© 2016 Lewisham Chess Club. Proudly created with Wix.com
Archive (Apr 2020 - Jun 2021)
ChessFest coming to London (16-18 July)
27th June, 2021
Chess in Schools and Communities have organised a Festival of Chess across England this July, with Trafalgar Square hosting the London Event.
​
On Sunday 18th July ChessFest will comprise a range of activities for all the family including –
Chess Lessons for adults and children from professional chess tutors; Casual Chess playing with other enthusiasts on boards set-up around the square; Simultaneous Displays; Blitz, Giant Chess and Blindfold Chess.
​
The flyer can be seen here:
https://www.englishchess.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/ChessFest-Flyer-lowres.pdf
OTB Chess back at long last!
16th June, 2021
​
We've had 2 weeks of being back open for over-the-board chess (albeit restricted to 30 players). It's been fantastic to see familiar faces and especially great to see lots of new ones.
Blessed with good weather (until about 9pm!) we've made use of the Garden space, whilst indoors we've spaced the tables out ot adhere to social distancing requirements.
​
If you've been thinking of coming along to give us a try please do get in touch!
Winton British Chess Solving Championship - Starter Puzzle
13th June, 2021
​
London League Online - Season 3
7th June, 2021
​
Lewisham have entered one team in the London Online offering, which will run 11 weeks commencing 9th June on the Tornelo platform.
Matches will take place on a Wednesday night from 7pm. A time control of 45 minutes + 15 second increment will be used.
Players need not be current ECF members nor will games count toward online grading.
If you are feeling less confident about returning the club and/or would like some competitive matches over the summer then please do get in touch with the club secretary.
​
Lewisham Chess Club - Member Survey 2021
31st May, 2021
​
We've sent out our annual survey to our members
​
Whilst not bound by your responses it does help give an indication of where we need to invest our energies, how many teams we should enter in competitions and what people want from the club, especially at present where we may need to offer both OTB and Online opportunities.
​
Non-Members will also receive this over the next day or two, and we'd be very glad to hear from you.
4NCL Season 3 - Catford Cosmonauts 2 vs Hull Romans
Tuesday 18th May, 7:30pm - *Watch-Along*
16th May, 2021
​
After progressing to the post-season stage with a 7/7 record in the divisional round, Cosmonauts 2 overcame a spirited and strong Celtic Tigers side in the Semi Final.
​
That victory puts us into the 4NCL Division 2 finals, pitting us against Hull & Beverley Romans on Tuesday 18th May.
​
Lewisham Chess Club will be hosting a watch-along from 7:30pm on the night for all our members, with the action being analysed by Chess Coach Dimitris Kolomvas. Please check your email for the appropriate link
​
International Blitz Battle - Tuesday 8th June, 7pm
31st May, 2021
​
Through our friends at Chester Chess Club, we're delighted to have been invited to another International Blitz Battle Team Event between clubs from the UK, Germany and Switzerland.
​
All members of the Lewisham Chess Club lichess team are welcome to participate - the top 7 players in each team will have their scores counted toward the final team score.
London Online League - Lewisham win Rook Division!
11th May, 2021
​
Going into the final week our Lewisham A side had managed to put a half point between ourselves and our nearest challengers, Metropolitan.
​
Whilst on paper, the neutral observer might have expected bottom side Cavendish to be put to the sword there are no easy games in this league! With three games down, we stood at 1.5-1.5 - with a draw looking most likely, John's opponent over-pressed for more and ended up handing us the victory, and with it the League title
​
Across our two teams, we saw 19 players involved, including five playing their first competitive league games for the club.
​
A special thank you to IM Richard Polaczek, who played in ten of the fixtures and was key to our success.
​
ECF - Chess for all Festival : Checkmate Covid
10th May, 2021
​
The ECF Chess for All Festival will take place from Sunday 30th May to Friday 4th June.
Chess for All Festival entrants will be divided into Beginners and Improvers.
​
The whole event will be played on Chess.com.
