Regular reports and commentary by:
Candidate Master Advocate Lyndon Bouah
A former Olympiad player, Candidate Master Lyndon has represented SA since 1992 at senior and junior level. He is the president of Chess Western Province and a lawyer by profession.
Great new initiative by Chess Western Province & Chessa!
So you enjoyed participating in your local league? You think that your league is the strongest and toughest!
Well here is a chance to prove it and have some fun to boot. Chess Western Province under the auspices of CHESSA will present the national inter-club championships from the 28th to the 30th November. It promises to be fun, tough and a chance to meet and make friends with other club members such as yourself.
Participating in a team versus team event requires additional strategies from those employed by an individual in a weekend tournament. Board orders must be spot on from the start, players must be available throughout the competition and the morale must be good. Suddenly that losing position, in which you would have resigned, requires that you must salvage a draw because every half point counts. Your club rival is now your coach and prepared to assist you with advice as you prepare for your opponent. The point gained by the bottom board is as eagerly anticipated and celebrated as that of the top board. Results against "weaker" teams are very important as it allows your team to nose ahead or catch up to your main rivals.
All the above makes for a heady mix of tension, excitement and camaraderie as you all compete and meet with old and new Chess friends. Remember, it is not always the strongest team on paper that wins the league and upsets during the competition often occur.
From the league directors office we wish you all lot's of fun, good but fair competition and may your Chess improve immeasurably as you embark on the latest edition of the Chess Western Province League with at last count, 41 teams ready to do battle!