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Bryon Nickoloff's last tournament game --
he won! Posted by Frank Dixon on August 3, 2004, 16:38
IM Bryon Nickoloff, who died today in North Bay, played his last tournament
at the 2004 Canadian Open in Kapuskasing.
In his last tournament game, played July 18th in round 10 of the Open,
Bryon, with the Black pieces, defeated Yevhen Molchanov, rated 2180.
Here is the game. It showed that Bryon kept his clear tactical vision
and wonderful feel for development, key squares, and piece activity, right
to the end.
Yevhen Molchanov -- Bryon Nickoloff Canadian Open Championship 2004, Kapuskasing
Played July 18, 2004 Queen's Pawn Game, D01 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bg5 c6
4.Qd2 Bf5 5.f3 Nbd7 6.g4 Bg6 7.Nh3 e5 8.e3 h6 9.Bh4 Bb4 10.Nf2 Qe7 11.Be2
0-0 12.0-0 Rfe8 13.Rae1 a5 14.Bg3 Bd6 15.Kg2 b5 16.Ncd1 a4 17.c3 Nb6 18.Nd3
Nc4 19.Qc1 e4 20.Nf4 exf3+ 21.Bxf3 Be4 22.Nf2 Bh7 23.Kg1 Ne4 24.Nxe4 Bxe4
25.Bxe4 Qxe4 26.Kf2 Ra7 27.h3 f5 28.Re2 fxg4 29.hxg4 Rf7 30.Ke1 Nxe3 0-1.
Re: Bryon Nickoloff's last tournament game -- he won! Posted by Malcom
on August 3, 2004, 20:09, in reply to "Bryon Nickoloff's last tournament
game -- he won!"
Rest in peace Bryon! I truly hope you left this world with a calm
heart and a free conscious. Take care, and condolences to friends and
family, Malcom.
Bryon's best game Posted by David Cohen [IA] on August 3, 2004, 20:39,
in reply to "Bryon Nickoloff's last tournament game -- he won!"
A few years ago, at the Labour Day tournament in Toronto, I asked
Bryon to choose his most memorable game, and he selected his win over
Hulak at NYC 1989. He also mentioned back to back wins over GMs at an
Open in the USA. I don't have any further info on these games; if anyone
knows which event this happened in, I'd appreciate hearing from you. David
[Event "?"] [Site "New York, NY, USA"] [Date "1989"] [Round "?"] [Result
"1-0"] [White "Nickoloff, Bryon"] [Black "Hulak, Krunoslav"] 1. d4 Nf6
2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 c5 4. d5 exd5 5. cxd5 d6 6. Nc3 g6 7. Nd2 Nbd7 8. e4 Bg7
9. Be2 O-O 10. O-O Re8 11. a4 Ne5 12. Qc2 g5 13. Nc4 Nxc4 14. Bxc4 Ng4
15. Ne2 Qf6 16. Ng3 Qg6 17. Be2 Be5 18. Bxg4 Bxg4 19. f4 gxf4 20. Bxf4
Bd4+ 21. Kh1 Re7 22. Ra3 Kh8 23. Qd2 Rg8 24. b4 b6 25. a5 Bd7 26. axb6
axb6 27. bxc5 bxc5 28. Ra6 Be5 29. Rb6 Rc8 30. Bxe5+ Rxe5 31. Qf4 c4 32.
Rb7 Be8 33. Nf5 Qf6 34. Qc1 c3 35. Rb6 Rxf5 36. exf5 c2 37. Rb2 Ba4 38.
Rb4 Bd7 39. Rb2 Qc3 40. f6 Bf5 41. Qh6 Rg8 42. Rb8 Bc8 43. Qc1 Qd3 44.
Re1 Qc4 45. Qd2 Qc7 46. Ra8 Qb7 47. Rea1 Qb1+ 48. Qc1 Qxc1+ 49. Rxc1 Bf5
50. Rxg8+ Kxg8 51. g4 Be4+ 52. Kg1 h6 53. h4 Kh7 54. h5 Bf3 55. Rxc2 Bxg4
56. Rg2 Bxh5 57. Rg7+ Kh8 58. Kf2 Bg6 59. Ke3 Bh5 60. Ke4 Bg6+ 61. Kf4
h5 62. Kg5 Be4 63. Kh6 1-0
Link: Bryon
Nickoloff biography
Re: Bryon's best game Posted by Tony Cheron on August 3, 2004, 23:41,
in reply to "Bryon's best game"
I once asked Bryon what his favorite game was. He laid down his beer
calmly and entirely from memory played out the moves vs GM Hulak New York
1989. Bryon explained to me: "Hulak was hot, he just finished winning
a big tournament in Europe where 100 GMs played in the same section. In
New York, I blew the guy to bits."
Re: Bryon's best game Posted by Frank Dixon on August 4, 2004, 14:26,
in reply to "Re: Bryon's best game"
Hi David, I think Bryon may have been referring to the 1988 World
Open in Philadelphia for the two games he won in a row against GMs. I played
in that tournament myself, in a lower section, but unfortunately cannot
recall anything further about which players he defeated. I remember him
being very happy during that event.
If you could track down the score to Wachtel -- Nickoloff, Toronto Closed
1975, that would be helpful. This fabulous game in the Archangelsk line
of the Spanish is not on chessbase.com. Best regards, Frank
Wachtel - Nickoloff, Toronto Closed 1975 Posted by Hugh Siddeley on
August 4, 2004, 15:02, in reply to "Re: Bryon's best game"
Courtesy of www.chesslab.com
[Event "Toronto Closed"] [Site "Toronto"] [Date "1975.??.??"] [White "Wachtel,Robert"]
[Black "Nickoloff,Bryon"] [Round "?"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "C78"] 1. e4
e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O b5 6. Bb3 Bb7 7. Re1 Bc5 8.
c3 d6 9. d4 Bb6 10. a4 h6 11. axb5 axb5 12. Rxa8 Qxa8 13. Na3 O-O 14.
