Events
Open Gambits
A four round rapid tournament based on Italian and Scotch Gambit play. These openings come from the romantic era of chess but still see play in amateur chess. An opportunity to practice your “inner Morphy” in a fun and friendly competition. This is round two of the Friendly Shield. All welcome.
Chess 960 Tournament
A four round Chess 960 rapid tournament. This format is now seen regularly in high level chess and has become a firm favourite of club members. Try your hand at this exciting format where opening preparation is negated. All welcome.
Capablanca’s Openings
Capablanca was famous for his endgame skill - but even he had to pass through the opening! This is a four round rapid tournament based on openings from his games. Will you pilot these openings into the endgame - or will you drive them into complicated middlegames. All welcome.
New Year Blitz Tournament
Our traditional New Year blitz tournament. A chance to blow away the post celebration cobwebs. A four round competition of 2 game mini-matches. All welcome.
Start of Season Quickplay
The traditional opening event of the new season, and the first event of the Friendly Shield. A chance to get some practice in “friendly competitive” conditions. Everyone welcome whether a stalwart of the club or a prospective new member!
Chess Club restarts for 2026/27 Season
The first club evening of the new 2026/27 season. A chance to clear the chess cobwebs with some friendly chess.
Members Openings Themed Tournament
A themed tournament based on the openings played by club members in this season’s league matches!
Freestyle Tournament
Our second outing this season for the popular freestyle chess format, with starting positions randomised.
Steve Special: Benko Gambit Themed Tournament
A themed tournament based around the Benko Gambit curated by our own Steve R!
You Should Be Scared of the Queen’s Gambit!
A fun chess tournament themed on the Queen’s Gambit
Freestyle Chess Quick-play
November’s Friendly Shield competition - Freestyle Chess (or Chess 960) quick-play.
Start of Season Quickplay
The first event of the 2025/26 Friendly Plate!
A four-round quickplay (with a time control of 10 minutes +5 seconds).
These events are designed to offer some friendly competition for all members of the club, and are also a great opportunity for potential new members.
Chess Club “First Night”
After the long summer break, the evenings draw in and it’s the start of the new chess season!
The first few sessions will be a chance to blow away the cobwebs and get some practice in face to face!
New members are especially welcome, with a full 9 months of chess ahead of us!
Analysis Evening
A-team players available to look at games and provide help and support.
Chess960
Due to popular demand we are finishing this season’s special events with a repeat of the Chess960 theme.
Analysis Evening
A-team players available to look at games and provide help and support.
Tuition - Building an Opening Repertoire
How to start building an opening repertoire if you are relatively new to competitive chess.
Analysis Evening
A-team players available to look at games and provide help and support.
Tuition - Choosing a Move Part 2: Move Process
Tuition on choosing a move from candidates and the move execution process.
Tuition - Choosing a Move Part 1: Candidate Moves
Tuition on selecting possible moves (candidates).
Tuition - Middlegames - Strategic Assessment
Tuition on basic strategic assessment of middle games.
Analysis Evening
A-team players available to look at games and provide help and support.
Chess 960 Quickplay
A quickplay tournament using Chess 960 rules, where the start position is randomised.