1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.e3?

Today I'll be playing in my second rated chess tournament, believe it or not, at the mall. There is a store in one of the malls (store link here) that hosts tournaments, gives lessons, sells equipment, etc. Unfortunately, it's a little out of the way, and I don't really have the time to be a member - but it's still cool that it's there. In December they had a noted Grandmaster (not you, Grandmaster Ashley, although we'd love your expertise as well) come and give a free lesson and then a 15-game "simul", wherein he played 15 games at a time with cash prizes for anyone who won or drew a game. I was traveling that day and couldn't go, but next time I hope to play. By the way - one expert player drew one game, so GM Yermolinsky went 14.5/15. They also have lessons given by the multiple US championship winner GM Shabalov. He's currently the 12th best player in the country! Considering how much I've gotten into chess, it seems silly not to be a member - but it just doesn't make sense right now with Will/work/travel. Either way, I'll try and participate in their events as much as I can, which leads me to...

Today I am playing in the House of Chess Open. I'll get 4 games in the 1600 and under section (since I'm in it they may change the title to '1600 and WAY UNDER'). 45 minutes per side, per game. This will mean shorter games (90 minutes max) than the ones in the Austin tourney from last summer, which could last about 135 minutes apiece). 

Probably none of you have made it this far in the post, so I could just say anything and no one would ever know! So here goes: I've decided to become a Scientologist! It just makes so much sense and is so LOGICAL. Immortal alien spirits inside of me? Well, of COURSE. 

Moving on. The title of the post is an opening I've been studying and it seems like it's not incredibly popular or supported by really good players. I'm going to play it anyway today, because I've been having fun with it online and I think it fits my style pretty well. If I get demolished in my two games as white, I'll never play it again, but why not live a little. My goal for tourney #1 was to draw one game, and i won one. My goal today is just to have fun and not be so friggin' nervous.

Whit, Will and a couple friends will be stopping by the tourney later to silently cheer me on. The winner of each section (read: someone else) gets a hundred buckaroos and eternal fame.  The most I plan to earn is an enjoyable day out and some Pretzel Bites from Auntie Anne's. Care to join me?