Four plucky chess Libs made their way to the Athenaeum in early October. (Technically, it should have been a combined Athenaeum/Lansdowne team versus the NLC but there were no Lansdowners – the Lansdowne Lady is the cocktail, lest readers are confused – only followers of Athena in sight on the night.)
Things started well with Dr Saldanha winning the toss (that’s two in a row) and electing to take White on odd board numbers.
Board 1
First up Mister Barton versus former British Champion Peter Lee. Clearly, it was going to be a difficult evening.
Board 2
Mister Jacobs had to take on Russell Campbell, a difficult task.
Board 3
And a welcome return for Mister Giffin KC MA (Oxon) saw him take on Guy Morton. King’s Counsel is currently on Board 3 as he blows the rust off, but will surely soon take his place amongst the very top once more?
Board 4
And so, finally, to Board 4. Doctor Saldanha has been slowly squeezed to death by Mister George. By move 33. the good Doctor is down by over three pawns and surely facing defeat. Time for some shock and awe 35. … g5!? In fact, Doctor Saldanha’s play from then on manages to turn the game around completely and by 41. Rh6 he’s over 4 points up and well on his way to winning with a significant material advantage. A repeated check by White’s queen in later play suggested a draw was desired, which Black offered fearing he couldn’t close the game out with the time remaining on his clock. White appeared most grateful to accept the offer. Full credit to Mister George for a most exciting game.
Dinner
See below. That’ll do nicely.