Nxb5 exd4 15. cxd4 Na5 16. Bc2 Bxe4 17. Bxe4 Nxe4 18. Qd3 Nf6 19. Nc3
Re8 20. Rxe8+ Qxe8 21. h3 Nc6 22. Be3 Nb4 23. Qb5 Qxb5 24. Nxb5 Nd3 25.
b3 Ne4 26. Kf1 c6 27. Na3 g5 28. Ke2 Nb4 29. Nc4 Bc7 30. g4 f6 31. Nfd2
Nc3+ 32. Kf3 Nd3 33. Nf1 Ne1+ 34. Kg3 d5+ 35. f4 Ne4+ 36. Kh2 dxc4 37.
bxc4 gxf4 38. Bc1 f3+ 39. Kg1 f2+ 40. Kh1 Ng3+ 41. Nxg3 Bxg3 0-1 The White
king is inprisoned!
Re: Wachtel - Nickoloff, Toronto Closed 1975-Grandmaster'sForum -April
2004 Chess Canada Échecs Posted by Hans Jung on August 4, 2004, 17:48,
in reply to "Re: Wachtel - Nickoloff, Toronto Closed 1975"
If you read the magazine its amazing what treasures you'll find.
Re: Wachtel - Nickoloff, Toronto Closed 1975-Grandmaster'sForum -April
2004 Chess Canada Échecs Posted by Peter Green on August 4, 2004, 20:36,
in reply to "Re: Wachtel - Nickoloff, Toronto Closed 1975-Grandmaster'sForum
-April 2004 Chess Canada Échecs"
The New In Chess Online Database has the game Wachtel-Nickoloff Toronto
Closed 1975. It is interesting chessbase.com does not list this game between
two strong Canadian masters. Given that chessbase.com has 40 or so of
my games on their database. Makes me wonder how useful it is to have 2
million games where the majority are games played by non-masters. Peter
Green
The Shirov-Nickoloff Game Posted by Brad Thomson on August 4, 2004,
13:54
Here is the game. It was originally published in En Passant, and in Informant
61. Annotations by Bryon Nickoloff (BN), comments by Brad Thomson (BT).
SHIROV-NICKOLOFF North Bay, 1994 Ruy Lopez Archangel 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6
3.Bb5 3...a6 4.Ba4 4...Nf6 5.0-0 b5 6.Bb3 Bb7 BN: Wow! I was ecstatic
at this point because, as I said before, I am the world’s authoritarian
on the Archangel system of the Ruy Lopez. So at this point I figured our
respective ratings to be about equal. BT: To be precise, in his notes
to a game from the 1992 Canadian Open, Bryon stated that this opening
should be called the “Nick” system since he knows it better than anyone
else in the world. It seemed like a bold statement at the time, but...
7.d3 BN: A quiet system designed to shut down the monster bishop on b7.
7...Bd6 BN: A rare move by me as until now I had only played this move
once before, in the 1994 Canadian Open, in Winnipeg. Prior to these two
games I have played 7...Be7 exclusively. The idea behind the text is to
gain a tempo on the light squared bishop, threatening to win it by ...Na5.
8.c3 0-0 9.Nbd2 h6! BN: Only move. If instead 9...Re8, then 10.Ng5 Re7
11f4! h6 12.Nxf7 10.Rxf7 13.Bxf7+ Kxf7 14.fxe5, to be followed by d4 and
e5. BT: Chess Informant agreed with Nickoloff’s appraisal of awarding
the move a “!,” and further, appraised the play with “N”, novelty. In
their opinion, Nickoloff invented an important new move in the theory
of this opening. 10.d4 Re8 11.Re1 Bf8 BN: Now the position looks normal.
12.Nf1 d6 BN: Not 12...exd4? because 13.e5 takes over the board. 13.Ng3
Na5 14.Bc2 Nc4! BN: A forced move since if 14...c5?, then 15.b3 threatening
to play d5 hampering my knight, and as a result I would have to play ...Nc6
immediately. But then White can maintain the tension in the centre with
Be3, followed by Qd2 and Rad1. Up until this point in the game, Alexei
had been characteristically staring off into space. Now his eyes never
left the board for the balance of the game. 15.a4 c5 BN: Now I am ready
to do some business. 16.b3 Nb6 17.dxc5 dxc5 18.Qe2 bxa4! BN: It’s time
to open up the board as all of Black’s pieces are in ideal positions to
cope with all of the squares on the board. 19.bxa4 a5! BN: My knight must
not be bothered by a5. And now I threaten to take over the whole board
with 20...Ba6 followed by 21...Nc4, or by 20...c4 to be followed by 21...Nfd7
with the idea of moving the knight to c5 where Black has a commanding
position. 20.Nd2? BN: Better was 20.c4, where everyone gets a square.
One of my knights heads for d4 by way of d7, b8 and c6 while White plays
Nd2, then Nf1, Ne3 and finally Nd5. 20...c4 BN: Now all of Black’s pieces
come in with great force. BT: As soon as Nick played this move, Alexei
got up and went for a walk. He had a concerned look on his face. He was
chewing on a coffee stir-stick and staring off into nowhere, pondering.
