♟ Wacky Wednesday – Video Games, Vampiric Powers & Victorious Veterans ♟
Alyssa got a shiny new video game and, in a shocking coincidence, suddenly came down with a mysterious illness just before chess. In the spirit of public health, she nobly stayed home to “recover”… while leveling up. She did swear she’d play some games online, though.
The weather was cold and dreary, and it seemed like a few others were also not feeling up to it. Luckily, Morne made his comeback after a long hiatus. As a Magic player, he admitted that a quiet Warren was strange territory, and the rust showed when Olindar took him down. He left muttering about how the Helderberg Chess Club kids are no joke.
Daniel Cilliers made a brief appearance, clearly hoping to vanish again, but Naomi lured him into a rapid game on the clock. This was supposed to be her revenge for him tanking his game in her ClashOTB team match. Instead, his endgame skills (and mind games) proved too much. Naomi sighed, let him go victorious, and pretended it was “all part of the lesson.”
Coaching did happen this week because Naomi remembered her laptop. She warmed up the kids with puzzles, giving Eduan the controls. Bad idea. He drained the laptop’s battery instantly just by touching it. After plugging it back in, he solved most puzzles with audience help, proving he drains electricity but not brain cells.
Then Sven launched into a “short” session about knights. When the kids’ eyes glazed over, Naomi reminded him an opponent was waiting. He couldn’t resist fresh blood—Riaan, the artist, who had just stomped poor Reggie repeatedly. Too late though: Clive got there first and gave Riaan a reality check before Sven swooped in and added his trademark death blows. Hopefully Riaan recovers and returns next week.
When coaching wrapped, the tweenagers bolted straight for boardgames. Eduan managed to hold one victim back for more chess, proudly explaining the power of pins… only for his opponent to immediately use the tactic against him. Brutal.
Summary of the night:
- Alyssa chose excuses over chess.
- Morne chose pain via Olindar.
- Naomi chose revenge, but got schooled.
- Sven chose knights, then fresh blood.
- Eduan chose teaching, but got pinned.
Just another Wednesday at The Warren.
