“The clock is a very powerful piece, learn how to use it properly” said the wise old man (me) in the car.
We were travelling to Wombwell, Bill, Peter, Pete and Martin all being driven there by Andy. We’d set off a little late so were down on the clock, not for the first time. But Andy’s knowledge of the
R. Desmedt(W) – Peter(B)
(French Advance wth Qg4)
R.Atkinson – Pete
(Reti)
S.Gibbs – Steve
(Ruy Lopez)
B.England – Dave
(Sicilian Morra)
S.Hall – Martyn
(Pirc)
A.Perry – Andy
(French Exchange)
As I sat down to watch I couldn’t help but think how much chess, chess openings and even chess middle games were so typical of a person’s style, and how if I was given the first 20 moves of each game I could probably fit the game to the player.
Peter: theoretical, sharp,
Pete: quiet, steady, no risks
Steve : careful, smooth development
Dave: a little sharp, dynamic
Martyn: monstrous attack looming!
Andy: bonkers.
Dave’s face tells a picture as he plays. Moving from “ this is awful” to “ hmm, maybe it’s not too bad” to “ do you want a draw?” (with shrug of shoulders to support this). His opponent looked around the room, and decided it was safe to do so.
Maybe he should have held on though, as the Woodseats players suddenly upped their game collectively, with all boards looking promising. Martyn in particular (they don’t call him ‘JCB’ for nothing) I felt positively confident.
But then. The Woodseats ‘Bete Noir’ reared it’s ugly head. TIME PRESSURE.
Everyone except Dave was running short of time, and despite all standing (or rather sitting) in good positions, the entire ensemble somehow managed to collapse. Pete’s flag fell, and both Peter and Steve lost under the strain of having to play quickly. Andy managed to keep his head to get one back, but even Martyn capitulated under the influence of the clock. All of a sudden, from possibly 3.5-2.5 to us had become 4.5-1.5 to them
A very disappointing result. Hardly deserved, given our player’s efforts on the night, but the Achilles heel is very clear. Learn to use the clock!!
