Introducing The Gauntlet

We've now had two Thursday evening sessions at The Gauntlet subsequent to our recent move from The Engine. Early impressions are very favourable, and everything that Bernard said about the new venue has proved to be correct. In fact, so successful has the move been, that if Bernard decided to stand for the position of Club Organiser now, even I would vote for him! There is plenty of room, the tables/seats/lighting are all fine and the beer is good (and cheaper than we have been used to). What's not to like?

If you are of a certain age and a certain musical sensibility, then the pub sign of "a rose in a fisted glove" will instantly remind you of this song.

We had a respectable six people present in Week One, and a positively gargantuan crowd of nine last night - and already 13 different people have put in an appearance, with only Roy and myself being ever presents. And talking of Roy, the new venue has worked wonders on the quality of his play. He not only registered the first ever win at The Gauntlet (beating Bernard - not very friendly after all his efforts!), but followed up by beating me and drawing with Paul. Then last night he repeated the trick by trouncing me again. Mind you, he wasn't alone, as Ben weighed in with a 2-0 score-line against me. Hopefully this is just me getting all these losses out of my system during the off-season.

Apart from a few wins for me, all that's missing at The Gauntlet is a special chess set to use. Thanks to Nick F for finding this one, which exactly fits the bill!

No wonder the board's the wrong way round!

So if you haven't tried it yet, do come along to The Gauntlet during the summer - the more the merrier!