News

Another fantastic super Saturday unfolded with 20 enthusiastic and eager students diligently keeping the dust off the boards and sharpening their chess skills throughout the entire morning session. My thanks to Jon for his valuable assistance and also to those parents and children who help to clear up at the end of the day. During the first hour, with the majority of juniors in attendance, I went through the Bird Opening, sharing insights and strategies Read more

To find out the answer to that important question, you must carefully analyse your games by writing down each move you make, a process known as notation. Taking the time to thoroughly examine your moves allows you to discover which were strong and effective, and which ones were mistakes or less optimal. This detailed review helps improve your overall playing ability. So let’s begin with a straightforward POINTS guide that you can easily apply to Read more

Although it was half term and the sun was shining, we still had a fantastic turnout of 21 enthusiastic juniors gathering around the chess boards to play and enjoy the game. A warm welcome to our new visitor Jonah, who joined us as an advanced player, bringing great skill and experience to our club. It’s also great to see several familiar faces returning after a brief absence, adding to the vibrant and friendly atmosphere we Read more

In each of these examples, you are playing as White, and your main objective is to find a way to get out of check. You need to carefully analyze the position and determine the best move that will successfully remove your king from being in check, ensuring your safety and continuing the game effectively. There are three possible ways to get out of check, it’s simple as A B C A = Move your King Read more

18 juniors came along today, bravely facing the rainy weather and thoroughly enjoying a fun and engaging session of chess. Despite the damp conditions, their enthusiasm for the game was evident as they gathered to play and learn together. Unfortunately I forgot to take photos during the first session, far too busy! A warm welcome to our new and experienced 15-year-old player Jack, who, together with Kieran, faced some truly challenging and exciting games against Read more

As we continue to welcome new faces, most of whom are beginners just starting their chess journey, I’ve decided to run a short series of tactics designed to benefit everyone involved. This series will be of basic ideas to cover various strategies that are helpful for all skill levels. The Point of a Pin What is a Pin? The Pin is a powerful tactic because it restricts your opponent’s options, and it can also allow Read more

An all-time record of 21 juniors showed up today, which is absolutely amazing, but I definitely need a lie down and rest after such an energetic morning! A very warm welcome to our newest members Oscar, Jack, Monty, and Chester. It’s truly wonderful to have you all join us and become part of the club. We are also delighted to see Austin and Arthur making a return visit; it’s great to have familiar faces back Read more

We found ourselves in quite different surroundings today, as our usual room was not available for us. As a result, we settled in among the steady stream of daily library visitors, who appeared to be genuinely intrigued by everything we were doing and showed a keen interest in our activities. A remarkable group of 17 enthusiastic juniors joined us as we kicked off the latest Ladder competition. Both Jon and myself personally provided one-to-one tuition Read more

It was great to see a total of 16 enthusiastic youngsters fully engaged and thoroughly enjoying a Saturday session of Chess, marking the very first event of the year for our club. The energy and excitement they brought to the room made it a memorable and inspiring day for everyone involved. A very warm welcome to all our returning members, whose continued support means so much to us. We are also excited to extend a Read more

Simple rules to improve your chess Rule A Activate and advance your central pawns, by pushing these pawns forward you control the all important centre and help to free your Bishops. Don’t be tempted to push ‘flank’ pawns (those on files a,b, g and h) allowing your opponent to control the centre of the board. Rule B Bishops and Knights need to be deployed as quickly as possible, avoid moving the same piece twice until you are Read more