Sunday morning Boris Spassky gave an advanced lecture for members of the Mechanics' Institute US Chess League team and GM Patrick Wolff. The topic was Rook and Pawn versus Rook. The former World Champion gave a very informative and entertaining talk on the theme of Master and Dog - that to play Rook and Pawn endings correctly you must understand the relationship between the Master (King) and Dog (Rook). Later in the day, after brunch at the Sheraton Palace hotel, Boris gave a 2 hour talk and question and answer to an over flow crowd that warmly greeted one of the greatest ambassadors the game has ever known. The event brought out many well-known faces. Among those attending Spassky's talk were GM Tal Shaked, IM David Strauss, IM Anthony Saidy, SM Richard Lobo, NMs Robert Hammie and Alan Benson and Expert Robert Moore, the noted chess bibliophile.

The Mechanics posing with ex-World Champion Boris Spassky, after a group training session:
Front: IM Vinay Bhat, Daniel Naroditsky, GM Boris Spassky
Back: IM David Pruess, Sam Shankland, NM Mark Pinto, IM Dmitry Zilberstein, IM Josh Friedel, IM Vince McCambridge


This photo includes Team Manager IM John Donaldson
(to the far left) and 2005 Team Member, NM Andy Lee

    The San Francisco Mechanics' are the owners of the best record in the US Chess League after defeating the New York Knights 2.5-1.5 while previously undefeated Boston was defeated by an identical score by defending champion Baltimore. This leaves the MI atop the Western Division at 5.5 from 6 with Seattle in the West and Boston in the East both at 5-1. Mark Pinto, possibly the most successful player in the history of the USCL, with 4.5 from 5 the past two seasons, came through once again, defeating higher rated FM Boris Privman in the only decisive game in the match. Mark, like Vince, is a Mechanics' Institute Trustee, and our Trusty Trustees are 4-0 for us this season!

    Things were tough on the top three boards. IMs Vinay Bhat and David Pruess finished at almost the same exact moment, ending in draws. It looked at that time the final score would be 2-2 as IM Josh Friedel was a pawn down in a lost Rook ending, but once again he saved the day. Every team successful team needs a "rock" on first board, and Josh is the Mechanics' "rock" holding the fort against strong GMs and enabling everyone else on the team to play on a lower board.

    Next Wednesday at 6pm the Mechanics' will square off with Seattle in the first of two Friends and Rivals clashes over the next three weeks to determine the Best in the West. Seattle stumbled against New York two weeks ago but rebounded very successfully this week, defeating Miami by the impressive score of 3.5-.5.