21.Nxc4 Nxc4 BN: There is nothing to be gained by 21...Ba6 as White would
just play 22.Bd3. 22.Qxc4 Rc8 23.Qa2 BN: This is the only move, since
if 23.Qb5 then ...Rc3, and if 23.Qb3 then ...Ba6 threatening 24...Bc4
25.Qb1 Rb8 26.Bb2 Bc5, with such threats as ...Qb6 hitting the bishop
at b2 and targeting f2, not to mention ...Ng4 and Qh4 as well. 23...Rxc3
24.Bb3 Re7 25.Bb2 BN: Not 25.Bd2 when ...Rb3 wins a piece. And on 25.Ba3,
I was intending ...Rd7 when if 26.Bf8 I have ...Qf8 followed by an eventual
...Qc5. The observant student will also notice that in this case my monster
bishop on b7 is carnivorous in the middlegame as well as in the endgame.
Who has the biggest monster anyway!! Let’s wait and see. BT: At this point
in the game Nickoloff stepped outside for a smoke. I followed and asked
how he liked his position. He snickered and told me that it was a clear
win. 25...Rd3 26.Bc4 Rd2 27.Qb3 Bc6! BN: White has managed to untangle
his pieces. But after this move his position becomes critical, my threat
being 28...Rb7, forcing 29.Bb5 when ...Bc5 followed by ...Qb6 or ...Ng4
means the police can be called to the murder scene. As it stood in any
case, I was convinced at this point that I was not only going to be convicted
of first-degree murder, but also tie for first place in the tournament.
28.Nf5 BN: What!! What is going on here? Can he get away with this move?
What if I play ...Rb7? Isn’t he just dead lost? The answer is in the short
term no, but in the long term yes. Alexei said to me after the game that
he felt there were no better moves, and that my assessment of the position
was correct, and that he had to act fast to survive. This was my best
move. It not only saves time on the clock but gives me a huge advantage.
But I want to knock him out!! Now I would like to share with the readers
what we both saw and looked at. 28...Rb7 29.Qg3 (Only move, as 29.Bb5
would allow ...Bc5 and ...Ng4) 29...Kh7!! (Not 29.Rdb2 30.Nxh6+ Kh7 31.Nxf7
Rxf7 32.Bxf7 when White is winning. After the text the pawn on e4 and
the bishop are attacked) 30.Bc3 (Again the only move. If 30.Be5 instead,
then 30...Nxe4 wins. For example, 31.Rxe4 Bxe4 32.Nxg7 Bg6) 30...Nxe4
31.Rxe4 Bxe4 32.Bxd2 Qxd2 33.Qxe5 Qb2 34.Qxb2 Rxb2 35.Ng3 (Not 35.Ne3
Bc5) 35...Bg6 and the Black advantage should be enough to win with ...Bc5,
...h5 and ...h4 coming. Can you believe it? I saw this position and turned
it down in favour of 28...Ne4. Anyway, lets get back to the real world,
back on move 28 where White played 28.Nf5 and I decided to try to knock
him out with 28...Ne4. 28...Nxe4 29.Nxe7+ Qxe7 30.Rad1!! BN: Only move.
If 30.Re2, then ...Rxe2 31.Bxe2 Qa7 32.Qf3 Nxf2 33.Qxc6 Nh3+ 34.Kh1 Qg1+
35.Rxg1 Nf2 checkmate. 30...Rxf2 31.Rxe4 Qc5? BN: Throwing away an easy
win with 31...Rxb2 32.Qxb2 Bxe4 followed by ...Bg6, ...e4, ...Kh7 and
...f5, when the rook is no match for the bishop and two pawns. The reader
should know that right around this time both myself and Alexei were short
on time. After I made the text move I said to myself that 31...Qa7 should
have been played. 32.Ba3! Rxg2+ BN: Forced. If 32...Qa7 then 33.Qe3. BT:
At this point there was a huge crowd surrounding the game. The tournament
director, Jonathan Berry had done his best to disperse the onlookers,
but to no avail. Since both players were now very low on time, the moves
were coming every couple of seconds. In fact, the players blitzed well
past move 40, not risking a look at the clock. 33.Kxg2 Bxe4+ 34.Kg3 Qxa3
35.Bxf7+ Kh7 36.Bxg8+ Kg6 37.Bf7+ Kf6 38.Rf1+ Bf5 39.Qxa3 Bxa3 40.Bd5
g6 41.h4 h5 42.Be4 Bb4 43.Kf3 Bd7 44.Bc2 Bh3! BN: So that if 45.Rf2 then
...Be1 forces the rook to h2 where only Black has chances. 45.Rg1 Bg4+
46.Rxg4 BN: In conclusion, I would like to say that although I dominated
most of the play, Alexei Shirov played extremely well to hold the position.
One thing is for sure, I’ll never know what would have happened if I didn’t
try to deliver the knockout punch. 1/2-1/2
I have many amazing photographs of this game that I will get into circulation.
