It was billed as “El Chess Up in a Brewery” , a planned match to continue the friendly rivalry between the two finest chess clubs of London town, writes BLAIR CONNELL.
Don’t just take my word for that, look here and here, so it was all set that despite the accolades, one of these teams would take the inaugural match and wear the most coveted of crowns.
Winning chess matches is important, but triumphing in a brewery is legendary.
Beer we go!
It turns out that for reasons best known to the potential players who were unable to commit (a schoolboy or girl error) the day was changed into an individual time handicap event.
This obviously meant that the crown jewel would need to be fought over another day but this was the only downside as every other part of the day worked perfectly and was an unintended improvement.
I arrived with Aldo and we weren’t sure if we would arrive to a deserted Tap Room in Sambrook’s Brewery but Hammersmith, to their credit but to my continuing chagrin, don’t disappoint, with many of their members in full warm up mode tasting (read drinking) many of the excellent beers on offer.
The big advantage of a 6 round tournament with games lasting up to around 20 minutes each is the opportunity to play people we may not ordinarily get the chance to and to chat and relax between games.
We even had a walk in before the match. A Canadian, Eddie, who had moved to London with his girlfriend, Kennedy, about 3 months ago had googled chess in London and found the event.
They turned up, Eddie played very well and Kennedy, despite claiming limited ability set about beating early finishers in friendly games.
The results in .pdfs:
They were welcomed with open arms and we hope to see more of them at Battersea or Hammersmith. This decision might give us a greater insight into their decision making abilities.
The world of chess was represented by players from amongst others Canada, Greece, Poland and the Wirral. Apologies if I have overlooked anywhere.
There was also an Australian who was unable to play due to Australia Day commitments but made the effort to turn up and have a few drinks. Chris Skulte’s presence enriched the eclectic mix and its a shame he couldn’t stay with us all day.
The tournament was run by Aldo with his usual efficiency. I am grateful that his ability enables the rest of us not to worry and focus on the primary matter at hand, enjoying beers between the odd chess moves.
On a personal note, I played well in my natural habitat and tied for first with Ryszard Maciol of Hammersmith. It wasn’t the big showdown originally planned but for a player from Hammersmith to tie with a player from Battersea seemed to do justice to such a cordial environment.
A victory for friendship.
I felt that with the main event over, everyone would leave to rest their minds and relax from over indulging in beer but many of us stayed on to chat, play friendly games and continue to enjoy the ambience.
Far from being after the Lord Mayor’s show, the big match up followed with me taking, perhaps, the biggest victory of not just the day but my career. I survived a big fightback and match darts as “Blair Force One” closed out Aldo on the bull to double up on the day.
To sum up, its the first time this has been done and what resulted was a truly entertaining and enjoyable day.
Finally a big thanks to Sambrook’s Brewery for being so accomodating, Jacob who was our most skillful host and barman and never stopped smiling and engaging with everyone, Aldo, as ever, and of course Mr John White.
Without you all, it wouldn’t have happened and the world of chess would have been that much of a duller place.
