chessgames.com

J Benjamin 
 
Joel Benjamin
Number of games in database: 1,352
Years covered: 1866 to 2013
Last FIDE rating: 2534
Highest rating achieved in database: 2662
Overall record: +529 -265 =520 (60.0%)*
   * Overall winning percentage = (wins+draws/2) / total games
      Based on games in the database; may be incomplete.
      38 exhibition games, odds games, etc. are excluded from this statistic.

MOST PLAYED OPENINGS
With the White pieces:
 Sicilian (154) 
    B90 B50 B23 B40 B30
 Ruy Lopez (79) 
    C69 C67 C78 C65 C64
 French Defense (48) 
    C02 C05 C11 C18 C00
 King's Indian (38) 
    E94 E76 E97 E73 E90
 Caro-Kann (35) 
    B12 B17 B14 B13 B10
 Queen's Pawn Game (33) 
    A45 A46 A41 D00 A40
With the Black pieces:
 Sicilian (143) 
    B40 B47 B46 B22 B32
 Queen's Pawn Game (71) 
    A46 A41 A45 E00 A50
 King's Indian (51) 
    E62 E60 E92 E61 E67
 Nimzo Indian (41) 
    E32 E33 E20 E30 E21
 Queen's Indian (40) 
    E15 E12 E13 E17 E14
 Sicilian Taimanov (36) 
    B47 B46 B48 B49 B45
Repertoire Explorer

NOTABLE GAMES: [what is this?]
   J Benjamin vs H Carter, 1982 1-0
   J Benjamin vs N Gamboa, 1995 1-0
   Socrates vs J Benjamin, 1995 0-1
   Junior vs J Benjamin, 1995 0-1
   Kamsky vs J Benjamin, 1991 0-1
   J Benjamin vs Gulko, 1991 1-0
   J Benjamin vs Gufeld, 1998 1-0
   J Benjamin vs Stripunsky, 2006 1-0
   Browne vs J Benjamin, 1980 0-1
   J Benjamin vs Dzindzichashvili, 1991 1-0

NOTABLE TOURNAMENTS: [what is this?]
   Lone Pine (1979)
   Lone Pine (1980)
   US Championship (1991)
   US Championships 2003 (2003)
   32nd World Open (2004)
   Chessmaster US Championships 2005 (2004)
   E.U. Championship and Cork Chess Congress (2005)
   HB Global Chess Challenge (2005)
   34th World Open (2006)
   US Championship (2009)
   US Championships (2010)
   US Chess Championships (2013)

GAME COLLECTIONS: [what is this?]
   Joel Benjamin - Selected Games by Resignation Trap
   US Championship 1991 by Phony Benoni
   US Championship 1991 by suenteus po 147
   Pan-Pacific GM Tournament, San Francisco 1991 by wanabe2000
   New York 1996 (Chess-in-the-Schools Festival) by Phony Benoni
   US Open 1988, Boston by Phony Benoni

Search Sacrifice Explorer for Joel Benjamin
Search Google for Joel Benjamin
FIDE player card for Joel Benjamin


JOEL BENJAMIN
(born Mar-11-1964) United States of America

[what is this?]
Joel Lawrence Benjamin was born in New York. He was awarded the IM title in 1980 and the GM title in 1986. At the World Junior Championship 1982 he finished 3rd=. In December 1983 in a match against Nigel Short he won decisively (+4, =3, -0) and finished 2nd= at Hastings 1984-85. In 2011, he tied for 1st-3rd with Walter Arencibia & Dejan Bojkov in the Canadian open. In the US Championships he was 2nd in 1985, 2nd= in 1986, 1st= in 1987 http://graeme.50webs.com/chesschamp..., 1st outright in 1997 http://graeme.50webs.com/chesschamp... and 1st= in 2000 http://graeme.50webs.com/chesschamp....

