My first serious chess tournament was in St. Louis. I played a gent by the name of Eric Ewalt. I remember that i played the french and he played the advance variation. I became so nervous (because it was my first serious tourney, not because he played the advance) that my left hand went totally numb, and I was unable to write with it. (I am left-handed.)
Naturally, I lost.
Chess is beautiful and cruel.