Iowa Closed Candidate | Quad Cities Champion

Lobby in Western Illinois University with decorative chess sets.

I attended the Quad Cities March Madness event to test my Queen’s Pawn repertoire (1.d4) under longer time controls (Game 65 minutes with 5 second delay). I didn’t expect to face serious resistance considering the strongest player was Robert Reynolds, rated in the mid‑1900s, but I felt the time longer time would reveal any overlooked holes in my preparation while giving me the chance to convert these positions under pressure.

I put in a few weeks playing short time controls to identify any common ideas that I overlooked in these new systems, but I had an eerie feeling these tests could have a negative effect on my depth and candidate selection. I don’t have a great opinion of blitz chess; I try to keep it to a minimum as I feel it conditions the mind against the depth needed to thrive in longer time controls.

Classical King's Indian position featuring an offbeat position that is nearly losing for black.

Both games featuring my Queen’s Pawn repertoire resulted in Classical King’s Indian Defense positions. In the final round, I faced Joseph Pregon, who I believe was rated 1943 at the time. Although I achieved a much better position out of the opening and had multiple opportunities to convert an advantage, the effects of excessive blitz play were on full display. My calculation lacked patience and precision, and my usual discipline in evaluating candidate moves was diminished. As a result, I missed several chances to secure a decisive result, allowing Mr. Pregon to defend and hold the game to a draw.

I am now actively reconditioning my approach for longer time controls. With the Iowa State Championship approaching on April 18–19. The toughest player at that event will be Alec (2199), and I am confident my current level of calculation efficiency will not be enough to overpower him.