the opportunity to correspond with many fellow Checkers/Draughts
enthusiasts from around the world.
But, due to the time I have spent on the OMOCH itself, I
have actually played very little crossboard.
Last weekend, I noticed on the ACF Forum that Michael Holmes
made a post, suggesting that since he is stationed in Pennsylvania
(my home state) for the next two weeks, some PA. players may wish to
get together and play a few games.
Knowing that I am nowhere near his level of play on my best day,
(not even a bleep on his radar screen)and being way out of practice,
I thought I might try to arrange a meeting with some of the players at
the Green Dragon in Ephrata, a local farmer's Market
where the Mennonite and Amish, (among others) gather on Fridays to play.
However, even after I explained to Michael that I would not be
any competition for him, he still oferred to come to my home for a visit.
I cleared it with my wife , and she suggested we have him for diner,
as Michael , being stationed at a local Military base, may want some
normal, homemade, decent food....we decided to make some burgers
and hot dogs on the grill.
Just as I got them off the grill, Michael arrived.
So, we had a few Burgers and dogs while we talked.
Michael is a well spoken, courteous, gracious, intelligent, individual.
I was always, of course, impressed with the accomplishments of
Michael Holmes the player, but I am now much more impressed
Michael Holmes, the man.
After we ate, we played a few games....I have never played a Master
crossboard player before. It is quite intimidating...
I did manage to draw the first game with him, but lost the next
two we played.
After the second game, Michael was courteous enough to show me where I went into a loss...
( I did manage to make it to the end game before
blundering into the loss)...
And he made it look easy.
In the third game, I think I made a losing move early, but Michael left
the game play out, for a lesson.
Afterword, he gave me some advice on playing and studying the game, and tournament play,
and most importantly, suggesting some books in my collection that I should pay particular attention to.
At the end of our third game, my wife took a few photos, one of which
is shown.
With that, we shook hands, and I promised Michael that I would attempt
to co-ordinate a meeting with the players at Green Dragon.
To any and all, if you see a post in the ACF Forum that Michael Holmes
is in the area and would like to get together to play a few friendly games,
do yourself a favor and take him up on it.
Not only will you have the opportunity to play one of America's top players,
you will also meet one of the finest gentleman you could ever hope to.
A true credit to the game .....
Jay Hinnershitz
Left- Michael Holmes Right -Jay Hinnershitz
