NEWS & EVENTS
Bughouse Night, Weds 29th March
16th March 2023
We'll be having a Bughouse Tournament from 8pm on Wednesday 29th March.
For those unfamiliar with this chess variant, you play in a team of two, one as White the other as Black, each playing a game of chess against your opponent opposite. When taking a piece it is passed to your team mate who can, as their move, place the piece on their own board. Pieces can be placed in check or checkmate, but cannot be put on an occupied square or on the 1st or 8th ranks if a pawn.
Each player has 5 mins on their clock with no increment.
The match ends when either player of the team is checkmated or runs out of time.
The video below gives a longer explanation of the basics.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vEnz78nrDk
Please arrive early for seedings and for a practice!
Blitz Tournament Results
16th March 2023
A field of 21 players contested last nights blitz tournament at the Club.
Over 6 Rounds, Cos Charles and Mike Roberts scored 5 points, taking 1st equal, with Cos going unbeaten throughout.
London League Update
11th March 2023
With our match against Metropolitan postponed, our first team will next be in action against surprise package East Ham 1, who have won 5/5 of their matches in a couple of weeks time.
In Division Two, it looks to be a four horse race for the two promotion spots, with Cavendish (P8, 6pts), East Ham (P5, 5pts) and Metropolitan (P6, 4.5pts), our direct competition (P6, 5pts).
In Division Three, a win against Hackney moves us to 3 points, putting a two point gap between ourselves and Metropolitan 2, DHSS, Cavendish 3 and three points to Athenaeum 2.
With DHSS and Athenaeum still to play, we are looking like we should stay clear of any relegation worries.
Finally, in Division Four, our 3rd side have reached 4 points from our 5 games, including taking down leaders Kings College. We're currently a point clear in second place, but still have tough matches to come against East Ham 2 and Hammersmith.
Matthew Helsby wins the U9 Kent Junior Championships
13th February 2023
Congratulations to Lewisham's Matthew Helsby who was crowned Under-9 Kent Junior Champion this weekend.
Matthew scored 5.5/6 in his section, and was outright winner
https://chess-results.com/tnr728860.aspx?lan=1&art=1&rd=6&fed=ENG
Strong end to the Intro Cup Campaign for Lewisham 6
2nd February 2023
Lewisham 6 ended the regular season with a 2-2 draw against Beckenham last night. With only one loss (against Lewisham 7), we've ended with 10 points - based on points scored per game our total would be good enough to qualify for the semi-final stage in all of the past five seasons. We'll now wait and see if we are overhauled between now and the end of March.
Winners last night were two players new to the club this season - Harry and Lucinda.
2nd Kentish Rapidplay & London League Chess Congress
20th January 2023
There's a number of events taking place in and around London over the coming month.
English Chess Federation members should be receiving 'Chess Moves' via email as part of their subscription, which details the national calendar.
Of the most local, the 2nd Kentish Rapidplay takes place next Sunday (29th Jan), whilst the London League Congress runs 3rd - 5th Feb.
Clicking on either of the below will take you to the respective entry form
Puzzle Competition - and the winner is...
17th January 2023
Mike Roberts!
Mike scored 22.5 marks (of a maximum 47 available) in our fiendishly tricky (and intended short amount of allotted time) puzzle competition, two marks ahead of Peter Wood.
Mike wins a bottle of fizz for his efforts, which I'm told he has promised to his partner!
Club members will have received a copy of the questions and separately answers should they wish to have a go in their own time
Diego wins the Blitz!
13th January 2023
Congratulations to Diego who won Wednesday evenings blitz competition.
Games were played at a 3+2 control without handicap. Despite being 8th seed, victories against Pradeep, Pete M, Gabriel, Mike and Cos, with a draw against Peter W (in a winning position but with little time) secured him 1st place.
Puzzle Competition, 11th Jan
2nd January 2023
Andrew will be hosting a puzzle competition on Wednesday 11th January.
Members can play for free. Casual Chess will also be taking place at the club.