​
ECF Membership will be required, though non-ECF members can join for free ('Supporter Level') lasting until August.
​
The charge for Festival entry is £15.00, and includes –
-
4 group training sessions by Zoom by ECF recommended trainers for each group (Beginners / Improvers)
-
Online tournaments for every day of the Festival
-
Access to online streams specifically aimed at entrants to the Festival
​
Further information is available at the below link
​
https://www.englishchess.org.uk/chess-for-all-festival-checkmate-covid-the-rematch/
ECF Award Nominations
6th May, 2021
​
Nominations are being invited until the end of June for the ECF Annual Awards, including contributions to online chess and club of the year.
A full list of award categories and how to nominate can be found here;
https://www.englishchess.org.uk/nominations-invited-for-this-years-ecf-awards/
​
​
Lewisham Chess Club featured in 'The Lewisham Ledger'
23rd April, 2021
​
We are delighted to feature in our local paper, The Lewisham Ledger's Apr-May edition.
​
Club Secretary, Andrew Craig, discussed how we adapted to moving our club online in light of the covid-19 pandemic restrictions, some of our success at National Level that we've had and also the positive impact we have brought to our local community.
​
We're hoping to get back to playing at our Catford base and would be delighted to see some new faces interested in improving their game.
​
You can pick up a copy now at the following stockists (here)
​
Or indeed can read the article online
https://issuu.com/lewishamledger/docs/issue_15_of_the_lewisham_ledger/18
​
Photo Credit : The Lewisham Ledger, Lima Charlie.
​
4NCL Season 3 - Regular Season Review
22nd April, 2021
​
Heading into the final round of the regular season Catford Cosmonauts 1 faced a nervy evening against Atticus A knowing that a defeat would condemn us to a swift return after one season at the top table in Division One.
​
A quick draw by Bogdan on Bd1 was followed up with wins by Mike and Mikhail (vs FM Kennaugh) and Madara rounded up the match win with a draw against FM James).
That result, coupled with our Cosmonauts 2 team winning promotion mean we'll have 2 teams playing in the top rung of the 4NCL in Season 4.
​
Cosmonauts 2 finished the regular season with a 100% record, winning 3-1. As convincing group winners we'll also move into the Divisional Semi-Final stage, to take place on Tuesday 4th May.
​
Cosmonauts 3 ended mid-table in Division 3 whilst Cosmonauts 4 won their final match to end in 12th place in the Swiss table - which may be good enough for promotion once the entries for next season are confirmed.
​
ECF Yearbook
23rd March, 2021
​
​
The ECF Yearbook is now available for free download here.
​
There are sections on the 'Chess in Prisons' initiative that we've been involved in, alongside our 4NCL 'Catford Cosmonauts' team success and a number of individual tournament wins by our members throughout 2020.
​
The book also contains numerous annotated games to play through and some puzzles to test yourself with toward the end too.
​
​
Newcomers Match No.3 vs Uxbridge Chess
20th March, 2021
​
For our third 'newcomers' match, we've reached the end of the line - the Piccadilly and Metropolitan line to be accurate - as we take a virtual trip to Northwest London to face Uxbridge Chess Club.
Uxbridge play in the Thames Vallley and Berks Leagues. Alongside their Senior club they have a large junior presence.
The match will take place on lichess.org on Thursday 8th April at 6:30pm with a time control of 30 minutes plus 10 second increment.
​
​
4NCL - Mid-Season Update
10th March, 2021
​
With 4 of 7 of the regular season matches played, Lewisham's Catford Cosmonauts four teams stand as below.
​
Division 1. Cosmonauts 1 lie in 6th place in their group. We've been on the end of some narrow defeats but have Oxford and Atticus to play which will determine whether we will be looking over our shoulders or able to secure our divisional place
​
Division 2. Cosmonauts 2 have won all four games, lead our group and are top seeded in the division to boot! Our next fixture pits us against Streatham where a win would almost certainly secure promotion and a berth in the post-season.
