Brashaw Wins 2018 DSMChess Spring Swiss

Dan Brashaw scored 3.5 out of a possible 4 points to win the 2018 DSMChess Spring Swiss held Saturday, May 12th, 2018 at the Staybridge Suites in West Des Moines, Iowa. Pattrick Earney had a perfect score of 4-0 to capture 1st place in the Reserve section.

Often when I encounter Brashaw at a tournament the first thing I say to him is “you're no Bobby Fischer.” Of course, he is not Bobby Fischer, but it’s a complement. We all know Fischer won the World Chess Championship in 1972 and never played in a serious tournament again. Indeed, Brashaw is no Bobby Fischer and it’s a wonderful for Iowa chess.

Brashaw, who was recently overthrown as the Iowa State Champion, has played in more Iowa tournaments than any recent champion. He plays in events with any time control. Many of the tournaments he competes in he can’t earn rating points unless he finishes undefeated. And, Iowa has more active masters than ever before. This doesn’t deter Brashaw, as he puts his rating on the line with very little to gain several times a year. Congratulations to Dan on his fine performance.

Michael “the Magician” Takahashi managed to draw Brashaw in the 3rd round.

Takahashi used his magic to defeat Steve Cusumano in round 4 to capture 2nd place. Takahashi and his opponent made several moves under time pressure as Takahashi's time was under five minutes. How did the Magician win the above game after move 26?

Dan Brashaw, 2018 DSMChess Spring Swiss Open Champion

Earney Wins Reserve Section

Pattrick Earney was the first player to arrive at the tournament. Earney drove from Kansas City and arrived approximately 75 minutes before the first round. Earney was the highest rated player in the section therefore he was on board one in round one. He remained at board one for the entire tournament. He did have to alternate which side of the board he sat on however. He came prepared as he finished with a perfect score of 4-0. Congratulations to Pattrick on his exceptional performance.

Several players new to Iowa chess competed in this section including Darryl Ozias, Ken Henke, Lee Prince, Anirudh Anab Soni, and Brad Huss. Two long time players, Dr. Carl Peters and Rex Grey also competed in the Reserve section. The ever-present Steve Jacobs and Lee Prince tied for second place, each scoring 3 points.

Several players gave positive feed-back regarding the venue. I plan to run four one day 4 round Swiss tournaments a year at this site.

Congratulations to all who competed in this event. Thanks for playing.