It was Downend vs Downend gunfight at the Cross Hands Corral, with some new members getting to practise their sharp shooting in a league game. There was also some fine horsemanship to be seen, and the occasional shot from the hip. Thankfully, no spittoons.
King's Indian: Unusual lines and Fianchetto Variation without Nc3
Both sides seemed wary of the opposition, developing their gunslingers cautiously into position. Later in the game Peter tripped on his boot spurs a couple of times and was staring down the barrel of a Smith & Wesson pointed right between the eyes. Fortunately for Peter, Mark (perhaps struggling under the desert heat) misfired and let Peter get back up off his feet with a slight upper hand. At which time both players agreed a draw, and retired to the saloon.
Peter's own comment's follow:
_ "I've previously only really looked at Maróczy Bind lines where Black exchanges cxd4 then after White replies Nxd4 the Pawn on e3 as opposed to e4 is quite useful supporting d4. 11...e5 was the first time I've encountered it. If it occurred again, I believe I would respond 12. d5"_
Mike Passmore vs Stephen Williams
Scandinavian Defence
Two weathered cowmen ready to show true grit stare each other down on board 2. Steve fires off a rally of shots bang on target very early on, with the area around white's king receiving flak from all sides. With a mate looming, White resorts to sacrificing the queen to make way for a protective knight. With the aforementioned grit, Mike battles on seeking chances to get his own shots in, but Steve fended off all attacks an eventually found the shot to finish the game.
French with 3 Nc3: Unusual Black 3rd moves and 3...dxe4
A tight match between the seasoned ranchero and new kid in town. Dave went for an early attack, and although there were no quick kills to be had, the wily ranchero fired a few well-placed shots that backed the new hopeful into a corner. Black's king was forced to vacate it's square without castling. Keanu fought on admirably until a loose move 23 lead to a discovered attack on his bishop. From then on it was just a matter of time before Dave fired the final fatal shots, blew the top of his king, span it round in his hand, and put it back in his holster.
Closed Sicilian
Two more new Downend ranchers standoff against each other on board 4. One very experienced, having earned his spurs before coming to Downend and the other a bright new hopeful ready for some fine shooting himself. The young pretender equipped himself very well and an exciting game ensued. Only on move 19 did things take a sharp turn for the worse for White, and the more experienced gunslinger saw his opportunity to achieve victory.
Tom provides his own commentary from Black's perspective in the linked game
Final score. 3.5-0.5 win for the C-team. Well done to the C-team, and commiserations to the F-team.