Saturday 25 July 2015
New Grades & British Chess Championships
The new grades for July have just been issued by the ECF
To check your grade go here http://www.ecfgrading.org.uk/new/menu.php
Also, the British Chess Championships have started today and there a quite a few Coventry players taking part. So if you fancy supporting any of them the venue is at Warwick University.
There will also be a number of GM's, and IM's attending various tournaments - so there should be some great chess to follow.
More details here http://www.britishchesschampionships.co.uk/2015/
Labels:
British Chess Championships,
ECF Grading,
Grades
Thursday 16 July 2015
League AGM
The league AGM will be held on the 28th July 2015 at Massey Ferguson. 7.30-8.00pm start.
All club members are welcome to attend.
If you wish to add anything to the Agenda let Mike Johnson know.
Friendly matches will continue as normal for those who just wish to play chess.
Labels:
Coventry League AGM,
Massey Ferguson
Thursday 4 June 2015
Coventry Individual Championship / British Chess Championship
This post is not specifically about the Coventry Chess Club, but a report on the first Coventry championship to be staged for some years, and news of an event which could be of interest.
Most will be aware that the 2015 British Chess Championship is fast approaching, and that it is being held at The Warwick University, from 25th July - 8th August.
To commemorate this, Mike Johnson kindly organised a Coventry Individual tournament, starting last year, whereby the eventual winner would qualify to play in the British Championship proper.
5 players entered; namely myself; Dave Ireland, alongside Joshua Pink, Tom Thorpe, Andrew Patterson and pre-tournament favourite, Paul Lam.
It was decided that we would all play each other twice, once with either colour, therefore giving each participate 8 games to play. The winner would become the Coventry champion for 2015, and, as mentioned, have the chance to play alongside the "big boys", at the British championship.
As always, the winner would be decided by the player who totaled the most points, in this case, out of a possible maximum of 8. Should 2 players tie the winning total, a playoff would decide the outcome.
Well, some months after the Coventry Individual started, I can report that this tournament is almost over.
There are only 2 games left to play, but these are academic as far as qualification goes, as the qualifier is already now determined.
The qualifier is Paul Lam, who has now completed all 8 of his games, and gained 6.5 out of 8 points (6 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss).
Paul is very closely followed by Andy Patterson, who so far has 5.5 out of 7 games played. Should Andy win his final game, he will join Paul in a tie for first place.
However, as far as qualifying goes, this is of no concern to either player, as Andy, by winning a Leamington qualifier some time back, has already secured his place at the "British" via a different tournament.
Therefore, the rules stipulate that the next highest player from the Coventry group is also eligible to qualify, regardless of if he surpasses Andy's total or not. As it happens, Paul secured qualification with a game still left to play, being well ahead of the rest of the pack.
Nevertheless, the Coventry Individual itself is not yet decided, and Andy could yet get into a playoff with Paul to decide who is "Coventry Champion".
The results are below
COVENTRY :Individual Championship
Most will be aware that the 2015 British Chess Championship is fast approaching, and that it is being held at The Warwick University, from 25th July - 8th August.
To commemorate this, Mike Johnson kindly organised a Coventry Individual tournament, starting last year, whereby the eventual winner would qualify to play in the British Championship proper.
5 players entered; namely myself; Dave Ireland, alongside Joshua Pink, Tom Thorpe, Andrew Patterson and pre-tournament favourite, Paul Lam.
It was decided that we would all play each other twice, once with either colour, therefore giving each participate 8 games to play. The winner would become the Coventry champion for 2015, and, as mentioned, have the chance to play alongside the "big boys", at the British championship.
As always, the winner would be decided by the player who totaled the most points, in this case, out of a possible maximum of 8. Should 2 players tie the winning total, a playoff would decide the outcome.
Well, some months after the Coventry Individual started, I can report that this tournament is almost over.
There are only 2 games left to play, but these are academic as far as qualification goes, as the qualifier is already now determined.
