Chess in the Greater Manchester area
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Welcome to the Manchester Chess Federation website
SEPTEMBER 2009 GALICIA FESTIVAL
This year's Galicia Chess Festival takes place in Orense (aka Ourense) over the weekend 24-
Play starts on September 25th.
Galicia is a beautiful area of North West Spain and is served by four regional airports: Vigo, Santiago de Compostela, La Coruna and Porto (Portugal). Transfers from any of these airports to Orense can be arranged with the tournament organization.
There are deals available on accommodation and meals and several non-
LATEST:I think we can safely say that this event in Orense (25-
The BBC have sent us an invitation to apply for tickets for the recordings of Mastermind 2009, probably to other chess clubs as well. The sessions are at Granada Studios in Manchester on:
Weds 15th July and Thurs 16th July 3.00 and 18.00, and Fri 17th July at 13.15 and 16.45
To apply for tickets or further information please contact Holly Simpson mailto:holly.simpson@bbc.co.uk or telephone 0161 244 3526 We can apply individually (mention Bolton Chess Club) and they would prioritise a group booking. Not an opportunity to 'pass' on! Best wishes Graham Ash.
Weds 15th July and Thurs 16th July 3.00 and 18.00, and Fri 17th July at 13.15 and 16.45
To apply for tickets or further information please contact Holly Simpson mailto:holly.simpson@bbc.co.uk or telephone 0161 244 3526 We can apply individually (mention Bolton Chess Club) and they would prioritise a group booking. Not an opportunity to 'pass' on! Best wishes Graham Ash.
NATIONAL CHESS CLUB RAPIDPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP
For teams of 4 Saturday September 26th 2009 at Syston & District Social Club,High St, Syston LE7 2EH
A 5 round swiss played at the rate of all moves in 20 minutes. The same players will be used in the same board order in all rounds on the day.
Details can be found in the Entry Form
For teams of 4 Saturday September 26th 2009 at Syston & District Social Club,High St, Syston LE7 2EH
A 5 round swiss played at the rate of all moves in 20 minutes. The same players will be used in the same board order in all rounds on the day.
Details can be found in the Entry Form
A Man and his Dog
Pictured left is John Dearie who made the journey down from Scotland to play in the congress.
What is special about this is the fact that he is both deaf and blind.
John was helped by the Deaf and Blind Association of Scotland and they are looking for sponsors so that John can play in more events.
If you can help, contact the Federation and we will pass on the information.
This years championships are now into the third round with a good start from Oldhams Stephen Gordon. Click the link above for all the details and live games from 2:15 pm.
Latest: David Howell is the new British Champion, winning with a score of 9 from 11.
Latest: David Howell is the new British Champion, winning with a score of 9 from 11.
The 2009 Annual General Meeting of the Manchester Chess Federation willtake place on Tuesday 25 August, 2009, at Bury Sports Club, Radcliffe Road, Bury. BL9 9JX (the home of Bury Chess Club), starting at 8.00 pm.
All are welcome to attend, but voting is restricted to those attending as delegates of their club. Each club is entitled to one delegate for each team playing in the Manchester League during the season 2008-09 .
Delegates must be present at the meeting in order to vote, and no delegate may cast more than one vote.
All are welcome to attend, but voting is restricted to those attending as delegates of their club. Each club is entitled to one delegate for each team playing in the Manchester League during the season 2008-
Delegates must be present at the meeting in order to vote, and no delegate may cast more than one vote.
At tuesdays AGM a number of presentations took place.
Here you can see President Matthew Pollard handing out the Reyner Shield to young Mitchell Burke of Three Cs to go along with the Division A Champions Trophy they also won.
Also pictured is Peter Kobryn collecting the B Division Trophy for Gt. Lever. Peter has offered to become the new Secretary of the MCF.
Here you can see President Matthew Pollard handing out the Reyner Shield to young Mitchell Burke of Three Cs to go along with the Division A Champions Trophy they also won.
Also pictured is Peter Kobryn collecting the B Division Trophy for Gt. Lever. Peter has offered to become the new Secretary of the MCF.
The North West Eagles 4NCL team are looking to recruit new players for the forthcoming season.
The typical playing strength for their division is 160-200+, but commitment to the team is more important than grade.
Details of the 4NCL may be found at: http://www.4ncl.co.uk/0910_announce.htm.
If you are interested in playing for the NW Eagles, please contact Mark Lyell at: mlyell@gmail.com.
The typical playing strength for their division is 160-
Details of the 4NCL may be found at:
If you are interested in playing for the NW Eagles, please contact Mark Lyell at: mlyell@gmail.com.
