Horsing around, a funny mate, and Boston Magazine at South Station

There was excellent turnout at today's simultaneous exhibition at South Station given by grandmaster Larry Christiansen -- so much so that he and the Gabridoodle only played two games (needless to say, the grandmaster won both).

In a true, if non-theoretical, novelty, Boston Magazine had a reporter covering the event. Here's the post at their blog:

Boston Magazine article.

There was also coverage by the Boston Globe:

Boston Globe article.

In game 1, Christiansen subjected the Gabridoodle to a quick strangulation

The only really notable thing about the game was that the Gabridoodle made 12, count 'em, 12 knight moves in a row.

The Gabridoodle resigned at move 17. It's not quite mate, but it might as well be.

Game 2 was more interesting and one in which the Gabridoodle survived much longer.

At move 7, the Gabridoodle is already in trouble. Christiansen has a powerful, potentially deadly bishop-queen battery aiming at f7. Without much else to do, the Gabridoodle sends a horse to the glue factory and then castles.

At move 21, the Gabridoodle has a chance to "play for tricks." He can move his horse to c6 with impunity since, if Christiansen captures it, a back rank mate would ensue.  Needless to say, the grandmaster didnt't fall for it. However, I can think of at least one greedy, aggressive member of CHESS CLUB who would have.

Christiansen wins the game at move 39 with a funny mate.