2013 National Open - Las Vegas

As some of you already know, I played in the National Open in Las Vegas, June 7-9, 2013 at the Riviera Hotel.  There are usually close a half-dozen Winnipeg players attending, but this year it was just me and John Remillard. (John was accompanied by his wife).

I have been to Vegas around a dozen times (I have lost count quite frankly) and have now played in 7  National Opens. ( I had to check www.uschess.org); 1999, 2007-2010, 2012-2013. The past few years I have opted to play tourist on the Friday, and then play rounds 1-3 on Saturday at G/60 or less.
This year I decided to play the normal schedule, 2 rounds per day at a new time control - 40/90,
Game/30  + 30 second increment from the start.