1/9/09 STEPHEN GORDON
Congratulations to Stephen Gordon on being selected for the England team to play in the 17th European Championships to be held in Serbia. Along with Stephen the other team members are Michael Adams, Luke McShane, Stuart Conquest and Simon Williams. The action takes place from 22nd-30th October, more details are available on this website
28/9/09 COUNTY CHESS
A new season is almost upon us and the captains of our two county sides are again wishing to confirm players for the 2009/10 campaign. The new Open Team Captain, James Murphy <jamurphy84@hotmail.com> would like to hear from all players graded 150+ ish and above if they`d like to play for our Open team...there first match is away to Derbyshire on Saturday 10th October at Spondon.
John Lonsdale writes: Just a reminder that I'm still inviting players to partcipate in the upcoming U160 game. I appreciate that three weeks may seem a while off but if you can let me know ASAP if you're interested that would be really appreciated. It's 16 boards and I still have the vast majority open. As a further update I can tell you that we'll be playing over at Atherton Chess Club.
John Lonsdale writes: Just a reminder that I'm still inviting players to partcipate in the upcoming U160 game. I appreciate that three weeks may seem a while off but if you can let me know ASAP if you're interested that would be really appreciated. It's 16 boards and I still have the vast majority open. As a further update I can tell you that we'll be playing over at Atherton Chess Club.
22/10/09 THE ENGLISH IN COMPETITION
After a brief lull in world chess events, the end of October signals a resurgence of hostilities over the board. The European Championships has just started with local boy done good Stephen Gordon playing for England. You can visit the website where you can follow the action with live games. Also worth following is young David Howell in action in the World Junior Championships. This event also has just started and David is one of the favourites to land the title. Live games are being broadcast also.
At last weeks council meeting, it was noted that only seven clubs have thus far submitted their club and team registration details to the 'Results & Registration Secretary'. As we are beyond the preliminary round cup fixtures, and moving on into the regular season, this situation must be rectified with imediate effect. Should you not be your clubs 'Secretary' would you please notify them that they must submit these details at their very earliest convenience.
To those who have already submitted these details, we appreciate your consideration. Many thanks in expectation of your co-operation!
Pete Kobryn General Secretary.
LATEST:The University 2 team has withdrawn fron Division D.
I'm looking for three players for the C&DCCC team correspondence competition, which is due to begin shortly.
If you know of anyone who might be interested in playing, could you let me know, please?
In this competition only one game is played, usually by e-mail though a few people opt to play by post, which has to be first-class. Thanks for any help.
Eric Nowell.
ericnowell@btinternet.com
0161 256 2198
To those who have already submitted these details, we appreciate your consideration. Many thanks in expectation of your co-
LATEST:The University 2 team has withdrawn fron Division D.
I'm looking for three players for the C&DCCC team correspondence competition, which is due to begin shortly.
If you know of anyone who might be interested in playing, could you let me know, please?
In this competition only one game is played, usually by e-
ericnowell@btinternet.com
0161 256 2198
15/11/09 CHESS DROP-IN CENTRE
Dear All,
I recently started an informal chess group on Tuesdays 2.00pm til 5.00pm ish at: The Live Lounge, Milk Street
(Off market Street above the Italian restaurant Pagliaci) Hyde.
The group will now have access from 2.00pm until midnight. Playing for fun, analysis, training, Chess videos, Simuls and visits from masters are planned, but at the moment its a sort of English version of New Yorks central park, drop in and play or chat and watch anytime.
I started this so Denton Chess Club members and any other club players or those who wish to learn could come and have fun. It has been extended to a regular all day 2.00pm til midnight meeting place to enable those who aren't free during the day to come later , and if you want to play all day ...you can. No entry charge, no cost.
I am even thinking of getting a chess supplier to set up a stand or something so you can check out books or equipment etc.
Please feel free to send me any comments or suggestions.
Kind regards
David Holt.
duvetdave2002@yahoo.co.uk
I recently started an informal chess group on Tuesdays 2.00pm til 5.00pm ish at: The Live Lounge, Milk Street
(Off market Street above the Italian restaurant Pagliaci) Hyde.
The group will now have access from 2.00pm until midnight. Playing for fun, analysis, training, Chess videos, Simuls and visits from masters are planned, but at the moment its a sort of English version of New Yorks central park, drop in and play or chat and watch anytime.
I started this so Denton Chess Club members and any other club players or those who wish to learn could come and have fun. It has been extended to a regular all day 2.00pm til midnight meeting place to enable those who aren't free during the day to come later , and if you want to play all day ...you can. No entry charge, no cost.
I am even thinking of getting a chess supplier to set up a stand or something so you can check out books or equipment etc.
Please feel free to send me any comments or suggestions.
