English Chess Forum

Ralph Barnett trophy was normally contested by counties surrounding London, but some other Leagues had teams in it, e.g. Civil Service, North Circular League, possibly London League at times. It was run as a jamboree event. I last played in it several years ago, no idea if it still happens. I seem t...

"The answer is Burton Ale."

wise man...

"But all this is rather off topic so I'll end my comments there."

It has drifted a bit! Fantastic result in the event - congratulations to all involved.

"when I got back to the playing area it was empty apart from my board and opponent and three arbiters (Nick, Kevin, Jack) all were not amused."

That's ok - we had dinner whilst we were waiting!

Guinness was already there or maybe Truman's?

"Besides, as I observed last time this came up, when Isai Scheinberg wants to make a public statement explaining why he's on the Isle of Man and what should happen to the outstanding indictments against him, I'll take an interest in his defence. Until then he's just another fugitive from the law, no...

Is online gambling illegal in this country?

"It must be an encouraging sign that this forum is already discussing how to get rid of sponsors rather than how to find them. I hope the ECF Board takes due note." er, yes - the poll here is currently 15-6 in favour of the sponsors, which suggests most people don't care one way or the other (and wh...

"He said he went to the supermarket to buy things." An amusing answer... I'd be inclined to default the player, especially now, when software is quite useful. I recall a Guernsey tournament, when the time-limit was still 50 moves in 2.5 hours. The affable Gibraltarian Alan Gravett was playing someon...

"Anastasia - I think. I have been trying to get the finish for years in a proper game and finally did it a couple of years ago"

And did it tonight in a friendly game...

Anastasia - I think. I have been trying to get the finish for years in a proper game and finally did it a couple of years ago.

"I'd say that's the point at which it's time to look a new coach."

It was only a friendly suggestion - his suggested defence to 1.e4 was much better than what I did and suited me well. Mind you, he is renowned for his expertise on openings.

I'm not saying it's no good. Many years ago, my coach commented that I was playing the Benko Gambit and asked if it were a good idea. I said my results were OK, and he said, "How many GMs play it?" "Er, not many - Lev Alburt, er…." His point was that the top players didn't trust it, so perhaps I sho...

Perhaps they do not think it is very good?

"What do people think of draw offers in a frankly lost position? My feeling is that it was poor etiquette."

Agreed!