Chess Tikka Tactics – Round Two Results!

The second round of the Leeds League took place this week, with our home teams back in action in the comfort of our familiar room.

In Division 1, the A team were on the road to face Leeds Uni A at their impressive new venue, while the B team had the fiery challenge of going head-to-head with the formidable Leeds A side.

Meanwhile in Division 3, the C team welcomed newcomers Farsley A for their first visit — a fresh flavour on the menu this season — while the D team made the most of the white pieces in their away clash against Rose Forgrove E, turning their opportunities into something well worth savouring.

Division 1

Leeds University A 3 – 2 Boston Spa A

It’s always good to catch the University early in the season, before their latest batch of “fresher GMs” settle in. This time, though, we travelled with only one regular A-team player available — Peter Ackley — so a big thank you to everyone who stepped up to play.

The Uni have moved into a new home: the smart Weston Room in the Laidlaw Library, complete with a late-opening Café Nero. A definite upgrade — though we may just miss the old venue’s background soundtrack of music practice and amateur dramatics!

Our early lead came courtesy of Jack Howorth on Board 4, who also claimed the second Sanger Financial Services Player of the Week award.

Due to a few missing players in the A team this week, Jack was promoted to Board 4, where he faced Jun Yi Kong, a slightly higher-rated opponent. Despite being of similar strength, Jack managed to force resignation after just 23 moves, when checkmate could no longer be avoided.

He played what he described as a “dodgy gambit line” against the Pirc Defence — a brave choice that left Black with the advantage after move six, but it paid off spectacularly! His risky creativity completely bamboozled his opponent.

Here’s the game if you’d like to take a look. Jack hopes that sharing it publicly will stop him from being tempted to try that line again! 😄

1.       e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. Bf4 Bg7 5. e5 Nh5 6. Qd2 Nxf4 7. Qxf4 O-O 8.O-O-O Nc6 9. Nf3 a6 10. h4 d5 11. h5 f6 12. hxg6 fxe5 13. Qh4 h6 14. dxe5 e6 15.Qg3 Qe8 16. Bd3 Ne7 17. Rh5 Nf5 18. Bxf5 Rxf5 19. Rxf5 exf5 20. Nxd5 Qa4 21.Nf6+ Bxf6 22. exf6 Be6 23. Qxc7 1-0

The prize — a £10 gift voucher for the Chess and Bridge shop — is on its way to you, Jack. Congratulations!

This prize is proudly sponsored by Sanger Financial Services. If you — or someone you know — needs advice on mortgages or insurance, please get in touch. I hope this sponsorship continues to be a success and helps the club thrive!

Paul Salisbury drew the short straw with an ungraded Uni opponent (never a relaxing prospect). He fought well, picking up valuable lessons in the French Defence, but the score was levelled at 1–1.

Peter Ackley, our stalwart top board, secured a solid draw against the improving Patrick Joseph in a game that looked finely balanced throughout.

Mick Connor went down to Fabian Coupette on Board 3, leaving the overall result hanging on the final game.

That left my own game against the higher-rated Prabobh Gyawali, the first Nepalese opponent I’ve faced over the board. We played a Queen’s Gambit Declined, Charousek (Petrosian) variation. After 20…Rd5, the engine had me (White) comfortably ahead — equivalent to +2.17.

Unfortunately, my choice of 21.Nxc6 bxc6 22.dxc5 Qxe3 allowed the advantage to slip. Fritz coolly suggests the stronger 21.Rab1 Re8 22.Rb6 Ne6, but hindsight is always a sharp tool!

The game eventually fizzled to a dead-drawn position (below), meaning the Uni edged the match 3–2.

Despite the narrow defeat, there were plenty of positives to take. Jack’s sparkling win was the highlight, and with the season still young, there’s everything to play for. As I reminded the team afterwards — if we win the rest of our games, we win the title! 😉

Boston Spa B 0 – 5 Boston Spa A

With much of the B team drafted into A-team duty (or unavailable altogether), this was always going to be a tall order against one of the league’s powerhouses. Facing an average grading gap of around 300 points on most boards, the result was perhaps inevitable — but full credit to everyone who stepped up to play and took on the challenge.

Sometimes you’re served a plate that’s simply too hot to handle, but nights like these show the club’s spirit and willingness to compete, no matter the odds.

Division 2

Boston Spa C 2.5 – 2.5 Farsley A

We were delighted to give a warm welcome to Farsley, who played their very first away match tonight after joining the league this season. They arrived with a full squad of ungraded players — always exciting, as it kept us guessing about their true playing strength.

Our wins came courtesy of Rodney on Board 4 and Philip on Board 3, who once again showed his flair for the Scandinavian Defence. In his own words:

David Halpin also looked to be cooking up an advantage in his game, but wisely settled for a draw to secure half a point for the team.

And here’s the reason for this weeks curry theme: Farsley are the first club we’ve come across who actually play their home matches in an Indian restaurant. Needless to say, our return fixture is already looking like the tastiest away trip of the year!

Here's Farsley's write up on their Facebook page:-

Rose Forgrove E 0 – 4 Boston Spa D

Match Report by Steve Hodgson…

First game of the season for yours truly, as the D team visited a busy Rose Forgrove to take on their E team.  Our opponents had already defaulted the bottom board, so with Howard moving to fill a gap on the B team it was 4v4.  Boston Spa players, who all played White, listed first.

Board 1 : John Light (1381) 1-0 Mariusz Rogucki (1311)

Great to see John back playing OTB, and he was on fine form with this win.  In an open game a dangerous bishop on the long diagonal made the difference here, as John was able to attack Mariusz's king (which was castled on the kingside) with queen and rook backed up by the bishop.  John eventually delivered mate on h7 with a battery of queen and rook.

Board 2 : Steve Hodgson (1324) 1-0 Iain Starks (1223)

An absolute swindle, this.  I was on the front foot for the opening, with Black somewhat hemmed in in a closed game with me having a good pawn chain. 

Puzzle A (Black to move) – Steve Hodgson (White) v Ian Starks (Black) – What’s the best move for Black?

But I played badly as my opponent counter attacked, at one point being 3 pawns down according to the engine.  A desperate queen and knights attack on the kingside, necessitated before I got overrun on the queenside.

Puzzle B (White to move) – Steve Hodgson (White) v Ian Starks (Black) – What’s the best move for White?

This was the last game of the match to finish so the result for the team wasn't important, but nice to bring home a clean sweep and a win's a win! 

Board 3 : Vas Koritsas (UG) 1-0 Simon Bartle (1133)

A good win for Vas here.  He was a bishop for pawn up early on, and that extra piece made the difference as he was able to coordinate rook and knight against Simon's uncastled king and force mate.  Well played!

Board 4 : Roy Johnson (1096) 1-0 Samuel Mayne (1076)

The first game of the night to finish, and it was quick!  I didn't get to see any of it, unfortunately, but a good win for Roy that got us up and running early.  Hope the cold clears soon!

So, a good solid win against a team who - realistically - will be one of our rivals in the league although surprisingly the D team are the only team to have 2 wins from the first two matches.

Puzzle Answers:

Puzzle A = 21…Be3 22.Qxe3 Ba4 23.Rdg1 axb4

Puzzle B = 30.Rf8+ Qxf8 31.Qxh7++