Drunken Master Chess

I kept hearing through the grape vine that a group of chess players met at a certain bar in Pittsburgh to play chess once a week.  Last night I went to said bar to check it out, and got to play some real "cafe chess".  It was quite an evening, almost surreal, complete with half-drunk russian master and other colorful characters.

I played many games with the Russian guy who claims that his rating peaked at 2100 back in the day (the others are proclaiming loudly that he's a master and he used to be the best in Pittsburgh).  After I had a couple surprise victories, he challenged me to many "revanche" games.  After 7 games, we were 3.5-3.5, and we decided on a "friendly draw".  I felt very sharp the whole time, and surprised myself by spotting some tricky mating patterns almost instantly over the board even after drinking a beverage.  Two of my mates are below, as well as I can remember them.  The mating patterns are correct, but the pieces on the opposite side of the board may or may not have been oriented the same.

In my opponent's defense, he was at least halfway through a pitcher when we started.  What a night!

I play a lot of turn-based online here.  While I am not advocating the use of alcohol; I do find that as the evening progresses (so to speak) under the influence one's inhibitions loosen over the board just as they do in a social context.  On the one hand this can be disatorous but on the other it can lead to creativity.  As long as you enjoy it, win or lose, then I consider myself a "drunken master".

I am much better at the drunken part than the chess part.

draw a chess game aginst a drunk russian wow I wonder how well he can play without achol (how do you spell it that)

@anpu3:  I agree :-)

@ivandh:  Me too (although I'm worst at the hangover)

@ShirovStyle:  You are right; I wasn't drinking near enough.  This is why I'm riding the bus next time (and sobriety was probably my best chance at beating the drunken master)

@nonowho:  I don't know if he's ever not drunk.  But if so, I'm sure he's great!

Perhaps you are right.  I must learn the ways of the drunken master by following his example.  Only when my breath is flammable and I am fully pershnikered can I truly claim to be a worthy opponent.