The qualifier is Paul Lam, who has now completed all 8 of his games, and gained 6.5 out of 8 points (6 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss).
Paul is very closely followed by Andy Patterson, who so far has 5.5 out of 7 games played. Should Andy win his final game, he will join Paul in a tie for first place.
However, as far as qualifying goes, this is of no concern to either player, as Andy, by winning a Leamington qualifier some time back, has already secured his place at the "British" via a different tournament.
Therefore, the rules stipulate that the next highest player from the Coventry group is also eligible to qualify, regardless of if he surpasses Andy's total or not. As it happens, Paul secured qualification with a game still left to play, being well ahead of the rest of the pack.
Nevertheless, the Coventry Individual itself is not yet decided, and Andy could yet get into a playoff with Paul to decide who is "Coventry Champion".
The results are below
COVENTRY :Individual Championship
Played
|
Wins
|
Draws
|
Losses
|
Points
|
|
Paul Lam
|
8
|
6
|
1
|
1
|
6.5
|
Andrew Paterson
|
7
|
5
|
1
|
1
|
5.5
|
Dave Ireland
|
7
|
1
|
3
|
3
|
2.5
|
Joshua Pink
|
7
|
1
|
3
|
3
|
2.5
|
Thomas Thorpe
|
7
|
0
|
2
|
5
|
1
|
Results:
Paul Lam 1 - 0 Joshua Pink
Joshua Pink 0.5 - 0.5 Paul Lam
Paul Lam 1 - 0 Andrew Paterson
Andrew Paterson 1 - 0 Paul Lam
Thomas Thorpe 0 - 1 Paul Lam
Paul Lam 1 - 0 Thomas Thorpe
Paul Lam 1 - 0 Thomas Thorpe
Paul Lam 1 - 0 Dave Ireland
Dave Ireland 0
- 1 Paul Lam
Andrew Paterson 1 - 0 Joshua Pink
Andrew Paterson 1 - 0 Dave Ireland
Dave Ireland 0.5 - 0.5 Andrew Paterson
Thomas Thorpe 0 - 1 Andrew Paterson
Andrew Paterson 1 - 0 Thomas Thorpe
Joshua Pink 1 - 0 Thomas Thorpe
Thomas Thorpe 0.5 - 0.5 Joshua Pink
Joshua Pink 0.5 - 0.5 Dave Ireland
Dave Ireland 1 - 0 Joshua Pink
Joshua Pink 0.5 - 0.5 Dave Ireland
Dave Ireland 1 - 0 Joshua Pink
Dave Ireland 0.5 - 0.5 Thomas
Thorpe
The British Chess Championship is not just about determining the best players in Britain, there are many tournaments being held within the event that cater for all levels, (and ages) of players.
An event like this arrives in Coventry once in a blue moon, as chess tournaments of any kind in this city have been very rare over the years. The most recent chess congress in Coventry was 2 years ago, and before that, you have to go back to 2004 and 2005 to find the last ones that were held here. Prior to this, it was way back in the late 80's (yes, really!) when a tournament was last staged here, and it was a rapid play event at that !
So, bearing in mind Coventry has had a grand total of 4 chess events in 30 years or more, this is a very rare chance for local players to be able to play in such a prestigious event. Such an opportunity to play locally at the British will probably not come along again for a very long time, so make the most of it.
For all interested players, the web address is http://www.britishchesschampionships.co.uk/2015.
Wednesday 20 May 2015
Summer Cup - Round 6 - Final Results
The final round of the Summer Cup was held last night, in what was a very tense evening with a number of players able to secure a Winners or Runners Up position.
The final result is that Joshua Pink and Dave Ireland ended up on 5 points each. Therefore after a count back of each of their opponents results the winner is . . . . . . . . .
Joshua Pink - So congratulations to Joshua, but also to Dave who has secured the Runners Up spot.
