Page 80 - AGC Journal 2018

AGC JOURNAL 2018
Chess
By Corporal Steven Wegg
It all started several years ago when I accidently came across a Defence
Information Notice and saw a Combined Services Chess Association notice.
I knew there was a Chess Competition in the forces, but I never thought I’d
end up representing my country.
Unique Experience
What followed next was a unique experience I’ll never forget. I
was informed by the Chairman of the Combined Services Chess
Association that I could be part of the United Kingdom Team as
an official in the 29th NATO Chess Championship 2018 hosted
for the first time in the United States. It was an honour to take
part.
The Event
The event was in June and it was to last over a week and
ten countries took part. The location was at the Technical
University Lubbock, Texas. The United Kingdom contingent
comprised of ten players. We all set of to the United States and
on arriving I was already thrilled to meet other Chess Players
travelling from other countries.
United States Customs
Customs in the United States was as strict as ever, I felt safe in
the knowledge if anything went wrong my friend Tony, a Royal
Navy Barrister was nearby… although it seemed there was
little he could do when his luggage got lost. The only drama
I had was designing and supplying the Team shirts, which
got lost in the post; what was I going to say to the Chairman?
After a close call they finally arrived at my house, but only just
before setting off.
Grandeur
After our 12 hour flight, we were all welcomed by the grandeur
of the United States, our accommodation was great, with
full use of the University Facilities. The Gyms were massive
and included a leisure park outdoor amenity pool complete
with slides. The comradeship with all the NATO countries was
outstanding, it’s amazing what’s achieved when we all work
together.
The Tournament
The tournament started with a formal parade which included
several dignitaries, including the United States Grandmaster
World Champion, the State Senator and a General. The
Tournament consisted of seven games, each of my games
averaged about two to three hours. Although I was punching
above my weight, I managed to give all my opponents a run
for their money. I never managed to win a game, but I was
offered a draw in one game. I tried to drive a pawn down the One of the
centre of the board to get him in ‘check’. However, I had to be
very careful of his black knight on F4. The game was enjoyable functions
and I was happy to accept a draw. Most people may think through
that a draw and six defeats may sound poor, but at this level a
draw placed me above many others on the score table.
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Relaxing
Throughout the tournament each game
taxed you. By close of play you needed to
relax your mind, the local town provided
ample entertainment. One noticeable
event was going to an open roof night
club on a skyscraper; it was strange
having a drink whilst a helicopter flew
below you.
Televised Play
One day the competition was televised.
The NATO team players were asked to play
against the locals. It was impressive to see
so many people of different ages (7 to 60
years) turn up for the event.
United Kingdom
Team New Friends
The whole tournament was excellent from
Entrance sign to start to finish. I met new friends and took
the campus
on board the high level of chess offered
in the competition. The United States was
brilliant, I won’t forget the nights down
town and great meals out with everyone
from different countries. The final closing
banquet was splendid with all the awards
and presentations.
Leader Board
The United Kingdom came mid table
in the competition, Poland came first,
then Germany a very close second. Two
of our team were presented with the
Long Service Veterans Award. Finally, I
thought I had the best competition, not
victorious on the chess board, but from
home: “Congratulations, you came off
the selection board for promotion to
Sergeant”.
Combined Services Chess
Association
The Combined Services Chess Association
runs the Armed Forces competition for
all services including veterans and civil
servants. The event is for all players at any
level, just taking part is all that matters.
The locations can vary around the country
and the events can last up to four days.
Every event I’ve played in have been
most enjoyable during the day and with
evening activities put on.
Looking Forward
The next NATO competition will be
held in Berlin, Germany. It has held the
competition before and is very popular.
If any personnel are interested in playing
Chess no matter what level, you can play.
Chess is war over the board. It improves
mental agility, concentration, critical
thinking, abstract reasoning, problem
evening solving, pattern recognition, strategic
planning, creativity, analysis, synthesis,
Large Chess board at and evaluation.
the doors Lubbock Airport … my friend got his luggage back.
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