
Chess isn't everything; just a big part
Mixing chess with pleasure (actually, isn't this a pleonasm?!) the Jersey way could be one of the secrets behind this lovely tournament, as many attractive 'extras' were organized on site: a Blitz event and a simul kindly offered by Jovanka, while the mesmerizing and rather unusual landscapes were there for your eyes to lay on.
There are some things you learn best in calm...
… and some in storm.
One of the most amazing parts for me was the Jersey's tide. Its harbor is totally
transformed in a very short space of time by the arrival or departure of the sea.
Tide and time wait for no man
Sometimes wine is just necessary, especially in Blitz!
Or after a rough and well-deserved tournament win!
Even though it was scheduled during the tournament, Jovanka did her utmost to sustain
the chess passion among the Jersey's kids – a simul played with clocks! Besides good
moves, Jovanka had to show her running skills too.
Everyone loved the evening and if I look at Jovanka's expression, I would say she enjoyed it
too! But then there was this morning game next day against yours truly...
Houska - L'Ami
Sometimes hands come in handy when...
… calculating.
How could one refuse offering chess advice to such lovely pupils?!
Obviously Tiger could not, so here he is, literally with one minute to go until his game started
Hillarp Persson - Hebden
Coaching and playing at the same time is quite a demanding
activity, perhaps the reason why Tiger couldn't show all the
weapons from his arsenal.
Since our chess brain needs some breaks as well, discovering the island's beauty and history could be a good starting point.
The sea does magic with an overstretched chess brain
Low tide but...
… a boat in the middle of the town?
Being very close to the western shore of France and not far from England, the island of Jersey could have been a good strategic base for the French, British or Germans in their quest to conquer new territories. They all left their mark on the island and nowadays hundreds of high historical landmarks can be admired by tourists: cannons, towers, castles, fortifications, walls or tunnels, all of which bear a special historical load. If you combine that with a cozy chess event, I guess we have a winner for your next trip?!
Chances are that right after landing, you will be taken on a sudden scenic tour! The hotel can wait.
Our arbiter, IA Adam Raoof, made sure the chess part ran smoothly
Glenn - L'Ami
Note the tournament sponsor's cap – I like such details and shame on me I didn't picture
the pen we were offered, which was pretty as well.
Next year, one round will be played in the castle, after all it is the royal game we are playing!
And we will have such views...
… while a bit further away the coastline is waiting for you too!
Small only in size, the Polar Capital Chess Festival of Jersey had rewarded us inversely proportional. Just like all the little dots put together can create an à la Van Gogh masterpiece, the Jersey tournament became an event to remember. That was inevitable, just like my participation next year!
Rk | SNo | Ti. | Name | Fed | Rtg | Pts | TB |
1 | 2 | GM | HEBDEN Mark L | ENG | 2489 | 7.5 | 47.5 |
2 | 3 | GM | WILLIAMS Simon K | ENG | 2452 | 6.5 | 50.0 |
3 | 1 | GM | HILLARP PERSSON Tiger | SWE | 2529 | 6.0 | 49.0 |
4 | 4 | IM | HOUSKA Jovanka | ENG | 2376 | 6.0 | 48.5 |
5 | 5 | FM | MERRY Alan B | ENG | 2375 | 6.0 | 47.0 |
6 | 6 | IM | L'AMI Alina | ROU | 2348 | 6.0 | 46.5 |
7 | 7 | FM | WEBB Laurence E | ENG | 2272 | 5.5 | 49.5 |
8 | 8 | FM | HOUSE Glenn L | ENG | 2213 | 4.5 | 48.5 |
9 | 9 | BYRON Alan M | ENG | 2124 | 4.5 | 42.0 | |
10 | 10 | KLINGHER Dominic | ENG | 2101 | 4.5 | 41.5 | |
11 | 12 | HAGESATHER Arne | NOR | 2059 | 4.5 | 39.0 | |
12 | 23 | PITCHER Thomas | ENG | 1723 | 4.5 | 38.0 | |
13 | 11 | HEPPELL Ian N | ENG | 2083 | 4.0 | 41.5 | |
14 | 13 | CM | BELZO Krzysztof | JCI | 2047 | 4.0 | 37.5 |
15 | 22 | WEBSTER Jim J | SCO | 1844 | 4.0 | 36.0 | |
16 | 20 | HICKMAN John E | ENG | 1901 | 4.0 | 35.0 | |
17 | 15 | FRENCH Max | ENG | 1919 | 4.0 | 34.5 | |
18 | 17 | ANDERSEN Niels Erik | DEN | 1910 | 4.0 | 31.0 | |
19 | 14 | CM | WOJCIECHOWSKI Paul | JCI | 2000 | 3.5 | 36.5 |
20 | 19 | CM | FORBES Garry | JCI | 1904 | 3.5 | 33.5 |
21 | 18 | BAKKER Joop | NED | 1907 | 3.0 | 34.5 | |
22 | 16 | AIM | KAHN Tito | JCI | 1917 | 2.5 | 32.5 |
23 | 21 | JOUAULT Louis | JCI | 1892 | 2.0 | 35.5 |
LinksThe games are being broadcast live on the official web site and on the chess server Playchess.com. If you are not a member you can download a free Playchess client there and get immediate access. You can also use ChessBase 13 or any of our Fritz compatible chess programs. |