Oh to be a Master...

Most young chess players will set there sights on becoming World Champion. Those of us who now feel this is slightly unrealistic may set our sights on the accalade of being a Master.

Unfortunately, often this also seems beyond reach, however hard we may try. At times like these we should look to the likes of B. Friend who in 1991 became a Master for the first time at the age of 71. Then there was also Esteban Canal of Peru who received an honouray Grandmaster title at the age of 81.

While this can give some comfort, when looking at master games the amateur player often feels out of their depth. They yearn to play such brilliant moves, but shouldn't they know their limits? When feeling discouraged there is only one thing to do. Think of a certain Adams.

The unknown Adams was a nobody who achieved an overwhelmingly beautiful combination against Senor Torre. It looks like a combination that has been carefully constructed by highly skilled professional. However, it was conjured up effortlessly by the hand of an amateur. Thank you Mr Adams.

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 exd4 4. Qxd4 Nc6 5. Bb5 Bd7 6. Bxc6 Bxc6 7. Nc3 Nf6 8. O-O Be7 9. Nd5 Bxd5 10. exd5 O-O 11. Bg5 c6 12. c4 cxd5 13. cxd5 Re8 14. Rfe1 a5 15. Re2 Rc8 16. Rae1 Qd7 17. Bxf6 Bxf6