IM Irina Krush

• USCF Rating: 2512
• Openings : +25
• Tactical Ability : -25
• Positional Play : +50
• Endgame Technique : +0
• Speed Chess : 7
• Consistency : 8
• Tenacity : 7
• Overall Aggressiveness : 6
• Against Strong Players : 8
• Against Weak Players : 7

Strengths: Irina is a well rounded player, and her openings fit her perfectly. She tends to flourish in very positional games.

Weaknesses: Her openings, especially with black, are fairly easy to predict. She seems to be somewhat weaker when the game becomes unclear or very tactical.

Amusing Story:

I first met Irina at the 2007 Foxwoods Open where she destroyed me in the 2nd round. Later in the tournament, Me, Dave Vigorito, and Jesse Kraai were at a restaurant about to order, and Irina and her fiancee GM Pascal Charbonneau walked in. Irina inquired about buying Dave's book "Beating the Nimzo-Indian", which is specifically on 4. Qc2 for white. Dave sold her a copy and the she and Pascal ate lunch with us. It was just strange to be at a restaurant with 4 other people, all being much stronger than myself. Later, when I was criticizing the 2007 US Women's Championship, I said I could beat anyone in the tournament except for Irina!

Reason for this song choice:
Irina is by far the strongest female chess player in the United States. She has beaten many strong male GMs, so this song seemed fitting.