Along rolls February. I register for the George Washington Open near DC, I’m seeded 3rd in my section (U2100). My goal? To win the tournament.

When we arrive, I realize I forgot my chess set. Back at home. In Richmond. I look for the chess store, but it doesn’t open until Saturday morning.

Hooray.

I arrive at the tournament hall 5 minutes late (my watch is slow). A friend lets me borrow his chess set, and game 1 of the tournament has begun.

As I said in the last post, do not play the Closed Sicilian against me. It's a recipe for disaster.

Apparently, both of those seeded above me drew, so going into round 2 I'm on board 1 for the U2100 section.

I decided to keep it that way.

I did NOT expect to win that. I get ready for my third round, where I'm playing an Expert. Good luck to me!

OK, so that was nerve-wracking. I check the standings, I'm in clear first. OK, that's good!

The next morning, I find I am playing another Expert.

Apparently nobody likes to give me easy wins.

So I'm on 4/4 going into the last round. There are two players on 3.5/4. I am playing one of them. If the one on 3.5/4 on board 2 draws or loses, I only need a draw to clinch clear first.

Turns out, I didn't have the time to draw. I had already won before board 2 was over.

I won clear first and $1,000! My rating went up 44 points to 2125, I've got 75 left until National Master! Wish me luck.