Crewe CC continues to grow, and readers of this stuff will know that this year we have entered two teams into the NSCDA Open Cup. On Thursday the Cup B team had an away trip to face the mighty Alsager . You remember the last time I went to Alsager; we went to the wrong venue? Anyway this time we got to the Thirteen Club in good time. We headed for the usual room, and then I had a moment of panic; there were no chess sets to be seen, the lighting was down low, and a stage was being kitted out with musical instruments. Surely not; had I done it again? My panic was over when a genial chap came over and asked “chess or jazz?” When I declared the purpose of our visit he pointed us to a back room. Phew!
Quick observers quickly observed that Alsager were missing a few of their players, but they still looked pretty decent over the 6 boards. I settled down against Alan, my usual foe whenever we play Alsager, and I slipped into my usual opening difficulties. Then the band started up. Maybe twenty five years ago I was coerced into going to a jazz club in London, and I recall that every time a musician completed a complicated solo routine there was a ripple of applause from the audience; I also recall that the drink prices were very ambitious. The jazz experts at Thirteen Club behaved in the same manner as on that evening from long ago, but the bar prices were more reasonable than in London. I was enjoying myself, in spite of my troubles against Alan.
Anyway, after a bit I went for a shufty at the other boards; we were all seated individually around the edge of the room, with a snooker table in the middle. The games were all looking pretty even, but when I got to Jamie’s board I nearly had to do a double take; Jamie, playing the experienced Tim, seemed to be all in for a mating attack after about 10 moves. The game finished shortly after and we were 1-0 up.
I had dropped a pawn but was in a decent position, and Alan offered me a draw. I thought about it for a bit but then decided, safety first, and I accepted. Next game to finish was Oskar, who I thought was doing well, so it was a surprise when he told me he had lost; 1.5-1.5.
Other boards were looking decent enough, but something was brewing on board one. Young James, who is improving fast, was having a lively game against Jonathan, who is by far the best player in the league. James was an exchange down but his bishop pair was looking more than enough compensation, and he had a big time advantage. Jonathan was trying to make things awkward, but the crowds started nudging each other, as an upset looked more and more likely. I have to say that James tidied up very nicely and was two bishops for a rook up when his opponent resigned. A fantastic result for James, I think his best ever, and pretty handy for the Crewe team.
When Andy agreed a draw with Isaac it meant we were guaranteed a surprise match win. Gee was a pawn down in an ending, and John gradually ground out the win, to make the match score 3-3, but we had won on board count.
It was great to see that Alsager CC seems to be thriving and has found a pleasant second home; there were even people playing chess in the bar area. Thanks also to the excellent jazz band, I have played in all sorts of venues, with all sorts of background noise, but this was pretty good.
There is a strange twist to this tale. I got home and the jungle drums had been beating already. I had a few messages congratulating us; our Cup A team were especially chuffed, as they were a bit wary of having to play Alsager. Then a message came in; we had been penalised one point for fielding a team in an “incorrect” board order. Unusually for me I had actually read the rules and we played our team in playing strength acording to the published rules on the NSDCA website. There has been some hot debate since, and the situation is yet to be resolved. We have the ridiculous situation where the records show Alsager won the match 3-2, but Crewe are through to the next round! I will leave it there, but if you see me in a corner going on with myself, feel free to tell me to shut up.
Stay tuned.