Chess in Hastings

Alfredo’s Opening Moves

Chess lessons kick off with Romantic Era

In the first lesson we will be looking at the Romantic Era of Chess, when from the start of the game, violent attacks and counter–attacks against the opposing King were the order of the day.

We will be amazed with the tactical genius of the great Paul Morphy.

I will also try to prove that the type of openings leading to such games as those played at that time (Evan’s Gambit, King’s Gambit etc) cannot only still be played today, but they actually should be played by those wishing to improve their tactical ability.

I will try to convince you that (especially at this level) understanding the ideas behind the openings is more important than memorising moves, which we may or may not understand.

And much more. Come along either for improving your chess or simply if you want to enjoy looking at some fantastic games and combinations

See you on 14th March at the Hastings Chess Club 3pm.

Alfredo Luaces

♦

Having nobody to play with

ELISABETH LEWIS writes

“I have nobody to play with” — often the petulant cry of a smaller child, the older ones probably not wanting to admit such social failure — is what I feel like crying now.

As we all know, star players — whether musicians or sporting stars — began practising when they were 5 years old. I was 25 when I learned to play chess. So I was not likely going to become a grandmaster on the world stage.

However as I had always been attracted to the game, I persevered in spite of continuing losses for month after month until my spirit was almost at the end of hopes for victory. “You are getting better all the time”, Liam my partner encouraged me. And then it happened, one day I won. And I won and won and won.

And then he wouldn’t play with me any more.

Well, I leave the sexual politics of that conundrum to you. I was just looking for another player, male or female. I was keen now. I believed I had potential, and I simply enjoyed playing the game. I soon realised that to find somebody on my level was the problem.

Women generally did not play: “I have got better things to do with my time”; interested and quite prepared to have the occasional game on a rainy holiday afternoon. But men — they used to play when they were young, at school, at university, but hadn’t played for ages, and then inevitably came the question “are you any good?” “No, I am not any good. I just like playing”

Since I joined the Hastings Chess Club. My score ( for the rapid play — never my strongest suit) is even recorded in the official English Chess Federation Statistics at -54. A very low score, but I swallowed that bitter pill having the satisfaction of being there at all and with the resolution to play more and regularly in the next season.

The trouble is playing occasionally, other occasional players can be fun, but no substitute for playing regularly, with other regular players. Level of play is much higher. For most people with longings for a better game, that means joining a club. But even then, having nobody to play with can be a problem.

Last year the Club went all the way to Bethune in France to play, and enjoyed their generous hospitality whilst beating them at their game. They return the visit in April.

Hastings & St Leonards Chess Club, 2 Cornwallis Tce TN34 1EB. www.hastingschessclub.co.uk

Also in: 1067 & All That

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