Division 3. On the back of a surprise promotion, Cosmonauts 3 have fared well, currently lying in third spot in our group. Tougher tests lie in wait, which will determine whether we can push for an unlikely promotion again.
​
Division 7. In the Swiss Group Cosmonauts 4 have picked up 3/8 points thus far, having been heavy grading underdogs in three of our fixtures. Never routed, we've enjoyed some great individual results and will continue to use this league to provide games.
​
Looking ahead, the 4NCL have published plans for Season 4 (24/8 - 12/12) and Season 5, meaning it's likely to stay
Lewisham to compete in the London Online Chess League
26th February, 2021
​
​
​
​
Lewisham will enter two teams into the 2nd season of the London Online Chess League.
​
An important development is that the league has expanded it's entry to allow clubs from around the UK to partipicate - a total of 53 teams will play in 4 Divisions.
​
We have been placed into the Rooks (<2300) and Knights (<1900) divisions. Matches will take place on weekly on Wednesday evenings from 7pm on the Tornelo platform.
​
Games from around the league will be broadcast on Twitch from 7pm on match nights
​
English Chess Federation - Rapid & Blitz Grand Prix Series
20th February, 2021
​
The ECF has announced an Online Grand Prix Series for 2021 consisting of a series of nine monthly tournaments to be held on the lichess platform, running March-November.
The Blitz Tournaments will be held at 2:00pm on the first Sunday of each month and the Rapid Tournaments on the third Sunday of each month.
​
Entry to a single event = £5. A pass to cover all nine (at a particular time control) = £25
​
Trophy prizes will be awarded for the top three players in each of the nine Grand Prix categories – Open, Senior (Over 50), Women’s, Junior (U18), U2000, U1700, U1400, U1000.
​
More details at
https://www.englishchess.org.uk/2021-online-grand-prix-series/
​
​
credit - www.englishchess.org.uk
Lewisham Virtual Clubnight - Chess Variants 24th Feb
18th February, 2021
​
We're going to mix things up a bit in next week's virtual clubnight by trying out some chess variants.
​
This coming week we'll try some Atomic Chess, Crazyhouse and finally some Chess 960.
​
Rules are available for each variant here;
​
Arena is open to all members of the Lewisham lichess team page and will start at the earlier time of 7:30pm
https://lichess.org/team/lewisham-chess-club/tournaments
​
New Players Friendy Match vs Epsom Chess Club
Tuesday 16th February
7th February, 2021
​
Following on from the success of last months match against Hammersmith we're delighted to have arranged a friendly with Epsom Chess Club for Tuesday 16th February.
​
Whilst all players are welcome, we're targeting this match for all new players/enquirers to the club and will be looking to help anyone unfamiliar with the lichess platform
​
If you've been thinking of dropping us a line and would like a taste of a competitive match then please do (here).
​
Epsom Chess Club were originally founded in 1931 but were more recently revived in 2018. They compete in the Surrey League
​
​
4NCL Season 3 - Catford Cosmonauts
26th January, 2021
​
The 3rd Season of the 4NCL Online starts again tonight. Due to demand we've increased our participation to four teams.
Upon release of the 1st fixture we also had the pleasant news that Cosmonauts 3 have also been promoted for the coming season, following the success of our 1st and 2nd teams last season. Therefore our teams will compete as such;
​
Cosmonauts 1 - Division 1
Cosmonauts 2 - Division 2
Cosmonauts 3 - Division 3
Cosmonauts 4 - Division 7
​
Matches take place fortnightly on Tuesdays for seven weeks, with a semi-final and finals round to determine prizes.
​
Game links are published and can be followed from 7:30pm tonight on our lichess.org page.
​
An exciting development for this season will also be the use of Zoom for players to discuss and analyse their games post completion with the rest of the squad (and our club members)
New Joiners Friendly Match vs Hammersmith Chess Club - Tuesday 19th January (7:30pm)
8th January, 2021
​
A happy new year to all. Let us hope that 2021 brings better news and a swift return to over the board chess.
