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.
I was up against Matthew Payne on board two with the White pieces. In a sharp line of the King’s Indian, my opponent threatened to generate a kingside attack, but accurate play neutralized the possibility. Although I spurned the chance to play for a big advantage by keeping queens on, the exchange of queens led to a safe position where a draw was soon agreed.
I give the game below with some notes.