Mike Roberts wins Club Championship
22nd December 2022
Congratulations to Mike Roberts who won the 2022 club championship.
In a field of twenty players, Mike scored a 100% record, defeating James in the final round to clinch the trophy.
Congratulations also to Conrad Hall who won the grading prize, finishing the tournament with 2.5/4
Players pictured below receiving their book prizes from Andrew. Mike chose a copy of Nigel Short's 'Winning' whilst Conrad received Chris Ross's 'Blind Faith'
Steady progress in the London League
17th November 2022
There's been steady progress in all divisions in the London League.
Lewisham 1 have 1.5 points from 2, having been held to a draw by Streatham last week. Next up for us are Cavendish, who have started with an impressive 3/3.
Lewisham 2 have 1 point from their first 3 matches, though having played both Albany and Greater London we should hope for some easier nights ahead.
Lewisham 3, meanwhile have 1 point from 2 matches, scoring a good win against Kings College.
Chess Talk - IM Conor Murphy at the Chennai Chess Olympiad
8th November 2022
We're delighted to have International Master Conor Murphy with us next week to talk at the club about his experience of the recent Chennai Olympiad, where he achieved his second Grandmaster Norm, with a remarkable performance rating of 2704.
Conor will take us through some of his games and key moments in the tournament, as well as his personal experience.
The talk will start at 8pm and will likely last between 1 - 1.5hrs. Following the talk there will be a chance to play some rapid games/chat with Conor, as well as the usual casual chess for the remainder of the evening.
This event is free to all.
Conor Murphy was the 2019 Irish Champion and tied for 1st at the 2018-19 Hastings Congress. He became an IM in 2021 and has achieved two GM norms to date. He plays for Charlton Chess Club.
Success for Esme @ the Girls U19 Schools Championships
14th October 2022
Congratulations to Lewishams's Esme Somerside who helped JAGS qualify for the National Finals of the U19 Girls Schools Championships
In the Qualigying event last weekend, Esme scored a storming 4/5 on Board 3 for her team, helping them to 4th place in a field of 38.
The Finals will be held in April 2023
Kent Season Begins!
13th October 2022
OnLast night marked the beginning of the Kent Chess Season, with Lewisham's two Intro Cup teams taking each other on.
There were first games for Norman, Brian and Jed, with Lewisham 7 coming out the winners.
Both teams are in action again in 2 weeks time.
Upcoming Kentish FIDE Rapidplay : Sun 30-Oct-2022
10th October 2022
Lewisham players may be interested to know that the 1st Kentish FIDE Rapidplay tournament will be held on Sunday 30th October at RedLibbets Golf Club, Manor Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent.
Event details;
- Six round Rapidplay tournament - 20+5
- ECF & FIDE rated
- Three sections: Open, U1800, U1600
- Entry Fee = £25*
*Players should be ECF members at Silver or above, otherwise there will be a £10 additional fee.
Online entry: http://congress.org.uk/congress/204/home
Chess with Dimitris presents 'The Romantic Era of Chess'
30th September 2022
Next week , October 5th, Dimitris Kolomvas "Chess with Dimitris" (https://www.facebook.com/DimitrisChess/) will be presenting a talk on The Romantic Era of Chess.
The Romantic style of chess was prevalent from the 18th to late 19th century. Chess games of the period emphasised quick, tactical manoeuvres rather than long-term strategic planning.
The talk will look at famous games of the period, such as the Opera game.
It will be aimed at beginner to intermediate level and is open to both members and non-members free of charge.
Talk starts at 8pm at the Catford Cricket & Sports Club.
Pitt-Yavash Trophy 28-Sep-2022
30th September 2022
On Wednesday we hosted Beckenham & Bromley chess club in our season-opener, the Pitt-Yavash Trophy, named after the late Michael Pitt, a long standing servant of the club.
Lewisham fielded 9 players with no/little recent game classical OTB game experience, including seven players playing their first match for the club.
In a fiercely contested 18-board set-up, we drew the match 9-9
Ted Mason 2022
25th September 2022
Fifteen players competed in the Ted Mason Memorial competition this Sunday, which was contested as a six round Swiss event.
