Chess, lovely chess

[petejwatts]

We were joking the other day that if I keep writing about chess disputes it might put ppl off coming to join us - I hope not! Most of the time it's great fun with all smiles and sportsmanship all round. There was a nice example today. A new chap appeared and soon showed himself to be a good player, and I was disappointed to miss that he could fork my king and queen. He suggested I took the move back and I declined, as we dont normally take back moves. He urged me however as it spoiled a nice game,and as no-one was waiting to play, I accepted. I went on to win, and as a new player had arrived, he got up to let them play. Since he had let me take a move back, I offered to get up and let him stay on. No,he said,you won., you stay. I then suggested we call it a draw and "draw pawns" to see who stayed on. No,he insisted, you won,so you stay.

I only wish I was a good enough player to get more oppportunities to be as magnaminous.

[Carlos]

Nice story Sir! The chess players are friendly!

[petejwatts]

Another nice example of sportnsanship happened to me during a tournament. I failed to play the book draw opposite color bishops engame correctly and my opponent had a clear win, and, having previously declined a draw, gave it to me anyway! Since this could easily affect whether he got a prize, this was very sporting. As I joked above, I hope I play well enough to get many opportunities to be so sporting!

[petejwatts]

With folks complaining of players not being nice, I's like to remind people of this nice story.