Kind regards
David Holt.
duvetdave2002@yahoo.co.uk
16/11/09 2009 GAMECON PHOTO
Her is a publicity photo from the Gamecon convention, featuring the Federation room.
In it you will see a man in a helmet playing chess.
Who is this? The betting is, I believe
1. The Stig, 2. Darth Vadar, 3. Bobby Fischer.
Perhaps you know better....
17/11/2009 BOLTON RAPIDPLAY 2009
This years event took place on Sunday 15th November.
Major – U171 – 31 players
Joint winners – John Reed, East Cheshire (159), Daniel Broughton, West Bridgeford (158) and Ken Derbyshire, Bolton (155) with 5/6 won £70 each
Knights – U141 – 46 players
Joint winners – James Walsh, Bolton (140), Matthew Walsh, Bolton (136), Paul Holt, Radcliffe (130), Michael Brogan, Lymm (128) and Keith Evans, Bury (126) with 5/6 won £42 each
A picture report will follow shortly on the Gallery page.
Major – U171 – 31 players
Joint winners – John Reed, East Cheshire (159), Daniel Broughton, West Bridgeford (158) and Ken Derbyshire, Bolton (155) with 5/6 won £70 each
Knights – U141 – 46 players
Joint winners – James Walsh, Bolton (140), Matthew Walsh, Bolton (136), Paul Holt, Radcliffe (130), Michael Brogan, Lymm (128) and Keith Evans, Bury (126) with 5/6 won £42 each
A picture report will follow shortly on the Gallery page.
12/12/09 LONDON CHESS CLASSIC
Grandmasters Chris Ward, Daniel King and Stephen Gordon in the commentary room analysing Ni Hua vs Adams for spectators and a world-wide Playchess audience.
After Magnus Carlsen’s two wins in the first two rounds, it was only a matter of time before fans started speculating on him scoring 7/7, but that is not going to happen, thanks to a resolute defence and a missed win by Carlsen in their third round game. The only three-point scorer was Vladimir Kramnik who thus moves up to within one point of the young Norwegian. The event is being well received and is enjoying large public support.
You can watch live games in the afternoon by using the link above.
17/12/09 4 NCL STATEMENT
The MCF will discuss at its January Council Meeting the possibility of entering a team in the 4NCL.
This should not, however, discourage individual clubs, combinations of clubs or new teams to consider the possibility of entering this competition themselves.
Should you have any interest in playing 4NCL North chess for a Manchester team, or have any views about the desirability, or otherwise, of the creation of an MCF 4NCL team, please feel free to email President@Manchesterchessfederation.co.uk.
Any queries about the competition itself should go to Mike Truran at mike@mtruran.fsnet.co.uk
See more
This should not, however, discourage individual clubs, combinations of clubs or new teams to consider the possibility of entering this competition themselves.
Should you have any interest in playing 4NCL North chess for a Manchester team, or have any views about the desirability, or otherwise, of the creation of an MCF 4NCL team, please feel free to email President@Manchesterchessfederation.co.uk.
Any queries about the competition itself should go to Mike Truran at mike@mtruran.fsnet.co.uk
See more
19/1/10 CORUS 2010
The annual tournament at Wijk aan Zee sponsored by steel giant Corus is upon us once again. This is a special event with it’s three grandmaster tournaments all very strong. Nigel Short and David Howell are competing this year. Live games can be seen from around 12-30pm.
Coming up next is the Gibraltar Festival on the 26th January until the 4th February. Sponsored by Gibtelecom this event is going from strength to strength. Mickey Adams is playing here along side Bacrot, Kamsky and several other top grandmasters. There is also a strong women's presence with the world champion Alexandra Kosteniuk competing.
Finally a reminder that our County sides are always looking for new players to compete in the weekend events, so if you feel you would like to play get in touch with the captains. They will be glad to hear from you.
Coming up next is the Gibraltar Festival on the 26th January until the 4th February. Sponsored by Gibtelecom this event is going from strength to strength. Mickey Adams is playing here along side Bacrot, Kamsky and several other top grandmasters. There is also a strong women's presence with the world champion Alexandra Kosteniuk competing.
Finally a reminder that our County sides are always looking for new players to compete in the weekend events, so if you feel you would like to play get in touch with the captains. They will be glad to hear from you.
12/2/10 4 NCL
The Manchester Chess Federation has decided to formally express an interest in entering a team in to the proposed 4NCL North Division.
You can see the full article here.
Is your Son or Daughter a budding Chess Champion OR would they just like to learn how to play? Come on down to
You can see the full article here.
Is your Son or Daughter a budding Chess Champion OR would they just like to learn how to play? Come on down to
Ashton Community Chess Club!!!
See Poster with details.
The leading results of the Stockport Rapidplay are available here. The Bolton Jamboree results are here.
