The Unknown Derek Oldbury

COLUMN NUMBER 34

Problem Number 34: By Ken Marriott

Black to move and win

A very nicely concealed and forced win by the young Kimberworth player

Solution To Problem Number 33: 1-5 (if 3-8, then 19-15 White wins) 22-18; 3-8 18-9; 5-14 25-22; 14-18 22-15; 11-18 20-11; 8-24 27-20; 18-27 31-24; 2-7. Drawn.

Game Number 34. 'Wagram' Opening

In the semi-final of the recent British Championship, the two Yorkshire hopes, Derek Oldbury and Fred Bucklow, clashed. Oldbury won the heat 2-0 and two draws after an exciting encounter. Here is the first of the four games. I had the blacks.

Move: 11-15 24-20; 9-13 (I mix it up) 22-17 (Bucklow steers into the old 'Wagram' opening for safety); 13-22 25-11; 8-15 21-17; 5-9 17-13; 4-8 29-25; 9-14 25-22; 8-11 28-24; 3-8 23-18; 14-23 27-18 (well known play to here, usually ending in a tame draw); 10-14 18-9; 7-10 (seeking complications) 24-19 (best to return the piece); 15-24 22-18; 24-28 26-23; 12-16 31-27; 8-12 30-26; 10-15 18-14; 15-18 (both sides need release from a cramped position) Forms Diagram: White to move

Continue: ... 14-10; 6-15 23-14; 16-19 27-24 (forced); 1-5 14-10; 5-14 10-6; 2-9 13-6; 14-18 6-2; 11-16 (you will note this is best) 20-11; 18-23 26-22; 12-16 24-20; 23-27 32-23; 19-26. Drawn. An original game.