Josh secured his position by a very impressive win over the previous front runner, Bernard Charnley. Bernard has had a really good first Summer Cup competition finishing on 4.5 points only loosing to the eventual winner.
Special mention for Bava who yet again had a good competition and could have won the tournament if he had won his last game.
Mike Donnelly also had an excellent tournament on his return to playing Over the Board chess, finishing on 4.5 points in the third position.
Ben Graff finished strongly on 3.5 points, and we wish him well playing for Kenilworth and look forward to seeing him next year in the tournament.
Clive Blackburn also ended up on 3.5 points winning his last three matches and placing him sixth in the tournament.
Tom Stamper also ended up on 3.5 points with a win over Don Sheward. Paul Sweatman turned in another solid performance over the whole tournament finishing on 2.5 points.
Stan Whitmore finished the tournament with a good win - securing 2.5 points.
Pete Smith finished the tournament on 3 points - only loosing two matches.
It was pleasing to see the newcomers take part and do well. David Adams finishing on 1.5 points. A chap called Nick Weaver (not sure where he has come from!) finishing on 2.5 points. Tom Stamper who I have already mentioned. Jordan Matthews battled away against the odds and wasnt quite lucky enough to win but his time will come.
I hope all players enjoyed playing in the Cup and Thank you to every single player that took part and all the support received it has helped make the Tournament the success it seems to have been with 28 players taking part. This must be a record year for the Tournament
The presentation of the Cups will take place at the AGM
That does now bring the Season to a close, although we have the AGM next week - 26th May, and all members are welcome to join us. Initial Agenda points will cover :-
Appointment of Chairman
Appointment of Secretary
Appointment of Treasurer
Digital Clocks
AOB
Summer Cup presentation
Chairmans Report
Secretary's report
Treasurer's report
Appointment of Captains
Of course, if any member wishes to add any point to the Agenda do let me know and I will make sure it goes onto the Agenda.
The club will still be open for friendly games every Tuesday right through the summer
If you are not coming to the AGM - Have a great summer and see you all in September for the new season.
Match Results from 19th May
B.Charnley 0 1 J.Pink
D.Ireland 1 0 Bava
M.Donnelly 1 0 E.Goodwin
R.Holmes .5 .5 P.Smith
B.Graff 1 0 W.Beeston
C.Blackburn 1 0 R.Sian
T.Stamper 1 0 D.Sheward
N.Weaver .5 .5 P.Sweatman
S.Whitmore 1 0 D.Adams
G.Cornell 1 0 J.Matthews
M.Johnson 1 0 I.Evans
The final result is that Joshua Pink and Dave Ireland ended up on 5 points each. Therefore after a count back of each of their opponents results the winner is . . . . . . . . .
Joshua Pink - So congratulations to Joshua, but also to Dave who has secured the Runners Up spot.
Josh secured his position by a very impressive win over the previous front runner, Bernard Charnley. Bernard has had a really good first Summer Cup competition finishing on 4.5 points only loosing to the eventual winner.
Special mention for Bava who yet again had a good competition and could have won the tournament if he had won his last game.
Mike Donnelly also had an excellent tournament on his return to playing Over the Board chess, finishing on 4.5 points in the third position.
Ben Graff finished strongly on 3.5 points, and we wish him well playing for Kenilworth and look forward to seeing him next year in the tournament.
Clive Blackburn also ended up on 3.5 points winning his last three matches and placing him sixth in the tournament.
Tom Stamper also ended up on 3.5 points with a win over Don Sheward. Paul Sweatman turned in another solid performance over the whole tournament finishing on 2.5 points.
Stan Whitmore finished the tournament with a good win - securing 2.5 points.
Pete Smith finished the tournament on 3 points - only loosing two matches.
It was pleasing to see the newcomers take part and do well. David Adams finishing on 1.5 points. A chap called Nick Weaver (not sure where he has come from!) finishing on 2.5 points. Tom Stamper who I have already mentioned. Jordan Matthews battled away against the odds and wasnt quite lucky enough to win but his time will come.
