Chicago Open

Hi, I am a 1766 USCF rated player thinking of playing in the Chicago Open in May. Here is my question: will I gain more experience playing in the u1900, u2100, or u2300 section of this tournament? I think the u2300 is interesting, since its FIDE rated, but I wonder if I will play my best, because it would be easy to lose all hope against such high-rated players.

I've considered entering high sections because they're FIDE rated, but I'd suggest either U1900 or U2100. I did some research, and you don't necessarily a FIDE rating just for playing in FIDE-rated sections. You need to perform at a particular level.

You need to score at least 1 point in a clump of three games, and then in two seperate three-game clumps, get at least .5 points. Byes don't count; you need to play the games.

If you want a point of reference, I played in a 6-round U2100 section a couple days ago (classical time control). I could have entered (and presumably done very well in) the U1800 section. I got 1.5 points in U2100, but I could've lost all 6. Basically, if you feel like winning, go U1900, if you feel like learning, U2100.

uschess.org shows you dont have a single win against players over 1800 and nothing but losses against players over 2100 so why would you even consider playing in a section for players between 2100-2299 ?!  You would very likely lose all your games in this section . 

Playing up one section is usually a good way to force yourself to play well or die, but in these big $$ events, there are usually so many sharks in the pool that playing your own section would be challenge enough.

I say go in for the highest section possible. (in this case U2300 if there is no open)

Being fide rated is very good as fide ratings are international. You only need to score 1 point against rated players to get a partial fide rating. 

 you learn more from your losses than your wins. take the opporunity to go though the game with your opponent afterwards.

You are going to spend how much to play how many games against master after master??? I'd say take Reb's & my advice & play your own section for the most likely good results.

I've read somewhere that "one should only play in chess tournaments (sections)where there is a realistic possibility of high placement." Try to WIN the U1900 and the experience will not only be beneficial, you will end the tournament on a positive note, with a (hopefully) plus score.

play in u1900 dont play up multiple sections as you will lose and not even understand why!

However, if I do win a game un u2300, it will be quite an accomplishment. I've got 7 chances, and I regularly beat 2200s in quick chess.

OR should I spend the extra $100 and play in Open.

Frankly, that would be a waste of everyone's time and money

 Are you saying you wouldn't jump at the chance to play against 2700+ players?

2200 OTB or chess.com?

There's a big difference!

2200 OTB, but only in game 10.

Hmmm... Well they get a lot better when they play slower.

Do whatever, and fill us in on the results.

That's my point.

So true...

Then why not play the Open ?  I see that in another large tourney in 2011 you played the under 1700 section and lost rating points, losing 2 games to sub 1700 players and then withdrawing. I just think you are not being objective at all about your chances. They wont be playing quick chess either so why do your results in quick chess matter ? If you just want the experience of playing much stronger players and dont mind being slaughtered then by all means enter the Open or the under 2300 section . 

With the expense involved in US tournies I would not jump at the chance to play with 2700 players. I have lost every game I ever played with 2600 so I am sure the result would be the same with 2700s . I would want to have the chance to be competitive . 

I'm pretty sure that I have decided to play in the u2300 section. Here is my reasoning: if I do poorly in the u1900 section, I will probably lose rating points and be disappointed; however, by playing in the u2300, I can lose every game and not feel badly about it, and if I do win a game, it will be an amazing accomplishment. Plus, its FIDE rated, so if I can somehow get my rating to 2100, then I will qualify for the ACO World Youth Tournament. Does this sound like solid reasoning? I don't plan on winning u1900 because of the sandbaggers, so prize-winnings should be no object.