Today we had a good, strong class consisting of 19 members, who were divided into three different sections based on their skill levels: Advanced, Intermediate, and Beginners. This allowed each group to focus on exercises and techniques suited to their experience and abilities, ensuring everyone received targeted instruction and support.
Jon Catchpole led the Master Class in the annexe room, which included participants Constance, Kieran, Samuel and Jonah. The session involved compiling various strategies, focusing particularly on endgame techniques, and engaging in competitive games as part of the All-Play-All challenge to sharpen their skills and tactical understanding.
On the large display board located in the main room, there was a detailed position set up that showed a variety of Checks, Captures, and Threats. The participating onlookers were actively encouraged to try and spot as many of these tactical opportunities as possible. The goal of this exercise was to help sharpen their focus and train their minds to thoroughly scan the entire board, improving their overall awareness and strategic thinking during gameplay.
See what you can spot before looking at the answers below:-
White to move
- Qxh7 mate
- Bxa6
- Bxa7
- Qxd6 QxQ followed by RxQ (White had a Battery)
- Bxe6+ (supported by the Knight and forking the King and Rook)
Black to Move
- ……pxN
- ……Nxb2 (forking the Queen, Rook and Bishop)
- …….BxB QxB (a fair trade but allows White to keep pressure on e6)
- …….BxN pxB (a trade leaving White with Doubled Isolated pawns on the a file and an Isolated pawn on the c file)
Three additional boards were set each featuring puzzles focused specifically on mastering winning endgame techniques. These boards were carefully designed to challenge players and enhance their skills in crucial endgame scenarios. Can you work them out:-
White to play and win
White to Play and win
White to Play, how can White stop the pawn from Queening?
Advanced All-Play-All League
Detailed report and latest scores from Jon
Intermediate and Beginners Ladders
Today brought impressive wins for Michal, Miles, Adah, Fin, Eden, and Michael, showcasing their hard work and dedication.
3 points for a win, 2 for a draw and 1 for a loss.
Last weeks Puzzles
My thanks to Jon Catchpole and Samuel Gorsuch for all their assistance today and for these puzzles by Jon.
White has just played Ba6 ??
Black to move, the c pawn is over worked protecting both b4 and d4, so –
Nxb4 with now a double attack on the White Bishop, if pxN then Bxd4+ forking King and Rook
White to move and with correct play
Black to move and with correct play
We hope you found time to look at those.
See you all next week hopefully.
