My 2016-17 OTB Chess Season at Brewood Chess Circle!

This is my first blog, so I have decided to share my latest season of chess that I have played as a member of my local chess club, Brewood Chess Circle!

I have played nine games so far this season. I will update this page as I play more.

Game 1

This was a "Club Championship" game between me and a fellow member Peter Crozet. This is a five round tournament between various members of my club, and the highest scoring player at the end of the tournament is deemed the winner.

I really wanted to win this match and get a full point to have a good shot at winning the Club Championship this year. However, Peter certainly didn't make it easy for me! It was a very hard fought and enjoyable game.

Game 2

This was an "A Team" Match game vs. Rushall. This is an ECF tournament for higher rated players only. Rushall had a very strong team, and I was playing someone higher rated than myself, but I managed to win in just 11 moves!

Unfortunately though, Brewood lost the match 2.5 - 3.5.

Game 3

This was a "Cannock League" game vs. Bushbury. I was on Board 1 and determined not to let the team down. My opponent was lower rated, but like Peter, I took nothing for granted.

Unfortunately, Brewood lost again, this time 2 - 3.

Game 4

We all have those games we'd rather forget, and this was one of them.

Before the match even started it was a disaster - Brewood had to default Board 4 because we couldn't get a fourth player, and I had a terrible pain in my right knee making it hard to concentrate. I definitely wasn't feeling my best.

Not only that, by my opponent was the strongest player I had played so far this season, and from the very start it was clear that I wasn't going to get a win off of him. I managed to get into a drawish position, but I made an absolutely horrible blunder that cost me the game. I was livid.

It happens to everybody I guess.

Brewood lost 0.5 - 3.5, so at least my loss didn't cost us the match.

Game 5

This was a another "A Team" game, this time vs. Boldmere.

This game went so much better than the previous one I played.

Unfortunately Brewood lost again - 2.5 - 3.5 this time.

Game 6

This was another "A Team" game, this time vs. Stourbridge. I don't think either of us played our best chess in this game, but it was an enjoyable draw nonetheless.

Brewood drew 3-3.

Game 7

A "Chase Trophy" game vs. Tamworth.

Brewood drew 2 - 2.

Game 8

An "A Team" game vs. Mercia.

Brewood lost 2.5 - 3.5.

Game 9

This was the second "Club Championship" game I played this season. My opponent was an ungraded newcomer to the club, who had already proven himself to be a worthy opponent by beating a fellow member John Fenby in round one.

I played very well, and my opponent made several oversights that cost him the game.

5 wins, 3 draws and 1 loss so far this season - hopefully I can keep doing well.