​
To kick start the new year our Virtual Clubnight returns on Wednesday, whilst a friendly match has been arranged with our good friends at Hammersmith Chess Club
​
Hammersmith Chess Club are one of the chess club success stories, with a large member base ran by a group of committed and friendly individuals.
​
In the same boat as Lewisham with regards to a number of inquiries from aspiring members who sadly cannot be welcomed down to the club in person, we've arranged this match with the express intention of offering a chance at a taste of competition and an experience of playing for the club.
​
The match will be played on the lichess server (free chess server), with a time control of 30+5 (meaning 30 minutes initial time and a 5 second increment - i.e. you will get 5 seconds for every move made).
Help will be on hand prior to get started and we'll look to pair players up with approximately similar strength / experience opponents. If you haven't dropped us a line already then please do so and I'll be glad to get you involved.
​
We're hoping to arrange a similar event in February also
​
Kind Regards,
Andrew
Lewisham Club Championship 2020
30th December, 2020
​
The Lewisham Club Championship was won by Mike Roberts with a 100% score.
Having finished 2nd in 2019, Mike went one better to take his first title, beating Colin, Andrew, Dave and Rod along the way, finishing a clear point ahead of the rest of the field.
The seeding prize went to Tony Foreman who avenged his loss to Max in the 2019 iteration.
​
Both players received a copy of Grandmaster Keith Arkell's acclaimed new book 'Arkell's Endings'.
​
Congratulations to the winners, and a thank you to everyone who took part.
ECF - Queens Gambit Scheme
24th December, 2020
​
The English Chess Federation (ECF) has launched a new initiative called the 'Queen’s Gambit Scheme', which offers free ECF Supporter membership for women over 18 who have not previously been members of the ECF, together with a package of events aimed at new player joiners, aimed at encouraging women and generally wider participation in organised chess. This will run alongside the Junior Silver existing scheme which is already available for female and male players under the age of 18.
​
Key points
​
The Queen’s Gambit Scheme last until the end of the membership year (Sept 2021) and will include:
ECF Online club membership and ability to play in regular club events
The ability to enter special new player events in ECF Online Clubs over the coming months.
In Director of Women’s Chess Chris Fegan’s words, ‘The Queens Gambit series which has recently been shown on Netflix has been a tremendous success and has been seen by millions of people throughout the world, many of whom have been encouraged to take up the game for the first time. The ECF wishes to keep the momentum from the TV series going into 2021, and therefore we are offering free Supporter membership to women over 18 alongside our Free Junior Silver membership scheme for girls under 18 to enable them to experience the benefits of ECF involvement for themselves.’
​
If anyone would be interested in hearing more and/or taking up this offer please send us a message on our Contact Us page
​
​
​
[image courtesy of Netflix – https://www.netflix.com/]
Catford Cosmonauts win 4NCL Division 3!
16th December, 2020
​
Last night we triumphed 2.5 - 1.5 against Trelawny's Army (Falmouth & Truro) in the Division 3 finals.
A full report will appear in due course.
​
In the Division 2 finals the match ended in a 2-2 tie. As board count was shared (we won on 1 and 4, lost on 2 & 3) we think that our opponents CSC1 will edge it by 2nd tiebreak method of elimination (discounting of the lowest board). That being the case we send our congratulations to them on a well fought match which could have swung either way.
4NCL Finals - Tuesday 15th December
12th December, 2020
​
Next week we'll compete in 4NCL Online Divisional Finals for Divisions 2 and 3.
​
Big thanks to local business, Place in Print, who kindly allowed use of their artwork featuring the Iconic Catford Cat
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
Action can be followed from 7:30pm at the forum link below;
Catford Cosmonauts reach TWO 4NCL Finals
3rd December, 2020
​
Following an exciting conclusion to the regular season, where all three of our teams had chances for promotion going into the final round of games, Catford Cosmonauts 1 & 2 both progressed to the semi-final stages by topping their respective groups in Divisions 2 and 3.
