And Then it was Downhill All the Way

If we stop to think about it, I imagine that most of us could identify the absolute high point of our chess careers. Not so much in grading terms, as after all grades cover a 6 month period (12 till not that long ago), but as regards a specific performance or a specific game. Of course, those of an optimistic nature may not be ready to admit that their peak has already passed, but once you get to a certain age you have to accept that whatever is your greatest moment so far is going to be your greatest moment ever.

I have reached that certain age, and I can assuredly say that my chess peak has been and gone. It was reached sometime in the late afternoon of Saturday, July 22nd 1983, (at Islington Town Hall, I think) when I was much better (I could say winning, but that's not quite true) against someone who, at the time, was the 44th highest rated player in the world (according to the Chess Metrics database) and who would subsequently qualify for two Candidates' Tournaments (convincingly winning matches against Yasser Seirawan and Nigel Short in one of them!) and rise to be the 4th ranked player in the world just six years later.

The chess colossus in question was Super Grand Master Jon Speelman (graded just 246 at the time), who I found myself playing in Round 5 of a Chequers 30 minutes tournament. I was obviously on a going day, as I had 3.5/4 coming into the game. These semi-regular rapid tournaments (30 mins per player - no increment, of course, as digital clocks didn't exist) in North London were rather lucrative, being generously sponsored by someone called Ali Amin if I recall correctly), so not surprisingly a few strong players turned up to grab their share of the cash. Plus the likes of me, who had nothing better to do on a summer Saturday with no football match to go to.

Here's the game. Feel free to share my pain.


You'll notice from the times, that he had not had to think too much. I don't imagine he was ever remotely worried that he wouldn't win, even after his careless blunder. He certainly moved up a gear or two as soon as he needed to.

After this harrowing experience, I'm amazed to report that I got my act together sufficiently to win my Round 6 encounter against Theresa Needham (181J at the time) and finish in a tie for 5th place (4.5/6) with Peter Large, Mike Basman and Mike Surtees. We each received the princely sum of £25, while Speelman, William Watson and Geoff Lawton each took home £200 for being joint 2nd (5/6). The £500 first prize was won outright by Shaun Taulbut (5.5/6).

By the way, did I mention it was a rather strong tournament?! I certainly kept illustrious company that day