News
Derby C Show Fighting Spirit Despite Rating Gap
Derby C faced a strong Belper C side and, despite being significantly out-rated on each board, competed with determination throughout the match. Ultimately, Belper’s experience told in the critical moments, with Derby unable to convert promising positions into results.
Ryanair Chess and First-Class Results for Derby A
Derby A produced another strong team performance to defeat Chesterfield 3–1 in cramped but lively conditions. Wins on the top and bottom boards sealed the result and kept the team unbeaten heading into the festive break.
Deep Thinking and Dynamic Play in Derby’s Queen’s Gambit Tournament
Derby Chess Club held a Queen’s Gambit themed tournament on 2 December 2025, with each round beginning from a different curated opening position. Leonid secured victory with a perfect score, rounding off an evening of rich strategy and competitive play.
Clutch Play at the Death Earns Derby A a Valuable Draw
Derby A fought back from 2–1 down to snatch a thrilling draw against champions Belper. A must-win queen ending saw Kevin hold his nerve and deliver the decisive moment of the night.
Derby C Fall 3–1 to Unbeaten Rolls Royce D
An unbeaten Rolls Royce D side proved too strong as Derby C fell 3–1 despite determined resistance. Carl’s well-constructed win ensured the team avoided a whitewash.
A Night to Remember: Derby E Claim Their First Competitive Victory
Derby E claimed their first Derby League victory with a spirited performance away to Belper, showcasing resilience and steady improvement across all four boards. In a match full of twists, first wins, and calm endgame nerves, the team’s Chess Forge journey reached an important early milestone.
White-knuckled victory against Belper for Derby D
In a gripping match full of tight positions and decisive moments, Derby D edged out Belper D 2½–1½. Determined play on the lower boards and a composed finish on Board 2 proved crucial.
Underrated but Undeterred: Derby B Overcome Chesterfield
Derby B rose to the challenge against higher-rated opposition, earning a brilliant 2½–1½ victory over Chesterfield. A trio of fighting draws and a thrilling Board 3 finish completed a memorable underdog triumph.
Caissa Smiles Again as Derby A Scramble to Victory
Derby A secured another narrow and hard-fought victory to move to the top of the table. A night filled with twists, errors and late drama eventually fell in our favour.
Blunders, Storms and a Big Win: Derby A Beat Breadsall
Derby A produced a remarkable turnaround to defeat title-challenging Breadsall on a night filled with tactical chaos and torrential rain. Big swings on the top boards sealed a memorable 2½–1½ victory.
Derby D Battle Hard in Spirited Match at Spondon
Derby D put up strong resistance against Spondon A, with competitive games across the boards despite a 3–1 defeat.
Hard Lessons, Steady Progress: Derby E’s Season Takes Shape
A team of newer players took to the boards for Derby E’s third match of the season, gaining more valuable experience against a strong Burton & Lichfield side. Although the visitors edged the result 2½–1½, the evening was full of learning, good spirit, and steady progress — everything the Chess Forge is about.
Great Games and Soaking Coats: November Freestyle Success at Derby Chess Club
Twelve determined players braved the downpour for our November Freestyle tournament, where newcomer Leonid took first place with a flawless score.
Derby B Defy Ratings to Take Point from Rolls-Royce A
A fine team effort saw Derby B share the points with Rolls-Royce A in a hard-fought Division 1 match.
Checkmate Seals a Draw for Derby D
Derby D shared the points with Rolls Royce E in a tightly contested Division 3 match, the result hinging on a tense final game that Garry Sands won to secure a 2–2 draw.
Honours Even as C Team Draw
The C Team gain their first point of the season with a well fought draw against Burton & Lichfield C.
Learning on the Road: Derby E Team Battle Hard in Belper
A completely new line-up travelled to Belper for the E team’s second Derbyshire League match, continuing the club’s aim of giving as many players as possible a taste of over-the-board chess. Despite a 3½–½ loss, the evening was full of learning, camaraderie, and the true spirit of the Chess Forge.
A Tough Evening for the B Team
A tough 4–0 loss for the B Team against a powerful Lichfield/Burton side, but plenty of determination was shown throughout. The team remain positive and ready to bounce back.
King’s Gambit Themed Tournament: Romantic Chess at Its Best
Derby Chess Club’s October tournament was themed around the King’s Gambit. Plenty of fireworks, during four rounds of high octane chess!
Derby C in Close Battle with Clay Cross A
Newly promoted Derby C played their opening match against one of the toughest opponents in the division. Despite a spirited fight they narrowly lost to Clay Cross A.