SuperNationals Advice From the Top: "Don't Fear Us"

Christopher Yoo

Pre-registration for 2017 SuperNationals VI is at 5546 and counting, on pace to surpass the previous record of 5335 to be the largest rated chess tournament in history USChess caught up with some of the favorites for their SuperNationals advice. Christopher Yoo, who became the youngest chess master in US Chess history last fall, is top seed in the K-5 Championships. Yoo is preparing for the tournament by studying a perennial favorite, Dvortetsky's Endgame Manual and recommends that newer players do even more tactics than usual prior to the big event. When asked what he is most looking forward to in Nashville, Yoo simply said "Winning." Nicolas Checa is the top seed in the K-12 Championship, and playing in his first Nationals. He advised newer players to "ignore ratings as much as possible," warning them not to be afraid of higher rated opponents and not to be "overconfident against anyone."

Nicolas Checa, photographed at the 2016 Washington International

Hans Niemann, top seed in the K-8 Championships, and the only senior master in his section, echoed Nicolas's sentiments in emphasizing that you should always play for a win- even against higher rated players. Hans is particularly looking forward to blitz and bughouse.

Hans Niemann, Photo Vanessa Sun from 2017 US Amateur Team East 

Rayan Taghizadeh, top rated in the K-9 Champs, told USChess that he trained for SuperNationals by following major events like the US Chess Championships. "Games at such a high level contain a lot of valuable information and lessons." Rayan said that he is looking forward to making new friends in Nashville. "I want to have an unforgettable experience like the one I had 4 years ago, where I played many players from all over the nation and got to know many others off the board."

Cameron Wheeler, who is the #2 ranked player in the K-12 Championships,posing with Rayan in the 2015 World Youth. Photo Michael f-pawn Aigner blog 

Carissa Yip, also in the K-9, is working on some new openings that she may try out in Nashville. "I am hoping to win of course, but the competition is pretty strong."

Carissa Yip and Jennifer Yu at the recently concluded US Women's Champs, here pictured at the World Chess Hall of Fame 

Rayan is also preparing with tactics and online databases for openings. He also advised relaxing: "Although there is a clear necessity for preparation, one fact that gets overshadowed a lot is that chess is just a game. Be calm and confident going into the tournament, and be able to bounce back from losses. Keep a good physical stature as well as a mental one, because your body ultimately decides whether you play at your peak or not."

Nico Chasin, #2 seed in the K-8

As thousands travel to Nashville today, chessplayers, fans, coaches and even mayors joined the conversation on twitter using the hashtag #SuperNationalsVI. https://twitter.com/ChicagosMayor/status/862501286704447489 https://twitter.com/onemarymarks/status/862717162812825602 https://twitter.com/icnnyc/status/862391886484574208 https://twitter.com/Foisor_Sabina/status/862665986671038464 https://twitter.com/rbartlett14/status/862686279015727109 https://twitter.com/sramirezchess/status/862732079251017728 Players and parents are also sharing on instagram and facebook, including Francine Silver @ChessPhotos who shared this photograph of an impromptu bug and blitz session with blindfold king GM Timur Gareyev. https://www.instagram.com/p/BT9kKC4j1X7/ Stay informed on results, pairings and other basic information here and join us @USChess as IM Greg Shahade takes over the US Chess feed starting on Friday.