My First Lega'l Opening Mate

My first Lega'l Mate . . . My first two Knights mate . . .

My best beginners over the board game was probably one day in 1963 when a reporter photographer was taking the Daly City club chess play photographs for an article. I was matched up with the clubs most Pompous Bragging player. I don't remember his name . .

He would strut around the club coming to the board he would be playing to make his moves and leave again while puffing a white cigarette holder. He was dressed in a suit and tie just for the photos. I was playing white pieces dressed casually.. I was not a great player but i liked to attack get the game over and start a new one . . .

It seems that his bishop had my knight pinned to my Queen at the beginning of the game. I was playing slow and i moved my knight taking the pawn on e5. He was watching when i did that and made a trash talk comment. Showing off he took my Queen with his bishop. 6. . . . BxQ?

He strutted away, puffing his smoke into the air.. I was startled that he took my Queen. I saw I had a mate in two Legals mate. I didn't make my move with my bishop until he came back. A couple of minutes later he strudded back. I made my simi final move, 7. Bxp+ Check!
Photographers flash went off.

He made a small remark, moving his king. 7. . . . Ke7 .

 I immediately moved, 8. Nd5 # Mate . . . Smiling!

Many of the club members congratulated me. It wasn't my best but I was glad it happened against this player. The photo and article was published in the local newspaper. I was seated and he standing puffing while getting mated. . . .

The next day we travelled to San Quentin PRISON to play the prisoners. They had to play all their leagues games at home. I was placed on the weakest board since I didn't have a rating yet. I won both games. . .

One of the games i won with a smothered mate . . ..

It was May 1963, summer time almost 62 years ago I'm 86 years old now . . .