Back to normal at last
29 July 2021
For the last 2 weeks we have at last been able to play chess normally. My tuition this week began with an introduction to the very dangerous Vienna opening where on move 2 after 1.e4 White plays 2.Nc3 rather than the more common 2.Nf3. Over the coming weeks I will be exploring the main lines of this opening in more detail which in my opinion is worth playing up to about ECF 180 or FIDE 2150. During lockdown I beat a 200 plus graded player with it so it is definitely worth looking at.

Week 2 without Dave... Paul, Joel and Sacha held the fort this week. Joel organised a demo for everyone and there will be another team puzzle competition next week. Steve was away so the Tuck Shop had to run itself. Steve sent a message from his holiday stating he had been playing Belgium opposition and won both games. No mention of expanding his Tuck Shop Empire overseas...

Dave is off on his holidays for a few weeks and this week Steve, Joel and Pete were left in charge. Steve was in charge of the Tuck Shop - his natural environment Joel looked after Davids group Pete looked after his beginners group. All went well...Steve got served at his own Tuck Shop by Pete, Joel brought the wrong charger for his laptop and Pete got diverted by road works and had a tour of Ashton. Highlight of the evening was Pete playing a game in the hall and being pleased to end in a Rook&Pawn vs Rook endgame. Joel and Tim kindly came over and said Pete should win - but didn't tell him how ! Perhaps a lesson for next week by Joel... Steve is away next week teaching some Italians how to play their own opening and Pete has a busy social schedule so both can't make it....leaving Joel, Paul and Sacha in charge. Steve has left instructions on his Tuck Shop layout and how to ensure the cupboard is put away correctly - "as long as it all fits in it will be fine"