Alan Willis – Basingstoke Chess Club.
Alan Willis shares some of his Chess career details.
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What are your early memories of chess?
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Social Chess club
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At what age did you join a chess club?
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Eleven
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What chess teams have you played for over the years?
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Hampshire, Berkshire, Basingstoke & Bracknell
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How long have you played and have you ever taking a break from the game, and if so, what was the reason for this?
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70 years. Break for family commitments
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What do you most enjoy about chess?
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Results are due to only you.
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What do you least enjoy about chess?
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Playing against very strong ungraded people.
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How many chess books do you have, and do you think you have read most of them?
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I own 64, some I have worn out and some I hardly touch.
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Do you have a favourite player and if so, what do you most admire about this player?
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Anatoly Karpov. He is close to my style of chess, and was committed to his country.
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Can you tell me about you most successful tournament you have played in, or biggest achievement in chess?
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31st Berks & Bucks I was a prize winner.
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Do you have any favourite books?
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Chess at the Top 1979-1984 Anatoly Karpov
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Do you have a favourite game, and would you mind annotating this?
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My life long chess friend, Terrence Bean ( deceased ) beat James Plaskett , at the Exeter Open 21-03-87 Dutch Defence. I have his record of this amazing game.
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What advice would you give to anyone starting in chess, or looking to improve?
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Find your style of play and study openings and games that lead to it.
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Would you like to share details of your life outside of chess, e.g. work, personal life etc?
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I am retired but have written a book about kingfishers.
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Do you have any interesting chess anecdotes you would like to share?
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Someone who lost threw his King across the room and stomped out.