Advanced League Brilliancy Prize Winter 2025

The 2025 Winter season of the Great Lakes Chess Advanced League has come to an end. Out of over 100 games played between some of the top middle schoolers from around Northwest Ohio , one game clearly stood out.

Sam pondering his next move

This game, which was won by Sam Mullins with the black pieces, shows how to expertly develop your pieces in the opening and launch a decisive attack. Sam played expertly to prevent counter play as he brought every single one of his pieces into the attack, won material, and precisely converted his advantage. Below is the game along with my analysis.

Congratulations to Sam Mullins for playing a model game of active development, giving his opponent very no opportunities to come back after going down just a single pawn. The aggressiveness and accuracy of his play has earned him this season’s brilliancy prize.

Also congratulations to Raaghav Gundabolu for winning this season’s Top Performance prize finishing with 6 wins and a draw in his 7 games! Lastly, we have our most improved player award for Drew Vollmer, gaining 106 rating points in one season!

Raaghav defending a tough position

Drew after trading to an endgame