I hope all players enjoyed playing in the Cup and Thank you to every single player that took part and all the support received it has helped make the Tournament the success it seems to have been with 28 players taking part. This must be a record year for the Tournament
The presentation of the Cups will take place at the AGM
That does now bring the Season to a close, although we have the AGM next week - 26th May, and all members are welcome to join us. Initial Agenda points will cover :-
Appointment of Chairman
Appointment of Secretary
Appointment of Treasurer
Digital Clocks
AOB
Summer Cup presentation
Chairmans Report
Secretary's report
Treasurer's report
Appointment of Captains
Of course, if any member wishes to add any point to the Agenda do let me know and I will make sure it goes onto the Agenda.
The club will still be open for friendly games every Tuesday right through the summer
If you are not coming to the AGM - Have a great summer and see you all in September for the new season.
Match Results from 19th May
B.Charnley 0 1 J.Pink
D.Ireland 1 0 Bava
M.Donnelly 1 0 E.Goodwin
R.Holmes .5 .5 P.Smith
B.Graff 1 0 W.Beeston
C.Blackburn 1 0 R.Sian
T.Stamper 1 0 D.Sheward
N.Weaver .5 .5 P.Sweatman
S.Whitmore 1 0 D.Adams
G.Cornell 1 0 J.Matthews
M.Johnson 1 0 I.Evans
FINAL TABLE
J.Pink 5 - Tournament Winner
D.Ireland 5 - Runner Up
M.Donnelly 4.5
B.Charnley 4.5
Bava 4
C.Blackburn 3.5
T.Stamper 3.5
M.Johnson 3.5
B.Graff 3.5
R.Parekh 3
E.Goodwin 3
P.Smith 3
R.Holmes 3
N.Weaver 2.5
S.Whitmore 2.5
P.Sweatman 2.5
W.Beeston 2
D.Filer 2
S.Weaver 2
D.Sheward 2
I.Evans 2
R.Sian 2
G.Cornell 2
D.Adams 1.5
T.White 1
J.Matthews 0
T.Gazee 0Wednesday 13 May 2015
Summer Cup - Round 5
Round 5 of the Summer Cup was held last night - 12th May - With now only 1 more round left there are still a number of players who can win the Tournament.
Bernard Charnley again won and is now the tournament leader closely followed by Joshua Pink. Dave Ireland, and Bava.
The final round next week is going to be a very tense evening with any of the above players able to win the Tournament.
There were also good wins for Pete Smith, Clive Blackburn, and Bob Holmes.
The AGM will be held on the 26th May. 7.45pm - 8pm start. All members welcome. This is your chance to have a say on the running of the Club. The committee look forward to seeing as many members as possible.
Results from 12/5/15
M.Donnelly 0 1 J.Pink
B.Charnley 1 0 E.Goodwin
D.Ireland 1 0 B.Graff
Bava 1 0 W.Beeston
P.Smith 1 0 A.Franklin
D.Sheward 0 1 C.Blackburn
R.Holmes 1 0 P.Sweatman
I.Evans .5 .5 R.Sian
S.Whitmore 0 1 T.Stamper
N.Weaver 1 0 J.Matthews
G.Cornell 1 0 D.Adams
Points after 5 Rounds
Bernard Charnley again won and is now the tournament leader closely followed by Joshua Pink. Dave Ireland, and Bava.
The final round next week is going to be a very tense evening with any of the above players able to win the Tournament.
There were also good wins for Pete Smith, Clive Blackburn, and Bob Holmes.
The AGM will be held on the 26th May. 7.45pm - 8pm start. All members welcome. This is your chance to have a say on the running of the Club. The committee look forward to seeing as many members as possible.
