My experience in 31st Carlos Torre Memorial
Hello chess friends. I haven’t posted anything in two weeks, because as I announced before, I traveled to Merida, Yucatan in Mexico, to play one of the most important and ancient tournaments in America: Carlos Torre Memorial. In this post I am talking about this nice experience, showing some commented games and pictures.
Three interesting games
I went to Merida because I wanted my third IM norm. My performance was 2315, so I couldn’t get my goal (you need a 2450 performance to get an IM norm). However in general I played a good chess. These are 3 of my games in this tournament.
In round 2 I faced former National Champion of Cuba, GM Isan Ortiz. I know him many years ago, but I don’t remember we had played before, not even blitz. I lost this game, but something very instructive happened in the middlegame.
In round 5, I was honored to face GM Alejandro Ramirez from USA. I had been following him for many years, as he played several tournaments in Cuba when he was younger.
Before the game Ramirez vs Coto
In some way, my idol became my opponent this day. However, I lost this game too.
Picture from tournament website
As I remember, Ramirez was helping Caruana as he prepared his match against Carlsen for the World Championship. Also, he is the highest rated opponent I have faced, so, a historic game for me.
In round 6 I faced a top 10 woman in Cuba. She made a big mistake, but it was an interesting game.
Negative aspects about this contest
- I lost another opportunity to get my 3rd and definitive IM norm.
- I lost 3 rating points (not very important, but always better winning than loosing).
Positive aspects about this contest
- Lately I have not been playing too much. Get back to play, and face 9 tournament games is perfect for me.
- I was honored to face 3 GMs and 1 IM (I got ¼ in these games). This is a great experience for me. There is too much to learn from these players.
- I visited again a beautiful and secure Merida. The people, the places, the hotels... It’s a great city and I always want to go back.
Selfie with Cathedral of Merida in the background - In general, I am happy with the tournament, with the players I faced… even when I couldn’t get my norm, I feel like I am doing the right steps in the right direction.
Anything else?
- Some friends and I have noticed that Mexican players are highly underrated. I have already faced many of them, and for some reason I am not sure, they always play much better (between 100 and 200 points) than their FIDE rating.
- Think with your opponent’s time. This is something I know a long time ago, but I didn’t use it in some game under time pressure because I thought there was nothing else to see in that position, and I feel it costed me at least half point. I need to keep it in mind for next games.
Hey, look at this!
Right the next day after the tournament finished, I went to get a coffee with a friend to an Italian Coffee in the middle of the city. Then I saw a local newspaper on a table, and there was a picture of the winner of the contest.
Ibarra makes history!!!
(Luis Ibarra and Carlos D. Albornoz)
For second year in a raw, young talented GM Carlos Albornoz from Cuba won Carlos Torre Memorial. It’s amazing. He did it again!
Luis Ibarra, from Mexico got his 3rd GM norm, so Mexico got another GM. That’s the main reason for the picture in the newspaper. Very well done for both of them.
HAVE A GREAT WEEK!!!
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