Post
by David Pardoe » Sun Jan 17, 2016 9:32 am
Yes, a good days chessing at Crewe De Veres in the Cheshire suit.
And credit too to the hotel for putting on a chess players meal deals, including lunch time sandwiches (selection), and a reasonable `budget` evening meal, which I hope was well supported. Unfortunately I was travelling back last night so was unable to partake.
Arrived in good time yesterday, so enjoyed a walk in the grounds before start of play. Some fine views over the golf course and into the Cheshire plain....
I didn't see much of the play except our board 6 looked comfortable all the way down to a 2R and Ps endgame, which he duly drew.
Apart from one other draw, and my own, the Manticores 3 had a testing time against a strong Broadlands team. Outgraded by an average of 200+ points per board, with our top two boards giving odds of around 350 grading points, a brave showing was forthcoming.
My opponent was a junior, who played with blinding speed.. 15 moves in the blink of an eye. No way was I going to keep pace with that.. apologies to the controllers for my scribbled score sheet. Anyway, the game played out with some middle game complications, pieces regularly exchanged, with my opponent holding the initiative most of the game. We traded down to 2 minor pieces and some spread pawns, to an interesting endgame, where the initiative seemed to alternate, with chances for both sides. Finally, my B & P v his N & P proved drawn. Who said draws are boring. One of the great points of these 4NCL events is that they do allow the playing of interesting endgames.
Anyway, at about 5.45 we called it a day, last of our team to finish, which was a relief for me, as I could set off before any bad weather set in..
Those staying for todays matches no doubt enjoyed some good team meals (and a hearty breakfast this morning), which is another highlight of these events. I stayed a while to watch some of the remaining games being played out. Manticores 1 had a very close duel, with the last two boards in play, and our board 2 looking good with better pressure on both sides of the board, and an extra couple of Ps. in a minor pieces ending.
A number of other matches looked closely fought, and set to continue into the evening. Stamina and concentration needed...!
Top marks to the 4NCL organisers and our controllers for a very good w/e`s chess... and to De Veres for the excellent facilities.
And lets not forget our captains, who put in great efforts to turn out the teams...
BRING BACK THE BCF
