Swale Chess Club meets weekly and caters for chess enthusiasts from novice to expert
The Artisan Room, Central House, Central Avenue, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 4NU
Thursdays from 7.40pm Please email us or call 07724 273157
***New members always welcome!***
To view the English Chess Federation League Management System, which shows all of the fixture results, league tables etc: ecflms.org.uk
Swale Chess Club annual subscription: £70, which includes ECF Bronze membership.
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Updated 13/12/24
The results were:
Group One
Mike Ingham 0–1 Tyrone Jefferies
Keith Hyde 1–0 Vytautas Gedminas
Kristof Siklodi 1–0 Trefor Owens
Kevin Charlton 1–0 Ashley Jarvis
Mike Ingham 1–0 Paul Hobbs
Michael Dale 0–1 Emma Walker
Group Two
Craig Lindsay 0–1 Owen Taylor
Stephen Lamb 1–0 David Page
Gary Clifford 1–0 Luke Johnson
Each group has 23 games to go and the tables are:
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Updated 07/12/24
The results:
Group One
Kristof Siklodi 1–0 Kevin Charlton
Vytautas Gedminas 0.5–0.5 Paul Hobbs
Martin Singer 0.5–0.5 Trefor Owens
Alfie Burton 0.5–0.5 Ashley Jarvis
Group Two
Craig Lindsay 0–1 Gary Clifford
Therefore the tables are:
We were pleased to welcome new member Logan to Swale Chess Club.
Two members of Swale Chess Club took part in last weekend's five-round open congress held at the University of Kent; in a strong field Stephen and Andrew managed one way or another to accumulate 3.5 points between them. The overall winner was IM Kristian Stuvik Holm from Norway with 5/5. The event was well organised and the Canterbury campus was an excellent venue with good-value catering available on site throughout the weekend. We encourage chess players from Kent and beyond to support this event—along with the U1800 tournament—which is scheduled to return in March.
From the recent En Passant match against Medway. I'm Black and was playing on board two. White has just played the attacking move f5, and I found the best reaction.
Black to move.
Swale Chess Club Facebook page provides extra chess news. If you are not already a member, please sign up today.
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Updated 03/12/24
Two matches this week.
On Wednesday 27th November, Swale unfortunately lost 4–0 to Medway in the Fuller Cup. Thanks to Gary, Andrew G, Conner and Mike I for playing.
Last night, in the En Passant, we were defeated 4–2 by Maidstone. Scores were Kristof (0.5), Stephen (0.5), Nick (0.5), Tyrone (0), Ashley (0.5), Paul (0). Thanks to Paul for being drafted in at the last minute.
Group One
Trefor Owens 1–0 Vytautas Gedminas
Emma Walker 0–1 Mike Ingham
Michael Dale 0–1 Alfie Burton
Group Two
Arnaud Wisman 0–1 David Page
Andrew Gillard 1–0 Owen Taylor
Luke Johnson 0–1 Craig Lindsay
Therefore the group tables are:
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Updated 22/11/24
University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NZ
There were three matches over the last week.
On Monday 18th in the En Passant we had a comprehensive win over Weald of Kent down in Cranbrook by 5.5–0.5.
Well done to the team, which was:
Keith N (0.5), Stephen (1), Vytautas (1), Nick (1), Tyrone (1), and Paul (1)
(In Keith N's defence he was against a 2100 player, so a draw was not too bad.)
On Wednesday 20th the Intro team played away to Maidstone 10 (yes, they have ten teams!) and drew 2–2.
The results were Tyrone (1), Craig (0), Owen (0) and Mike (1).
And last night, Thursday 21st, the Intro team were at home to Maidstone 9 and lost 1.5–2.5.
The results were Gary (1), Craig (0), Alfie (0.5) and Luke (0).
Thanks to all our players.
The world chess championship match between the world champion, Ding Liren (China), and the challenger, Dommaraju Gukesh (India), kicks off on Monday 25th November at 9am UK time.
It is the best of 14 games with tie-breaks for an even score. The time limit is 40 moves in 120 minutes (no increments) and then 30 minutes (with 30-second increments from move 41) for the rest of the game.
You can follow the games live on various places on the internet, or see round-ups in the evening on YouTube.
Last night's results:
Group One
Kevin Charlton 0.5–0.5 Trefor Owens
Martin Singer 1–0 Vytautas Gedminas
Ashley Jarvis 0.5–0.5 Mike Ingham
Group Two
David Page 0–1 Andrew Martin-Luce
Andrew Gillard 0–1 Stephen Lamb
The tables are:
From a recent Swale Chess Club Championship game. I'm White and my opponent has just played Rh7 to stop me from taking the rook that was in the corner. However, I have a good follow-up.
White to move.
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Updated 15/11/24
We enjoyed a great night at the club last night with the visit of WIM Natasha Regan and Matt Ball, who gave members a talk about Gukesh's chess tactics. During the interlude Natasha and Matt were delighted to sell and sign their stock of their latest book Zwischenzug! and even sold out of Zwischenzug! because of the demand.
