ANew York Times, New York, New York, Monday, January 13, 1964 - Page 32
Chess: Evans, Strong on Theory, Is Powerful Over the Board Too
Larry Evans of New York, a former national champion, is a dangerous competitor in any field. His theoretical knowledge, backed up by staying power and confident style, usually assures him a top place in any tournament.
Though he got off to a bad start in the recent United States Chess Championship—drawing his first-round game with Dr. Anthony Saidy of Puerto Rico and losing his second-round game to the champion, Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn—Evans finished in second place in the 12-man round-robin. His score was 7½-3½, consisting of 6 wins, 3 draws and 2 losses.
Against Edmar Mednis of New York, Evans as White in a King's Indian Defense castled on the queen side. He contained the opposing queen's wing by 13 P-QR4 and was well poised for strong action in the center and other flank.
Here, Mednis came to a bad decision, seeking to open lines for counterplay. But 13 … P-K3 seriously weakened his backward queen pawn, and his troubles mounted rapidly. While struggling to defend his weakling in the center, he could not find time to repel Evan's assault on the king's side.
White's intentions were clear after 17 P-KN4. Black was compelled into the awkward maneuver 17 … R-Q1, followed by 18 … N-K1. In a few moves, White's command of his Q5, and the acceleration of his king-side pawn-roller, which culminated in the break at his KR5, routed the Black forces.
Black's sacrifice of a knight could not delay the inevitable.
Sammy Reshevsky of Spring Valley, N.Y., disappointed his followers when he finished in a tie for 4th and 5th places with Dr. Anthony Saidy of Puerto Rico. His score, 6½-4½, was warped by two losses, to Raymond Weinstein of Brooklyn and Fischer, respectively. And he permitted a stalemate against Evans.
Against Weinstein, with a piece to the good, Reshevsky blundered outright. Against Fischer, in a delicate position, Reshevsky had an edge at one point, but, under time pressure, miscalculated. Nonetheless, Reshevsky achieved some performances in his best style. One of these was the Benoni Defense as White against Saidy.
Knight Is Stuck
Observe Black's 12…