Re: The Shirov-Nickoloff Game Posted by Lawrence Day [IM] on August
4, 2004, 19:04, in reply to "Re: The Shirov-Nickoloff Game"
Quite the game indeed. Very lively. The site chessgames.com picked
a Nick game today as their Game of the Day, finding Raaste-Nickoloff,
another Ruy, from Finland-Canada at the 1986 Dubai Olympiad as their pick
for kibitzing: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Bxc6 dxc6 5. O-O Qd6 6.
b3 Bg4 7. Bb2 f6 8. d3 c5 9. Nbd2 Ne7 10. h3 Bh5 11. Qe1 Qd7 12. Qe3 Nc6
13. Kh2 O-O-O 14. a3 g5 15. Rfb1 Nd4 16. Ne1 g4 17. c3 Ne6 18. g3 Nf4
19. d4 Nxh3 20. d5 Qg7 21. Nc4 Ng5 22. Kg1 Bg6 23. Nd2 h5 24. Ng2 Qh7
25. Re1 Nh3+ 26. Kf1 Bh6 27. Qd3 Bxd2 28. Qxd2 Bxe4 29. Nh4 Bxd5 30. Qe3
Bxb3 0-1
The games of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by Jordan S. Berson on August
5, 2004, 9:20, in reply to "Bryon Nickoloff's last tournament game --
he won!"
In case no one has already posted this, chessgames.com has a database
of 79 of Bryon's games, including an interesting win against one K Spraggett
in the 1974 Canadian Jr. Championships. Link: Bryon's
Games
Re: The games of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by Larry Castle on August
5, 2004, 10:45, in reply to "The games of Bryon Nickoloff"
There are probably a few hundred of Bryons games available at chessbase.com
also.
Frank Dixon remembers one of Canada's best.
Posted by Luc Lucienevich Fortin on August 7, 2004, 6:33
Thanks to Frank Dixon for publishing this article on ChessBase.com!
http://www.chessbase.com/games/2004/nickoloff.htm
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Frank
Dixon remembers one of Canada's best.
Posted by Luc Lucienevich Fortin on August 7, 2004, 6:33
Thanks
to Frank Dixon for publishing this article on ChessBase.com!
http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=1837
In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by Steve
Nickoloff on August 3, 2004, 12:38
I am sorry to bring some tragic sad news to the chess community that Bryon
Nickoloff my brother has past away at around 12.30AM August 3rd peacefully
in his sleep at North Bay General Hospital.
As most people knew Bryon had battled cancer for over 5 years courageously
and never gave up. I know from seeing him the last few days that he had
the strongest will to live and wanted to continue playing chess; one of
his passions in life.
On behalf of my family we would like to thank deeply those people who
supported Bryon over the years in chess and know that it will never be
forgotten.
If anyone would like to send their respects or have anything they would
like to share please email me at Steve.nickoloff@sympatico.ca or you can
call me directly at 416-537-9461. Steve Nickoloff
My condolences Posted by John Bleau on August 3, 2004, 13:15, in reply
to "In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
I have often heard, from my friend Michael Schleifer, about your brother's
courage and will, and I offer you my condolences.
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by Steve Nickoloff on August
3, 2004, 13:36, in reply to "In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
I also wanted to express on behalf of my family that anyone wishing
to to send cards letters stories and games of his to please send them
directly to : Steve Nickoloff/In care of Bryon Nickoloff 240 Hallam St.
Toronto, Ontario M6H 1X9 416-537-9461
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by Florian Bergeron on August
3, 2004, 19:46, in reply to "Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
Ross Richardson phoned me a few hours ago with the sad news about
Bryon. I searched my database of my games, and found F. Bergeron 1893
B. Nickoloff 2095 January 27, 1974 YMCA Round 4 33...Qxh3!! (Queen sac
by Bryon) showed that he had talent!
I just played the game over again a few minutes ago. Bryon would be proud
of the way he converted his endgame advantage into a win. Florian Bergeron
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by Frank Dixon on August 3,
2004, 13:49, in reply to "In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
I was one of the arbiters in Kapuskasing for the Canadian Open this year,
where Bryon played, and did very well, drawing GM Fridmans (2594), defeating
several Experts, and battling combatively in all of his games despite
his serious illness.
I will be writing the report on Kap 2004 for the magazine Chess Canada
Echecs, and plan to feature several of Bryon's games from this, his last
tournament.
Bryon will be remembered as a great chess talent, one of the best that
Canada has ever produced.
Please accept my condolences for Bryon's passing. He will never be forgotten
by anyone who met him in Canadian chess.
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by Jim Ferrier on August 4,
2004, 20:09, in reply to "Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
On behalf of the Brampton Chess Club I extend deepest sympathies to
the Nickoloff Family. I had the pleasure of playing against Bryon years
ago in an interclub match. Jim Ferrier President
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by Rick Garel on August 3,
2004, 13:49, in reply to "In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
A fine Canadian chess player is now winning the odd game against the
great ones who preceded him to his final resting place. Good bye Bryon.
In an artist's life, death is perhaps not the most difficult thing. -
Vincent van Gogh
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by Tony Ficzere on August
3, 2004, 14:07, in reply to "In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
He will be missed. Rest in peace Bryon. Our condolences to his family.
The Ficzere Family.
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff - the Dutton Family remembers you
- our condolences Posted by Mark [IA] & Christine Dutton on August 3,
2004, 14:23, in reply to "Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
Our sincere condolences to the Nickoloff Family on this very sad day.
Bryon was a very entertaining chess player and his unique character and
analysis were always welcome at any of our chess events. Bryon was truly
an inspiration to our son, Warren, who spent many all nighters analysing
with Bryon during North Bay events.
Bryon, you will be very deeply missed, In sadness, The Dutton Family,
Mark, Christine and Warren
We'll all miss the Nick Posted by Hal Bond on August 4, 2004, 16:31,
in reply to "Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff - the Dutton Family remembers
you - our condolences"
He was such an artist and a character. There are so many Nick stories.
