We had really got this wrong. Why didn’t we do this indoors in front of a roaring fire? Chess indoors could actually be a thing!
It was a moment of epiphany. Ian was right, what kind of maniac sits outside for 4 hours in temperatures of -2 at the Halifax Piece Hall to play chess? 24 lunatics of course, from Kirklees and Calderdale Clubs.
The annual competition was back. Held in the deepest and darkest depth of winter, no matter the weather. Whilst there were outdoor heaters (did not stop my hands and feet going numb), players were layered up with hats, scarfs, snoods, gloves and hoods to do battle; except for Martyn Hamer, who apparently does not feel cold.
The event featured new and experienced players, hosted by the Wine Barrel and the Off the Grid Chess Initiative in the Piece Hall.
The Halifax Piece Hall launched the “Off the Grid Chess” initiative to promote Chess in the area. With regular outdoors Thursday sessions (with covers and heaters!), it has proved to be a great success in attracting new people of all ages. Two of which were directly asking about competitive play with the clubs in the area, feeling ready to make the jump.
The emphasis is on enjoyment and social interaction, rather than intense focus where it is quiet. So, when we were asked to play and promote new / lower rated players in this event, how could we say no? As someone who pitches into competitive play and Captains a lot, I did enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
Calderdale was again Captained by Dave Colledge, with myself running Kirklees. Realising Kirklees had more depth, I was keen for top boards to hold, middle to push their advantage and the bottom boards to be in the lap of the gods. Which is basically what happened.
Leo Keely and Martyn Hamer did battle on board one, over near 3 hours before a draw was agreed. It was a fascinating battle, featuring the Grob!
On two, Rob Broadbent’s King’s Indian turned violent, with huge attacking chances on both sides held back by very solid defences. Pieces flew off the board and an endgame emerged that would involve several hours and probably a 1/2 – 1/2. With both players turning blue with cold and sitting at the outside edge of the heaters, a draw was agreed.
Dave Colledge and Raza obtained a draw relatively quickly before bottom boards started taking points. Dan blundered and lost for Kirklees but Drew, Adam and Puneeth hit back with relatively quick victories. Harry fell to a late arriving Khon but more a victim of the cold! The remaining Kirklees boards were frankly in trouble however, Calderdale endgame blunders brought victory for Dave, Gaz and Alec. That was basically the difference.
Volunteering is with the ethos of several of the players. All three of the Calderdale victors have association with the St Augustine’s Refugee Centre: Andrew Perkis and Bob Gaunt volunteer, whilst Khon Paul Biel is a refugee.
4.5 to 7.5 to Kirklees and back next year!
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