This weeks lesson focused on Openings in chess, so just to expand on that theory a little more, for those of you who want to improve your chess, here are some ideas to consider. It’s important to understand the ideas behind the moves. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most effective and popular openings to memorize, along with tips to help them stick: 🧠 Top Chess Openings to Memorize Opening Name Moves (White) Key Read more
Sixteen juniors attended today, our first week back after the summer break. We are pleased to welcome seven new recruits:- Jake, Jacob, George, Alex, Finn and Austin + he who should not be named!, some of whom previously attended the Wimborne club, which has now closed. So where exactly do you start? Well, the opening is always a great place to begin because it gets you right into the heart of the game. However, there Read more
A new season kicks off this Saturday, featuring both familiar and fresh faces eager to conquer the 64 squares. Let’s get ready with a few questions and puzzles: Couple of puzzles to get you thinking:- Best move for White? Best move for Black? If you would like the answers to all the questions, please email me at graham7morris@gmail.com. Kindly let me know if you plan to attend on Saturday the 13th and your expected arrival Read more
A new term starts every Saturday morning from the 13th September 2025, held in the Ferndown Library from 10am until 12am, two 1 hour sessions for juniors 6yrs to 14yrs all skill levels welcome. Here are some great reasons why your child should learn to play chess:- Chess isn’t just a game—it’s a brain-boosting, character-building, globally beloved activity! Here are some of the most fascinating benefits of playing chess:- 🧠 Cognitive & Mental Benefits 🧒 Read more
Fancy some Summer Chess ? Here are a some alternatives to keep you ‘Sharpe’ during the summer break Lichess.org This site is free to all and you don’t have to register, play games against humans or computer, also there are loads of teaching/learning aids, a great site. NEW! – POOLE CHESS CLUB BEGINNERS’ BACCHUS CHESS TOURNAMENT -MONDAY 18TH AUGUST 2025 Poole Chess Club is inviting all new chess players to a friendly 10 minute chess Read more
Two juniors from Ferndown Junior chess competed in this tournament and both walked away with prizes! A total of 26 juniors attended which was split into two sections, Major and Minor. Gagan and Eden were both entered in the Minor section, 5 rounds of 10min each on the clock. With so much going on around them in unfamiliar surroundings, neither seemed troubled by this and played some great chess. Gagan A fantastic achievement with 5 Read more
Great turnout today with 12 juniors despite the really hot day, as this was the last Saturday morning until September, a bit of fun chess took part before prize giving and various presentations. First off a round of suicide chess, but first the rules for those who don’t know:- Suicide Chess Rules The general ruleset follows: This was followed by a round of 960 chess, quickly followed by a round of Hand & Brain, Read more
On this penultimate day of Chess we had 12 juniors including newbies Luke and Alex who look to be good chess players in the making and hopefully they will return in September where they will learn much more. The Ladder competition has come to a conclusion as next week will be a relaxed fun day with presentations. Todays theme was a step back to basic opening principles which a few members still need to grasp. Read more
This weeks quiz is the SAME for all members, you’ll need three coloured pens – Print out the sheet, put your name on it and when you’ve filled in your answers either email it or hand it in to me next Saturday. Closing date will be Saturday 5th July. Just follow the instructions below. Example White to move, the Rook can take the Bishop for FREE as it is unprotected, so GREEN arrow. If the Read more
Great turnout today of 12 juniors, we welcome new beginner Jake who with Mum is learning from scratch, I hope he learnt enough today to encourage him to return in the future. On Thursday afternoon(2 – 4pm) we had 3 juniors and 5 adults enjoying some banter and chess in Ferndown Library. If you have the time, pop along, as a bonus the Library serve Tea, Coffee and biscuits all afternoon free of charge! Birthday Read more