.com/blog/ChessKid/2016-conic-results-and-standings2