Wikipedia article: Joel Benjamin


 page 1 of 55; games 1-25 of 1,352  PGN Download
Game  ResultMoves Year Event/LocaleOpening
1. J Benjamin vs J Sammour Hasbun  0-160 1866 29th National CongressB40 Sicilian
2. J Benjamin vs G Klinglesmith  ½-½50 1975 US OpenD87 Grunfeld, Exchange
3. J Benjamin vs Rohde  ½-½27 1976 New YorkB06 Robatsch
4. J Benjamin vs T Throop  1-026 1976 Fairfax USA opE11 Bogo-Indian Defense
5. J Benjamin vs A Lein 0-161 1976 New YorkE54 Nimzo-Indian, 4.e3, Gligoric System
6. B M Amos vs J Benjamin 0-140 1976 Manhattan International TournamentC91 Ruy Lopez, Closed
7. J Benjamin vs Feuerstein 1-025 1976 New YorkA04 Reti Opening
8. L Shamkovich vs J Benjamin 1-042 1976 USA 22/328C96 Ruy Lopez, Closed
9. Short vs J Benjamin 1-044 1976 London txB41 Sicilian, Kan
10. J Benjamin vs S Bernstein ½-½67 1976 New York opC50 Giuoco Piano
11. Fedorowicz vs J Benjamin 1-042 1976 Fairfax USA opA00 Uncommon Opening
12. J Benjamin vs Nunn 0-123 1977 OxfordA60 Benoni Defense
13. J Benjamin vs W M Buehl  1-049 1977 Columbus opB02 Alekhine's Defense
14. G Terry vs J Benjamin  1-047 1977 Columbus opB43 Sicilian, Kan, 5.Nc3
15. J Benjamin vs Acosta  0-150 1977 Columbus opA17 English
16. A Smith vs J Benjamin 0-126 1977 Columbus opC44 King's Pawn Game
17. D Haas vs J Benjamin  1-050 1977 Columbus opB87 Sicilian, Fischer-Sozin with ...a6 and ...b5
18. R Buchanan vs J Benjamin  ½-½52 1977 U.S opE15 Queen's Indian
19. T C Fox vs J Benjamin  ½-½36 1977 Columbus opB23 Sicilian, Closed
20. J Benjamin vs Chandler 0-132 1977 London, EnglandB47 Sicilian, Taimanov (Bastrikov) Variation
21. A Haik vs J Benjamin  1-053 1978 London (England)A10 English
22. J Benjamin vs G Forintos  ½-½63 1978 London (England)B06 Robatsch
23. R C Balinas vs J Benjamin 1-0130 1978 London (England)E00 Queen's Pawn Game
24. J Benjamin vs M Yeo  1-034 1978 London (England)C73 Ruy Lopez, Modern Steinitz Defense
25. J Benjamin vs C Blocker  1-044 1978 04, v New York CityB40 Sicilian
 page 1 of 55; games 1-25 of 1,352  PGN Download
  REFINE SEARCH:   White wins (1-0) | Black wins (0-1) | Draws (1/2-1/2) | Benjamin wins | Benjamin loses  
 

Kibitzer's Corner
< Earlier Kibitzing  · PAGE 5 OF 5 ·  Later Kibitzing>
Aug-05-09
Premium Chessgames Member
  HeMateMe: I think they still make mistakes in closed or semi closed positions. But GM wins against the best software are now few and far between. Maybe 10 years ago Kaspy could have reasoned some things out from the training games/and the logs of the codes. He would be the one guy to do it. But the money would have been on big blue.

my first chess computer was from fidelity electronics, 30 years ago. the computer and board came together, in one unit. I think at its best, it could play at 1800,if you gave it three minutes per move. the last one I bought was about 10 years ago, it had a top rating of 2300, I couldnt give it a decent game.

Aug-05-09  Jim Bartle: " I think they still make mistakes in closed or semi closed positions."

Probably true. Which brings up something I wondered about during the 97 match: Kasparov was the world's best player, but was he the best at these sort of closed, maneuvering games? It certainly wasn't his typical style.

Aug-05-09  HannibalSchlecter: It was not Benjamin's decision to make however he was adamant in defending the decision as can be seen in the documentary "game Over."
Aug-05-09
Premium Chessgames Member
  HeMateMe: I saw the movie, too. I think they are correct, because the 'logs' are the computer's inner workings, not its record against people or other software programs. Its private property.

Like all World Champions, Kasparov has a pretty big ego, and it made him look bad in this one instance.

Aug-05-09
Premium Chessgames Member
  JointheArmy: <HeMateMe> *Sigh* Not this s*&* again.

The issue wasn't the ethical question of whether or not IBM would hand over the logs, it was IBM AGREED to hand over the logs since Kasparov already booked a ticket out of New York forfeiting the match.

IBM agreed to let Kasparov have them after the match was over. It took years before they were even made public and no one even knows if they were tampered with given the allotted time they weren't handed over.

Aug-05-09
Premium Chessgames Member
  HeMateMe: Maybe kasparov SAYS they made that statement--is there proof that IBM publicly agreed to turn over this material? Just playing devil's advocate.
Aug-06-09  HannibalSchlecter: IBM's attitude in that match was disgraceful. They acted so cold like it was some bitter courtroom divorce trial instead of having good sportsmanship and being friendly about it. Not handing over the logs when asked for was total b.s. and the excuse Benjamin gives for it doesn't add up.
Aug-07-09
Premium Chessgames Member
  HeMateMe: <HannibalSchlecter:>

Good sportsmanship? It was Kasparov who accused IBM of cheating. He thought they had an IM/GM level player hiding in some side room, combining human insight with the software's recommended moves, to avoid a 'computer error'. How embarrassingly childish. IBM? They have been the preeminent mainframe builders since WWII. IBM is the very definition of 'blue chip' company, they could buy and sell Baku.

Kaspy might have shown a little good cheer himself, at the final press conference. I believe Gary still got his $one million dollars for a 6 game match, a little gratitude never hurts. It was a significant achievement by Feng Sui and his programmers, working with chess people like Benjamin and Nick DeFirmian. I don't think Kasparov congratulated the IBM team at all. I think his mother, Clara may have been in the front row, which is a little bit creepy, if you think about it, Kasparov being about 40 years old at the time.

The accusation about a 'hidden player' is made very explicit in the documentary film on the match. Its worth a buck, if you get Netflix.

