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Updated 27/09/25

5^th Greater London (Orpington) FIDE Rapidplay—Saturday 4^th October 2025

Sanderson Hall, Mickleham Road, Orpington, Kent BR5 2RW

Greater London FIDE RapidPlay in Orpington on 4^th October—excellent connections to the venue near St Mary Cray railway station (direct trains under 45 minutes from London Bridge). U1200 section suitable for youngsters at discounted entry fee.

Swale Chess Club report—25^th September 2025

Swale Chess Club Championship

Last night's results:

Michael Dale 0–1 Trefor Owens
Gary Clifford 0.5–0.5 David Page
Mike Ingham 0–1 Keith Nevols
Craig Lindsay 0–1 Arnaud Wisman
Nick Allen 0.5–0.5 Andrew Gillard
Duncan Marsh 0.5–0.5 George Amey

Portsoken Chess Club

Swale Chess Club member Andrew enjoys a lunchtime game—and a pint—at Portsoken Chess Club in the City of London!

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Updated 22/09/25

Snodland Rapidplay—Saturday 27^th September 2025

Snodland Community Centre, Paddlesworth Road, Snodland, Kent ME6 5DP

ECF-rated Rapidplay (5 rounds of 25 mins + 5 seconds per move).

Swale Chess Club report—18^th September 2025

Swale Chess Club Championship

Last night's results:

Owen Taylor 0–1 Keith Hyde
Arnaud Wisman 1–0 Mike Ingham
Paul Hobbs 0–1 Martin Singer
Trefor Owens 1–0 Aaron Brown
Duncan Marsh 0.5–0.5 Nick Allen
Andrew Gillard 1–0 Gary Clifford
David Page 1–0 Craig Lindsay

Mini-puzzle

From last night's Andrew–Gary championship game.

White (Andrew) to move.

Mini-answer

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Updated 13/09/25

Swale Chess Club report—11^th September 2025

Blitz tournament

Thank you to those who took part in last night's start-of-the-season blitz tournament.

The results were:

Final

Arnaud Wisman 1–0 Keith Hyde

Others

David Page 1–0 Stephen Lamb
Trefor Owens 1–0 Keith Nevols
Martin Singer 0.5–0.5 Andrew Gillard
Mike Harris 0–1 Owen Taylor
Craig Lindsay 1–0 Paul Hobbs

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Updated 07/09/25

Snodland Rapidplay—Saturday 27^th September 2025

Snodland Community Centre, Paddlesworth Road, Snodland, Kent ME6 5DP

ECF-rated Rapidplay (5 rounds of 25 mins + 5 seconds per move).

Swale Chess Club report—4^th September 2025

It was good to see everyone back this week. We had a gentle start to the new season with an evening of casual chess.

AGM

Our Annual General Meeting took place on Thursday the 31^st of July 2025, with nine members attending.

Roll of honour 2024–25

• Club Championship: Trefor Owens, Arnaud Wisman, Kevin Charlton
• Club Plate: Gary Clifford and Vytautas Gedminas
• Tyrone Jefferies Rapid Chess Championship: Keith Nevols
• Christmas Blitz: Trefor Owens and Keith Nevols
• End of Year Blitz: Keith Nevols
• Chess 960 exhibition: Arnaud Wisman
• Ladder—top place: David Page

Team performances 2024–25

• En Passant—5^th out of six teams—best club performance: Stephen Lamb
• Fuller—8^th out of eight teams—best club performance: Tyrone Jefferies
• Intro—7^th out of eight teams—best club performance: Tyrone Jefferies
• Summer Handicap—4^th out of four teams—best club performance: Ashley Jarvis

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Updated 02/08/25

The 53^rd Thanet Chess Congress—Friday 15^th–Sunday 17^th August 2025

Sandwich Technology School, Deal Road, Sandwich, Kent CT13 0FA

Five-round FIDE-rated Swiss tournament. All sections are FIDE rated.

The highest placed Kent player will be crowned the Kent Champion for 2025 and the highest placed female will be the Kent Women's Champion.

Swale Chess Club report—24^th July 2025

Thank you to those who took part in last night's blitz evening.

The results were:

This is the last chess week of the season. Swale Chess Club will be reopening on Thursday the 4^th of September 2025.

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Updated 18/07/25

Swale Chess Club report—17^th July 2025

Ladder

David Page 1–0 Stephen Lamb
Gary Clifford 1–0 George Amey
Paul Hobbs 1–0 Mike Ingham
Ashley Jarvis 1–0 Logan Stanton

Congratulations to David for ending the season on top of the ladder.

Welcome on board, Aaron!

We were pleased to meet potential new member Aaron last night.

Summer closure

Please note that the club will be closed during all of August.

Mini-puzzle

—Contributed by Keith N

The mate in 4 challenge from the recent BBC Chess Masters: The Endgame game show.

