Presented below are a selection of some (but by no means all) of the best games played in the opening matches of the Bedfordshire Chess League by Luton Chess Club players. Light notes are given at the beginning of each game.
We begin at the season opener, Bedford A v Luton A match. Outrated on every board, the Luton side were to lose 4-1. The exception on board 2, was between the creator of the popular "Epic Chess" YouTube channel James Gardner, versus the current Champion of Luton Chess Club Tommy O'Brien. The match was close call into the middle game, with advantage to White after gaining an extra pawn. White then attempted to capilise by trading pieces. But Black subtlly readjusted the position of his Bishop into the direction of his opponents King and won in a clever mate in 5.
Next we have a game from the Luton A v Milton Keynes A match. Eustace Onyeji, alumni of the University of Bedfordshire and new to league matches faced the more experienced and strong Graham Smith. Eustace played as if he had a crystal ball, predicting his c pawn would become and unstoppable force by it marching down the board, and forcing his opponent's resignation.
Time for a look at Luton B team. At the match against Bedford B, once again, the home side was outrated on every board, including the board 3 match between former county champion Paul Habershon and former Luton Club Champion Samir Vora. Paul played a closed Siclian, advancing his f-pawn to break up the Kingside Black pawn structure. Ever the maverick, Samir bravely obliged and captured with his g-pawn leaving his King without protection. But this was a prepared line, to give Black connected passed pawns in the centre and open lines to launch a winning attack.
And finally we have a game from the Luton A v Luton B homeside match between captain of the University of Bedfordshire chess team Tim Hayden, against one of his most promising juniors Qasim Zaidi. Tim has been a successful practitioner of the London System, winning games in the league and internal matches. Here he came across a prepared student with the Black pieces, attempting to exploit a critical weakness in White's opening.