Divinsky likened him to Alekhine once at an AGM, after seeing Bryon fight
so ferociously at the board for the Olympic team and still manage to enjoy
the evening rounds. If he were a teenager again in these times he would
“step”! I was so pleased that he had accepted an invitation
to Guelph this year. We took a moment for him before the start of the
first round. My sincerest condolences to Heather, Steve and family.
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by Larry Castle on August
3, 2004, 15:12, in reply to "In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
A truly sad day for the Nickoloff family. My heartfelt condolences.
Bryon was and will always be one of my favorite chess players. I'll never
forget him. Rest in Peace
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by Kevin Pacey on August 3,
2004, 15:28, in reply to "In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
My sympathy goes out to the Nickoloff family. Bryon always fought
a good fight to the end. I learned from the advice that he gave myself
and others about chess.
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by Fred Henderson on August
3, 2004, 15:39, in reply to "Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
I've known for a couple years that he wasn't well. I was always impressed
with the way he fought hard and played well in spite of it all. Perhaps
something to be learned here for us all. R.I.P.
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by Stéphane Beaudoin on August
3, 2004, 15:37, in reply to "In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
On behalf of all the members of the Québec Chess Federation, please
accept our most heartfelt condolences. Sincerely, Stéphane Beaudoin FQE
president
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by Sam Haziprodromu on August
3, 2004, 15:58, in reply to "In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
Steve it was with great shock when I heard the news about Bryon. I
will always remember the great times we had and all the great fun. He
was also a big talent and also would freely give of his time if you wanted
to know about certain variations. Did he have his faults? sure he did
like all of us. Canadian chess is richer because of Bryon,his games,and
ideas he brought to a number of variations that now should bear his name.
May you rest in peace Bryon I will miss you.
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff - Rest In Peace! Posted by Dutton
Chess (Toronto) on August 3, 2004, 19:44:37, in reply to "Re: In Memory
Of Bryon Nickoloff "
International Master Bryon Nickoloff topped the 121-player "Ontario Open"
Chess Championship on the Victoria Day long weekend in Toronto. May 20,
21 & 22, 2000 (Saturday, Sunday & Victoria Day Monday)
Bryan - you were a great competitor and champion. Rest In Peace http://webhome.idirect.com/~mdutton/2000onta.htm
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by silverhammer_2 on August
3, 2004, 17:03, in reply to "In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
R.I.P. Bryon. We will meet again.
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by Jason Feng on August 3,
2004, 17:15, in reply to "In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
This is a sad day in Canadian chess, but I'm sure Bryon is already
playing a few games with the greats already. I'm glad he got to play in
one more tournament, doing something that he has loved to do for so many
years. Rest in peace, Mr. Nickoloff.
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by Hans Jung on August 3,
2004, 17:25, in reply to "In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
More than 30 years of scintillating chess games! It's sad to know
Bryon is gone. A belated thank you to Bryon for all the great games and
rich analysis and the personal moments over the chessboard. Wherever you
are, Bryon, I hope the games get more interesting.
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by Dilip Panjwani on August
3, 2004, 17:29, in reply to "In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
IM Bryon Nickoloff's love of Chess was infectious, and the Chess playing
community has lost a very amicable gentleman.....may his soul rest in
peace, and may God give his family and friends the strength to bear his
loss....
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by Tony Cheron on August 3,
2004, 18:58, in reply to "In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
Passing friend, How you have lived your talent, shown to others the
insight of your ways, Maintained an air of dignity where chaos surrounded.
Fought the good fight, making friends, not enemies And kept courageous,
even in the face of death. The "Nick" , brilliant to the last day.
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by Peter Bokhout on August
3, 2004, 19:53, in reply to "In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
Bryon was one of the Toronto Chess Club's stalwarts in the period
1975 - 1985.
Bryon was always a gentleman and never had a malicious word to say about
anyone. He was always ready to help analyze anyone else's game. He may
have had his demons (alcohol) but he was a great friend to everyone nonetheless.
I will certainly miss him. All my condolences to his family.
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by Lawrence Day [IM] on August
3, 2004, 20:52, in reply to "In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
Since I got a board on chessgames.com I had young players (global)
asking me "Who was Bryon Nickoloff?", requesting bio. This is what I wrote:
Bryon's first tournament, as a little kid, was the 1971 CNE Open in Toronto.
During the 1972 Spassky-Fischer match he fell in love with chess and stopped
going to school. Truancy officers eventually arrested him. When he was
let out of 'reform school' the Judge told him to stay away from the chess
club. How different from a country that supports prodigies, he later reflected.
By 1978 he was qualified by rating to the Canadian Closed and Olympic
Team for Buenos Aires. He fell in love with a Mexican Woman's Team member
and moved to Mexico for a couple of years where, as a foreigner, he got
lots of futurity invitations and picked up 3 IM norms in a row. He had
a narrow but deeply prepared opening repertoire.
We shared rooms at many tournaments, including 86, 94 and 98 Olympiads;
quite the adventure for me since I believe in the get 8-hours sleep school,
while he felt the 'party all night' was just as effective. I lived conservatively
and took risks on the board; he was very safe and defensive at the board
but lived life 'on the edge', full of risk. Nevertheless, we were good
friends and great rivals of approximately equal strength in the 1977-1999
period. Then he got seriously sick. He considered his best game was the
Shirov chaos draw. Also that his peak strength was the Boston 1988 US
Open where he was better or equal against several established GM's.
His final tournament was the 2004 Canadian Open at Kapuskasing where he
had a solid IM result. We were thinking of sharing a room at the Guelph
Pro-Am but fate had other ideas.
Something brilliant and determined, yet wild and untamed, has gone from
Canadian chess with his passing. It is a sad moment, condolences to the
family.