Results from 12/5/15
M.Donnelly 0 1 J.Pink
B.Charnley 1 0 E.Goodwin
D.Ireland 1 0 B.Graff
Bava 1 0 W.Beeston
P.Smith 1 0 A.Franklin
D.Sheward 0 1 C.Blackburn
R.Holmes 1 0 P.Sweatman
I.Evans .5 .5 R.Sian
S.Whitmore 0 1 T.Stamper
N.Weaver 1 0 J.Matthews
G.Cornell 1 0 D.Adams
Points after 5 Rounds
B.Charnley 4.5
D.Ireland 4
J.Pink 4
Bava 4
M.Donnelly 3.5
R.Parekh 3
E.Goodwin 3
C.Blackburn 2.5
C.Blackburn 2.5
P.Smith 2.5
R.Holmes 2.5
T.Stamper 2.5
M.Johnson 2.5
B.Graff 2.5
W.Beeston 2
D.Filer 2
S.Weaver 2
D.Sheward 2
P.Sweatman 2
I.Evans 2
R.Sian 2
N.Weaver 2
S.Whitmore 1.5
D.Adams 1.5
T.White 1
G.Cornell 1
J.Matthews 0
T.Gazee 0Wednesday 6 May 2015
Summer Cup - Round 4 Results
Round 4 of the summer cup was held last night with the two players on 3 points playing each other - Mike Donnelly and Bernard Charnley. The match ended in a close fought draw. Mike Johnson earned a very creditable half point against Joshua Pink. The general feeling from other players was that Mike was in a stronger position, however being short of time forced Mike to take a draw.
Dave Ireland bounced back, with a win, after last weeks defeat to put himself back up with the front runners. Ed Goodwin is also putting in a strong show after winning last night and retaining his unbeaten run. Bava also won last night to join several players now on 3 points just behind Mike Donnelly and Bernard Charnley.
Don Sheward is also having a good Summer Cup. He won last night and is now on 2 points.
David Adams secured a half point against Pete Smith. Clive Blackburn won his first match of the tournament and is moving up the table.
Full results from last night
M.Donnelly .5 .5 B.Charnley
J.Pink .5 .5 M.Johnson
D.Ireland 1 0 W.Beeston
E.Goodwin 1 0 D.Filer
T.Stamper 0 1 Bava
R.Holmes 0 1 B.Graff
P.Sweatman 1 0 I.Evans
N.Weaver 0 1 D.Sheward
S.Whitmore .5 .5 R.Sian
P.Smith .5 .5 D.Adams
C.Blackburn 1 0 G.Cornell
J.Matthews 0 1 S.Weaver
Points after 4 rounds
Dave Ireland bounced back, with a win, after last weeks defeat to put himself back up with the front runners. Ed Goodwin is also putting in a strong show after winning last night and retaining his unbeaten run. Bava also won last night to join several players now on 3 points just behind Mike Donnelly and Bernard Charnley.
Don Sheward is also having a good Summer Cup. He won last night and is now on 2 points.
David Adams secured a half point against Pete Smith. Clive Blackburn won his first match of the tournament and is moving up the table.
Full results from last night
M.Donnelly .5 .5 B.Charnley
J.Pink .5 .5 M.Johnson
D.Ireland 1 0 W.Beeston
E.Goodwin 1 0 D.Filer
T.Stamper 0 1 Bava
R.Holmes 0 1 B.Graff
P.Sweatman 1 0 I.Evans
N.Weaver 0 1 D.Sheward
S.Whitmore .5 .5 R.Sian
P.Smith .5 .5 D.Adams
C.Blackburn 1 0 G.Cornell
J.Matthews 0 1 S.Weaver
Points after 4 rounds
M.Donnelly 3.5
B.Charnley 3.5
Bava 3
R.Parekh 3
D.Ireland 3
J.Pink 3
E.Goodwin 3
M.Johnson 2.5
B.Graff 2.5
W.Beeston 2
D.Filer 2
S.Weaver 2
D.Sheward 2
R.Holmes 1.5
T.Stamper 1.5
P.Sweatman 2
P.Smith 1.5
I.Evans 1.5
C.Blackburn 1.5
S.Whitmore 1.5
D.Adams 1.5
R.Sian 1.5
N.Weaver 1
T.White 1
T.Gazee 0
G.Cornell 0
J.Matthews 0
Round 5 is to be held next week Tuesday 12th May 7.30pm start. There is still time to add another two points to your score!