White to move.

Mini-answer

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Updated 11/07/25

Swale Chess Club report—10^th July 2025

KCC Summer Handicap Quickplay

Our fourth and final match was away to Rainham on Wednesday, and an even match ended in an 8–8 draw.

Our individual results were as even: Keith N (2), Ashley (2), Andrew (2) and Mike (2).

Thanks to all for taking part.

Freestyle Chess 960

Our freestyle 960 chess exhibition went well, with some head scratching over the castling rule.

Everyone enjoyed the experiment—who knows, one day all games might be like this!

Congratulations to Arnaud for winning our mini-tournament.

Thanks to everyone for taking part.

Final

Arnaud Wisman 1–0 David Page

Others

Keith Nevols 1–0 Paul Hobbs
Keith Hyde 1–0 Andrew Gillard
Stephen Lamb 1–0 Nick Allen

Ladder

Michael Dale 0–1 Ashley Jarvis
Mike Ingham 0–1 Martin Singer
Logan Stanton 0–1 George Amey

Summer closure

Please note that the club will be closed during all of August.

Mini-puzzle

—Contributed by Keith N

The mate in 3 challenge from the recent BBC Chess Masters: The Endgame game show.

White to move.

Mini-answer

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Updated 06/07/25

Swale Chess Club report—3^rd July 2025

KCC Summer Handicap Quickplay

We received a visit from a strong team from Maidstone for our third match and lost by 5.5–10.5. Thank you to the team who were, with scores, Ashley (1.5), Andrew (1.5), Paul (1.5) and Mike (1).

Our fourth and final match will be next Wednesday the 9^th of July away to Rainham.

3^rd Swale Chess Club Rapid Chess Championship

Thank you to all who took part.

The competition was very close with both semi-finals and the final going to armageddon play-offs:

Final

1: Trefor Owens 0–1 Keith Nevols
2: Keith Nevols 0–1 Trefor Owens

Armageddon play-off: Trefor Owens 0–1 Keith Nevols

Ladder

Martin Singer 0–1 Stephen Lamb
Gary Clifford 1–0 Michael Dale
Craig Lindsay 0–1 Keith Hyde
George Amey 0–1 Kristof Siklodi

County Chess

The Kent U1450 team won the final versus Essex, with Swale Chess Club member Conner Macguire (1) contributing to the victory. 7.5–4.5.

Bravo also to the Kent U1650 team, who were runners-up against Surrey. Swale Chess Club members Nick Allen (0.5) and Andrew Gillard (1) added points to the result. 5.5–10.5.

Summer closure

Please note that the club will be closed during all of August.

Mini-puzzle

—Contributed by Kevin

From the Swale Chess Club Rapid semi-final between Kevin and Trefor. Black (Trefor) has just played Ne4. White has a mating combination; what is it?

White (Kevin) to move.

Mini-answer

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Updated 28/06/25

Swale Chess Club report—26^th June 2025

KCC Summer Handicap Quickplay

Our first two matches were this week. On Sunday 22^nd June, we voyaged down to Hastings—very nice place, very nice club, but a long way to go!

Hastings are the only chess club in the UK to own their own building and it is a gold mine if you are interested in chess history—the walls are covered with photos, caricatures, posters and other memorabilia.

We lost the match 10.5–5.5 with the scores being Keith N (1.5), Ashley (2.5), Andrew (0.5) and Paul (1).

Last night, Sevenoaks visited us and it was a tight contest. Keith N lost one game on time with his opponent having one second left!

We lost 9.5–6.5 with the scores Keith N (1.5), Ashley (2), Paul (2), Mike (1).

Thanks to those who took part. We have two more matches; home to Maidstone (3^rd July) and away to Rainham (9^th July).

Ladder

George Amey 0–1 David Page
Nick Allen 0–1 Kristof Siklodi
Michael Dale 0–1 Martin Singer
Gary Clifford 1–0 Logan Stanton
Andrew Gillard 0–1 Keith Hyde

Tournaments

At the Greater London (Orpington) FIDE Rapidplay on 14^th June, Keith N came joint second with 4 out of 5, and won £40!

This follows on from the Kentish FIDE Rapidplay on 25^th May where he also came joint second in his section with 4.5 out of 6 and got £20.

Summer closure

Please note that the club will be closed during all of August.

Mini-puzzle

—Contributed by Kevin

A draw for Black will win this recent Swale Chess Club Rapid armageddon (Kevin v Trefor); find how Black forces a perpetual check position.

Black (Trefor) to move.

Mini-answer

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Updated 21/06/25

Swale Chess Club report—19^th June 2025

The results:

Ladder

George Amey 0–1 Mike Ingham
Stephen Lamb 1–0 Andrew Gillard
Gary Clifford 1–0 Nick Allen
Paul Hobbs 1–0 Michael Dale
Vytautas Gedminas 0–1 Ashley Jarvis
Logan Stanton 0–1 David Page

Welcome on board, Oliver!

