4NCL Division 1 2012-13: e2e4.org.uk 1 – South Wales Dragons

Posted on May 17, 2013 by James Mansson

The last match of the season saw e2e4.org.uk 1 up against South Wales Dragons. We really needed to win the match to be confident of staying up. Our lower boards made the early running, with Mark Josse, Michael Barnes and Rasa Norinkeviciute all winning, although I went down to defeat against David James. When Alan Byron managed to win too, we were almost there at 4-1 ahead, but there was a nervous finish to the match as both Peter Sowray and Andrew Bird were defeated on boards 1 and 2. Fortunately, James Jackson managed to hold his opponent to a draw, so we prevailed by the narrowest margin (4.5-3.5). Continue reading →

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4NCL Division 1 2012-13: e2e4.org.uk 1 – Wood Green 2

Posted on May 12, 2013 by James Mansson

While e2e4.org.uk 1 had hoped – and managed – to beat Warwickshire Select 1 on Saturday, there was little expectation of a similar result against a strong Wood Green 2. In the end, they did lose, but only by the narrowest margin (3.5-4.5). The match was lost on the lower boards, where our opponents prevailed 3-1, which was not surprising given their grading advantage there. However, on the top boards we came out on top 2.5-1.5, thanks to a couple of good wins by Peter Sowray and Andrew Bird, and Alexei Slavin holding Jonathan Speelman to a draw on board one. Continue reading →

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4NCL Division 1 2012-13: e2e4.org.uk 1 – Warwickshire Select 1

Posted on May 11, 2013 by James Mansson

Going into the last weekend of this 4NCL season, e2e4.org.uk 1 was in danger of being relegated from the top division, so we needed some good results over the last three rounds. In round 9, we were up against Warwickshire Select 1, whom we needed to beat. We managed to prevail 4.5-3.5, as Mark Josse and I managed to win, while Alan Byron suffered our only defeat. Continue reading →

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4NCL Division 2 2012-13: e2e4.org.uk 2 – ADs 1

Posted on March 30, 2013 by James Mansson

On the Sunday, e2e4.org.uk 2 was paired against ADs 1. Unlike the Saturday match, the result was closer (4.5-3.5). I was pitted against Darren Wheeler on board two. The game was a tough manoeuvring battle that was resolved in the time scramble leading up to the first time control, where I overlooked a tactical resource for my opponent. A couple of moves after the time control I resigned, as my position was then hopeless. Continue reading →

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4NCL Division 2 2012-13: e2e4.org.uk 2 – Anglian Avengers 1

Posted on March 29, 2013 by James Mansson

The most recent 4NCL weekend was overshadowed by the sad news of Richard Almond’s sudden death aged only 46. He was a stalwart of Hastings and Sussex chess, and a regular competitor at the 4NCL. He will be missed. Continue reading →

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County Match (Open) 2012-13: Sussex – Essex

Posted on March 17, 2013 by James Mansson

The recent county match between Sussex and Essex saw Sussex soundly beaten. I lost my individual game against Jeff Goldberg, as an over-ambitious approach backfired. Continue reading →

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County Match (Open) 2012-13: Sussex – Herts

Posted on March 10, 2013 by James Mansson

Sussex played their rearranged match against Herts on Saturday. We managed to win 9-7 in the end, as we gradually built up a decent lead, then held on. Continue reading →

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Mid-Sussex League Knockout 2010-12: Horsham – The Args

Posted on March 3, 2013 by James Mansson

As reported elsewhere, Horsham lost to the Args in the Mid-Sussex League Knockout last Tuesday as they failed to overcome their grading handicap. My game against Peter Farr ultimately ended up in a win for me, but there was plenty of “coffee house chess” in-between to keep the spectators entertained! I think my 24th was a serious mistake, with Peter missing his chance on move 25, while just after the time control, he missed a deflection that would have given him better defensive chances. Continue reading →

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4NCL Division 2 2012-13: e2e4.org.uk 2 – Wessex

Posted on February 26, 2013 by James Mansson

While my game on the Saturday had been dull, my game on the Sunday was anything but. I was faced with Michael Yeo, a dangerous attacking player armed with the White pieces. Continue reading →

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4NCL Division 2 2012-13: e2e4.org.uk 2 – Poisoned Pawns

Posted on February 25, 2013 by James Mansson

Last weekend saw rounds 5 and 6 of the 4NCL season played at Staverton Park for Divisions 1 and 2. I was in the second team this weekend. On a personal note I achieved a decent result with two draws against strong opposition, but unfortunately the team lost both matches. Continue reading →

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