On another note away from the Summer Cup we hope to be able to announce the date of the club AGM and the League AGM in the next few days. All club members are welcome to the AGM and have a say in how the club is run.
Wednesday 29 April 2015
Summer Cup - Round 3
Round 3 of the Summer Cup held last night with a bumper turnout of 28 players !
So, we are now already half way through the competition and the competition for the top places is getting very tight. We now have two clear leaders in the competition and both players have just recently returned to OTB chess. Mike Donnelly is now on 3 points - with an impressive win over Bob Holmes - who has been a Runner Up on a number of occasions - and Bernard Charnley who had a win over the current holder of the Cup, Dave Ireland.
Although in hot pursuit are a number of players on 2 & 2.5 points of which any are capable of putting together a winning run.
Last night saw a number of players secure there first points of the competition... Paul Sweatman, Ravi Sian and David Adams. Newcomer Tom Stamper also secured his first win.
Round 4 will be held next week - Tuesday 5th May
Thank you to all players for your participation so far !
And just when you thought we could not have anymore bizarre stories about chess FIDE's President comes up with a very odd suggestion for Chess Pieces - and no this is not an April Fool.!
Have a look here ...
The Most Weird Way to Play Chess !
Results from Round 3
So, we are now already half way through the competition and the competition for the top places is getting very tight. We now have two clear leaders in the competition and both players have just recently returned to OTB chess. Mike Donnelly is now on 3 points - with an impressive win over Bob Holmes - who has been a Runner Up on a number of occasions - and Bernard Charnley who had a win over the current holder of the Cup, Dave Ireland.
Although in hot pursuit are a number of players on 2 & 2.5 points of which any are capable of putting together a winning run.
Last night saw a number of players secure there first points of the competition... Paul Sweatman, Ravi Sian and David Adams. Newcomer Tom Stamper also secured his first win.
Round 4 will be held next week - Tuesday 5th May
Thank you to all players for your participation so far !
And just when you thought we could not have anymore bizarre stories about chess FIDE's President comes up with a very odd suggestion for Chess Pieces - and no this is not an April Fool.!
Have a look here ...
The Most Weird Way to Play Chess !
Results from Round 3
D.Ireland 0 1 B.Charnley
M.Donnelly 1 0 R.Holmes
S.B. Manickam 1 0 P.Smith
E.Goodwin .5 .5 M.Johnson
R.Parekh 1 0 I.Evans
B.Graff 1 0 C.Blackburn
W.Beeston 1 0 D.Sheward
Tom Stamper 1 0 N.Weaver
P.Sweatman 1 0 S.Williamson
S.Whitmore 1 0 T.Gazee
T.White 0 1 D.Filer
D.Adams 1 0 J. Matthews
R.Sian 1 0 G.Cornell
Points after 3 Rounds
M.Donnelly 3
B.Charnley 3
R.Parekh 2.5
D.Ireland 2
R.Parekh 2.5
J.Pink 2.5
E.Goodwin 2
M.Johnson 2
W.Beeston 2
Bava 2
D.Filer 2
R.Holmes 1.5
B.Graff 1.5
T.Stamper 1.5
P.Sweatman 1
N.Weaver 1
P.Smith 1
S.Weaver 1
T.White 1
I.Evans 1
D.Sheward 1
C.Blackburn .5
S.Whitmore 1
D.Adams 1
T.Gazee 0
G.Cornell 0
R.Sian 1
J.Matthews 0
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