The last in the triptych of Autumn chess dinners

Following our excellent performance at the Hamilton Russell dinner at the O&C and our glorious victory over the MCC dinner at Lord’s, the NLC arrived at the RAC to complete the hat trick. The team was led by the seasoned chess dinner veterans Mister Widdicombe and Miss Vera Widger, with Doctor Kirby there to provide support as Secretary.

There’s always a feeling of calm when we go to the RAC. You know what’s coming when you’re in the Pall Mall RAC base – excellent environment, great food and even better company.

And there’s always a car in the foyer too. This was an early 1980s Ford Escort driven in the World Rally Championships by Ari Vatanen, who won the World Rally Championships in 1981.

So it was up to the ‘Small Mall’ room for the dinner. It isn’t a small room. In fact, it’s a very big room and ideal for this sort of thing.

The NLC contingent saw 6.30pm on their invitation and thought this meant 6.30 for 7.00 and so turned up on time to ‘test’ the quality of the pre-dinner Champagne. In fact, dinner started at 7.30 so it was necessary to have a second, third and fourth glass to check that quality had been maintained.

Like experienced pros, the NLC had checked out the menu card when we turned up. We liked what we saw. Something for everyone here, and we knew we were in safe hands.

The dinner itself was a combined affair. It took in the RAC Chess Circle dinner from 2020 (cancelled due the recent unpleasantness) and 2021. It was also a celebration for the Varsity Chess Match which had happened earlier that day.

The NLC contingent was on the ‘Marshall’ table (all tables being named after defences to the Queen’s Gambit). The Marshall Defence is 1 d4 d5 2 c4 Nf6?! The simple approach is 3 cxd5 Nxd5 4 Nf3 and White has an advantage. Marshall gave it up after losing to Alekhine at Baden Baden in 1925. Don’t try it at home kids.

   1.d4 d5 2.c4 Nf6 3.cxd5 Nxd5 4.Nf3 Nc6 5.e4 Nf6 6.e5 Nd5 

Our Marshall table was far more promising, including Geoff Dawson from the MCC and Habib Amir from the Oriental Club. There were unfortunately a couple of absentees with Peter Rust the Captain of the MCC missing this time. Geoff and Habib moved their places round to get more space. There was a space next to Doctor Kirby and Mister Widdicombe, who didn’t move for good reason.

First round was the RAC’s excellent smoked salmon. A portion was served to all, including the empty space next to the NLC warriors. You know what’s coming next – it’s wicked to waste excellent smoked salmon isn’t it… Doctor Kirby wasn’t so keen on the pre-buttered bread when there was already butter on the table, but the extra smoked salmon more than compensated. The RAC wine also deserves a mention. Sauvignon Blanc for the white wine drinkers and Pinot Noir for the red wine drinkers. Both rather good.

Main course was straightforward enough, with lamb, veggies and fondant potato. Then it was on to the pud, with apple tarte tatin and vanilla ice cream proving a winner. An extra portion was served to the hungry Marshall table in the empty space. The two gentlemen on the other side of Mister Widdicombe had clocked what happened with the smoked salmon, and so laid (justified) claim to the extra portion.

Then it was on to the speeches. The RAC scrimp on neither their hospitality, nor the number of their speeches. The RAC had to present trophies for 2020 and 2021. This mostly meant a bemused person holding the trophy for a few seconds, before having to hand it over to someone else. The Libs were interested to hear that the RAC runs a mixed ability tournament on a handicap system to even things out. Perhaps something to consider at the NLC.

Then it was on to the Varsity match, which had unexpectedly been won earlier in the day by the Oxford team 5.5 to 2.5. The trophy was presented by GM Raymond Keene (and ex-Cambridge man) who did not look over-pleased at the Cambridge performance. Still, the Oxford Captain was happy (and perhaps a little emotional) by that stage.

After the speeches it was time for excellent pianist Jason Kouchak to go through his paces. First some classical pieces, then a shift in gear to Cole Porter’s ‘Anything Goes’ , all building to the finale with a spirited rendition of the Neil Diamond classic ‘Sweet Caroline’ with the audience singing along. A tired and emotional Doctor Kirby belted out his own chorus rendition, that went something like this:

“Sweet Caro-Kann

Defence never felt so good

I’d be inclined

To take a half point if I could “

After dinner it was on to the chess. Chess boards had been set up at the far end of the room and the assembled throng moved down to play.

Miss Vera Widger and Mister Widdicombe engaged in a tight-fought draw.

Mister Widdicombe also took on Doctor Kirby. Perhaps Mister Widdicombe was expecting the Caro Kann and a peaceful half point, but the good Doctor decided it was time for the aggressive Sveshnikov version of the Sicilian. Despite Doctor Kirby’s pensive expression in the photograph, once the Queen’s Side pawns rolled it was a straightforward win.

It was a great night and the last in the triptych of Autumn chess dinners. It was great to have the chance to take part again.