WHAT IT IS LIKE TO PLAY CHESS ON THE TOURNAMENT BOARD?

I hadn't really contemplated the fact that I was about to perform in front of hundreds of people. The fact that I hadn't played chess since I about 12 years old dawned on me on about the third step on the way up to my chair. The next few steps were gallows steps. Lucky for me then that I had the instantly likeable smiling face of Brian Smith beaming at me. As we were 15 feet or so from the pieces Brian was to be my relayer, talking to two volunteers from The London Design Festival and getting them to move my chosen piece. My opponent Ian Murphy sat across from me with his relayer Ben Edgehill. The game began, I nudged my pawn out on to the attack and settled into an hour of pure fun. Stewart Rubin from The English Chess Federation kept up the banter throughout. The contenders up on the Anthony Gormley plinth were firmly put in the shadow, with Rubin gently mocking them throughout the match.
Nelson would of been proud, the match was called a draw after 1 hour and a half, Both Ian and I had an amazing experience, it's great to know that many others will too over the course of the next few days. If you are in the area around Trafalgar Square then pop by.If you are one of the lucky ones that get to play, good luck!