All posts by Ian Whittaker

Intrepid chess player and global traveller Bob Kane recently competed in the 2nd Torquay Riviera Tournament, U1900 section, and scored 3.5/5, finishing in a tie for second place.  He sent us this report:

It’s an 8-hour train journey from Edinburgh—or in my case, 5 episodes of Netflix series “the Bear” —but it was worth traveling to visit the picturesque harbours, steam railways, quaint pubs, and more.

In my first-round game, the position was looking pretty drawish even, with Rc7 being threatened, which would lead to an exchange of major pieces. I played Kf2—how does this trappy move stop 24..Rc7?  The answer is : ..24..Rc7? 25 Qxd6 ..Rc2+ 26Rxc2 ..Qxd6 27 Rc8+ ..Kh7 28 Rh8+ ..Kxh8 28 Nf7+ resigns.  [tip : alway look one move further particularly for forcing moves]

Please don’t publish the whole game as its very boring!

Best Regards
Robert

Delighted to learn that two members won prizes in the 2023/24 Scottish Grand Priz Challengers section (for players graded 1750-1999) and sponsored by Chess and Bridge, New in Chess and the Walter Munn fund:

Robert Kane

2nd was Bob Kane (whose grading is 1812) scoring 42.0 points and winning a magazine subscription and a book/dvd.

Ross Blackford

3rd was Ross Blackford (with a grading of 1926) scoring 40.5 also winning a magazine subscription and a book/dvd.

Congratulations to both (and apologies if I’ve missed any other prizewinners from the club).

[Full list of prize winners is on the Chess Scotland web site]

1 Comment

In order to create more space and to raise funds the club is selling a vast quantity of duplicate / surplus chess books and magazines – a completely varied selection:

  • from antique to modern;
  • rare to widely available;
  • in fine condition through to falling apart(!?!);
  • older books in descriptive notation – newer publications algebraic;
  • popular magazines such as British Chess Magazine, Chess [ Sutton Coldfield] and Scottish Chess plus unique publications such as Capital [Capatal] Chess and the “High School of Glasgow Chess Library Bulletin” and many others;
  • magazines as both complete volumes (bound and/or unbound) along with many single issues!

They are on display in the analysis room over the coming weeks – a complete list is also available online or ask for a copy to be sent.  Note this list will be regularly updated to reflect sales made plus additonal items being added for sale.

Payment can be made directly to any club officer (cash or cheque).  It would be appreciated if the item being bought is crossed of the list in the analysis room – noting who bought it and when.

If you see an item on the list but can’t manage to get into the club just email me and, if it’s not already been sold, I’ll put it to one side and send you an invoice for payment.

Just shout if any questions!

Ian

Ian Whittaker, Curator (curator@edinburghchessclub.co.uk)

 

To all members of Edinburgh Chess Club,

Chess in the Park has restarted at Leith Links after the redevelopment of the Cafe at the Croft, near the former Bowling Greens.

Chess Edinburgh and Lothians are assisting the Community Cafe and the group that previously organised Chess in the Park at Leith Links.

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Chess in the Park every Sunday from 1 – 4 pm at the Croft, Leith Links.

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Easy disabled access, off street parking and toilets available.

Limited sets and clocks are available, in which you can bring your own.

A family friendly venue and players of all abilities welcomed.

Stay for as little or as long as you like in which it is free of charge.

Please advise anyone that may find this of interest.

Best wishes

David Stewart, President, Chess Edinburgh & Lothians

Dear Challengers Players,

The uncontested winner for this year’s edition of the Challengers is…
Snorri Kristjansson !!

Congratulations!

Some other great displays and performances, with some major upsets.

I hope you enjoyed the tournament. Please send me your own comments and suggestions. I’ll be taking them in into account to organise the next season, hoping to improve the overall experience e.g.:

  • Start a bit earlier in the season;
  • Provide extra time to play during holiday seasons / school breaks;
  • Better system to communicate results and arrange matches;
  • Arrange 2x dates at the club for recommended play from the start;
  • More systematic updates to the site;
  • More frequent updates for live rating!

Please add your own in the comments below!

Cheers to all, and see you around!

Andre Antunes, Tournament Organiser