Chess life in Thailand, Episode 2
Thailand's chess community is perhaps could be described as "tiny" compared to most countries in Europe, but the people are all willing to share their experience, information, and they are always friendly to talk with; Same as chess community in other places. Amazingly, tournaments get held frequently here and they are all accessible due to the little amount of enter fees that participants have to pay. That's why I'd be glad to introduce you all, my SECOND journey in this huge series! Let's get into it.
Introduction
In this episode, I went to a tournament named "Big Rook After School" Which was organised by Big Rook Chess Academy. The first thing that I have to mention is how cheap the enter fees is, initially you have to pay 800 THB (or roughly 23 USD) before you join the tournament; and if you play well enough to get into top 3, they'll turn it back to you! Secondly I need to tell you that this is the FIDE-Rated classical tournament with odd 45+30 time format! So it'll be a lot faster than usual for the most classical chess players.
First day, I went to the venue 40 minutes earlier (mostly likely the game will be started at 5 PM) to collect some footages for my new youtube video and take some Antigen Test Kit which they gave us for free in the first day of action. After which the participants gradually arriving, 10 minutes before the game I had lots of good experiences having discussions with many players.
Suddenly the arbiters encountered a little issue with pairing so they delayed the game for 10 minutes, and once the clock hit 5:10 PM; I shook hand (not really) with my opponent and the game start.
But before we start our main course, let me mention my friend Jomsup who also did the same content as me but from his perspective; and if you are interested, please go check it out right here.
1st Day
Now let's start our match. I already gave you some introduction to this first day, but let me tell you all some more little details. Me and my practice partner Arush decided to join this tournament together, and perhaps you will find his name in a lot of my blog from now on.
In this first game I was playing as White pieces against another player from Thailand; the game wasn't very tough but let's just say I made some positional mistakes and dubious moves; in which I realized after I analyzed the game with my coach.
I have to respect my opponent for his patience; he played until the actual end of the game. He has a hard time in this tournament, but nevertheless, I can still feel that he's full of energy. Also, his sister was a star in this tournament!
So the first day went well for me. I finished the game much earlier than I thought. It only took me an hour! Which is an advantage since I can keep my energy for tomorrow.
2nd Day
Today I spent my morning and afternoon preparing against my opponent; he was a very skilled Filipino that plays weird opening... THE GROB. This game went very badly. I messed up a lot of time after I forgot my own preparation. But it appeared to me that I also took my opponent to unknown territory. He gave me a chance to win the game, but then I made a really BIG blunder that was the cause of my nightmare.
And remember when I said I spent my time preparing against him? I was preparing the opening with my friend Arush, we were calling each other to make a deep preparation for both of our opponent. His game went well since he got my yesterday opponent, and I kinda guide him easily.
As you see in the game, the reason why I did that is because I didn't calculate thoroughly which is the cause of problems in positional chess. I was too careless, but I didn't underestimate him, maybe even a bit nervous to play with him; because I already knew that he is a very strong chess player.
That day I didn't stay there for more footage because of that blunder that took away all of my passion for collecting videos, but I can't deny that MR Glenn is one of my most challenging opponents.
3rd Day
That day I played with white pieces again, on the same board as the first game. This time my opponent was a 1200 ELO player from Thailand. I knew that I shouldn't lose this game, so I made a big preparation again. But turns out he doesn't play what I expected; so I just tried my best and finally beat him at the end
I won his queen at the very start, but I felt like he still had some opportunities of winning back my queen; that's why I played quietly and carefully this time. I didn't what to risk my 1500 rating.
4th Day
My opponent on this day was difficult; he beat my friend Jomsup a day ago. And because I know how strong Jomsup is, I assumed that my opponent today would be really hard. And it turned out he is very solid, but when he wants to attack, he attacks heavily. But he still missed some moves that I could play, that's why I was winning in the middle-game, but due to my tiny blunder, the game became an unexpected draw.
Today's game was the longest game in this tournament, although the result didn't popping out like what most people expected, but I felt satisfied with it. (Still think I could do better though)
5th Day
This game was a very intense game, the position was very complicated, and I even put my rating points on a threat by playing a risky move on the 15th move. I also gave my opponent a draw opportunity at the end of the game due to the situation on the clock that I had only 3-5 seconds, not directly. I didn't offer her a draw but I moved my rook to the very wrong square, in which case if she found the move; it'd be a draw.
At the end of the tournament, I managed to get 3.5 points out of 5 and gained 21 rating points. Which led me up to 4th place. I stayed there for a bit more to listen to the speech from the first place and talk with other participants.
I'd say that this tournament is one of the best tournaments of mine, I will upload the analysis onto my YOUTUBE channel as well!