Photos From The Weekend...

 Now that caught your attention, didn't it? 

One reader of this blog has pointed out that the photo in my last post was not the clearest of images. (So just to reiterate it showed that the C and D team are first and second in Division 2!!!) In part to try and redeem my (non-existent) reputation as a photographer, here are three snaps from last weekend, when I was at the London Chess Classic at Arsenal's Emirates stadium.

First up, what a terrific name for a hairdressers! GRAND MASTER was near where I was staying. (Which sadly, despite the advertisement, was not as close to the stadium as suggested.) I ended up doing a lot of walking and was sorely tempted to pop in for a haircut, but didn't have time.

So to the second image in our trilogy.

This is a picture from inside the stadium of the pink and yellow lights, nurturing the grass, prior to Arsenal's game against Manchester United. As a Man Utd fan, this is certainly prettier than anything I saw in the subsequent match!

I have to begrudgingly admit that the Emirates is truly a modern-day Cathedral. It was somewhat surreal to see the place packed out with chess players. As one security guard put it to me, the clientele was less inebriated than the staff are used to, but own a lot more carrier bags!

So finally, how about a picture of some actual chess?

This is the area where the rapid and blitz evens took place. I was lucky enough to interview Natasha Regan and Matthew Ball on their excellent new book - Zwischenzug! and you'll be able to see the interview and a standard review in the December edition of the ECF's ChessMoves.

You'll be relieved to hear that I'm not going to give you a blow by blow account of all 32 games I played over the weekend, across 2 rapid and 2 tournaments. The summary would be, Blitz is becoming my number one vice. I'm just not fast/ co-ordinated enough to play it well OTB - but I do enjoy it! The rapid events went better, albeit my first round opponent on the Saturday was a nine year old girl who was clutching a teddy bear. I did win, but however much us chess players see ourselves as warriors, even I couldn't find much to celebrate there. Having said that, I doubt she'll have much sympathy when two years from now she can most likely destroy me!

I always enjoy these big national events and would encourage all our members to look out for future opportunities. Whatever your level, they are always a lot of fun. The next big one to think about is the British in the Summer. (I have a good inside tip that it's going to be in Liverpool.) I'll be playing in the British Seniors for the first time. I'm figuring that means it's unlikely any of my opponents will be clutching a teddy bear.

Either way, I'll try and post some photos in due course... If you are out and about at anything vaguely to do with chess (and this post certainly hits the criteria of being vague) do share it on here!