My First Real International Chess Game
It took place in a youth hostel during a backpack tour of Northern Europe while I was studying abroad in London. The actual hostel it took place in I can't remember, but if I had to guess it was probably in either Dublin or Amsterdam. The accommodations there were very communal and it had a social environment set up very similar to this one. You could tell that tourists traveling from everywhere felt welcome immediately once they were inside. The lobby was busy, it had a hidden kitchen and bar off to the side, long tables and long wooden benches, and these iconic wooden pillars that stood out which gave it warmth and character. It was a very cozy atmosphere and the place made me feel very comfortable.
It was late in the evening and there was this small group of people at a table playing chess. I walked over and decided to watch after grabbing a beer. I started talking to some guy at the table across from where the group was, and I eventually wound up sitting next to him and told him my story. I remember once I broke the ice with him he was easy and cool to talk to. I don't remember much about him or where he was from, but I clearly remember the very attractive girl sitting next to him that completely grabbed my attention. She was vibrant and sweet, had short blonde hair, and a gorgeous smile that just completely intrigued me. She was also focused on watching the chess match being played which was all the more reason to pay close attention in that game. Anyway, when the game ended, one thing led to another and one of the guys that was watching the game stood up and asked me if I was interested in playing next because he said I was "the American" in the room. I guess word had traveled fast about where I was from. I had a delayed reaction to respond to him because I wanted to see what this beautiful woman was up to. A quick moment or so later, when I realized she might want to watch me play too, I leaned in to the situation and responded to the guy "um sure, yeah why not" thinking I could take him down and be the girl's American hero, or knight in shining armor if you will. I often thought I was a superhero growing up anyway, so go figure.
I stepped across and sat down at the table and placed my beer to the side of me. I cracked my knuckles and went into this game with the intent to play for fun, maybe even a laugh, just to figure out a way to break the ice with this girl. But that's not exactly what happened. The plan sort of backfired. Little did I realize that when I accepted to play this guy I was catapulted into what was the beginning of a very intense event. Immediately I found myself in a dire international situation. There I was suddenly as United States diplomat in this international chess match representing my entire country. In my head, television cameras were broadcasting a live stream of the chess board overhead, a news reporter from CNN was at the lobby entrance, and U.S. navel submarines started their decent when that first piece was moved. It just got so serious.
I don't remember who moved first, if I was white or black, or what opening was used. I can't even remember if I started trading pieces immediately or not. Who knows if I even castled mid-game. All I remember is we traded queens at one point and someone, possibly the guy spreading rumors about me earlier, bought me another pint of beer 10 minutes into the game.
The game was evenly matched for the most part but my opponent had a lot to say under his breath. He actually started to annoy me with his childish smack talk. I didn't show it, but my adrenaline level increased to a point where I had to take few deep breathes between turns. I really didn't anticipate this game to be so intense. It felt like some sort of high-stakes tournament, or as if my life depended on the outcome. I guess this was all built up in my head because I was letting this guy get under my skin. He said things to me like "pffft, yeah mate you call yourself a chess playa...heh heh heh" in a British or Irish accent, and something else to the effect of "oh yah ya fooker, yarr rgonna regret that move, ya gun-slinga 'Merican, aye mate..." which really raised my blood pressure. As annoying as he was, I just tried to keep it cool. I just remember how bad I wanted to beat this guy, and how worried I was to leave gracefully no matter who won the game without ruining my chances with the girl who was now standing behind someone and out of my field of vision.
If my memory serves me correctly, I'd say the game lasted a good 20 minutes or so. It really was battle to the very end. The ending was very dramatic though and something that sticks out in my mind. That was because I won. Yes, I was victorious and I beat that bastard by checkmate. He didn't see my attack path at all and he was completely stunned. The feeling was so incredible when I made that last move, I stood up and yelled out with excitement with my fist in the air! Rose petals fell from the sky! Even someone behind me felt my excitement and patted me on the back to congratulate me. What a rush I had. My opponent, on the other hand, put his head down and sulked, and tried to depart quickly. Obviously he couldn't believe he lost to the American that night. I don't even remember shacking his hand as I stood up to part ways. As I turned around to leave I looked to see where that girl was. She apparently was no where to be found and took off evidently with that other guy. All that drama for nothing.
