Greeting players and fellow patzers 🙂
Well, on the back of my disappointing finish in Doncaster 2 weeks ago (see Thread 180250)
I played in the Minor section at Blackpool this weekend, determined to make amends.
94 players entered the Minor, which is by far the largest I've ever been in.
The rating cap was ECF 135, so not to be taken for granted.
Harrogate was graded the same, in which I managed joint 2nd.
I fancied myself as having a good chance to finish amongst the top players once again.
Let's see how I got on...
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Game 1 - Zak Tomlinson (128) vs Chris Lysons (111)
I played Chris in Manchester last year, where we both played shocking.
In a field of 94 players, I was relieved to see a familiar face opposite me on round 1.
Was the performance any better?
4 more games to follow...
Game 2 - Paul Jackson (116) vs Zak Tomlinson (128)
Another familiar face!
I'd played Paul twice before, both times I had White and he played the French.
Our prior head-to-head was +1 in his favour, so a win here would even our score.
I joked that I was happy to have Black against him, as I didn't want to see his French again!
Game 3 - Lovinia Chidi (131) vs Zak Tomlinson (128)
I had the Black pieces in both games on Saturday... that happens sometimes.
This game had opposite side castling, always interesting to see how both players cope with it.
Just like in the last game, I let White's pawns dominate the centre... will it pay off again?
Game 4 - Zak Tomlinson (128) vs Ron Stather (126)
There were 5 people on 3/3 heading into round 4, with a host more on 2.5
This game followed a similar theme to games I've played in the past with White vs the Sicilian.
I was therefore on comfortable ground and was never really behind...
Against a very experienced player, who one time played in Major sections, could I get a result?
Game 5 - Pawel Szutkowski (131) vs Zak Tomlinson (128)
An interesting story before this game starts.
In round 4, Pawel played someone named Terry Tyson on board 1, they were both also on 3/3.
I was watching the game intermittently, as they were next to my board.
They each had 6 pawns and a Knight and the game looked drawish.
At one point Terry offered a draw, which Pawel refused.
Pawel then started behaving a little bullishly, slamming pieces on the table, slamming his water bottle,
which made Terry visibly flustered, shaking his head.
Terry then made a mistake, allowing a passed pawn which led to his defeat.
The poor guy withdrew from the tournament, not playing the last game.
Then, minutes before round 5 commenced, Pawel gave someone his phone and insisted they take our picture
shaking hands over the table, which I obliged.
Perhaps it was mind games, but also could have been harmless sportsmanship... I shrugged it off.
We were the only two people on 4/4... could someone make it 5?
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So in the end, I did exactly what I was hoping for and fully made up for my mistakes 2 weeks ago.
Here's the full results crosstable after 5 rounds:
http://chess-results.com/tnr416709.aspx?lan=1&art=4
Playing through the games, you could argue 3 of them certainly should have been drawn,
1 of which maybe even losing, but you have to take chances when they come.
I showed good composure, very good use of time, not moving too quickly or slowly.
For me, this feels almost like a watershed performance.
5 wins out of 5 in an ECF 135 tournament, against some good players too.
(Lovinia has been above 140, Ron Stather has periodically had a rating above 150 and even 160)
Soon I will be forced to play in Major tournaments.
I look forward to reporting my progress in the tougher sections.
As always, I hope you found the games interesting and/or instructive in any way.
Cheers all,
Zak
p.s. my next tournament will be over Easter bank holiday, a 4-day event with 7 rounds.
It will be in Stevenage, if you're reading this and live nearby then why not enter?
http://www.4ncl.co.uk/fide/information_easter19.htm
I'll be in the U1825 section, see you there!
Against 1.b3
I play 3...a6 and have good results both OTB and on here.
It upsets their opening game plan of putting pressure on the e5 pawn.
A. Sharp - G. Chandler, Scottish Open 1980.
In the game v Paul Jackson the opening was a Neo-Grunfeld.
I noticed you played Nb8-d7 when there was a Knight on b6 in that game.
Sometimes Knights on b6 (or b3) need d7 (d2) as a flight square.
It was OK in your game but funnily enough from the same opening.
Kweper - pavelborta RHP 2012
