Report – 24 February 2012
St David’s Day Tournament
The lead-up to the tournament
Heavy rain fell all afternoon, through the evening and into the night. Even the local possums were seeking shelter on the verandah at the club’s premises
Due to a combination of the inclement weather and many regulars having prior engagements, a record low turn out appeared for tonight’s annual St David’s Day Tournament.
Nevertheless it provided an interesting night of chess with the handicap system throwing up a typically unexpected outcome.
Brian prepared the participants and drew attention to how St David’s Day is traditionally celebrated in Wales, and also England as well.
The entry of March 1, 1667 from Samuel Pepys’ diary is illuminating on how the Welsh were highly esteemed by their larger neighbour.
The tournament
The opening game saw a see-sawing contest between Brian and John, but not in the conventional manner.
Brian had a queen and knight and several pawns, John just a pawn. Then Brian made two illegal moves within the space of 30 seconds, both undetected by his opponent.
Failing to claim the win for these, John nevertheless managed a draw when Brian allowed a stalemate with his queen on F7 and John’s king in the corner.
Andrew won his first four games included both match-ups with Martin and seemed heading towards comfortably winning the tournament.
Then is round 5 John horribly botched his response to the King’s Gambit, his king ending up on g5.
John then had a touch move indiscretion which his opponent didn’t enforce, touching one bishop and then moving his other bishop.
Moments later John executed a clever discovered check that won him a queen, and after this the game was not defendable for Andrew.
The outcome of this game settled the tournament with John achieving an unassailable lead due to the handicap points system.
The prize ceremony
Brian awarded John the ceremonial leek, with John suitably thrilled to receive it. A leek recipe was also provided.
Teams section
The Barbarians won again, with the Welsh once more muttering about the injustice of their fate.
St David’s Day tournament standings
All players played 6 games
|
No. |
Draw No. |
NAME |
|
POINTS |
plus |
TOTAL |
|
1 |
2 |
John Ryland |
B |
1½ |
3.74 |
5.24 |
|
2 |
4 |
Andrew Robinson |
W |
5 |
0.00 |
5.00 |
|
3 |
1 |
Martin Laizans |
B |
4 |
0.64 |
4.64 |
|
4 |
3 |
Brian Willcock |
W |
1½ |
2.09 |
3.59 |
St David’s Day tournament 2012 results in detail
(W=Welsh; B=Barbarian)
St David’s Day – Teams standings
All players played 6 games
|
No. |
THE WELSH |
|
POINTS |
Handicap |
TOTAL |
|
2 |
Andrew Robinson |
W |
5 |
0.00 |
5.00 |
|
4 |
Brian Willcock |
W |
1½ |
2.09 |
3.59 |
|
|
WELSH TOTAL: |
|
6.5 |
2.09 |
8.59 |
|
No. |
THE BARBARIANS |
|
POINTS |
Handicap |
TOTAL |
|
1 |
John Ryland |
B |
1½ |
3.74 |
5.24 |
|
3 |
Martin Laizans |
B |
4 |
0.64 |
4.64 |
|
|
BARBARIAN TOTAL: |
|
5.5 |
4.38 |
9.88 |
Some photos from tonight’s action
PHOTO 1
PHOTO 2
PHOTO 3
Quote of the night
No quote.