This tournament has been an interesting experience, though not a positive one as far as the results have been concerned. I came in with the goal of getting a plus score and getting my FIDE rating, which has been the same for over 10 years, closer to 2300. As it is I’m bleeding points and I need a tourniquet.

Four of my losses – to Kleiman, Galofre, Liu and Battaglini have come from favorable positions where I declined draws, either offered or over the board, and ended up with 0 points. Perhaps I can chalk it up to a learning experience. Playing mostly in local Rhode Island tournaments, I am usually one of the stronger players and I can get away with inaccuracies and second best moves that, among these players, are not forgiven.

Perhaps I will come away from this a better player. If it is true that you learn more from losses than from wins, than I can say this tournament has been a school of hard knocks.

The games have been enjoyable and the conditions excellent. Chris Bird has been a true professional and has kept things running on an even keel and a high level. In spite of my terrible score, I am sorry that the tournament will end after the next game. It seems to have gone by quickly.

I hope the New England Masters becomes a tradition here in Rhode Island, or other local venues, and I strongly recommend it to other players who did not have a chance to play this year.