McArthur Cup 2023-24: Horsham – Sussex University

Horsham’s defence of the McArthur Cup failed at the first hurdle, as we went down against Sussex University last night. Although Roy Page got the team off to a good start with a win on bottom board, a defeat for Phil Stimpson set us back. At one point, Gavin Lock looked like he might be able to pull back a win, which would have compensated for Mark Broom’s defeat on board two, but sadly he could only draw. I did manage to win my game, though, but Alex Taylor’s position did not have enough in it to mount a proper winning attempt, and in the end he actually lost.

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County Match (Open) 2023-24: Sussex – Kent

Last Saturday, Sussex were home against Kent in the SCCU County Championship. Despite a valiant effort, Sussex went down 7.5-8.5. My game was a particular source of frustration, as I blundered a rook with both players very short of time to lose a winning position.

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Sussex League Division 1 2023-24: Horsham 1 – Bexhill 1

Last night Horsham 1 defeated Bexhill 1 decisively by 3.5 to 0.5. I contributed a win on board four against Bill Tracey.

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Posted in Games, Opening Analysis, Reports, Sussex League, The Budapest Gambit | Leave a comment

Horsham Club Championship 2023-24: Mansson – McDonald

Last night was the second round of the Horsham Club Championship Swiss Tournament. I was paired with White against Rob McDonald, and managed to win in 20 moves after my opponent allowed a powerful knight sacrifice on f7 on move 14.

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Sussex League Knockout 2023-24: Horsham – Worthing

Last night, Horsham defeated Worthing in the Sussex League Knockout competition. Because of the grading handicap, Horsham needed to score 2.5 over the four games, while Worthing only needed to score 2. Horsham managed this by the narrowest margin by drawing on the top three boards, while winning on bottom board where they had a sizeable grading advantage.

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County Match (Open) 2023-24: Sussex – Middlesex

After the disappointing result away against Surrey in the first match of the season, Sussex got back on track with a fine home win against Middlesex. Despite going three wins down after six games had finished, they pulled back to score a decisive 9.5-6.5 win. On a personal note, I was pleased to score the first win for Sussex which started the turnaround.

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Sussex League Division 1 2023-24: Horsham 1 – Crowborough 1

Last Friday, Horsham 1 continued their good start to the season with a 3-1 win over Crowborough 1.

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Posted in Games, Opening Analysis, Reports, Sussex League, The Semi-Slav Defence | Leave a comment

Horsham Club Knockout 2023-24: Waddingham – Mansson

Last night I was up against Roger Waddingham in the second round of the club knockout. I managed to win to proceed to the next round.

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Sussex League Division 1 2023-24: Horsham 1 – Eastbourne 2

Last night, Horsham 1 continues their successful start to the season with a 3.5-0.5 wins over Eastbourne 2. My game saw me defeat Laurence Butt with the Black pieces.

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Posted in Games, Miscellaneous Queen's Pawn, Opening Analysis, Reports, Sussex League | Leave a comment

County Match (Open) 2023-24: Surrey – Sussex

Yesterday, Sussex played its first county match of the season. We were away against Surrey at their familiar venue in Cheam. Surrey had a very strong team, so it was no surprise that they achieved a decisive victory.

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