Exchange Bank Fall Classic - Santa Rosa, CA

My brother flew down from Oregon and we decided to make the drive up to Santa Rosa from San Jose to check out the Exchange Bank Fall Classic. We got there just in time for registrations which ended at 9:30am. The turnout was pretty good (I thought) for a small local tournament.

There were 3 sections, the Open, Reserved, and Booster. I was playing in the Reserve (under 1900), and my brother Scott was playing in the booster section (under 1500 i think). The open had about 15 players, the reserve had 15, and the booster had 7. The highest rated player there was rated ~2400, and there were several more players above 2100.

The event was very well run, all rounds started on time to the very minute, and the tournament directors were always on hand for questions and match adjudication (which I needed at one point for a claimed draw.) The room was well laid out for observers with one long row of tables that you could easily walk along and check out other games. There was a nice skittles room and kitchen next door with drinks, food, and fun, and plenty of post-game analysis by the players. One thing it lacked that I always enjoy at other events is a high-rated player on hand to help analyze games. That's always one of my favorite parts of any tournament.

Scott ended up winning his section with a perfect 4-0 record and took home a nice check for $150. I had 2.5 points out of 3 going into the final round. If I won, I would take first place uncontested, a draw and I share 2nd with 1 or 2 other players, and a loss, I go home empty handed. Unfortunately, I think I played pretty poorly and my opponent (Roy Hoppe) was making all the right moves and played a good game to win the reserve section also with a perfect 4-0 score.

Below is what I felt was my best game of the tournament.