Honours went to William Jones who bulldozed everyone with a 100% score of 6/6.
2nd place went to Andrew, and 3rd to Mehmet.
Chess Season 2022-23
24th September 2022
This season we'll be entering 7 teams in the Kent competitions (including two in the Intro Cup), 4 in Croydon, 3 in the London League and 1 team in the Central London League.
The Kent, London and Central London League fixtures have been organised and are available on our Fixtures page.
Team Captains are listed on our Contacts Page. Members will shortly begin receiving invitations for matches
Any questions can be directed to Andrew
Ted Mason Memorial - Sunday 25th Sept
17th September 2022
Our Ted Mason Memorial Competition will take place this year on Sunday 25th Sept between 12pm - 6pm.
Edward 'Ted' Mason, was a one of Lewisham's strongest ever players, winning the Kent Individual Championship on three occasions.
The format of the competition is handicapped, meaning stronger players receive less time than the weaker player. It is open to club members with an entry fee of £5 (which includes a light lunch, snack and drinks).
Please register interest with Andrew.
AGM Minutes
14th September 2022
Minutes from our AGM (September 7th) will be circulated to our members today. Thank you to all those that came along and participated in a constructive discussion about the future plans.
Key Points;
Subscription Prices remain unchanged for 2022-23
The Club will continue participation in 4 OTB Leagues
Mike Roberts joins the committee as Equipment Officer. Other committee members retain their posts (unchallenged).
Pitt-Yavash Trophy - 28th Sept
8th September 2022
Our curtain raising season opener against Beckenham will take place this year on 28th September at Lewisham.
The match, in memory of our late long-time member Michael Pitt, offers a chance for newer players at the club to take part in a classical game
Last year Beckenham took the spoils, winning 10-8.
Andrew will be emailing our mailing list distribution - if you'd like to take part, please let him know.
Streatham & Brixton 150th Anniversary Rapidplay - 17th Sept
25th August 2022
Lewisham members have kindly been invited to the upcoming Stretham & Brixton Rapidplay event, being held at Streatham Library on September 17th.
There will be 2 sections, U2400 and U1750. Each section will comprise of 6 rounds starting at 10am, with a control of 25+5.
Entry is limited, with a fee is £20 and should be confirmed in advance to avoid disappointment
http://congress.org.uk/congress/187/home?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Lewisham Chess Club AGM - September 7th
12th August 2022
Our AGM will take place on September 7th 2022.
The Agenda has been circulated to members and financial statement will be provided prior to the meeting.
Peter Wood represents England @ The FIDE World Seniors
3rd August 2022
Congratulations to our very own Peter Wood, who represented England 2 at the FIDE World Seniors Chapionship in Acqui Terme, Italy.
Helping England 2 to a 13th place finish, Peter also scored individual silver on Board 4, going unbeaten and scoring 5.5 in the tournament.
England 1 won the championship, capping an excellent event for the nation.
Lewisham Players at The British Championships
30th July 2022
Lewisham will be represented at the British Championships this August with Gokhan (Weekend Atkins, Blitz), David Helsby (U1900 Week, Rapidplay Open) and Matthew Helsby (U10, Rapid U11) all hoping to do well.
London League AGM
22nd July 2022
The London League AGM took place yesterday evening.
The main news is that the League will return to it's 4-Division structure with promotion and relegation. Clubs will be placed in the same division as the abandoned 2019-20 season unless withdrawals require divisional change, meaning we'll compete in Divisions 2, 3 and 4.
A new venue will replace the Citiadines Hotel as a central venue, with the League using St Margarets House in Bethnal Green. Lewisham intend to continue to play our home matches at Brokers Wine Bar with details to be announced at later date.
Lewisham win the London League Division 2 title
6th July 2022
Lewisham 3 scored the final match win needed against a stubborn Metropolitan side last night, thereby winning the London League Division 2 West Division.
