2024 Queensland State Championship was held at Anglican Churchie school and some of our members played in both Main and Under 1600 categories.  This is to share some interesting games or moments that could be instructive to upcoming players from the club.

Joshua’s Luck in the endgame

This was youngster Joshua Liu’s first major classical tournament as he only learnt to play the game recently with his total experience in chess so far, under an year. He participated in the Under 1600 ACF(Under 1700 Fide) category championship.  The following game is from the third round where he was paired against a higher rated opponent from gold coast chess club. Joshua was on the receiving end in the black side of the Scandinavian after a dubious middle game decision until the opponent decided to trade off pieces to a seemingly equal endgame.
Then the magic happens and he wins. A very instructive miss in endgame from the white player where a one move tempo decides the outcome of the game.
Enjoy the game.

An eventful draw from a worst opening

Another youngster from the club Neo had the opportunity to play in the main event (above 1700 fide/1600 ACF).He was one of the lowest seeds in the category.
Following is his game against current Under 18 state champion, where he was worst in the opening but eventually could secure a draw against this much higher rated opponent with some active play in the middle game.