The leading results of the Stockport Rapidplay are available here. The Bolton Jamboree results are here.
27/2/10 LEN CHAPPELOW R I P
“Sad news, our oldest member Len Chappelow died earlier this week, he was 89! He joined the club in June 2000 and played mainly in our lower teams.
He played once for the first team in 2003. His last match was 10 days ago against Altrincham’sTrafford League team.
Overall he lost 69 of his 169 matches, so he didn’t have a bad record, considering he played most of his matches whilst being over 80?
He was good enough to be our best player in the summer season of 2008, when he had an 80% Record.”
David Kierman Chorlton Chess Club.
He played once for the first team in 2003. His last match was 10 days ago against Altrincham’sTrafford League team.
Overall he lost 69 of his 169 matches, so he didn’t have a bad record, considering he played most of his matches whilst being over 80?
He was good enough to be our best player in the summer season of 2008, when he had an 80% Record.”
David Kierman Chorlton Chess Club.
2/3/10 MCF FORUM
Today I have added a forum to the MCF website. You can access it on the menu bar and anyone wishing to add content will have to register and wait for a confirmation e-mail.
Everyone will have to login to enter content. All published entries will be visible to readers so watch what you say! There is provision for private pages but I wish to disregard this feature. Four headings have been entered on the forum to start with. Others will/can be easily added by me as and when needed.
I hope many of you will use this feature to bounce ideas off one another and help improve the chess scene in Manchester.
Mention must also be given to Alan Walton the 3Cs player for his recent performance in a tournament in Spain.
You can catch the details here. Alan finished joint second on points with a high TPR rating.
I hope many of you will use this feature to bounce ideas off one another and help improve the chess scene in Manchester.
Mention must also be given to Alan Walton the 3Cs player for his recent performance in a tournament in Spain.
You can catch the details here. Alan finished joint second on points with a high TPR rating.
11/3/10 NIGEL SHORT SIMUL
Nigel Short is coming to the UK to play a simul against 30 boards, he will also be doing a talk and going through a couple of games for an hour or so before starting the simul.
Players who wish to watch Nigel short’s talk and demonstration, and play in the simul will be charged £45 including entry. Entry for those not wishing to play will be £5. At the moment there are 14 places left.
The event is taking place on Saturday 20th March 2010 at 1.pm , the venue is at:
New Charter Housing Trust Group 249 Cavendish Street ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE OL6 7AT
Further details from davidholt@dentonchessclub.co.uk
Or Telephone : 0161 344 2205 / 07510209215
LATEST: A picture report is now available on the Gallery & Events page.
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MANCHESTER RAPIDPLAY: A picture report is now available .
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The friendly Stobo-Bland event with Morecambe will be played on April 18th. Contact John Reyes if you want to play. Junior and lower grade players are very welcome.
Players who wish to watch Nigel short’s talk and demonstration, and play in the simul will be charged £45 including entry. Entry for those not wishing to play will be £5. At the moment there are 14 places left.
The event is taking place on Saturday 20th March 2010 at 1.pm , the venue is at:
New Charter Housing Trust Group 249 Cavendish Street ASHTON-
Or Telephone : 0161 344 2205 / 07510209215
LATEST: A picture report is now available on the Gallery & Events page.
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MANCHESTER RAPIDPLAY: A picture report is now available .
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The friendly Stobo-
R I P VASILY SMYSLOV
I have had a few days off this week , so I am late with this tribute . A lot has been written about Smyslov’s death so there is little point in repeating what you have probably read. There is an extensive article on him on Chessbase if you have not seen it.
I can remember as a young boy aged about eight, learning chess and twisting my mothers arm to order The British Chess Magazine for me. It was a toss up in those days which I liked best. Watching the “Busby Babes” or reading all those fabulous games coming out of the Soviet Union from the likes of Smyslov, Botvinnik, Bronstein, Keres ad the young Tal and Spassky. It was a Golden Age and Smyslov played his part with the memorable World Championship battles with Botvinnik. So sad to hear that he lived his latter years in almost poverty. Only Spassky is left now,let’s hope he is enjoying some games with his pals up there.
I can remember as a young boy aged about eight, learning chess and twisting my mothers arm to order The British Chess Magazine for me. It was a toss up in those days which I liked best. Watching the “Busby Babes” or reading all those fabulous games coming out of the Soviet Union from the likes of Smyslov, Botvinnik, Bronstein, Keres ad the young Tal and Spassky. It was a Golden Age and Smyslov played his part with the memorable World Championship battles with Botvinnik. So sad to hear that he lived his latter years in almost poverty. Only Spassky is left now,let’s hope he is enjoying some games with his pals up there.
