13 Apr 2012: two wins for Iron Ass

This fine Friday the Thirteenth, the Chess Pirate and I welcomed the Chess Visionary to the clubhouse.

There were three orders of business:

1. We made sure the Chess Visionary understood the Three Rules.
2. We established that there was no one who needed to be cut as a result of violating Rule Three.
3. I was tasked with selecting several candidate CHESS CLUB trophies for the Chess Pirate's review.

And so, on to the games... Despite having a lingering case of woodchuck fever, I was on a roll, and wound up winning both games.

Game 1: Gabridoodle - Chess Pirate, 1-0

Proving that a leopard really can't change its spots, the Pirate began the game with her usual crazed, slashing attack (this is why no one messes with CHESS CLUB). I proceeded with my usual, methodical accumulation of small advantages. Much to the Pirate's surprise, I voluntarily exchanged queens (though I was canny enough to make an "in-between move" and leave the exchange initiation to her). As time went on (the game lasted nearly two hours), the Pirate wilted and I began to earn my new nickname "Iron Ass."

Game 2: Chess Visionary - Gabridoodle, 0-1

Puffed up from victory over the Pirate, I launched right into my first game with the Chess Visionary. Being out of practice, she made a mix of good and bad moves. As usual, I was methodical and once her collapse began, it was rapid. However, we have high hopes that she will improve, provided that she can match Iron Ass in staying power.