​
The semi finals in Division 2 pitted us against 'The Full Ponty'. Wins for Martin Gruau and Mark Robertson were complimented by draws on Boards 1 and 2, sending us into the finals 3-1.
​
In the Division 3 semi-final we had the daunting task of facing Number 1 seeds, Wessex Some Stars B, whose side would not have looked out of place had they been the opposition for our first team.
​
Whilst Peter went down on Bd 4, victory for Mike Roberts on Bd2 and a solid draw on Bd3 for John meant we were level on score with only Renate on top board still to finish. An incredibly sharp contest ensued, with chances for both players though in the end a draw was agreed and Cosmonauts 2 sneak into the final drawing the match 2-2 but progressing by virtue of board count.
​
A link to Mike's game, with annotations is included here
Christmas Puzzle Competition - just for fun
1st December, 2020
​
​
​
​
​
Our usual Christmas puzzle competition at the club has been suspended this year, but whilst there will be no prizes, Andrew will be distributing out a selection of puzzles in his pre-Christmas update to our mailing list.
​
A sample included here from Adams v Torre (1925).
​
Can you find White's winning move?
​
​
Southern Counties Chess Union - Online Competition
10th November, 2020
​
The Southern Counties Chess Union (SCCU) will be holding a members team championship beginning Saturday 28th November and running for five weeks (with a Christmas break).
Games will take place at 2pm with a time control of 60+15 and will be managed on the lichess server.
There will be two sections - average 2050 (old ECF 180) and 1675 (old ECF 130) for 8-board teams. Counties may enter more than one team if demand exists.
​
All members of the Lewisham Club (2019-20) are eligible to play for the Kent team, although note that ECF membership must have been renewed (minimum 'supporter' level).
Please let our club secretary know if you'd like to play
​
​
Lewisham / Beckenham & Bromley Alliance
2nd November, 2020
​
We're pleased to let you know that we've partnered with Beckenham and Bromley to allow members of both clubs to participate in each others club nights.
​
Beckenham clubnights are on Thursdays, on the lichess platform.
​
Currently they run a 1 hour Blitz Arena from 6:30pm followed by a 20min Swiss Tournament starting at 7:40pm
​
To join, please join the Beckenham lichess page
https://lichess.org/team/beckenham-and-bromley
​
David Moss
29th October, 2020
​
We are sad to report of the passing of club member David Moss this week.
​
David was a longstanding member of Crystal Palace chess club and in more recent years had joined Lewisham to play in the London Chess League.
He will be fondly remembered as much for his chess as his friendly nature. He will be sadly missed by both clubs
​
​
League of Mayhem - Season 2
15th October, 2020
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
The Lewisham Lewnatics will take part in the League of Mayhem's 2nd Season starting Thursday 15th October.
​
Match nights are Thursdays from 6:45pm with teams of four resticted to a limit of ECF 650 (new rating 7675)
​
Please contact Martin Stewart if you'd like to be involved
​
Cosmonauts 1 and 2 both lie in 2nd place in their
respective groups in Division 2 and 3 with 6/8 points,
whilst Cosmonauts 3, playing in Division 4, have consistently upset the odds and lie tied on 5/8, one point behind the group leader.
​
Fly high brave adventurers!
​
​
​
​
4NCL - Catford Cosmonauts flying high!
6th October, 2020
​
With half of Season 2 now completed, our 3 teams of Cosmonauts are all shooting for the stars.
​
William Jones Chess Channel
30 September, 2020
​
One our top players, William Jones, has created a chess channel on YouTube.
​
William has created a number of videos analysing games from top Grandmasters, as well as showcasing the ideas around certain openings.
​
You can link and subscribe to the channel here:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjswxKv-u9HVLHPN3jCsnsA
​
​
International Blitz Battle! 29-September, 7pm
25th September, 2020
​
We're delighted to have accepted and invite from Chester Chess Club and their German twin Lörrach to play in an International Blitz Battle on Tuesday 29-September starting at 7pm UK time.
