The Professor

Name: Armanda Ivica
Title: International Master
Age: 42
Rating: 2322
Nickname: Armi, Professor, El Profesor

I have already introduced the team members. But like with every good team, there is also an entourage of supporters and friends. In the case of SK Brda, the most fascinating member of that group is Ivica Armanda, International Master and former Croatian champion, nicknamed "Armi" or "Professor". Apparently I have introduced the nickname in an earlier year, although I cannot remember the occasion any more. The Professor also has a lovely wife, pictured below, and a son of nine years who is apparently a great basketball talent!

The Professor lives in Split and frequently visits SK Brda, but in the league he plays for the sponsored team from Solin. In the evenings he frequently joined our team where he was always eager to steer the analysis into his preferred direction (often involving some wild sacrifices) and to play some blitz with Arthur and me afterwards. The Professor's results in these late night games were not too convincing. However, on other occasions that involved less alcohol, he showed that he is a talented and dangerous opponent whom one most by all means take seriously. With dynamic play and creative tricks, he managed to save (and even to win) more than one seemingly lost position!

In round seven, we were avidly waiting for the epic duel between the Professor and Kapetan Bonaca (=the name of the all inclusive hotel next to our place where we scored free drinks every night). The Captain told the Professor: "If you beat me, we take you into the team next year!" This was indeed the most likely result given their ratings, but the Captain showed extraordinary skills and outplayed the Professor with unexpected ease. Then the stress of chess got hold of the Captain and he missed a win in the endgame. Draw. I don't know whether the Board of SK Brda considers this result convincing enough to hire the Professor for next year, but in any case, he will soon take off to Koblenz to cook in a restaurant owned by his relatives. Everybody is excited about the outcome of this German adventure, not the least the Professor himself, who has already asked me about chess clubs and tournaments in the region...