Page 81 - AGC Journal 2018

AGC JOURNAL 2018

Chess Relaxing

Throughout the tournament each game
taxed you. By close of play you needed to
relax your mind, the local town provided
By Corporal Steven Wegg ample entertainment. One noticeable
event was going to an open roof night
It all started several years ago when I accidently came across a Defence club on a skyscraper; it was strange

having a drink whilst a helicopter flew
Information Notice and saw a Combined Services Chess Association notice. below you.
I knew there was a Chess Competition in the forces, but I never thought I’d Televised Play
end up representing my country.
One day the competition was televised.
The NATO team players were asked to play
against the locals. It was impressive to see
Unique Experience so many people of different ages (7 to 60

years) turn up for the event.
What followed next was a unique experience I’ll never forget. I United Kingdom
was informed by the Chairman of the Combined Services Chess Team New Friends
Association that I could be part of the United Kingdom Team as

an official in the 29th NATO Chess Championship 2018 hosted The whole tournament was excellent from

for the first time in the United States. It was an honour to take Entrance sign to start to finish. I met new friends and took
the campus

part. on board the high level of chess offered
in the competition. The United States was
brilliant, I won’t forget the nights down
The Event town and great meals out with everyone
from different countries. The final closing

The event was in June and it was to last over a week and banquet was splendid with all the awards
ten countries took part. The location was at the Technical and presentations.
University Lubbock, Texas. The United Kingdom contingent
comprised of ten players. We all set of to the United States and Leader Board
on arriving I was already thrilled to meet other Chess Players
travelling from other countries. The United Kingdom came mid table

in the competition, Poland came first,
United States Customs then Germany a very close second. Two
of our team were presented with the
Long Service Veterans Award. Finally, I
Customs in the United States was as strict as ever, I felt safe in thought I had the best competition, not
the knowledge if anything went wrong my friend Tony, a Royal victorious on the chess board, but from
Navy Barrister was nearby… although it seemed there was home: “Congratulations, you came off
little he could do when his luggage got lost. The only drama the selection board for promotion to
I had was designing and supplying the Team shirts, which Sergeant”.
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 Combined Services Chess

before setting off.
Association
Grandeur The Combined Services Chess Association
runs the Armed Forces competition for
After our 12 hour flight, we were all welcomed by the grandeur all services including veterans and civil

of the United States, our accommodation was great, with servants. The event is for all players at any
full use of the University Facilities. The Gyms were massive level, just taking part is all that matters.
and included a leisure park outdoor amenity pool complete The locations can vary around the country
with slides. The comradeship with all the NATO countries was and the events can last up to four days.
outstanding, it’s amazing what’s achieved when we all work Every event I’ve played in have been
together. most enjoyable during the day and with
evening activities put on.
The Tournament Looking Forward
The tournament started with a formal parade which included The next NATO competition will be
several dignitaries, including the United States Grandmaster held in Berlin, Germany. It has held the
World Champion, the State Senator and a General. The competition before and is very popular.
Tournament consisted of seven games, each of my games If any personnel are interested in playing
averaged about two to three hours. Although I was punching Chess no matter what level, you can play.
above my weight, I managed to give all my opponents a run Chess is war over the board. It improves
for their money. I never managed to win a game, but I was mental agility, concentration, critical
offered a draw in one game. I tried to drive a pawn down the One of the thinking, abstract reasoning, problem

centre of the board to get him in ‘check’. However, I had to be evening solving, pattern recognition, strategic
very careful of his black knight on F4. The game was enjoyable functions planning, creativity, analysis, synthesis,
and I was happy to accept a draw. Most people may think through Large Chess board at and evaluation.
that a draw and six defeats may sound poor, but at this level a the doors Lubbock Airport … my friend got his luggage back.
draw placed me above many others on the score table.

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