This last week has seen a couple of incidents in which notable players did themselves a disservice. I'm not going to comment on the incidents themselves, but rather on the mindset required to avoid sabotaging yourself. In short it's a question of focusing on the board and making this the most important thing.
I learned this lesson the hard way after letting things distract me. In one incident, before computerized pairings, my opponent complained to the arbiter that he was Black against me instead of White and the colours were changed. I only found out about this when I came to play and lost a really horrible game. I've also played badly because of thinking about the outcome, for example in games in which I've played for a norm or a decent prize. Another good way to lose is to carry forward negative emotions from the previous game or go in overconfident.
Eventually I decided to limit my focus to one simple thing, finding the next move. And it works.
Training Tournaments
This week's training tournaments are in the Queen's Gambit Accepted. They will include my repertoire recommendation of the Furman Variation of 1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.c4 dxc4 4.e3 e6 5.Bxc4 c5 6.Qe2 a6 plus 4...Bg4 which seems to be an interesting and underrated line:
Here's my approximate schedule over the coming months, subject to change! I often don't know until fairly late in the day.
Upcoming Events
October 25-27, 2024: Scarborough Congress
This one of the UK's most prestigious congresses, the sections include a 'foundation' tournament and a junior event. Click here for details.
December 1, 2024: Bolton Rapid Play
A fairly local event for me, so I'll be playing to to get some practice. Details can be found here.
December 7, 2024: Huddersfield Chess Club Seminar
I've run a number of seminars at this great club, this is the first since before COVID. Their website is here.
February 18-23, 2025: Isle of Wight International
I've been invited to play in this one but will have to pull out if I get invited to the World Senior Teams. It's a new event but the organizers seem to be on the ball. You can find details here.
July/August 2025: British Championships
Will these be held in Liverpool next year? There's a rumour on Tim Spanton's blog that they would be. I think I might go for the 50+ event if this is the case.
I've not been selected for the England 50+ team for the World Senior Team Championships (Prague, February 16 to 27, 2025), but I'm still hopeful that I'll get in the 65+ team (I'm 64, but you become eligible the year you turn 65). There are also the European Senior Team Championships (Walbrzych, Poland, April 4-14) in which I've said I'll play in any team and on any board. I'm hopeful that clarification will be forthcoming quite soon.
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See you next week!
Nigel Davies
