The 32nd North American Open was held December 26-30, 2022, in Las Vegas at the Horseshoe, formerly Bally’s. I have previously played in this tournament held between Christmas and New Year’s in 1991 (3-3 record), 1995 (3-3 record), and 2010 (4-3 record). This year my record was a disappointing 1.5-5.5 (three draws) in the Under 1900 section. The tournament has drastically changed in terms of participants. In 1991 and 1995 there were no youth. In 2010 I played one young player. In 2022, all seven of my games were against opponents aged 9-14. I gifted my rating points to my young opponents. Of the 1,069 registered chess players playing in seven sections, I estimate 90% were youth. These are active chess players quickly improving. For example, my first-round opponent, aged 9, was rated 1690 in our game and finished the tournament with a rating of 1782. That is an amazing rating for his age. In the last six years, I have only played in three over-the-board chess tournaments. In contrast, my young opponents have played in 54-154 events. And, they are coming from all over the country – one from Phoenix, Arizona, two from southern California, two from Illinois, one from New Jersey, and one from North Carolina. All seven of my opponents came from Chinese, Indian or Vietnamese descent. They are already among the top players for their age. One nine-year-old was ranked the 30th best and another 46th. I played three girls. One is ranked 34th of girls aged 12, one 26th another 35th of girls aged 13. I was impressed with my opponent’s ability to concentrate and accurate play after my mistakes. I look forward to following their chess careers.
A Battling Bishop 