We were pleased to meet potential new member Oliver last night.

Summer closure

Please note that the club will be closed during all of August.

Mini-puzzle

—Contributed by Trefor

Here is a position from an online tournament game I played recently. Can you see the chance to mate the queen?

Black (Trefor) to move.

Mini-answer

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Updated 14/06/25

Swale Chess Club report—12^th June 2025

In a tough evening of chess, both of the Rapid semi-finals went to armageddon play-offs.

Rapid Chess Championship semi-finals

First semi-final

1: Trefor Owens 1–0 Kevin Charlton
2: Kevin Charlton 1–0 Trefor Owens

Play-off

Kevin Charlton 0-1 Trefor Owens

Second semi-final

1: Keith Nevols 0.5–0.5 David Page
2: David Page 0.5–0.5 Keith Nevols

Play-off

Keith Nevols 1–0 David Page

Ladder

George Amey 1–0 Michael Dale
Kristof Siklodi 1–0 Paul Hobbs
Nick Allen 1–0 Ashley Jarvis
Martin Singer 0–1 Arnaud Wisman
Mike Ingham 0–1 Stephen Lamb
Keith Hyde 1–0 Logan Stanton

Welcome on board, Eddie and Nicholas!

We were pleased to meet two potential new members last night—Eddie and Nicholas.

Summer closure

Please note that the club will be closed during all of August.

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Updated 08/06/25

Swale Chess Club report—5^th June 2025

The results:

Swale Chess Club Championship—Plate

Duncan Marsh 1-0 Mike Ingham
Craig Lindsay 0‐1 Vytautas Gedminas

Thanks and congratulations to Duncan, Mike, Craig and Vytautas who have completed their games.

A special congratulations to Gary Clifford and Vytautas Gedminas who are joint winners of the plate.

That concludes the Swale Chess Club Championship for 2024–2025. Thank you all for taking part.

Rapid Chess Championship

Group One

Trefor Owens 1–0 Paul Hobbs
Trefor Owens 0–1 Keith Nevols

Trefor and Keith N qualify for the semi-finals.

The semi-finals will be Kevin Charlton v Trefor Owens and Keith Nevols v David Page.

Ladder

Stephen Lamb 1–0 George Amey
David Page 1–0 Michael Dale
Gary Clifford 0.5–0.5 Kristof Siklodi
Logan Stanton 0–1 Andrew Gillard
Alfie Burton 0–1 Keith Hyde

Match report—Greater Manchester v Kent U1650 semi-final

Two Swale players—Andrew and Nick—contributed to yesterday's great result. Greater Manchester 4.5 Kent 11.5.

Meanwhile clubmate Conner Macguire's win in the corresponding U1450 semi-final meant Greater Manchester 3 Kent 9.

Mini-puzzle

No pawns or pieces were captured for over an hour in Andrew's county game, then both players let rip with the tactics! Here's a typical moment.

Black (Andrew) to move.

Mini-answer

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Updated 30/05/25

Swale Chess Club report—29^th May 2025

Last night's results:

Rapid Chess Championship

Group One

Andrew Gillard 0–1 Paul Hobbs
Stephen Lamb 0–1 Trefor Owens
Trefor Owens 1–0 Nick Allen

Trefor and Keith N qualify for the semi-finals.

Group Two

Keith Hyde 1–0 Vytautas Gedminas
Vytautas Gedminas 0–1 Kevin Charlton

Kevin and David qualify for the semi-finals.

Ladder

Gary Clifford 0–1 Martin Singer
David Page 0.5–0.5 Arnaud Wisman

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Updated 23/05/25

Simul vs GM Sergey Tiviakov—Wednesday 4^th June 2025

Our friends at Medway Chess Club will be hosting a simul vs GM Sergey Tiviakov on Wednesday 4^th June, 7.45pm.

Sergey Tiviakov is a former European Champion, a World Championship quarter-finalist, and three-time Dutch champion. He is a well-known coach, author and opening expert.

Venue: English Martyrs Church Hall, Frindsbury Road, Rochester, Kent ME2 4JA

4^th Greater London (Orpington) FIDE Rapidplay—Saturday 14^th June 2025

Sanderson Hall, Mickleham Road, Orpington, Kent BR5 2RW

Five-round rapidplay tournament across four sections: 25 minutes + 10 seconds increment from move #1. ECF & FIDE rated: U2100, U1800, U1500, U1200 (ECF only).

3^rd Kent (Tunbridge Wells) FIDE Congress—Friday 11^th to Sunday 13^th July 2025

Tunbridge Wells Bridge Club, 40 London Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1DL

Five-round Swiss tournament (time Control of 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment from start). Three sections ECF & FIDE rated: Open, U1900 & U1600.

