4NCL

As referenced in my most recent posting, the final week of 4NCL season 3 saw Horsham 2 facing their closest rivals for the remaining promotion slot from their section of division 6. The opponents in this final round had substantially outperformed their ratings to get so close but the grading differences made for a largely comfortable evening for Horsham, running out winners by 3.5-0.5 and thereby securing promotion to division 5.

There were mixed fortunes for the 3 Horsham teams in the latest round of the 4NCL season.

Horsham 1 tied 2-2 although until very late on it could have gone either way. Mark’s Reti on board 1 always seemed under pressure but he found the correct defence and a truce was called with opposite-coloured bishops. In glancing at Dix’s Sicilian from time to time my superficial assessment was pessimistic but subsequent analysis suggested there was never much in it until he smoothly converted his advanced queenside pawns.

I played in the under 2000 section of this weekend's 4NCL congress. Whilst Stockfish was suitably scathing of my efforts in scoring 2.5 out of 5 and despite my general discomfort of playing 'on screen', the absence of normal pressure (no spectators, no grading impact and no team 'responsibility') added to my enjoyment and I may well try again at some future date.

On Tuesday 23rd February Horsham 1,2 and 3 played in 4NCL.

Round Two of Horsham s 4NCL online season continued on the 9th february.

Last Tuesday saw the start of season 3 of the 4NCL online league (time control 45 minutes plus 15 seconds increments) with all three Horsham teams involved.

Horsham 3 (division 7) were heavily out graded by Dundee C (c270 points per board) and duly lost 3.5-0.5 but not before a well fought draw by Alex Thorndyke on board 1. Harry and Simon each lost out to opening preparations and Andrew missed a tactic when reasonably placed.

In terms of league fixtures, Tuesday saw the final week of the current 4NCL online season but with the top 4 teams in each division going through to their particular semi finals, Horsham 1 secured their place in the league 3 play offs with an emphatic win by 3.5-0.5. Their semi final is on 1 December (and can of course be watched online) with the hope of a final on 15 December.

Our teams were battling it out again last week with the 4NCL tournament entering the final stages.

Horsham 2 lost had a narrow loss, 2.5-1.5 which was unfortunately decided with a 'mouse slip’ in Richard's game which was looking solid. Marian managed a solid win and Chris secured a draw but it wasn’t enough to beat Hackney Hungry with John defeated on board 2.
Horsham 3 managed a nice win against Uxbridge Bombers C with a nice win from Samuel and a default on their bottom board meaning we managed a 2-1.5 victory.

Last Tuesday in the 4NCL there was some close matches, back-and-forth games, and plenty of surprises.
The 1st team were up against Chessmates, who we strongly outgraded. Things appeared to be going smoothly with Nick and I wrapping up quick wins on the bottom boards, only for the top two to go down in tricky, time-pressured, tactical positions to leave us with a 2-2 draw.

As we approach the midway point, Division 3 was starting to look hopeful for Horsham 1, with three wins & a draw so far.
This week we took on Streatham B which looked like a match that we should win based on the average grades.

I was first to finish with the black pieces, my opponent started with the English. I quickly managed to get in an early pounce and prevent the white king from castling and then built a solid attack, white soon after resigned.