London Classic Day 1

It was all goin' fine, till ma bishop got Hembden.

Didn't feel so good this morning - mixture of nerves, lack of sleep, insert another excuse here. Was playing against GM Mark Hebden. I think I played ok - no ridiculously stupid errors, he just ground me down slowly and pressured each mistake more and more. 

The venue is totally awesome - All participants get an ID badge which entitles you to three free beers and a trip backstage to meet the bands. (That's made up - there's no alcohol or music, but you feel like a total legend walking about with an ID badge around your neck.)

Headed back to the hostel immediately after the game, had some food, and am now just lounging about trying to wind up Malaysian Jvnyi. ("That's a really cool name, but could I just call you Craig? Or Scott?" "Hmmm... No.")

Finnish Jason was talking in his sleep last night in Finnish. Or it could have been Irish Niall. Either way I thought it was kinda cool.

Tomorrow I've got an 1850 Isreali, hopefully ill play better and write a funny / more upbeat post tomorrow.

Competition Day 7

It's better to be Loki than good.

My 7th day here? Not sure, it's been so different and enjoyable all the days seem to have merged into one. Older Spanish man and French Finn left this morning, leaving me all on my own for the day. Cleaning Claire and her apprentice popped in to change the sheets, and told me no-one was to join me today. Prepared for a few hours, had some weeto's, then headed to the chess hall.

The game was intense. The middle game brought chances for both sides, but i started going astray around move 30 in time trouble. By move 40 I'd completely messed up the position, dropping 2 pawns and going into a lost rook and pawn endgame. I was cheesed off and decided to make him play it out - He returned the messy favour allowing me to draw it! If in doubt, play it out.

The tournament administrators have been posting a blog as well, and I noticed my name in a post the other day. "stórmeistarabanann Michael Grove" is the quote, so with a quick google translate that word in front of my name turns out to mean "Grandmaster's Banana". For some odd reason, I quite enjoy being a top chess players parthenocarpic snack.

I bought six "light" beers on the way up the road, then returned to an empty Room 32. This'll be the first night of the trip I spend alone. Properly alone. Fingers crossed for the Swedish twins.

Competition Day 6

Its getting Better, but its still not Magni-ficent.

I won the game, messed up the opening but he gave me a pawn, and it was tough for him from there. My opponent turned out to be a really nice viking called Oskar, and he gave me a lift to the shop then back to the hostel. He's also offered me some cosier clothes for going to see the glaciers, which is nice.

Our number grew to three as French Finn joined us. He's been climbing mountains on his own for five days. He asked why I here, I told him I was a lion tamer in a travelling circus. Nah I didn't but that kind of stuff is so tempting ha!

Time to prepare for the game today, its against 2006 Oliver Johannesson. Ill be happy tonight if either;

a) I win my game.

b) I lose my game but Swedish twins join room 32.