Cambridge International Open

The Cambridge International Open, held last week in fine surroundings at the University Arms Hotel in the city centre, is a valuable addition to the UK tournament scene. Organised by the English Chess Federation, demand for this debut event was strong and registrations had to close early at around 120 participants, when the capacity of the playing hall was reached. Nine grandmasters took part in the open tournament, including England’s top player Michael Adams. Despite being a huge favourite in his first round game, he drifted into serious trouble in the early middlegame. Seeing the storm clouds gathering, he wisely ventured a draw offer, which was accepted – that being a tremendous achievement for his teenage opponent and namesake Henry Adams.

Henry Adams-Michael Adams
Cambridge International Open, February 2023
(See left diagram)

Black’s pieces lack coordination, and Michael was perhaps most afraid of 24 f3! opening lines for attack. 24…Nf6 25 Nf7+ Kh7 26 Qe5 is grim, or after 24…exf3 25 Re8 f2+ 26 Kf1 Rf8 27 Nf7+ Kh7 28 Nxh6 gxh6 29 Re7+ and Black must give up his queen.