The NLC’s Round 5 match (Round 4 versus the MCC postponed until the new year) saw us take on a strong combined Oriental/East India clubs side. The Libs won the toss and elected to take Black (a tactical nuance) on odd board numbers.
Board 1
Edward Ko is a very decent chess player and a most difficult opponent to beat. Unlucky for Mister Khan, who fought well but eventually succumbed.
Said Mister Izaan, following the game: “In what began as a relatively quiet game, the tactical decision for me to play black on board 1 was countered by Mister Ko’s own tactical brilliance of 27. Bxd6! Whilst not immediately fatal, the combination of increasing complexity and time pressure proved too much for me to handle.”
Board 2
Mister Corrigan powered through on Board 2, without too many difficulties.
Said the victor in the post-match press conference:
All quite straightforward really, I was always ahead according to the computer. On move 11. I would have been fine with him snapping off my light square bishop in exchange for his active Knight since my central pawns covered the light squares so comfortably.
14. c5 was a very committal move from him, the Q-side pawn structure (now locked) dictated that we both had to pivot to looking for an f pawn break, and I was in a better place to do it.
Move 16. Bf8 with the idea of fianchettoing the bishop to g7 after pawn g6 which also supports an f5 push is far too slow from Black so I was happy to see this. I was feeling that I was slightly pressing him now.
After move 18 I have a backwards pawn but I have the pieces to support its advance.
Move 19. Bl goes Qc8, possibly threatening a sacrifice on h3, but my pieces are too well placed and I calculated I was safe. I continue pushing in the centre.
After a series of maneuverings my pieces remain better placed, my Bishop and Knight eyeing c7, d6 with the potential for a central pawn thrust too. 27. Re8 was a terrible miscalculation. Allowing a three way fork. I calculated and found that the Rook was better to take, I was relieved after when the computer vindicated my choice.
3 moves later and many pieces have been exchanged to my advantage, leaving me a clear Rook up. Conversion was straightforward and Bl soon resigned.
Nicely done Mister Corrigan and we’re all square.
Board 3
A tough encounter for Mister Giffin KC (MA Oxon), who was ahead before he decided to give away his queen. Full credit for drawing the game. That’s all square at 1.5 points each.
Board 4
No one expects the Spanish Game. Actually Doctor Saldanha did, because he chose to play it against Adam Snelling. He’s scored some success with it. A workmanlike performance from the Doctor who was never really in trouble. Only 30. Qg4 mars an otherwise highly accurate game from White.
That puts the NLC in the lead 2.5 – 1.5.
Board 5
Welcome to Mister Kaya in his Cup debut for the NLC. It was unlucky for him to have come upon such a tough opponent. Our debutant suggested that his opponent was easily 1800 Elo, perhaps more.
It transpired after the game that Doctor Prendergast (technically, Mister as a medical consultant – oh, we do get confused) learnt to play chess aged 4 by merely watching his father and uncle play. They felt the game was too complex for someone so young and wouldn’t teach him. Within three months he had beaten both of them. (That was also the great Capablanca’s story and we know where he ended up!) Doctor Prendergast has been away from chess for many years but clearly has an innate feeling for the game.
An Ori/EIC Board 1 or 2 player in the making we think. That’s all square again 2.5 – 2.5.
Board 6
And so finally to Board 6 in which Doctor Widdicombe took on the formidable Habib Amir, who is rarely seen in the lower board numbers. Hats off to Doctor Widdicombe, who clinches it for the NLC 3.5 to 2.5.
Full scorecard (NLC first)
Mister Khan 0 – 1 Edward Ko
Mister Corrigan 1 – 0 Robert McClatchey
Mister Giffin KC (MA Oxon) 0.5 – 0.5 Andy Dugdale
Doctor Saldanha 1 – 0 Adam Snelling
Mister Kaya 0 – 1 Colm Prendergast
Doctor Widdicombe 1 – 0 Habib Amir
So, NLC 3.5 – 2.5 Ori/EIC
And that’s it, the Libs sit proudly joint top of the HR Cup alongside the Athenaeum.
[At least they did for a bit. – Editorial Committee]