The Scottish National Chess League started up again on Sun 29th January in Dunfermline.

Polytechnic have entered for first time (either in many years or ever?) after a number of players expressed an interest. Five travelled to the Carnegie Conference Centre for a rather disappointing day.

Slightly chaotic arrangements for day 1 (perhaps understandable?). First round, we were paired against Troon, who were disappointed to find they had only four players for the five-board match. Fortunately, some spare folk turn up and are allowed to "stand in" in such a situation. Their Captain was rather surprised to find a stand-in of greater strength than the rest of the team, who thus played top board for them. Nick Walker still made short work of the interloper, whilst Lewis Brookensdrew a long one (aren't they ever) on Board 2. Unfortunately, the rest of us (myself, Gilbert Alomenu and James Gillespie) let the side down (myself losing in the distinctly drawn end-game) for a 3.5-1.5 defeat.

The afternoon saw a different type of disappointment as the opposition had already played the morning match with ONE player. Things were not to change for the afternoon. The organisers seemed to think this was our problem, and we had to wait until the round was about to start before checking in with the newly promoted "Captain". The four missing players defaulted and the other was agreed a quick draw.

Troon 3.5        Polytechnic 1.5

Polytechnic 4.5      Edinburgh3     0.5

Am hopeful the organisation will have settled down for the next iteration on the 26th Feb.