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by Tony Ficzere on August
4, 2004, 2:58, in reply to "Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
You mentioned the Shirov game from North Bay. I was present to watch
much of that game, and spent many hours with Bryon during the event playing
speed, having fun. This game was my favourite of Bryon's. No fear, playing
black, against #3 in the world at the time, in the "Nick" line. That defence
should be the Nick. That's the way I will remember it.
Shirov - Nickoloff 1/2-1/2 Posted by David James on August 4, 2004,
10:20, in reply to "Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
[Event "* North Bay International"] [Site "* North Bay International"]
[Date "1994.??.??"] [EventDate "?"] [Round "?"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [White
"Shirov Alexei (LAT)"] [Black "Nickoloff Bryon"] [ECO "C78"] [WhiteElo
"?"] [BlackElo "?"] [PlyCount "92"] 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6
5.O-O b5 6.Bb3 Bb7 7.d3 Bd6 8.c3 O-O 9.Nbd2 h6 10.d4 Re8 11.Re1 Bf8 12.Nf1
d6 13.Ng3 Na5 14.Bc2 Nc4 15.b3 Nb6 16.a4 c5 17.dxc5 dxc5 18.Qe2 bxa4 19.bxa4
a5 20.Nd2 c4 21.Nxc4 Nxc4 22.Qxc4 Rc8 23.Qa2 Rxc3 24.Bb3 Re7 25.Bb2 Rd3
26.Bc4 Rd2 27.Qb3 Bc6 28.Nf5 Nxe4 29.Nxe7+ Qxe7 30.Rad1 Rxf2 31.Rxe4 Qc5
32.Ba3 Rxg2+ 33.Kxg2 Bxe4+ 34.Kg3 Qxa3 35.Bxf7+ Kh7 36.Bg8+ Kg6 37.Bf7+
Kf6 38.Rf1+ Bf5 39.Qxa3 Bxa3 40.Bd5 Bb4 41.h4 h5 42.Be4 g6 43.Kf3 Bd7
44.Bc2 Bh3 45.Rg1 Bg4+ 46.Rxg4 hxg4 1/2-1/2
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by Tony Cheron on August 4,
2004, 14:15, in reply to "Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
You are right Tony, Bryon was very confident with 7...Bd6. Perhaps
this variation might by called the Nickoloff variation. A beautiful game,
however it was not Bryon's favorite game. Something bothered him about
the game.
On the way back to Toronto, from the first North Bay International, Heather
, myself and Bryon took the long route because of a train derailment problem
on Hwy 11. On the way, Bryon looked worried and asked me to stop the car
in Bancroft. He took a chess set and walked into the main hotel there.
He was looking for a place to set up the pieces. The bar was open. Unfortunately
, the bar tender said to him " No gambling in here, remove the chess set
".
Bryon calmly answered back, " We're analysing." He got a nod of approval
from the bartender and he proceeded to play out the game from memory.
Bryon showed me the opening. " This poor guy he said, is rated number
3 in the world, but he has just walked into my backyard in the Archangel
Variation."
In a few minutes, other patrons of the hotel, on hearing about this game
from Bryon's shouts of analysis, began to crowd around the board. The
bar tender looked at the game with enthusiasm, even glad about it.
Moments later, Bryon found what he was looking for. A win. He said to
the crowd, " I should have played this positional move here and this guy
is toast for breakfast".
He went on to say, " I want a match with Shirov", he doesn't scare me.
... Next time I'll put the game away," etc
People that had never met Bryon before were in awe.
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by Deen Hergott [IM] on August
5, 2004, 0:33, in reply to "Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
Was very saddened to hear this news - deepest condolences to family
and friends
Bryon and I competed many times over the years, face to face, as well
as playing many times on the same Olympiad team for Canada. He was enormously
talented, and a true chess enthusiast, with a real passion for the game,
and interest in sharing that with everyone around him. Lawrence Day rightly
points out that Bryon always brought his very best to his games, especially
in team competition, despite the lateness of the party the night before
- I often wondered how he was able to summon the necessary energy! I didn't
always agree with Bryon's lifestyle choices, but I had great respect for
him as a terrific player and a very decent person.
A very close friend of mine, Todd Southam, another great Canadian talent,
passed away in 1996, at the young age of 27. I attended as a pallbearer
at the request of the family. Bryon, along with many others in the Toronto
chess community were at Todd's service, and Bryon spoke out at the reception
afterwards that he felt as if we had lost a member of our chess family....the
chess community in Canada is small enough that his sentiments were felt
by many.
Today, on hearing of Bryon's passing, I feel the same sentiment, as I'm
sure do many others. We have lost not only a real chess talent, but more,
a true gentleman of the game. Again, my deepest sympathies to all, especially
to his family and Heather.
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by Goran [FM] and Natalia
on August 5, 2004, 7:00, in reply to "Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff
"
Our condolences to Bryon's family and Heather.
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by Nava Starr [WM] on August
5, 2004, 9:59, in reply to "Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
My deepest condolences to Heather and Bryon's loving family.
I was fortunate to know Bryon for over 20 years. I played him face to
face a couple of times, and played on the same Olympic team with him a
few times. He was a very talented chess player, but most of all was a
very warm and decent person.
He will be missed tremendously by everyone who knew him. Nava
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by Luc Lucienevich Fortin
on August 3, 2004, 22:16, in reply to "In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
Condolences to your family. Some of my close relatives died from cancer,
and from what I have learned in those hard experiences I know that it
must have been important for Bryon to be surrounded by his family in those
last hours.
