Mickey Adams: The best-looking chess player
As we are approaching the midpoint of the London Chess Classic, things are heating up throughout the festival. It’s even getting too much for Nigel Short, as he repeated moves to agree an 11 move draw with the white pieces yesterday. Perhaps a tactical decision on his part? Nigel came up to me and said “I’m done” and I thought he was joking! So, I asked what happened and he simply said “Well, I’m bloody shattered!”
He did also go on to say “Don’t worry, I will win tomorrow”, so let’s see what he does with the black pieces today!
Naturally I went to hear David’s side of the story:
“If I had known he was tired, I would have played on! I’m going straight home though, to prepare for tomorrow. This is a grudge match now and I’m determined to win.”
David and Nigel have had a long-standing rivalry for many years and even have a bet on who will reach 2725 first. Albeit, this bet was made when they were both much closer, but the race is still an interesting one. Their peak rating is identical – 2714, but David is the one who seems more threatening to break this.
After England’s upsetting finish in the Baku Olympiad, Nigel’s views on David’s performance and growth as a player has made David even more determined. Expect to see some bloodshed in the remaining rounds of the British Knockout.
Yesterday was the start of the 5-day stretch of schools’ coaching and tournaments. 500 kids filled Olympia Conference Centre to take part in a variety of chess activities, but it seemed to be all about Lawrence Trent. He was the star of show, with his performance in the auditorium and his constant declaration of love for Fabiano, the children seemed to think he was the coolest guy ever!
After playing their games and attending the press conference, the Classic Grandmasters usually come to the VIP room for some refreshments and some winding down time. Yesterday, a few mums started discussing who the best-looking chess player in the Classic is! It was interesting to hear the views of those who were not affected by rating, or what openings they played.
This also led me to ask my non chess-playing friend, whom I met up with in the evening.
When conducting the same poll with chess players later that evening (both guys and girls!), there were votes for most of the players, but one came out on top… Michael Adams! My friend Jessica, also picked him out as her choice. So, if Mickey weren’t happily married, it seems he could have his fair choice of ladies!
Have you ever wondered what the arbiters get up to at chess tournaments? Well, at this one, they throw pancake parties! Late last night, I received an invite to the “arbiter house” where they were throwing a pancake party! So, I decided to pick up a bottle of prosecco to take over for the party. In the store, I bumped into Vladimir Kramnik, who sadly did not want to join such a party. However, I also learned from him that he was not a fan of Calvin Harris! I really don’t think we can be friends – no pancakes or Calvin?!
And there is another voice chiming in:
@SChevannes @ChessBase @MickeyAdamsGM The matter is settled. pic.twitter.com/IIesnb0vW6
— Howard Staunton (@HowardStaunton) December 13, 2016
The guests at the arbiter house, however, liked both, so I was in good company!