On 25th February 2023, Copthall School, Mill Hill hosted the 1st London Fischer Random Chess UK Rapidplay. Despite its relatively late announcement and limited publicity, a small but remarkably strong field assembled boasting eight titled players, including two GMs and three IMs. The pre-tournament atmosphere was relaxed as the players gave the opening prep a rest and looked forward to a day of creative, chaotic chess. The time control for the event was 25 minutes per side plus 5 seconds increment, and the starting positions were posted a couple of minutes before the start of each round. Round 1 The first round saw a fairly ‘normal’ looking starting position, with…