Dedicated to Istvan Toth (1935 - 2025), much loved.

I dedicate this, my latest club-game to my late Father in Law - "Istvan Toth", who sadly passed away 5 days ago at the time of writing.  It was always a great pleasure to play Istvan or Nagy-Papa as he was fondly known by my wife and kids, at chess.  Istvan was actually a great card player and had spent a lot of time playing during his National Military Service in Hungary.  Although he knew how the pieces moved he knew very little chess and had no coaching, so he was essentially self-taught. 

When we started playing chess, I was also quite inexperienced and most of our games consisted of coffee-house infused, rampant, gung-ho, "edge of your seat", King's Gambits ... !!  I would often practice King-hunting Istvan's King, and if I managed to checkmate him - he always sportingly conceded and never refused to play another game ...   On other occasions, I, myself would get the raw end of the deal and end up losing to Istvan, who managed to swindle me on more than one occasion ... (the wily old fox) !!  But again, despite his wins, he always agreed to allow me to take revenge - this was typical of the 'kind-hearted' man he was. Always willing to help out around the house ... and always up for a game in the late winter evenings ... 

But what was great about this was the fact that I could hardly speak any Hungarian at the time and he certainly couldn't speak a word of English, apart from his favourite catchphrase:  "This is funking good !!!"  (I think he may of meant something more obscene, but I preferred his version ... ) .  So last Wednesday on 5th November, a day after his passing, I was determined to get a win for the old boy!  I felt that it would be a fitting tribute to someone who was a great influence on me and played a huge part in my life ... I think that he realised that we all loved him ... On the evening of the game, I somehow felt more confident than usual and certainly more excited and honored to be playing this particular game in his memory... Perhaps Istvan was looking down on me and egging me on?  


Here is the game, and the win I got as White.  

Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack: Classical Variation

My opponent resigned on move 41.

See you in the next world Istvan ... !
Much Love.