Draughts semi final

The semi final of the Dutch national championship draughts is being played in two groups of only 28 men, There used to be more people interested. We have to play eight rounds on four Saturdays, which means two games on one day. I had to get up at 7:00 and leave for Delft at 7:30. The first game was supposed to begin at 9:30, but as is to be expected in a first round there was some delay. We did not have the best referee either and no one from the organisation was present. Everything was done by amateurs, which was reflected in the organisational style. Anyway, the first round against someone I should be able to beat. I played an expected and strong temporary sacrifice after which I had to choose between giving two pieces in order to get a king, or play on positionally, and win a piece (but with compensation for my opponent). I chose the second option and it is unclear whether in this or the other variant I had an analytical win. I didn’t find it and it was a draw.

My opponent played very fast which meant that I had a relatively long break in between rounds. Outside in the cold fresh air a walked across the market and ate some kibbeling (some kind of fried fish).

I played the second round also against someone I should win from. I mean it isn’t a big failure if it is a draw, but I should win more than lose. The entire game I had the feeling that I had the better position. When it was time to calculate the win, however, I missed a combination in one of the variants. In the alternative variant I also didn’t see everything. Now I had to sacrifice for the draw. He sacrificed back with a slightly better position, but I still had enough time to find the draw. A lot of draws, and I played against the lesser competitors in the group. Placing was a outside chance, but it won’t happen now. I will just play for fun now.

In the second game my opponent again played very fast, so I got home at 8:30, which is a very reasonable time. I’m exhausted, but it could have been worse.,