​
Aside from our friends at Chester (the advent of increased online chess has had the positive effect of making great bonds with a lot of clubs we ordinarily wouldn't cross paths with), we'll be joined by English counterparts Epsom and continental sides Lörrach, Schachgesellschaft Riehen and SK Graefelfing
​
Big thanks to Phil Crocker @ Chester for organising!
​
​
Kent Season 2019-20 declared null and void
20th September, 2020
​
With the current lockdown measures in place restricting
over the board play, and warnings of no change for the next
six months, attendees at the Kent AGM (held last Thursday),
voted by 11-9 to declare the season 2019-20 as null and void.
​
The Kent Committee will be discussing a potential online
offering for which we will share details when available.
ECF 4-Digit Ratings
10 September, 2020
​
As had been previously planned, the English Chess Federation have moved to 4-digit style ELO Ratings, which will be published on a monthly basis.
For members, this means a bit extra checking before signing up for grade restricted competitions.
​
The first list looks to be a direct transposition of your July-2020 ECF Grade, using the formula
= (ECF * 7.5) + 700
​
The new ratings list can be found here;
https://www.ecfrating.org.uk/v2/new/list_players.php
​
The Kent and Croydon League systems in which we participate will be considering how to integrate the ratings into their current grade restricted divisions.
​
Note that the Online Rating (i.e. games played in rating events held online) are graded separately
Lewisham vs Falmouth & Truro : 27-September
19 September, 2020
​
We have arranged a match against Cornish Chess side, Falmouth & Truro Chess Club.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
The match will be contested over 11 boards and action will be co-ordinated on our lichess forum
​
​
The Cornwall Chess scene has brought through a number of talented junior players, and of course was the starting point for current English and Scottish Board 1 players Mickey Adams and Andrew Greet.
Lewisham vs Hertford Chess Club
5th September, 2020
​
We have arranged a match against Hertford Chess Club for Tuesday 15th September
​
Reformed in 1991, Hertford put a great ethos in encouraging the social aspect of chess - and we're delighted to have the opportunity to engage virtually with them
Club Championship 2020
2nd September, 2020
​
Whilst the current situation means we cannot play our club championship over the board, our 2020 version will take place online.
​
All Lewisham Members (classed as those who
subscribed in the 2019-20 club year) are eligible to
enter and there are no fees for doing so.
​
Depending on numbers we'll aim to run a 5-round
Swiss two sections (by July 2020 ECF Grade)
with a prize for the winner of each.
Time Control is default 45+15 but if mutually agreed we
are happy for members to choose the time control
they wish to play at.
​
On offer is our club championship trophy and a copy
of Keith Arkell's acclaimed new book 'Arkell's Endings'
​
Deadline for entering is Sunday 13th September -
please affirm your interest with our club secretary
​
​
RIP John Naylor
25th August, 2020
​
It is with sadness that we have learnt of the passing of former Lewisham player John Naylor.
John is fondly remembered at the club, and was part of our successful side of the 2000s, lifting the County Cup twice in successive years. He was good friends with many strong players in the chess scene and a number of tributes have been posted - two of which are linked below from GM Simon Williams and FM Tryfon Gavriel (a.k.a. Kingscrusher)
​
https://www.twitch.tv/videos/717137887
​
https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=xEaqtYk0o8c
​
His last games for Lewisham were around 2007 before he relocated, remaining an active and strong player up until his death.
​
Our condolences to his family and friends.
Lewisham vs Malpas & Oswestry : 31-August
21st August, 2020
​
We've arranged a match with fellow 4NCL side Malpas & Oswestry for Monday 31st August.
​
Our opponents hail from south of Chester, a short distance from the Welsh border and ordinarily play their chess in the Wirral and Shropshire Leagues.
