USCF Game 64(L): Nickel-Kindred
Another King’s Island Open tournament begins. I would be in the U1700 division beginning with a rating of 1658. I began this tournament with more confidence than I did 2 years ago when I started my first U1700. This maybe was over confidence since I didn’t do quite as well going 3-2 and ending up in 10th-19 out of 48. 2 years ago I placed 3-7, going 3-0-2. Still this tournament had some very memorable games starting with this one against Gary Nickel who was 1529, with a high of 1565. I get of a great start in the game controlling most of the action only to lose in a horrendous way in a king pawn endgame. It was so embarrassing how it transpired. A nice win for Mr. Nickel who was a very nice guy and real gentleman. The opening is the French exchange variation, and I had been studying a book called the attacking French so I get a good opening, only to falter later. It was one of the biggest upsets in the tournament rating wise, unfortunately for me. This game did give a sleepless night and a fair bit of chess depression lol. I did learn that I have a lot of studying to do for pawn endgames.
