My BEST MATE GAME AS A BEGINNER . . .

My best beginners over the board game was probably one day in 1963 when a reporter photographer was taking 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 60 years ago I'm 85 years old now  . . .

Great story, Rich.  Extra sweet to bring down a braggart.

i didn't want to tangle with him . . . He scared me . . .

I was new to the Daly City California club. . .

thats pretty cool

Great story! Thanks for sharing.