FRUITHIL 4 KELLY`S HEROES 1

Some video clips of last night`s match with Fruithill.

At the minute the UCU is fortunate to have so many clubs with great playing venues.

My game with John Masterson produced a good visualisation position for the black and white sides. The opening was the dreaded Grand Prix Attack.

Below we can look at it from the black side.

It is now white to play, and it is black`s task to visualise what he would do if white plays e5, with the intention of following it up with f6?
Not a very pleasant thought!

Now we can look at it from the white side.

White to play would you be tempted to play e5 forcing the black Knight away? Hoping to then play f6?

Or would you decide the immediate e5 is not the best move?

John Cairns had a quick look at the position but it is not as simple as it seemed at the time.

It is easy to understand why the Grand Prix Attack is so popular at club level and why it seems to have a good score rate for white.

Black is given lots of possibilities to go wrong.

Ecc 12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

3-2 VICTORY AND A GOOD STUDY POSITION

Kelly`s Heroes gained a 3-2 victory over Civil Service in last night`s match. 

My game with David Blair was the last to finish, so I only got a very short video clip of the teams before the games commenced.



A very interesting study position emerged in our game.  It would be a very good study position for club players, to try and visualise the possible variations without moving the pieces or using an online widget to move the pieces.

I would describe the position as quite treacherous for both sides. 

In the position below, black has just played f5 and white has responded by moving the Knight from e2 to g3, this is how the critical position emerged. Black to move?

Most club players will perhaps find this surprising if they check their visualisation with a computer programme to see what they miss? Or perhaps what they have correctly visualised?

It may be a rather more simple position for GMs or IMs?

Ecclesiastes 12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

UCU SIMUL 2018

Here is some video clips from tonight`s simul featuring WGM Dina Belenkaya from Russia. Here is some Russian music below.




Youtube have informed  me that the video is blocked in some countries, due to copyright claims regarding the music. Germany is the only country they mentioned in the Youtube warning.



Ecc 12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

IN MEMORY OF ALEX BECKETT, A TRUE GENTLEMAN OF CHESS

Alex Beckett at the UCU Chanpionship 2011.

Martin Kelly has been notified by Rodger Beckett about the sad  passing away of  his father, Alex Beckett at age 86.

Alex was a well-loved founder member of Fisherwick Chess Club and veteran of Ulster chess for over 50 years, heavily involved in running Ulster chess and controlling tournaments including the Ulster Seniors for many years. 

His funeral will be held this Friday at 11am at Knockbreda C.of.I. Parish Church, Church Road BT8 7AN. 

He will be sorely missed by all his many friends in Ulster chess.

Alex Beckett at the UCU Championship 2011.

Alex Beckett can be seen in the video below, at approx 1.26 on the time-line, and again at approx 3.56 on the time-line.

ECC 7:2 It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.

3 Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.

4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

A FITTING TRIBUTE TO RAY DEVENNEY

The UCU website carries a very nice article paying tribute to our respected and popular Chess colleague, Ray Devenney.  

Ray is on the move to Newcastle Upon Tyne in North England.

Best wishes for the future Ray.  I am posting this picture courtesy of the UCU.

Psalm 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.

BEAUTIFUL VIDEO FROM IOM CHESS TOURNAMENT

A number of videos have been posted about the IOM Chess tournament.  
Here is a really beautiful one, accompanied with nice relaxing piano music.

Just checked the draw for the Minor tournament and saw Chris Armstrong is drawn against Peter Willoughby from England.

Ecc 12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.