Chess at the Local

A very nice location there Patrick. I lived in Asheville for a couple years, and joined in on their Drum Circle right there in that park. Don't know if they still do it, but kind of a fun public event.

Appreciate the positive feedback, all!

The park still has that, according to a Google Review from a week ago, @yenster1. So you ought to swing by again soon! (Lemme know when… 😎)

The policeman was a really nice and forthright guy. (I haven’t always had great interactions with Boys in Blue; especially in my 20’s, but I’m working on it…) It was a pleasant and worthwhile encounter, and really hope they continue to build bridges. Much respect.

His partner teased that he had a Chess Life mag on his desk, so yeah, he’s taking chess seriously. More kudos! Maybe we’ll see others’ photos there, here, soon? GL HF

Yesterday we played with three boards on a garden table, from 7 in the evening until 11. I usually bring several sorts of chess sets, even though there is no need for it, this time I offered my first adversaire to choose from knubbel (now better known as Danish Union), 1950ies Klubovka and 60ies/70ies Spanish pieces from Galicia. Everybody always checks out the designs, then opts for the most Staunton, in this case the Spanish.

We played quickly, I forgot a central pawn, then he forgot two, then I invaded and landed a win, after 25 minutes. In this circle of friends, we are playing without clock. I switched boards and produced a clock, because the games between my new opponent and me tend to go for hours. I could never convince him to use a clock but this time. We tried, that is. But, after two moves into a Sicilian, clocks set to 60 minutes each for the game, he uttered disapproval and me, sensing disgruntlement on the rise, I took my beautiful, silent Jerger wind up clock from the table and we continued with no limits, as always.

In this circle, there is no touch move- rather clock move, but without clock. And you can ask for takebacks- I don't ask, while I grant- and there is active kibitzing. I struggle getting used to it! Facing what seemed like mate, my neighbour on the next table gave up, shaking his opponent's hand. Innocently, I offered a possible king escape to the centre- and they took up the game again and the player that lost went on to win.

Under these circumstances, you may have to win a game like three times- but when you win it, you have won it three times, alright. It's like it is a real win only then. Interesting!

The story went, that me and my clock allergic opponent passed the three hour mark again. His defense took time. But it was for the best: I had believed I am through to his king, winning, several times, while he came up with funny retreats and kick-out counter-attacks against my invading pieces. To think that there was competitive chess before the chess clock.. but it makes sense, people allowed another to come up with the best move they could. I got presented many a good move- which my adversaire would not have found- or even have been in the mood to find- had I insisted on a clock.

Chess at the local: Under the dome of the night sky, full moon lighting up a single giant sheet of an electro-magnetically rippled cloud, I was trading down my whole mating attacking army, dragging away the enemy king from the last attacker, my a-pawn, queening

An enjoyable few hrs at the pub this arvo…
And the creative use of a rook and pawn to represent a promoted queen.

I love the combination! Pure class.

Thanks for the feedback and fixing the crack.😊 I love these pieces - crack and all. I purchased these some time back (with the crack already evident) and while I can’t be assured of their provenance - the best I could find out from the seller is they were being played in New York around 2000. They may have been purchased/manufacturer earlier, who knows. A bash and crash set of which can handle an outing to the pub; indeed the poor pieces got splashed with a Porter late in the day. 🤦‍♂️😊

Life is a tad messy at present … but today I was able to take the Chavets for a dance at a local watering hole. My mate and I had a great few hours - a much needed break. The chess was average, the company and pieces, First Class! 
I think some folk may I think I have gone insane with my love of Graeme Anthony sets … alas no … I have always liked an eclectic collection; but the Chavets and traditional wooden pieces remain core to my playing.

It’s good to see you again continuing your Pub Research Visits @PowderDigit!

Will try to remember my camera the next few times I visit the Local(s).

Played a quick game with a new friend who said he also played… come back a few minutes later and two other friends (new players) have a game going!

Set: Mordovian Reissue via Maxim (Etsy: RetroMaximum)

This is my first time out (for chess) since February… life is still messy but I can see the light of resolution as the family helps mum manage her health  … today, after a visit to mum, I was able to go to wine bar for a brief period with a good mate … the chess was secondary. Being out and chatting was the objective; the objective was achieved. 🙂

Glad you dropped in - life seems to be chasing down all of us these days. The white knight in photo 3 looks like he has some attitude for the black knight while munching his oats, "Dude! Seriously? That's not a fork, watch this!"

Cheers @GrandPatzerDave …. Perhaps that little bit attitudee is reenforced by the knight’s dirty eye. Greasy chips and beer will find its way from fingers into any crevice…

Hahaha, personalized antiquing!

Love that board @Powderdigit! Could I ask who made it?

Thanks @LukeF745 - it’s a vintage French board - “Made in France” is stamped in gold leaf on it, however I am unsure who manufactured it. I was fortunate enough to receive it from a friend in France along with some other French pieces. Here it is on another outing with some glass-eyed Chavet pieces.

In my teens we used to hang out and play chess at a café - real coffe house chess! - but since it´s not been much of that. Now I´ve joined a club that has Chess Pub at a local restaurant tuesday evenings but I´ve not yet participated. However I plan to play a lot of outdoors chess this summer.

(And I LOVE this thread!)

To quote The Rolling Stones: “I’m just waiting on a friend.” Cheers. 🍻