After driving through a rainstorm, I found the hotel, but could not find the tournament! Granted, it was 10:30, but at least one game should still be going…Turns out NOBODY showed for the Adult section! Unfortunately, the same held true for the optional first round Sat!
Nevertheless, there were seven players in the Open, with fifteen in the Amateur section. If I had not needed the money I would have offered to play in the Open. Turns out I made the correct decision!
Wayne Christensen organized the event, saying it had given him a greater appreciation for organizers! Bill Taylor did a fine job directing, keeping the disputes to a minium. Just kidding! There were no disputes. Seniors seem to mellow as we age…Wayne tied for first with Klaus Pohl and John Patty, with whom I played an incredible game in the 2002 Texas Senior. My last round opponent, Russell Thurmond, with whom I drew(and that’s because I did not hear his draw offer after he sacked a bishop for two pawns an hour into the game, so we battled it out to the bitter end with both of us thinking the other guy had to win, with me thinking that, since he had a half point less, he had to win to win the tournament-That’s Senior Chess!), is the SC Amateur Champion.
The event was in a very nice HOTEL, a Ramada Inn. The staff could not have been more friendly or helpful. Wayne had a questionnaire for the players, asking about what they thought of the format and how it could be improved, something more organizers should consider… The one point I made with all seeming to agree is that the Open should have included class “B” players. After the tournament, Klaus said he thought any Senior tournament should be an Open tournament, because, as one ages, anyone can beat anyone.
I’ve known Wayne for a few years now and he is a true gentleman. USCF needs more players to step forward and ORGANIZE. Some years ago I had the idea of a Senior tournament in all 50 states, with the champions meeting. My idea went over like the proverbial lead balloon… It was, therefore, nice to see the flyer for the Tennessee Senior May 15-17! Kudos to Harry Sabine for organizing the modest (It’s a start!) event.
I would like to issue a challenge to EVERY Senior organizer to make my idea so.
Please go to the excellent SC website in a day or two for a report…( scchess.org )
Michael Bacon