La Roche sur Yon is hence a « Napoleonian town », which regularly honours its founder. So, off for a blitz match between the promising Dutch youngster Jorden Van Foreest and myself! And as « imagination rules the world », the organizers had invented a fairly original format; seven games, of which two were Classical, two were Chess , two were thematic, and a further blindfold game to top it off!
A well thought out organization put the event on high level standards, for the players as well as for the audience A seat auditorium almost filled up for a chess show, in an average town like La Roche sur Yon, means a clear success and is always a pleasure for the players.
As for the match itself, Jorden proved he was a worthwhile opponent. I was in danger as early as game 1, which I lost with white. Here, instead of the normal 9. Nxd7, I got carried away by the pawn sacrifice 9. Bf4 , but after 10…Qc8 , I could not prove any compensation.
Fortunately, I was able to move up a gear in the second classical game, then in the two games, hence recording three wins in a row. White just played Bxc5 and the position looks so symetrical. But black is on the move and tactical themes seem to favour him! The game went on Rd3 Rc1 Rxc5!
Rxd5 Rxc5! Rd4 Bf7! Rd7 Rxc5 Returning to the diagrammed position, the only move after 23…Qb3! Unfortunate though, as in spite of its ultra intense side — or perhaps thanks to it — blindfold chess is really interesting, as it requires an higher and unusual level of concentration.
