SHAUN V WORLD: Inconceivable, and Other Words that Do Not Mean What You Think They Mean!

It's that time again, where some of Chess.com's finest travel to the World Open to try and make a name, a buck and a few rating points for themselves.  Last year, I got to travel with National Master Sam Copeland, strong expert Matt Helfst, and fellow journyman Matt Lodge.  This year ... I'm here alone. 

SONOFA--the last thing I need right now is abandonment issues! :D

You may not know this, but parts of the World Open are being held on the same floor as a Sorority Convention.  

Now I know it's a new world, and that being a nerd is cool, but I was born in the 80's so it's made for some awkward conversations this morning. 

Her: "Hi, what are you in town for?  I like your shirt."

Me: "I'm here for the chess tournament."

Her: "Oh, that sounds exciting. You guys use the clocks?"

Me: "I'm a chess player, I don't talk to women."

Her: **laughs** Wait, are you joking?

Me: ...

Me: ...

Me: ...

Pictured above: Worlds Collide

So it's always annoying when you get paired against one of the highest rated people in your section (in my case, he was seeded 5th), but you know what BRING IT.

Had a ton of fun.  Of course, you might find it inconceivable that, after playing the 5th ranked person in a tournament of this size, that things would get worse in round two... BUT YOU'D BE WRONG.  I got paired with the 2nd highest rated person in my section (really, TDs, did I make fun of your mothers or something?)

How did that game go?  Find out in the blogs for:

DAY 2: Yo Mamma's Opening
DAY 3: My Apology to Botvinnik