BTW, these 'logs' that Kasparov spoke of are part of the internal workings of the Deep Blue configuraton. I think it falls under the category of 'intellectual property', they certainly don't have to display it to anyone.

An unhappy man was unhappy in public. Certainly not as bad as "toilet gate' with Kramnik and Topalov, but not a shining moment for chess, either.

Mar-11-10
Premium Chessgames Member
  wordfunph: happy birthday to the author of my book "American Grandmaster"!!!

wish you write more books GM Joel Benjamin..

May-22-10
Premium Chessgames Member
  HeMateMe: Terrific book, fills in some gaps for those of us who followed chess back then.

Joel's having a bad tournament, and doesn't play much anymore. I wonder if this is his last U.S. Open?

Sep-24-10  rapidcitychess: <A few months after all the work I did on the Deep Blue project, at the US Championship, I thought "miserable Earthlings, you have no chance against me!">

--- Joel Benjamin

Don't the aliens usually end up losing?

Sep-24-10
Premium Chessgames Member
  HeMateMe: They get sent to Mexico and Romania.
Sep-25-10  rapidcitychess: <HeMateMe> Oh ,that's why he was in Euorope. He and all his computer scientists are planning to rule the world by reverse engineering all the chess programs and combining their strong points.

Or maybe not. :)

Sep-25-10  MaxxLange: A guy from my club played him at the USATE back in the late 90's....Benjamin was wearing the US Championship ring

He did the openings for Deep Blue, especially the c3 Sicilian as an anti-Kasparov weapon, and he also helped the developers train the evaluation function for things like minor piece quality, possible open lines, and that kind of dynamic positional stuff

Sep-25-10  MaxxLange: They had other GMS on the team, also...Ilescas? One of the Spanish GMs was definitely involved, iirc
Mar-11-11
Premium Chessgames Member
  HeMateMe: I think in the book Benjamin mentions hiring DeFirmian and his buddy John Federowicz to work on the opening book.

Interestingly, I've never heard of 'Fed, Benjamin or DeFirmian making any public comments about Kasparov's allegations of "cheating" by IBM, or the controvery of these computer logs being made available. Maybe all three had to sign some sort of agreement with IBM permanently barring public comment about the project.

Mar-11-11
Premium Chessgames Member
  Eric Schiller: Does anyone have a copy of Chess Life 1984 or 1985 of Berlin Summer Open with photo of Joel climbing Berlin Wall? CL never returned my photo.

Joel nearly overslept the 4:30 pm first round! Luckily I had to call him about something!

Mar-11-11
Premium Chessgames Member
  ketchuplover: happy birthday Joel :)
Mar-11-11  Penguincw: Happy 47th birthday Joel Benjamin!
Mar-31-11  Penguincw: Quote of the Day:

< "A few months after all the work I did on the Deep Blue project, at the US Championship, I thought "miserable Earthlings, you have no chance against me!" >

Jan-26-12  Penguincw: Same quote as Mar-31-11.
Mar-11-12  Penguincw: Happy Birthday Joel Benjamin!
Mar-27-12  Penguincw: Quote of the Day

< "Topalov plays without fear; he is ready to go full-steam ahead." >

--- Joel Benjamin

Sep-24-12
Premium Chessgames Member
  hedgeh0g: <Interestingly, I've never heard of 'Fed, Benjamin or DeFirmian making any public comments about Kasparov's allegations of "cheating" by IBM, or the controvery of these computer logs being made available. Maybe all three had to sign some sort of agreement with IBM permanently barring public comment about the project.>

Benjamin mentioned once how he never forgave Kasparov for the way he behaved during that match.

Mar-11-13
Premium Chessgames Member
  ketchuplover: Happy Birthday Joel
Jump to page #    (enter # from 1 to 5)
< Earlier Kibitzing  · PAGE 5 OF 5 ·  Later Kibitzing>
NOTE: You need to pick a username and password to post a reply. Getting your account takes less than a minute, totally anonymous, and 100% free--plus, it entitles you to features otherwise unavailable. Pick your username now and join the chessgames community!
If you already have an account, you should login now.
Please observe our posting guidelines:
  1. No obscene, racist, sexist, or profane language.
  2. No spamming, advertising, or duplicating posts.
  3. No personal attacks against other users.
  4. Nothing in violation of United States law.
Blow the Whistle See something which violates our rules? Blow the whistle and inform an administrator.


NOTE: Keep all discussion on the topic of this page. This forum is for this specific player and nothing else. If you want to discuss chess in general, or this site, you might try the Kibitzer's Café.
Messages posted by Chessgames members do not necessarily represent the views of Chessgames.com, its employees, or sponsors.
Spot an error? Please suggest your correction and help us eliminate database mistakes!


home | about | login | logout | F.A.Q. | your profile | preferences | Premium Membership | Kibitzer's Café | Biographer's Bistro | new kibitzing | chessforums | Tournament Index | Player Directory | World Chess Championships | Opening Explorer | Guess the Move | Game Collections | ChessBookie Game | Chessgames Challenge | Little ChessPartner | privacy notice | contact us
Copyright 2001-2013, Chessgames Services LLC
Web design & database development by 20/20 Technologies