Reality Bites after Dreams of the Top!

On Thursday (20/3/25) Derby A travelled to Rolls Royce to face their B team.

John’s game transposed into a highly theoretical Nimzo Indian, where his opponent whipped up some dangerous counter-play. John weathered the storm and even had winning chances at the end, but grabbing back the exchange to restore material parity inadvertently forced a drawn endgame.

Steve played an obscure variation of the Alekhine Defence against the rarely seen  Four Pawns Attack. Black won a safe pawn and a decent initiative out of the opening. The experienced Andy Robins was able to win a Bishop with a clever tactic. Steve used the activity of his pawns and pieces to pin White back in the resultant R and B v R endgame. A draw offer from Andy was accepted since it was unrealistic to press for more.

Kevin seized the chance to win material only to become entangled in David's threats of mate or a losing material loss. (I was far too greedy and David played accurately to punish my sin! - KD)

I was worse for most of the game and failed to assess the threats Dylan's attack posed.

The dizzy heights where we were gazing at the top of the table seem a distant memory.

	Rolls Royce B		3 - 1	Derby A
1	Richmond, Frank	1947	½ - ½	Tompson, John C	2078
2	Robins, Andrew	1811	½ - ½	Retout, Steve P	1893
3	Hatton, David	1722	1 - 0	Dalley, Kevin J	1847
4	Meyer, Dylan	1718	1 - 0	Williams, David	1843

Dave Williams 21/03/25