30 Nov 2012: the Pirate wins The Shiny

Despite being stricken by malaria, the Gabridoodle made it to CHESS CLUB.  The hostess was kind enough to serve him a cup of hot cocoa but this didn't stop the malaria from affecting his game: the Chess Pirate -- for the first time since June ! -- is in possession of The Shiny.

Gabridoodle - Chess Pirate, 0-1

The game began with a frenzied queenside attack by the Pirate.  This delayed the Gabridoodle's development, much to his consternation.  However, he was able to mount a reasonably good defense.  But then at move 8 (see illustration), he made a key error.  The Pirate had just captured his horse at c5.  Proving the adage that "to take is a mistake," he was impatient and captured the horse with his bishop which was then, of course, captured by the Pirate's queen.  He should have waited to get the material back: perhaps some shameless pawn snatching with his light-square bishop would have been a better idea.  After this, the Gabridoodle bled away a bit more material and never really recovered despite the Pirate's slothful kingside development.  While not a miniature, it was over in a mere 29 moves.