McArthur Cup 2011-12: Horsham – Brighton

Posted on January 19, 2012 by James Mansson

Last Tuesday saw Horsham’s first match in the McArthur Cup for many years. We had something of a (re-)baptism of fire, being paired against Brighton, one of the strongest sides in Sussex. Unlike the Mid-Sussex League matches, there is a compulsory quick-play finish in all games, with each player having 75 minutes to play 35 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the remaining moves. Continue reading →

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4NCL Division 3 2011-12: e2e4.org.uk 2 – Anglian Avengers 2

Posted on January 16, 2012 by James Mansson

There was a better result for the e2e4.org.uk second team in round 4, where they narrowly defeated Anglian Avengers 2. Again there was only one decisive result, with Richard Almond winning against Ivan Myall. My game against Timothy Lunn was a rather dull draw. Continue reading →

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4NCL Division 3 2011-12: e2e4.org.uk 2 – Cambridge University 3

Posted on January 16, 2012 by James Mansson

The e2e4.org.uk second team stumbled to a loss in round 3 of the 4NCL against Cambridge University 3. Although the margin of defeat was the narrowest possible (2.5 – 3.5), something seemed to go wrong in most of our games, and perhaps we were lucky not to suffer a heavier loss. Continue reading →

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Mid-Sussex League Division 1 2011-12: Horsham 1 – Worthing 1

Posted on January 11, 2012 by James Mansson

Horsham 1 came crashing to earth, as Worthing 1 inflicted their first defeat of the season last night. Continue reading →

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Update – Mid-Sussex League Division 1 2011-12: Horsham 1 – Woodpushers 1

Posted on January 9, 2012 by James Mansson

Gavin Lock’s game against Andrew Briggs was agreed a win for Gavin, so Horsham win the match 3.5-1.5. This gives them the lead in division 1, as the only team with four match wins out of four. However, the wins have been against what appear to be the weakest teams, based on all their results so far. The match at home against Worthing 1 will be their first test this season against one of the “big boys”.

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Horsham Club Championship 2011-12: Mansson – Roberts

Posted on December 21, 2011 by James Mansson

Last night saw my final competitive game of 2011, as I took on Dix Roberts in the Rook. The game featured the main line of the Hedgehog System. Play followed the usual pattern, with White looking to expand and squeeze Black, and Black looking for opportunities to counter-attack. Following my aggressive move 20 f5!? Black responded badly and I soon had a chance to establish a big advantage. However, I failed to press it home, and what advantage I did have soon slipped away. I subsequently decided to sacrifice a pawn, and seemed to have some compensation, but with both players in time trouble, I over-pressed and my position went rapidly downhill. Unable to find a satisfactory move, I lost on time before making my 41st move. Continue reading →

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Horsham Club Championship 2011-12: Mansson – Comley

Posted on December 14, 2011 by James Mansson

I was pitted against Ian Comley last night in our club championship game. The course of the game was disastrous for my opponent. Following a lacklustre opening for both players, Ian unwisely decided to open the position, which backfired badly. Subsequent mistakes saw his position deteriorate further, until he blundered – admittedly in an already hopeless position – into a mate in one after 23 moves. Continue reading →

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Mid-Sussex League Division 1 2011-12: Horsham 1 – Woodpushers 1

Posted on December 7, 2011 by James Mansson

Last night Horsham 1 had something of a lucky escape against Woodpushers 1. The match started well enough for Horsham, with the team achieving strong positions on most boards. This was reflected in the first couple of results, as Phil Stimpson drew on board four, and I won a crushing victory on board two. Continue reading →

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Mid-Sussex League Knockout 2010-12: Horsham 2 – Lewes

Posted on November 30, 2011 by James Mansson

This year I was selected to play for Horsham 2 for the MSL knockout competition. This competition operates on a handicapping system, where the average grading of both teams is calculated, and the difference in these is used to work out the required winning margin for the stronger team. Continue reading →

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Mid-Sussex League Division 1: 2011-12: Horsham 1 – Hastings 2

Posted on November 23, 2011 by James Mansson

Horsham 1’s successful start to the Mid-Sussex League season continued with a win against Hastings 2 last night. Overall the team racked up three wins and one draw, with one game unfinished. Dix Roberts, Peter Harbott and I registered wins, while Gavin Lock could only draw. Phil Stimpson’s game is not yet complete. Continue reading →

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