​
The match will be contested over approximately 10 boards and action will be co-ordinated on our lichess forum
ECF Subscriptions 2020/21
12th August, 2020
​
ECF Membership subscriptions are due at the end of the month, with the various levels gaining different benefits.
​
https://www.englishchess.org.uk/ecf-membership-2020-21/
​
ECF Supporter – £10.00
Bronze – £18.00 | Junior Bronze – £6.00
Silver – £27.00 | Junior Silver – £6.00
Gold – £39.00 | Junior Gold – £19.50
Platinum – £75.00
​
For the online activities we've been involved in, not ran by ourselves independently, the ECF Supporter band would be sufficient, though should League Chess return then the excess to at least Bronze membership would be needed.
​
​
4NCL Online - Season 2, Catford Cosmonauts to fly again!
10th August, 2020
​
We're delighted to share the news that we've entered three teams in the second season of the 4NCL Online, with Catford Cosmonauts taking flight once more!
​
This season will be contested by >200 teams, over the course of a 7 season league season (+ post season for those who qualify)
​
Game nights will take place on Tuesdays and will run fortnightly from Aug-25th.
July 2020 ECF Grades
26th July, 2020
​
English Chess Federation new grades are out.
​
Congratulations to Jude, Cem, Rod, Chris and Lorenzo, who had the greatest increases. A special word for Lorenzo who also joins the ECF 200 club for the first time, after a brilliant string of performances in the London League.
Well done to Iain, who picked up his first ECF grade!
London Chess League - AGM 13-July-2020
14th July, 2020
​
London League's AGM took place virtually on the evening of Monday 13th July.
​
Some healthy discussion was had and whilst no decisions were considered regarding the conclusion of the 2019-20 season, the feeling in the room indicated a likely continued postponement to matters stretching beyond the initial proposed September resumption.
​
President Alan Palmer and League Secretary Brian Smith were clear that further fact finding will take place with full consultation of clubs as the situation becomes clearer.
​
It is viable that the London League may organise an online offering for it's members as an interim proposal while we await the go ahead for resumption of over the board chess. More details will be communicated as they are received.
As a side point it was great to see our friends from Hammersmith, Hackney amongst others.
​
​
Lewisham vs Warwick University (Mon 20th July, 7:30pm)
13th July, 2020
​
We have arranged a friendly against fellow 4NCL side Warwick University, to take place on Monday 20th July. Matches will be 45mins + 15s and played over lichess
​
Game links will be posted on our Lewisham Club Forum shortly before the match.
​
Lewisham represented in the 1st 4NCL Online Congress
12th July, 2020
​
Entries in the 4NCL Online
Congress consisted of;
​
Open: Mikhail & Peter
U1700: Max & Andy Dovey
​
​
​
Mikhail scored an solid 3/5, defeating clubmate Peter in Round 3.
​
Max, despite a surprising first round loss, rebounded with 3 wins and 1 draw in his remaining matches, including a win in R5 against 2nd seeded Stephen Greep.
​
National Online Club Championships
26th June, 2020
​
Lewisham will compete in the Intermediate Section of the National Online Club Championships (26-28).
A squad of Mikhail, Mike R, Dimitri, Peter, Tim, Howard, Owen, Martin S, Colin, Gokhan, Cem & Max will compete in 6-a-side matches over 5 rounds.
​
R1 Fri 26-Jun 7:30pm
​
R2 Sat 27-Jun 10:00am
​
R3 Sat 27-June 2:30pm
​
R4 Sun 28-Jun 10am
​
R5 Sun 28-Jun 2:30pm
​
All our games can be followed at the below link;
https://lichess.org/forum/team-lewisham-chess-club/ecf-national-online-championships-26-28-june
Lewisham vs Tynemouth
22nd June, 2020
​
We have arranged a North v South match against Northumberland League Champions Tynemouth this coming Tuesday 23rd June.
​
The match, which is generally for under 150 ECF players, will be contested over 12 boards.
​
Links to the games will be published on our lichess forum shortly before the games get underway at around 7:30 BST.
