Week 8 Game of the Week

This year Game of the Week will be decided upon by IM Greg Shahade and NM Arun Sharma together. First place each week will receive a $200 bonus prize ($150 going to the winner of the game, $50 to the loser), second place $75, and third place $50 (both second and third going entirely to the winner).


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1st Place: GM Julio Becerra (MIA) vs FM Joaquin Banawa (STL) 1-0






















Aided by his powerful Knight, GM Becerra decisively broke through with 39. g6!



A very nice attacking effort from the three time MVP - just slowly building up a very strong attack using the powerful Knight on f5 and never really allowing Black any real counterplay despite his extra exchange. A good effort throughout, with an attractive finish, a deserving winner in our eyes.


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2nd Place: IM Zhanibek Amanov (LA) vs FM Slava Mikhailuk (SEA) 1-0






















The nice, 21. Rxf4!, saccing the exchange to shatter Black's Kingside Pawns proved very effective in a nice win by IM Amanov



Very smooth game by IM Amanov, utilzing a nice exchange sac to gain a longterm bind due to Black's permanently weak King and dark squares. The endgame was also very nicely conducted, taking the exchange back and converting with ease.


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3rd Place: GM Cristian Chirila (DAL) vs GM Josh Friedel (CHC) 0-1






















The wild game reached a conclusion shortly after GM Friedel broke through with 46... Qd4



Looking at how crazy and wild this game was there's no question that it's near the top of the USCL games this season in those regards. The quality of the game, particularly the climax of it, might not meet many people's standards. But given what a creative and interesting effort this was from both sides, the style of game where it would be fairly ridiculous not to expect some errors, it still seemed like a very good choice for the top three.