Cabot’s new venue, “El Rincón”, is a lovely, decorative and cosy Spanish tapas bar in Bedminster. There wasn’t the usual hushed silence that accompanies most matches though. Wednesday was games night, and we were joined by several bridge players enjoying their games with a little chat, and Spanish flamenco music in the background added to the atmosphere. Not to mention little disco-style lights above a couple of the boards providing a little light distraction. I understand Cabot may be trying to move to another night when they wouldn’t be sharing.
After a small delay whilst tables and boards were rearranged in a very tight area, the metaphorical Spanish games commenced.
It took us a little while to settle down what with the minor hubbub on the adjacent section. It seemed I had only just entered the middle-game, and worked out where to locate pieces after I had taken them (a small free space on the mantelpiece next to me, as the tables are very small) when I noticed Steven’s game with Alastair Marston had come to an abrupt end. Alastair had made some uncharacteristic overly bold moves, which led to a weak position. Finally, white missing a mate in three threat, gave Steve the win. 0 – 1
Dave’s game against Alastair Drummond (back in the fold at Cabot) was next to finish with a draw. ½ - 1 ½
By this time in the evening, with the alcohol flowing, and another group joining us for a birthday celebration, the background noise moved up a level. I attempted to zone into the flamenco music and let the rhythm guide me, as an antidote to the noise. So much so, I had barely noticed Martin had finished with a win. ½ - 2 ½
As I struggled to work out how to make progress in a blocked-up game, what better to lift my spirits than a rousing rendition of the happy birthday song on the table behind me. A little later the very nice bar staff announced last orders at the bar, and a little after, that they would be closing in ten minutes. My opponent and I both glanced at each other, then at our clocks, which were currently standing at about 20 mins left each. Not long after, my opponent offered a draw, perhaps not wanting the stress of trying to finish the game whilst half out the door. I agreed. 1 - 3
Tom was looking in trouble, being down in material, and his opponent having a couple of mighty passed pawns. James was a pawn up and looking favourite. With festivities in full flow a few feet away, all players did well to maintain any level of focus. They continued with laser focus as the rest of the clientele were saying their goodbyes and ushered out of the bar. Finally, some silence!
By this time, James had skilfully simplified the position where he just needed to be careful in his king and pawn endgame, and resignation came shortly after from Oleksii. 1 - 4
Throughout the noise, Tom had shown his mettle and masterfully turned around a worse position to engineer a winning king versus pawn end game. Well done. 1 - 5
Ole! That’s one match to remember for sure. Bien hecho!