Last week of games

Last week was a cracker with various games going on:

Poole F Vs New Milton (B&DCL)

Poole Position Vs Purbeck (handicap knockout)

Ringwood Vs Poole B (Dorset League)

Wimborne Vs Poole E (B&DCL)

The knockout was populated by most of the kids in the club under the mistaken belief that the handicap level was age. It turns out it was based on grade which unfortunately meant we had to win 4-2 or better. A win of 3.5-2.5 ironically would be a loss. Harry was the only one who was outgraded and unfortunately was the first to fall, but looking at the gradings that didn’t harm ‘the plan’. Leo and Jamie then managed to get wins, in accordance to ‘the plan’, then Ellis took a pawn disadvantage into an endgame… That was not in accordance to ‘the plan’ and instead left us at 2-2. Zander was however a clear piece up, and Nick was the exchange up. I’m not sure of two players I’d rather back to play out a solid victory and they both obliged giving the final score of 4-2 and a victory. Well done, through to the next round, and thank you to Purbeck for some entertaining games.

Poole F was quickly on the front foot with a Dragos win before Steve added solidity to the score with a draw. 1.5-0.5 always feels a lot more reassuring. It was even more reassuring when Mike M secured another win securing the game. Harshal had a very level position, and together with Barry made sure that there were no mistakes and it came out a draw. A very nice 3-1 victory, and the simplicity of league chess means our score was larger that means the win was ours.

Meanwhile, over on Ringwood, another balancing of the grades for the Dorset League meant we had a top heavy team with Mike D, John, Tim and Dave B providing a wide range of grades against a team that was largely 1800 (with one 1590). It was Dave B that provided the upset to get the first point in the board. John extended that and Mike D had the draw to seal the result.

Meanwhile, Dave B and Tim were also playing in Wimborne (ok, Ringwood was Monday and Wimborne Wednesday, but on a weekly recap it’s essentially the same time). They were joined in this B&DCL game by Harry and Brian. It’s good to see Brian stepping up a division and challenging himself in his first season, and Harry taking the responsibility of a board up. There were some interesting games but unfortunately it was only Tim that came away with a point.

18 games going on, with grades nearly 1000 apart. It’s great seeing the A team in action, but I also love weeks like this where there are games for everyone in the club. Final 2 games in most of the divisions, and next round of the cup with 2 Poole teams!

Tarik
April 1, 2024