After almost two-and-a-half hours of hard-fought play, Richard Vernon’s reaction to being offered a draw was truly decisive.
Sitting back straight in his seat, he looked his opponent Gary Slegg in the eye, and said very firmly, “Yes!”
But this was no ordinary result for Vernon – it was the Shrewsbury player’s first result other than defeat at the 11th time of asking, writes Peter Kitchen.
It had been a long time coming. Since his first game for Shrewsbury – a loss to Oswestry’s James Joyson on March 11th last year – Vernon had played 10 over-the-board games either for the club or in individual competitions – and lost the lot.
There have been some hard luck stories and near-misses in those games – and that’s without mentioning Richard’s online games, where he has performed competitively without seeing games through.
In truth, Vernon has endured a tough baptism of fire. He played chess a bit in his youth, but never competitively. On joining Shrewsbury, the only over-the-board chess was available for the club’s A team in the top flight of Shropshire Chess League.
Richard has given it a good go playing on bottom board over the past two seasons, but has often found himself vastly outrated against experienced opposition.
These experiences made Friday night’s Shropshire Individual round two draw with Slegg – who Vernon lost to in a tight league game earlier this season – all the more worth it.
Playing with the white pieces, Vernon had kept things tight as both sides looked to manoeuvre for an opening.
Eventually they reached an ending with equal pawns with Slegg having a dark squared bishop and Vernon a knight. With both players into their last 15 minutes, a ceasefire was agreed – although in Vernon’s mind at the time that wasn’t straightforward either.
His next words to Slegg after accepting the draw offer were: “I’m glad you offered a draw – I was thinking of offering one myself but haven’t ever done so before and I wasn’t sure what to do!”
Speaking after the game, Vernon said: “It feels fantastic to get such a result, especially when I did the analysis and it showed me that I was head to head throughout and that a draw was the right outcome.
“I’ve always felt that my time will come but that won’t come without getting myself out there. I need to be playing to gain in knowledge and experience.”
Since joining the club, Richard has been a regular at the club and continued to develop his games, making his first result a true triumph of perseverance. He’s also taken over as captain of Shrewsbury C in Shropshire Online Chess League division two this season.
While everyone at the club is delighted for Richard, his next target is clear – getting that elusive first victory. Best of luck Richard!