En Peasants Open VIII RECAP

Hello once again! This is a unique recap as for the first time in a while I can write with absolute certainty the thought processes of this week's winner, because it was me! A lower turnout and an unfortunate early departure of favourite MooMoo314 (Max) allowed Doyoulikecurry (Adam) to take his second gold medal! Let's take a look at the games...

Round 1 vs Unironicstonewall:

Having now played 30 online games against each other, and many more over the board, predictably the players opted for the trusty French Defence (Advanced). Unironicstonewall (Danny) deviated from theory on move seven, giving Adam a slight advantage leaving the opening. Adam proceeded to sacrifice a central pawn for bishop activity, and the engine supports this decision. Danny blundered on move 16, and Adam capitalised with the brilliancy Bxg6, sensing there was a powerful attack. Unfortunately for Adam, he missed the winning idea (a rook lift and a timely b5), and instead forced a repetition. Draw!

Round 2 vs Danbranch7:

As anyone who has competed in either tournament that Danbranch7 (Dan) has previously entered knows, he is a worthy adversary on the chess board. Dan and Adam are becoming extremely familiar with each others' chess style, as they are preparing for an OTB Tournament next month. It surprised neither player, then, that this game featured Dan's specialty the Catalan (QGD). Adam complicated the opening significantly on move 10, opting for c5 instead of the more traditional Qe7 approach. The players simplified the position with a series of early trade, resulting in a Rook & Knight endgame with Adam up a pawn. The Queenside was entirely abandoned in favour of a 4-3 pawn opposition. The players traded rooks, and Dan defended valiantly until move 58, where an inaccuracy would've led to a forced Knight trade and a winning 2-0 King/Pawn endgame for Adam. Instead, Dan resigned after Knd3.

Round 3 vs Lucyelfamalam:

Round 3 for Adam against club veteran Lucyelfamalam (Lucy) featured the Stonewall Set-up for white. The opening was relatively uneventful, with a few simplifications. On move 15, Adam played the tactical pawn sacrifice g5, who's bluff Lucy called. Unfortunately for Lucy, the attack on the Kingside was successful, winning Lucy's rook by force and threatening an early promotion of the g-pawn after the queens were traded off. Consequently, Lucy resigned the game, giving Adam a relatively impressive score of 2.5/3!

Final Standings:

Doyoulikecurry 2.5/3

Unironicstonewall 2.5/3

Lucyelfamalam 2/3

Danbranch7 0/3

RAR150 0/3

Moomoo314 1/2 (Early Exit)

Thanks to everyone who came out and competed, and we hope we have an even larger and more competitive tournament next week!