Bryon will surely live in your hearth and your memory.
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by John Erickson on August
4, 2004, 0:22, in reply to "Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
I didn't have a chance to play Bryon in any game, but I do have a
couple of memories to share about this talented player.
I remember playing in Toronto for a tournament and watch Bryon take a
half an hour on his first move as white! I believe he did win the game
later, but don't recall. I also remember being at the 1st North Bay International
and watching him play guys 5-1 blitz and crushing everyone with ease.
A friend with me declared that this was the highlight of the tournament
for him.
I'm glad that he isn't suffering anymore and my condolences to his family.
RIP Bryon
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by Ian Findlay [FM] on August
4, 2004, 2:35, in reply to "Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
Bryon rest in peace. One of Canada's most colourful and talented players
-- he will be greatly missed. He tricked my so many times in the opening,
it was embarrassing. At one point in my career, I would prepare openings
solely for Bryon, but he always was able to have a novelty up his sleeve.
He loved to analyze and was great person to go over a game with, whether
you won lost or drew. I have over 30 years of memories of playing Bryon
chess and some poker in my younger days. My condolences go out to his
family.
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by Tyomkin [GM] on August
4, 2004, 2:32, in reply to "In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
Bryon lived next to me in a Canadian open in Kapuskasing and I got
to spend quite alot of time with Bryon together analysing games and talking
about life. We became a good friends and I can't believe that only a few
short weeks later he's gone. My condolences to Bryon's family. Rest in
peace, Bryon
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by Wayne Coppin on August
4, 2004, 3:54, in reply to "In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
We all mourn his passing and with it his creative genius. He leaves
a chess legacy of inspiration.
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by Rob Gashgarian on August
4, 2004, 9:48, in reply to "In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
Although I can't say I know him well, I did meet Brian during the 1999
Canadian Championship. Although his lifestyle may have eventually caught
up with him, Bryon showed a vibrant, friendly personality. The chess community
will be less with your loss Bryon, RIP
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by John Goldner on August
4, 2004, 12:28, in reply to "In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
I came into contact with him a few times over the years. In the late
seventies he stayed at my house for a night during the Quebec Open, with
Jacques van Leusdan and Anegrete Schroeder. Bryon Nickoloff looked like
a movie star then, in his early twenties, and my younger sister and her
friends couldn't take their eyes off him. But Bryon couldn't take his
eyes off the chessboard. He played that Arkhangelsk variation of the Ruy
Lopez like a God. Condolences to family and friends.
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by Robert Johnston on August
4, 2004, 22:04, in reply to "In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
R.I.P. Bryon from your old roommate in the Can Open 2004 in Kapuskasing.
His legacy is his beautiful chess games he played through his life. I'll
never forget the 5 min to 1 min time odds games he played against experts.
One famous quote he said, "I can spot a weakness on the board a mile away."
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by Denis Allan [FM] on August
5, 2004, 1:19, in reply to "In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
My strongest memory of Bryan will be watching him gaze intently at
the board, seeking the truth of the position, oblivious to the lengthening
ash on his cigarette. Of all the Canadian players I have known, I would
say that Bryan's power of calculation was second only to LeSiege, possibly
Suttles. That was also his Achilles heel - he saw too much and was legendary
for his time trouble - a successor to Geza Fuster. The game I will always
remember is his last round win against Alex in the 94 Closed. Seeing him
play in Kapuskasing was wonderful and I was looking forward to seeing
him in Toronto. If Bryan made one big mistake in his life, it was not
finding Heather sooner.
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by Don Vangeloff on August
5, 2004, 4:11, in reply to "In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
To all of you in Bryon's extended Chess family, I am one of Bryon's
cousins, in the States. I just read through every single one of these
postings and I thank you for the love and respect you have for my cousin.
I did not know Bryon hardly at all; we were not close. I last saw him
and Heather in 1996 when I was in Toronto for a few days - we had dinner
at his Dad's house. He, my Uncle Steve and I talked politics. I don't
remember the specifics but it was a fun and lively discussion.
I don't know much about chess but I've always known Bryon was an extraordinary
talent. Is it true that he use to play guys while blindfolded and beat
them?? I remember hearing that story when I was very young. I've always
felt family pride at his accomplishments in what I perceived to be a solo
or "loner" game. But after reading these postings.. the exchange on the
Shirov-Nickoloff match blew me away.. I now realize what an extraordinary
group you all are. And that Bryon was never really alone.
I am blown away by how you all remember Bryon and his matches and his
moves.. "The Nick Variation".. et al. I'm thankful that he found love
and contentment with Heather. I've always known that Bryon was among the
best in this sport. That Bryon had this much respect in the greater Chess
world - a world he loved more than perhaps life itself - makes me feel
better. So I thank you for that too.
God speed Bryon - may you find your everlasting peace.
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by René Olthof on August 5,
2004, 8:51, in reply to "In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
As a foreigner with some links to the Canadian chess world through
my relatives in Burlington, Ontario, and my dear friends Deen Hergott
and Ray Stone it deeply saddens me to hear about the great loss being
Nickoloff's untimely death. I did not know him personally, but over the
years I have heard enough stories about him to realize what he must have
meant for many of you out there.
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by Jordan S. Berson on August
5, 2004, 9:11, in reply to "In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
I didn't know Bryon well at all, but I met him and spoke with him
a couple of times at tournaments in the late '90s. He was a pretty humble
guy when I spoke with him, and for that he gained my respect. He also
beat me 2-0 in a blitz tournament... God be with Bryon's family and friends.
