With the prospect of OTB chess looming, we haven't managed to offer a full four teams and instead have merged our top two teams into Downend 1 in Division 1, and our other two teams into Downend 2 in Division 5. Nevertheless we have a large squad and there's scope for another team if the prospect of me berating your games is one that appeals!
** Downend 1 3.5 - 0.5 Wigston**
Meek, Stephen vs Burrows, Martin
Steve now takes the board 1 slot whenever he's available and he made short work of his opponent. He modestly said he was worse for a while with the outlook being a grim endgame, but after a few unusual king moves white got enough play and finished with a grim zugzwang.
Agnew, Alan vs Thompson, Robert
It what would be disappointing news to us both, Rob played an opening with which I consider myself familiar. White seemed to gain some time but it was returned and a relatively level endgame emerged with white having a good deal more space. The lack of fireworks was avoided when white blundered when offering a queen exchange.
Stubbs, Oli vs default
Once again Oli was playing a "closed account". Thus he had the night off and was able to explain to me what was happening in Steve's game.
Horspool, Philip vs Saunders, Aron
Aron may have joined the other Division 1 team, but Division 1 is not new to him and he was able to calmly hold the position without giving white anything. There's a fantastic tactic available to black on move 26 that I'm not surprised we all overlooked at the time, but I bet we never miss again.
** Devana Corieltauvorum 2 - 2 Downend 2**
Harrison, Peter vs Williams, Stephen
White's quiet play gave black the dream opportunity to set up a semi-slav structure with the bishop outside the pawn chain. Unfortunately, white was able to drum up a speedy kingside expansion from nowhere and the airy black king was fatally exposed after a crushing knight sacrifice.
It would be mean to pick favourites, but this was my favourite game of the night, with the only exception being the result. Ian made a Philidor exciting, which is an accomplishment in itself. Not only that but the material imbalance gave white a good advantage. It was black's bishop pair that managed to cover a lot of ground as black clawed their way back into the endgame.
Shaun had a stodgy London to contend with and while white did snag a hanging pawn, they seemed to immediately be aiming for a draw. Shaun was having none of it as the clock was comfortably on his side. There was a lot of piece shuffling as white pleaded for a draw while black gave nothing away, waiting for a time to strike. In the end white was too slow and black took the point.
Bleeg, Elliott vs Johnson, Andy
In the final two games of last season, Elliott scored his first and second wins of the tournament and it seems that was only the start. Not even being on holiday could stop him flying to 3/3. It seems the initial two pawns were just getting in his way and he came back snapping off black's pawns for a materially equal endgame, but with a favourable pawn structure. The following endgame technique makes me think Elliott is one to keep an eye out for in the future!
A strong win and a spirited draw start off our 4th 4NCL Online season very nicely. Let's see what we can push on to. If you've yet to register your interest in joining the squad please get in touch ASAP!