Blackpool Chess Conference 2022

[Simon Rogers]

Set your expectations higher for this weekend as the latest forecast is for sunny weather on Saturday after rain first thing and then Sunday, windy and light showers.
Tomorrow evening seems to be cloudy with light rain.
For the guests and other forumites who can't attend Blackpool, like Scarborough, I'll try and write a brief daily report.

[Simon Rogers]

Sorry for the late report. Here is the news from late night.
I was white on top board against Ian Blencowe from Gloucestershire. It wasn't the most exciting of games as it became very stodgy. The game ended in a draw by repetition.
A couple of interesting positions in the opening which I'll post in the Chess Questions Category after the tournament.
I believe Danny Gormally won quite quickly in the Open against Martyn Hamer. Although when I went to stretch my legs, the position seemed to be quite level.
Good to see so many friends from across the country playing who I have not seen since the pandemic.
The tournament is well organised, although I found the lighting poor particularly above the higher boards in each section. I'll try and report back at lunchtime after round 2.
If not this evening, Bye bye for now.

[LawrenceCooper]

Are there any live boards?

[Matt Bridgeman]

Are there any live boards?

It looks like there is some here; https://view.livechesscloud.com/#1897cb ... 941f1d53ad

[LawrenceCooper]

Are there any live boards?

It looks like there is some here; https://view.livechesscloud.com/#1897cb ... 941f1d53ad

Many thanks.

[Simon Rogers]

Sorry for not reporting yesterday lunchtime as I didn't finish my game until after 1.30pm and didn't have much time before round 3.
My morning game was quite interesting and one for the purists with a complicated double rook and pawn ending.
I played against Nel Milson from Louth with the black pieces. It was very enjoyable and it ended in a draw.
My game in the afternoon was white against a 9 year old prodigy from Hendon called Harry Bryant who informed me before the game that he was being coached by Jonathan Hawkins and Brandon Clarke.
His dad mentioned that he is playing in Reykjavik soon and playing in either the European or World Juniors in Greece.
I must admit, I was pleased in the end to get a draw against someone who seems to be destined for greatness.
I believe there are 284 entries for this year's Blackpool Congress, the record was 366 in 2019.
I'll try my best to report more later today.

[Simon Rogers]

My two games on Sunday were both interesting and eventful.
My first game in the morning, I had the black pieces.
I struggled against an unusual line in the London System which I will post soon in the Chess Questions Category.
I was fortunate to be offered a draw in a losing position, which I gladly accepted after a couple of hours play.
In the afternoon round, I decided to play a very attacking game with white and finish the tournament in a blaze of glory.
I played an aggressive move with my queen and found it trapped. I had to give up material for the lady to escape.
The late middlegame with a minor piece down, I managed to connect passed pawns, which marched up the board. I then set up a thematic mating net with my rook and knight which won me the game.
I finished the tournament on 3 points, 4 draws and 1 win.
Despite not playing my best, I still enjoyed the tournament and learned a lot.
The Blackpool Congress was well organised and special thanks to the Arbiters for their hard work.

[Brendan O'Gorman]

Some photos of the event, including one of Simon: https://brendanogorman.smugmug.com/Ches ... kpool-2022

[Mick Norris]

More photos

[Matt Bridgeman]

Going to be an earlier slot next year - 10-12 Feb.

[Matt Mackenzie]

Now that is a change from recent years - any particular reason?

[LawrenceCooper]

Going to be an earlier slot next year - 10-12 Feb.

Hopefully that won't result in a clash with 4NCL.

[Roger de Coverly]

Going to be an earlier slot next year - 10-12 Feb.

The email also says it's going again to be at the Imperial Hotel.