Last night ECA beat Bramhall 6-0 but this was hardly a fair reflection of the games.
Bramhall are without their two strongest players this season and were not able to field a full team so we started the match at 1-0.
Here is how it developed:
1. John Reed 1-0 Peter Thursfield (134)
John played his favourite Schliemann Ruy Lopez and Peter was clearly uncertain how to handle it. Peter castled Queenside and was attacked mercilessly, ending up with his King in the centre of the board.
2. Phil Ramsey 1-0 Nick Flaherty (125)
Playing my new English opening I achieved a small advantage from the opening but didn’t find a winning plan. However when we reached a Bishop vs Knight ending I decided to play on as a Bishop is normally stronger than a Knight when there are pawns on both sides of the board. I managed to create some pressure and then my opponent, flustered because he thought he was lost, missed a simple draw.
In the above position with Black to move Kc7 gives a simple draw as after Kxd5 Kd7 Black has the opposition and I will not be able to get to his pawns.
However he played d4?? and after Kxd4 Kc7, Ke5 his pawns were toast.
3. Dave Newell 1-0 Keith Hodgson (108)
In a Colle System vs. Dutch Keith held his own until the endgame where Dave finally won some pawns and the game.
4. Keven Holton 1-0 Hartley Oldham (101)
Keven took on the Sicilian again and didn’t seem to get much out of the opening. However, knowing that Hartley is a time trouble addict, Keven kept the position complicated and then launched a winning attack in his opponent’s time trouble.
5. Dave Broadbent 1-0 Geoff Smith (71)
In a Queen’s Gambit Declined Geoff forgot to develop his pieces and allowed Dave to build up an imposing position which he duly converted.
6. David Taylor 1-0 default
So ECA back on track. Next up is Holmes Chapel at home in the Charnley Cup semi final – Feb 9th.