Yesterday the RAC Simul took place, Gawain along with the other Grandmasters each followed a format of playing 3 teams (one after the after) each with 10 Boards. Ga was paired with quite a tough pairing ECF Junior Select (9.5) Oxford/Cambridge Varsity (9) and RAC 1 (8.5) with a total score of 27 and no loses. Congratulations to GM Stephen Gordon who had an sensational score of 29/30 only conceding two draws!
After the simul, the boys went down to play blitz. They never seem to tire of the game like I would after such a long day walking around. A champagne reception followed with lots of delicious nibbles being serves (and me eating it all!) and then the formal dinner started – a menu full of delicious food and a speech by GM Bill Hartson who had many people in fits of laughter. A fun night all and all and the club is an amazing place to enter into (Costs £2570 for a one off joining fee then £1215 a year if you’re Over 31 less if you under) Some on site facilities include swimming pool, Turkish Baths, gymnasium, squash, tennis and snooker room as well as a big smoking room with several chess boards! I certainly enjoyed the night but probably won’t be able to make it in 100 years time so let’s hope then hold another event in a year! Gawain was off early this morning (5am) to Norway for the start of the Open Norwegian Tournament where he is 2nd seed behind GM Tiviakov. He plays today at 5pm and I hope that there will be games online – If so I’ll post it up.