​
https://lichess.org/forum/team-lewisham-chess-club/lewisham-vs-tynemouth-chess-club-23-june-730pm
​
Lewisham vs Aachen Schachverein
16th June, 2020
​
Monday night saw Lewisham take on Top-tier SchachBundesliga side Aachen SV in a 14-board contest on lichess.
Lewisham, organised and captained by Tim Gluckman fell to an 6-8 defeat in a tight contest, with Mikhail notably beating his IM opponent.
​
The England vs Germany contest attracted the attention of both the ECF and German Chess League, with Andrew live-tweeting the action over twitter!
​
https://twitter.com/adcraig20/status/1272602302789099522
​
​
4NCL - Season 1 Round-up
9th June, 2020 Andrew Craig
​
Last week concluded our the 1st regular season, 10 weeks of 4NCL online.
As fortune would have it, Catford Cosmonauts 1st team ended up in a 'group of Death' with Wood Green Youth and ChessPlus Beta. We actually ended with the 5th best record in the division (with 15 points) but unfortunately 3rd in our group, with only the top two teams progressing to the playoff stage.
Cosmonauts 2's slow start meant it would always be an uphill task to get anywhere near the promotion places - indeed at that point relegation was a bit of a concern. However, we then went undefeated in the next 7 games, finishing 4th in our Group and with the league's =13th record.
Cosmonauts 3 suffered from mismatches on Board 1-2 quite often as the rather questionable seeding and placement of our opponents meant results were hard to come by. There were still some memorable victories and whilst we were relegated into Division 5 I have every intention of continuing to use the team to share out the games.
Thank you all for playing - roll on season 2!
​
​
Coming Soon : Thursday Nights, League of Mayhem!
28th April, 2020
BREAKING : Lewisham Lewnatics will compete in the newly formed 'League of Mayhem', a classical play (1hr + 15s) league to be held on Thursday nights, starting 7th May.
​
Teams will comprise of 4 players with maximum ECF 650. Further details will be supplied as the organisers impart them.
Blast off for Catford Cosmonauts!
7th April, 2020
​
With the current halt of all over the board chess due to Coronavirus pandemic, we have entered 3 teams into the newly created 4 Nations Chess League Online (4NCL Online) competition.
Lewisham Chess Club will play under the flag of our Catford Headquarters, with the Catford Cosmonauts competing in Divisions 2, 3 and 4.
Matches will take place on the lichess platform every
Tuesday evening for the next 10 weeks, with a divisional
playoff deciding the league winners.
“To some this may look like a sunset. But it’s a new dawn.”
(Chris Hadfield, Astronaut)
Illustration Credit - Chris Kawagiwa Art & Illustrations
Lewisham 'Virtual Clubnight' kicks off
2nd April, 2020
Our first virtual clubnight took place on Wednesday 25th March and was attended by 25 club members.
We played a blitz arena format, which was won by Jude - who has been at the forefront of our online offering.
​
We welcome anyone who'd like to get involved. Just drop us a line, we'd be delighted to hear from you.
The lichess site is free to join and our club secretary has drafted a short guide to help anyone a little new to the platform / online chess, and is available upon request.
Use the 'Contact Us' page to drop us a message!
Attn Lewisham Schools!
Lewisham Chess Club would like to help local Schools and Colleges start or develop their own Chess teams.
​
Chess develops the mind - Mental discipline, patience, forward planning, calulation, spatial awareness, strategy and strategic thinking are just some of the attributes a person develops when they learn to play chess. It can also teach one to win with grace and to lose with dignity.
Chess can be demanding, rewarding, exciting and FUN!
​
So if you are a teacher who would like to start a school Chess Club or would like to enhance the development of an existing club/team please get in touch with us to discuss how we at Lewisham Chess Club can assist you in your quest to develop and enhance young minds.
​
In the first instance please contact Martin Stewart who will discuss how we can best assist you in conjunction with our Youth Chess Engagement officer David Hamilton.
