100 not out

On Monday next week the centenary British Championship commences at the Riviera International Centre in Torquay. The leading contenders are as follows: Gawain Jones, David Howell, John Emms, Mark Hebden and Keith Arkell. I first qualified for the British Championship by winning the Southern Counties title in 1967. However, since I had been selected to represent the English Student team later that year, I was not able to take up my place, which was held over for me until the summer of 1968. Looking back on that qualifying tournament I have found that one of my favourite games has eluded commentary. Here I take the opportunity to redress the balance.
 
Keene-Roe; Southern Counties Championship, British Championship Qualifier, Southend 1967; English Opening
 
1 Nf3 g6 2 g3 Bg7 3 c4 e5 4 Nc3 Ne7 5 d4 d6 6 Bg2 0-0 7 0-0 exd4 8 Nxd4 Nbc6 9 Nxc6 Nxc6 Continuing in this fashion preserves the integrity of Black’s pawn structure but it leaves Black with a slightly passive position.