Jordan
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by Tom Vangeloff on August
5, 2004, 9:39, in reply to "In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
Steven,
Cousin Tom from the States, here. Of course we are all sad at Bryon's
far too early passing. It must be very hard to lose a brother. Like my
brother Don, I have spent some time reading these messages. This outpouring
is certainly one true measure of the man. I know Irene is proud of Bryon's
accomplishments, and so am I. Over the years I have related (quite inaccurately,
I'm sure) anything I could remember about this Canadian chess power relative
of mine to anyone who mentioned chess. Clearly, I was underinformed.
It is equally clear which side of my family has channeled the creative
thinking and artistic talent. But I suppose passion will have its price.
Please share above with Christina and Donna and Steve, with our love and
prayers. Tom and Mary
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by Mike & Ilone Moore on August
5, 2004, 17:35, in reply to "In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
My wife and are not chess players, we only had the fortune of being
Bryon’s neighbours. He was a good man who always had an opinion, and liked
to play the game, any game, to it’s fullest. His wit and repartee are
already missed. It was a pleasure to call him a friend.
Re: In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff Posted by Brian Hartman [IM] on August
6, 2004, 14:13, in reply to "In Memory Of Bryon Nickoloff "
Hi Steve,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I first met Bryon in 1974 at the Toronto Chess Club (Y on College street
if memory serves). Bryon was playing in a 15 min event. In his final game
he won on time, with a positionally won game in any event. However, his
opponent, somewhat oddly, suggested after the game that Bryon's 30 seconds
would be insufficient for him to win this particular position. Bryon quickly
seized upon the opportunity and challenged to play it out for $5, with
his 30 secs vs the opponent's 5min - Bryon won in clean fashion. We became
acquainted, and increasingly spent time together over the years.
By 1980 or so, we were rooming together for a time in Toronto. Playing
blitz and analysing openings constantly. I recall one "session" in Bryon's
basement, with no sense of time, where something like 36 hours passed
in analysis. We finally went to sleep around 4am, with the intention of
playing in an event the next evening at 6pm - amusingly, we arrived at
the site in good time (5pm), however, it was the day following! We had
slept for two days not one...
One evening, Bryon, myself and a mutual friend, Brian Wilson, were out
for a few nightcaps...at 2am, Brian Wilson convinced us to travel to New
York City during a snowstorm to attend a tournament. The foggy idea was
that Bryon and Brian would have a good time in NYC, while I raked in the
cash in some section I was eligible for. However, we arrived just before
the round the next day, no sleep, still feeling the night before, I somehow
managed to escape with only losing 1/2 point. Then recovered and was playing
toward the prizes...however, the next morning I awake to find the room
(we found a quaint stopover called "The Met" at the base of the Queensboro
bridge in Queens) in disarray...I finally wake Brian, who informs me,
"...ah, Bryon and I ran into some troubles last night...we have 2 of our
tires slashed...". In short, I forfeited, and we had to panhandle our
tire patching and gas money home...I still owe Barry Davis $20 USD for
that one.
During one event in the mid-80s, Bryon was intently watching one of my
games. I got up from the board after making a speculative sacrifice. Bryon
took me outside and scolded me. He said "Brian, what the hell are you
doing?" I replied, hey, I am a practical player and I believe this is
the best option to complete the game in a timely manner. He continued
"...but, but, isn't the idea in chess to play the perfect game". I looked
back at him not sure how to reply - this was the essence of Bryon's approach
to chess - the sheer beauty of the game - although he had successes in
chess, his passion for the ideal, versus the utilitarian practical result,
prevented him from other successes...however, he was an artist and true
to himself, which was the greatest reward....not some cheap trophy that
I have long since thrown out.
Bryon and I spent many hours on different occasions reminiscing about
our pasts, talking about Mexico, the future, etc. One thing was clear,
he was a sensitive soul, with a passion for everything he pursued.
Bryon, without a doubt, was one of the most interesting personalities
I have ever met. His passion, talent and companionship were rare indeed.
I love you Bryon, until we meet again. Brian
Canada's Maverick Master
Posted by Robert Hamilton [FM] on August 7, 2004, 22:23
We lost Bryon this week. It's a big loss for the Canadian chess community
and me personally.
As fate would have it...Bryon and I never really met until about 20 years
ago long before I played in events with Kevin and Lawrence.
When we first met we were curious about each other having heard rumours.
We wound up arguing about who was better at speed chess and decided to
settle it there and then. It was 11:00 at night at a Canadian Closed.
We fought until 7:00 in the morning and wound up tied 24-24 and each gave
up on the notion of domination...we became brothers.
Bryon always took the "older brother" routine with me in chess.
He deserved that. But he was also very respectful...he cared about the
truth.
So many young players today in the Internet age don't. We would analyze
positions to exhaustion.
He was nuts...and I was semi-nuts...having Karen as a moderating influence.
At tournaments often I was the only one who was game for going out with
him for late night misadventures. There were many incidents and we kinda
prided ourselves on making it back alive and playing a good game the next
day. We suffered a similar affliction and understood that about each
other.
Bryon was a mixed bag. On the one hand you had a guy that was harshly
judged by those that didn't know him for appearing at times like a street
person. On the other hand he was the the most compassionate and decent
person I have ever met.
He was also very loyal. If you were lucky enough to be Bryon's friend
he defended you to death. There is something very re-assuring about friends
like that.
I can't share all we've shared. I can only say that I'm going to really
miss Bryon and that we've lost one of the greatest Canadian chess
players
ever.
Sincerely,
Robert Hamilton
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