I've lost my last 5 games of chess and familiar doubts about my
chosen hobby are pressing. I could park my grade and retire to publishing and
coaching, but that's not an admirable way to behave. Besides, having lost my
last 5 games, my grade wouldn't be quite as wonderful at the end of the season,
so, time to shape up!
Here are all my games from this year's (1996) superbly organised East Devon Congress, held in the excellent venue of St.George's Hall (big, cool, near town centre, has a bar). I scorn the idea of trying to win money in the Major and go for the Premier (my grade is 3 points too high for the Major). Five rounds later...
(after 1 d4, Nf6; 2 c4, g6; 3 Nf3, Bg7; 4 g3, O-O; 5 Bg2, d6; 6 O-O, c5; 7 Nc3, Nc6; 8 d5, Na5) "Many are of the opinion that the Knight on QR4(a5) does not participate fully in the struggle, while others hold that, on the contrary, in view of Black's coming Q-side pawn advance and pressure against White's QB4(c4), his position is quite satisfactory. These debates are futile. The important thing is to see clearly what is positive and what is negative in the position of the Knight, and act accordingly when choosing a strategic plan."