Despite early setbacks and going 0-2 down, Diego and Cem picked up healthy draws and Gokhan, Howard and Dave converted their better positions to turn the match in our favour. It was still left for Gustavo to avoid defeat, and although an exchange up, his opponent got some good counterplay and there were a few nervous glances as he ran short of time.
In the end, Gus managed to force a trade of rooks and it wasn't long before a handshake ensued allowing Lewisham to celebrate.
Croydon Derec Cox Trophy Champions!
30th June 2022
It was a winner takes all affair last night in the Croydon Derec Cox Trophy as we welcomed Streatham to our Catford base.
Andrew's game provided a sharp battle - his opponent sacrificing a pawn for aggression on the h-file at White's castled King.
Whilst White was able to repel the immediate danger, he also burnt a lot of time on the clock. Perhaps trying too hard to hold onto the material advantage, the game could have swung in the following position. After 1) Kf3?? Black, missed 1) ... g4+, leading to 2) hxg4 Rh1 - and a knockout attack
Instead, the game continued 1) ... Qd1+ 2) Kg3 Qh5? - and White wins with 3) f6.
Conrad also won, whilst Cristiano drew, securing the match win and a first title for Lewisham in this competition.
Lewisham crowned County Cup Champions!
18th June 2022
For a record 29th time, but first since 2010, Lewisham have won the Kent County Cup and can proudly declare that we are the strongest team in Kent.
A 5-1 victory in the final against Rainham was an added gloss to a hugely successful season for Tim's side.
Pictured; Mike, Tim, Mark, Jude, Edmond and Gokhan.
Credit also to the rest of the squad who played their part - Dimitris, Peter, John, David Hamilton, James, Syd and Mehmet
Archived News (< July 2022)
As we gear up for the start of a new OTB chess season, we've taken the opportunity to archive all our news pre-July 2022. You can still access the information here, or at the link at the foot of this page.
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.
Upcoming Events
Mon 13th March 2023
Kent En Passant: 19:45
Lewisham 4 v Charlton
Mycenae House, 90 Mycenae Road, London, SE3 7SE
Weds 15th March 2023
Blitz Tournament: 20:00
Catford Cricket & Sports Club
Weds 20th March 2023
Croydon Martin Cath: 19:45
Lewisham B v CCF
Tues 21st March 2023
London League D4 : 18:30
Lewisham 3 v East Ham 2
Brokers Wine Bar
Thurs 23rd March 2023
Central London League : 18:30
Lewisham v Wanstead
Churchill Gardens, Pimlico, London SW1V 3AL
Fri 24th March 2023
Kent Stevenson : 19:45
Lewisham 2 v Petts Wood 2
St John's URC, Lynwood Grove, Orpington BR6 0BG
Tues 28th March 2023
London League D2 : 18:30
Lewisham 1 v East Ham 1
Brokers Wine Bar
Tues 28th March 2023
Croydon Dave Luckin: 19:45
Lewisham C v Streatham C
St Thomas' Cafe, St Thomas' Church, Telford Avenue, SW2 4XW
Weds 29th March 2023
Bughouse Tournament: 20:00
Catford Cricket & Sports Club
Thurs 30th March 2023
Croydon Martin Cath: 19:45
Lewisham B v South Norwood
West Thornton Community Centre,
731 - 735 London Road,
Thornton Heath, Croydon, CR7 6AU
Tues 4th April 2023
London League D3 : 18:30
Lewisham 2 v DHSS
Caxton House, Tothill Street,
SW1H 9DA
Weds 5th April 2023
Kent Tom Fuller : 19:45
Lewisham 5 v Gravesend 5
Catford Cricket & Sports Club
Tues 11th April 2023
Croydon Shield: 19:45
Lewisham A v Streatham A
Croydon Deric Cox: 19:45
Lewisham D v Streatham D
St Thomas' Cafe, St Thomas' Church, Telford Avenue, SW2 4XW
Weds 12th April 2023
Kent Stevenson Cup : 19:45
Lewisham 2 v Charlton 2
Weds 12th April 2023
Croydon Dave Luckin: 19:45
Lewisham C v HMRC Croydon
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