Fantastic turnout today with an impressive 18 juniors all eager and excited to participate in a lively chess session on this crisp and chilly first Saturday of Winter. The enthusiasm and energy in the room were truly remarkable as the young players gathered to sharpen their skills and enjoy the strategic game of chess together.
A warm and heartfelt welcome is extended to a young yet remarkably engaging lad named Sammy, who showed several encouraging and promising signs of being a truly competent and skilled player.
Many sincere thanks to Jon Catchpole for generously sharing his expertise and valuable insights with some of the strongest players. His knowledge and guidance have been instrumental in helping them improve their skills significantly. It was also great to see many of the parents entering into the spirit of things and playing each other on the spare boards, some, also learning the game!
The French Defence is a solid, strategic chess opening for Black, beginning with 1.e4 e6, aiming to challenge White’s centre with …d5. It’s known for resilience, positional depth, and rich variations.
♟️ Overview
- Moves: 1.e4 e6 followed by 2.d4 d5
- Idea: Black immediately contests the centre, especially White’s pawn on e4.
- Strengths: Solid structure, counterattacking potential, strong central control.
- Weaknesses: The light-squared bishop on c8 is often restricted (“the French bishop problem”).
🔑 Major Variations
| Variation | Moves | Key Themes |
| Advance | 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 | White gains space; Black attacks with …c5 and …f6. |
| Exchange | 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 | Symmetrical pawn structure; often quieter games. |
| Tarrasch | 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 | Avoids pin by …Bb4; flexible but less ambitious. |
| Classical (3.Nc3) | 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 | Leads to sharp lines like the Winawer (…Bb4). |
🎯 Why Play the French Defence?
- For Black: Offers a reliable response to 1.e4, balancing solidity with counterplay.
- For White: Provides opportunities to seize space or simplify into symmetrical positions.
- Style Fit: Best for players who enjoy strategic battles, pawn structures, and counterattacks rather than immediate tactical fireworks.
🧩 Typical Plans
- Black:
- Push …c5 to undermine White’s centre.
- Use …f6 to challenge the pawn chain in the Advance Variation.
- Manoeuvre knights to f6 and c6 for pressure.
- White:
- Space advantage in Advance lines.
- Pressure on d5 and kingside attacks in Classical setups.
- Simplification in Exchange lines
Quarter final round – Kiara lost to Wyatt
Semi final rounds –
Wyatt lost to Constance and Michal lost to Isaac
So the Final to be played on 20th December:- Constance v Isaac
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Ladder games played today:-
Wins for Michal, Sammy, Eden, Constance, Advik, Gagan and Jonah.
Top ten positions after todays games, next week is the last for this competition.
Mid Week Quiz – Final positions
Six of our top players enthusiastically took part in this challenging 10-week quiz competition. Their participation clearly demonstrates their strong commitment and dedication, showing they are fully prepared to invest the necessary time and effort required to excel in such a demanding series of quizzes.
December 20th
Two more Saturdays to go, but just a reminder that Saturday the 20th will be our last Saturday for 2025, for those hoping to attend there will be a mini tournament with prizes for the winner. I understand some of you will be away for the beginning of Christmas Holidays so numbers may be low – greater chance to win!