The 53^rd Thanet Chess Congress—Friday 15^th–Sunday 17^th August 2025

Sandwich Technology School, Deal Road, Sandwich, Kent CT13 0FA

Five-round FIDE-rated Swiss tournament. All sections are FIDE rated.

Swale Chess Club report—22^nd May 2025

Last night's results:

Swale Chess Championship

Trefor Owens 0.5–0.5 Arnaud Wisman

Congratulations to Trefor Owens, Arnaud Wisman and Kevin Charlton who are the joint club champions for 2024–25.

The entirely green table illustrates that all players have completed all their games; a sign of a committed and well-organised club. Well done, everyone, and our compliments to tournament organiser Keith Nevols.

Ladder

Martin Singer 1–0 Logan Stanton
Nick Allen 0.5–0.5 Andrew Gillard
David Page 1–0 Kristof Siklodi

Rapid Chess Championship

Group One

Paul Hobbs 1–0 Owen Taylor
Stephen Lamb 1–0 Paul Hobbs

Group Two

George Amey 0–1 Ashley Jarvis
Gary Clifford 0–1 Keith Hyde
Vytautas Gedminas 0.5–0.5 Gary Clifford
Ashley Jarvis 0–1 Keith Hyde

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Updated 18/05/25

4^th Kentish FIDE Rapidplay—Sunday 25^th May 2025

Donnington Manor Hotel, London Rd, Dunton Green, Sevenoaks TN13 2TD

Six-round rapidplay tournament—20 + 5. ECF & FIDE rated: Open, U1800, U1400 (ECF only).

The 53^rd Thanet Chess Congress—Friday 15^th–Sunday 17^th August 2025

Sandwich Technology School, Deal Road, Sandwich, Kent CT13 0FA

Five-round FIDE-rated Swiss tournament. All sections are FIDE rated.

4^th Greater London (Orpington) FIDE Rapidplay—Saturday 14^th June 2025

Sanderson Hall, Mickleham Road, Orpington, Kent BR5 2RW

Five-round rapidplay tournament across four sections: 25 minutes + 10 seconds increment from move #1. ECF & FIDE rated: U2100, U1800, U1500, U1200 (ECF only).

3^rd Kent (Tunbridge Wells) FIDE Congress—Friday 11^th to Sunday 13^th July 2025

Tunbridge Wells Bridge Club, 40 London Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1DL

Five-round Swiss tournament (time Control of 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment from start). Three sections ECF & FIDE rated: Open, U1900 & U1600.

Swale Chess Club report—15^th May 2025

Last night's results:

Swale Chess Championship

Championship—Group Two

Keith Nevols 1–0 Arnaud Wisman

We have finally finished Group Two—well done to Arnaud and Stephen for jointly winning the group.
There is one game left and it is Trefor v Arnaud. The winner will take the Championship. If it is a draw, then there will be a three-way tie.

Plate

Duncan Marsh 1–0 Michael Dale

Thanks and congratulations to Michael for finishing the fixtures.

There are two games left in the plate: Craig v Vytautas and Duncan v Mike I. Vytautas needs to beat Craig to tie. Otherwise Gary will win the Plate.

Ladder

Martin Singer 1–0 Andrew Gillard
Kristof Siklodi 1–0 Mike Ingham
Logan Stanton 0–1 Alfie Burton

Rapid Chess Championship

No Group One games.

Group Two

Keith Hyde 0.5–0.5 George Amey
Ashley Jarvis 1–0 Gary Clifford
David Page 0.5–0.5 Keith Hyde
Vytautas Gedminas 0–1 Ashley Jarvis
Gary Clifford 1–0 George Amey

David has qualified for the semi-finals.

Match report—Worcestershire v Kent U1650 quarter-final

Two Swale players—Andrew and Nick—contributed to yesterday's great result. Kent 10 Worcestershire 6.

Mini-puzzle

Andrew's finish from the county match; White turned around a tough game with a decisive midgame mating attack!

White to move.

Mini-answer

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Updated 09/05/25

Swale Chess Club report—8^th May 2025

Last night's results:

Swale Rapid Chess Championship

Group One

Paul Hobbs 0–1 Keith Nevols
Andrew Gillard 0–1 Stephen Lamb
Paul Hobbs 0.5–0.5 Nick Allen
Owen Taylor 1–0 Stephen Lamb

Group Two

Keith Hyde 0–1 Kevin Charlton
Ashley Jarvis 0–1 David Page
Kevin Charlton 1–0 Ashley Jarvis

The tables:

Ladder

Michael Dale 0–1 Mike Ingham
Kristof Siklodi 1–0 Logan Stanton

Welcome on board, Michael!

We were pleased to meet a potential new member, Michael, last night.

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