I'm exhausted after competing in a tough chess tournament. I used to compete a lot when I was younger, but it's much tougher these days. I hadn't played for nearly three years, so my goal was to knock some rust off and hope I didn't collapse completely.
It was a round robin-style tournament in which I play each other player, and since there were twelve players that means there were eleven rounds, one per day. I started relatively well, with one win, one loss, and four draws in the first six rounds, all against the higher rated people in the tournament. Then I had my dreaded collapse, losing three in a row. What makes it worse is that I was winning the first two of these games, but blew them. I finished the event by winning my last two nicely, but it was against the two lowest performers, so I was expected to win.
Here is the crosstable - http://chess-results.com/tnr59450.aspx?art=4&lan=1&turdet=YES&flag=30
Posts
A Crumby Deal
2 hours ago
Hello Ted:
ReplyDeleteOh dear, somewhat disappointing although we are certain that the whole tournament was most likely a thoroughly enjoyable experience. For some reason neither of us has ever learnt to play chess although we recognize that for those who do play it is a thoroughly absorbing game.
So Gupta was the winner? What kind of openings were you using?
ReplyDeleteMatt, yeah Gupta won. I played him in the second round. I messed up in the opening (a French Defense) and got into trouble, yet in the end I should have been able to draw but didn't find the right line. Most games were Sicilians, though there were a few other odd openings.
ReplyDeleteI'll bet it was fun just to get out and compete again, though.
ReplyDeleteahman! but i bet it was great to get back into the game... and i bet you are steaming enough now to wanna kick serious booty next time!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I feel that I learned so much that I would really do better if I could go again right now!
ReplyDeleteI've played against a few chess players (like yourself) in my day. The one thing I can say is boy you guys are smart. I lose every single time...sometimes though I can give a bit of a decent showing so I don't come across as a complete pushover. But I really respect you guys that compete like this. I salute you Mr. Cross! You are a winner, even if you aren't a grand champion.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michael. I feel encouraged by the event despite my relatively poor showing, because I learned so much that I really think I will be better next time.
ReplyDeleteHey, if you haven't played in a while, cut yourself some slack! Sounds like it was a refresher course and you'll be better prepared next time.
ReplyDeleteConsidering you've not played in a while, I think you finished in a damn good position. Well done, Ted :D
ReplyDeleteAt least you can compete. I taught my kids to play and they are wiping the floor with me.
ReplyDeleteAt least you played; and finished the tourny. You'll do better next time :)
ReplyDelete......dhole