Developing your Chess with Derby Chess Club
I’m a huge chess enthusiast, and I’m thrilled to share my passion for helping players of all ages, from seasoned adults to young juniors, improve their skills. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, we’ve got something for you!
The new season is almost here, and I’m excited to share our exciting plans for the club in 2025/26. We’ve got a lot in store, and we’re committed to providing a supportive environment where players can develop and thrive.
The successful junior club aims to increase capacity, as there was a waiting list last season. This year, we’ll run two sessions on a Monday night. The usual session from 6pm - 7pm will focus on basic skills and friendly games, aimed at beginner and intermediate juniors. A new session from 7:30 - 8:30 pm will cater for advanced juniors, with coaching talks, training exercises, and structured games to prepare them for competitive chess and potential transition to the adult club. The junior club resumes on Monday 15th September.
The adult club runs from 7:30pm - 10:30pm on a Tuesday evening and commences on the Tuesday 2nd September.
As always there will be a full programme of league chess. In addition to the four teams from last year we are planning to introduce a fifth “development” team. This will provide an opportunity, in the lowest division, for newer players to have an opportunity to experience inter-club competitive chess.
The plan is to provide training sessions and opportunities for those newer players to discuss their games with the better players in the club.
We have our own internal club championship, typically played over six rounds throughout the season. This gives everyone in the club the opportunity to play in competitive graded games and test their chess skills against the range of club members.
Finally there is the “Friendly Shield” which consists of a series of fun tournaments, usually played on the first Tuesday of the month. Last year we had Freestyle Chess, Blitz and themed opening tournaments. The results of these tournaments contribute to an overall scoring system, handicapped by playing strength. Our first event this season is a four round rapid-play on the 16th September.
Of course there is always the opportunity every week for friendly chess games in a social environment.
Whatever your interest or stage of chess development, there is something for you at Derby Chess Club!.
Kevin
(The club starts up for the new season on Tuesday September 2nd, 7:30 at the Methodist Church on Station Street Mickleover)