24-03-2022, 11:16 AM
That's very sad. Jimmy was always a stalwart of the chess scene. I think he really enjoyed playing the game. His early h-pawn pushes were legendary and often led to unbalanced positions.
I first spoke to him on the bus to the Renfrewshire open in the early 70s. I told him who my opponent was - a very strong player. Jimmy said you can beat him if you combine against him. But how do I get a good position, I asked. He thought for a moment and said "You combine...".
His greatest success that I remember was in the Grangemouth open. He reached 4/4 playing well, but was Black against Roddy McKay in the last round. Playing one of his 'quiet' openings, Roddy obtained one of these big positions he is well known for. The writing looked on the wall, however Jimmy defending doggedly managed to hold out for a deserved big tournament win.
I first spoke to him on the bus to the Renfrewshire open in the early 70s. I told him who my opponent was - a very strong player. Jimmy said you can beat him if you combine against him. But how do I get a good position, I asked. He thought for a moment and said "You combine...".
His greatest success that I remember was in the Grangemouth open. He reached 4/4 playing well, but was Black against Roddy McKay in the last round. Playing one of his 'quiet' openings, Roddy obtained one of these big positions he is well known for. The writing looked on the wall, however Jimmy defending doggedly managed to hold out for a deserved big tournament win.