Braunstone Chess Club

Match Report - Experts - Minor League Cup Round 2!

As the oppositions two bottom boards had low grades we were informed by the skipper not to accept any draws as the handicap system was not working in our favour. He didn’t say anything about offering draws….. The games on Boards 3 and 4 were over fairly early with victories for Vince and Patrick. Guy then lost on Board 1 meaning that a victory was required on Board 2. Steve had a decent position but an error that cost him a rook meant that the pressure was on. A mating attack by black meant Steve agreed a draw, having earlier turned one down, as instructed.

Then the experts descended. As this was the last match a small crowd consisting of the other players, some other Heathcote members, bar staff and probably several passers by had gathered to express an opinion. Steve refused to be convinced there was still a victory for white and retired to the bar muttering. Once there, the bar staff displayed their true area of expertise and recommended some excellent beer. The match was lost on the handicap system. Report by Steve Barlow.

Match Report - Climate Change

Both regular captains were absent for this fixture – one being stuck on the way back from Luton and the other unable to find his thermals. Paul and Steve arrived at the venue early and one of the bar staff opened up and switched on the heater disturbing a couple of migratory terns and a grey seal in the process. The polar bear slept on. Paul left to fetch a scarf and a pair of snow shoes.

The heat gradually travelled from Board 1 to Board 4 and this may have had an effect on the matches. Tony, on Board 1, finished first agreeing a quick draw although there may have been more play left in the game. Cyril succumbed on Board 2 although it is not easy concentrating on anything when you have an irate polar bear peering over your shoulder. The warm front continued across the room and Paul lost on Board 3, unable to bring his current winning streak to the fourth team. By this time Steve on Board 4 was considering swapping sides with his opponent to ensure they were both evenly done.

Steve won eventually when his opponent ran out of time in the endgame, just as the final pieces were melting. By this time the polar bear had taken his coat off and one or two camels had been spotted basking by the dartboard. Tony, Paul and Steve retired to the bar to allow nature to return to its usual state in the skittle alley.There is clearly a hankering for the old days at the Red Admiral as they called last orders and drew the curtains to create the illusion of a lock-in. Maybe the landlord is unaware of the concept of 24 hour licensing.

NB Some of the incidents mentioned in this report may not actually have happened. Report by Steve Barlow.

Match Report - Shepshed 1 v Braunstone 1

The first team travelled to Shepshed on Thursday night and came away with a creditable draw. First to finish, as is the norm, was Mark who severly punished Robert's modern defence. Then Mike drew and Jim succumbed to Dave Farrall. John had a difficult position to defend in time trouble and it slipped away. This left Paul who ground out a win in a bishop v knight endgame to square the match. And the beer was good in the pub afterwards!

Match Report - Coffee and Chess

Kirby Muxloe Bowls Club is an interesting venue. Essentially, a long room with an mdf bar in one corner that probably boasts quite a nice view when it is light. It also looks like it has the potential to be very cold in the winter. John’s opponent turned up late and so he took the opportunity to make coffee for the team, which was appreciated. Refills, however, were not forthcoming.

John agreed a draw on Board 1 before Guy lost on Board 2. Steve seemed locked in a tight game on Board 4, until his opponent presented him with a bishop. This gift was gratefully received and Steve went on to secure a win. This meant we were awaiting the result on Board 3. Cyril ended up with a rook and bishop against a rook and two pawns but could not secure the draw that would have seen a share of the points for the team. Guy and Steve retired to the Royal Oak and pondered the vagaries of tight endgames and the various uses of mdf. Report by Steve Barlow

Match Report - Braunstone 1 v Loughborough 1

The first team recorded its first win of the season with a well deserved victory over Loughborough 1. First to finish, as usual, was Mark who's opponent gifted him a piece in the opening for no compensation. Dave agreed a draw early on and after the time control Mike agreed a draw in a dead ending. Jim then finished his game with a nice queen sacrifice to mate his opponent when under some pressure, and Paul agreed a draw with Jim Miller with both short of time in an ending in which both players missed wins!

Click here for the October match reports.