Many happy returns

Yesterday marked the beginning of my last fortnight in the Upper Valley. I feel some sadness about leaving, but it's greatly mitigated by the knowledge that I'm coming back next year. And it will be a very happy return indeed, for Ellen and I have set a wedding date! We'll be getting married in the Upper Valley (precise location TBD) in early September 2010. Don, our pastor at Christ Redeemer Church, will be performing the ceremony. Ellen and I couldn't be happier.

On the subject of happy returns, I played in my first over-the-board chess tournament in seven months on Saturday. The Hanover Chess Club hosted quads (a four-player round-robin event) that were converted into a Swiss due to attendance considerations. I was a bit rusty after so long away from tournament chess, but it was great to start getting back into the swing of things. I scored 2-1, losing on time in the final round after reaching a difficult endgame that was not without drawing chances. My favorite game was this round two victory. The game began as a mild-looking Fajarowicz Gambit, but my opponent left his king in the center too long. 18. ... g6 is the critical weakening move.

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 Ne4 4. a3 d6 5. Nd2 Nxd2 6. Bxd2 dxe5 7. Bc3 Qxd1+ 8. Rxd1 Nc6 9. Nf3 f6 10. e3 Be6 11. Be2 Rd8 12. 0-0 Be7 13. Rxd8+ Kxd8 14. h3 Ke8 15. Nh2 Kf7 16. b4 Rd8 17. Ng4 Bf8 18. c5 g6 19. f4 Bxg4 20. hxg4 e4 21. Bc4+ Ke7 22. g5 Bg7


23. f5 Rf8 24. fxg6 hxg6 25. b5 Nb8 26. c6 bxc6 27. Bb4+ Ke8 28. Bxf8 and Black resigned soon thereafter. I've heard Buffalo has a fairly strong chess club and I hope my studies will permit me at least a little time to play next year.

PS: It was brought to my attention that the photos in my most recent post weren't loading properly. The problem should be fixed now.