We were privileged to be the first chess club to hear of the launch of the authors' Chessable course—Masterful Moves: Gukesh
Released on: 15th November 2024 (today!)
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Updated 08/11/24
***Last few places remaining!***
This Thursday November 14th Woman International Master Natasha Regan and National Instructor Matt Ball will be visiting Swale Chess Club to talk about Gukesh's tactics. They will also be bringing their latest book Zwischenzug!, which has been nominated for 2024 ECF book of the year, for signing and purchase at author's discounted rates.
If you are interested in attending then please email Swale Chess Club or phone 07724 273157 for further details.
Numbers are limited, so book early.
Thank you to everyone who played over the last two days, especially Vytautas who was called up at the last minute.
On Wednesday, the team went to Maidstone and lost 3–1. The team was Tyrone (1), default (0), Conner (0) and Owen (0). And Thursday a home match against a different Maidstone team and we lost 2.5–1.5. The result was Vytautas (0), Tyrone (0.5), Conner (1) and Craig (0).
Last night's results:
Group One
Kristof Siklodi 0.5–0.5 Ashley Jarvis
Trefor Owens 0.5–0.5 Keith Hyde
Paul Hobbs 0–1 Martin Singer
Mike Ingham 1–0 Michael Dale
Alfie Burton 1–0 Emma Walker
Group Two
Gary Clifford 0–1 Arnaud Wisman
Keith Nevols 0–1 Stephen Lamb
Luke Johnson 0–1 Andrew Gillard
Nick Allen 0.5–0.5 David Page
Therefore the tables are:
We had sparklers from both sides throughout this game last night but Black now finishes off the fireworks with a double salvo!
Black to move. Which piece did Black move?
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Updated 02/11/24
On Thursday November 14th Woman International Master Natasha Regan and National Instructor Matt Ball will be visiting Swale Chess Club to talk about Gukesh's tactics. They will also be bringing their latest book Zwischenzug!, which has been nominated for 2024 ECF book of the year, for signing and purchase at author's discounted rates.
If you are interested in attending then please email Swale Chess Club or phone 07724 273157 for further details.
Numbers are limited, so book early.
Sanderson Hall, Mickleham Road, Orpington, Kent BR5 2RW
This Wednesday, we had an away game at Medway but unfortunately lost 4–2.
The team with the results was: Keith N (0.5), Stephen (1), Default (0), Vytautas (0), Tyrone (0.5) and Paul (0).
Last night's results:
Group One
Ashley Jarvis 0.5–0.5 Trefor Owens
Tyrone Jefferies 0–1 Kristof Siklodi
Keith Hyde 1–0 Paul Hobbs
Kevin Charlton 1–0 Martin Singer
Mike Ingham 1–0 Alfie Burton
Group Two
Nick Allen 1–0 Duncan Marsh
David Page 1–0 Andrew Gillard
Craig Lindsay 0–1 Stephen Lamb
Gary Clifford 0.5–0.5 Andrew Martin-Luce
Therefore the tables are:
From last night's championship. Black found the best move here; a trick or a treat depending on which side of the board one is sitting at.
Black to move.
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Updated 30/10/24
Last night's results:
Group One
Tyrone Jefferies 0–1 Kevin Charlton
Paul Hobbs 1–0 Alfie Burton
Michael Dale 0–1 Trefor Owens
Kristof Siklodi 1–0 Martin Singer
Keith Hyde 1–0 Emma Walker
Mike Ingham 0–1 Vytautas Gedminas
Group Two
Arnaud Wisman 1–0 Andrew Gillard
Nick Allen 1–0 Luke Johnson
Craig Lindsay 0–1 Keith Nevols
Stephen Lamb 1–0 Gary Clifford
Therefore the tables are:
An interesting position from a recent Swale Chess Club championship game after Rd7+, at which point Black resigned since Qe7 is forced. How would White have then finished the game?
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Updated 19/10/24
Well done to the Intro team who won away at Weald of Kent by 3–1.
Players and results were: Tyrone (1), Craig (0), Owen (1) and Alfie (1).
This week's championship results:
Group One
Vytautas Gedminas 0.5–0.5 Tyrone Jefferies
Ashley Jarvis 1–0 Keith Hyde
Paul Hobbs 0–1 Kristof Siklodi
Trefor Owens 1–0 Alfie Burton
Martin Singer 1–0 Mike Ingham
Tom Creed 1–0 Michael Dale
Group Two
Keith Nevols 1–0 Gary Clifford
Duncan Marsh 0.5–0.5 Andrew Gillard
Luke Johnson 0–1 David Page
Owen Taylor 0–1 Stephen Lamb
Nick Allen 1–0 Andrew Martin-Luce
The tables:
From a game played in the Intro League on Monday 14th October 2024—Weald of Kent 3 versus Swale 3. On initial reflection, Black has a terrible position despite being a rook up. Black has three pieces en prise including a lost queen. What is Black's best move to maintain the advantage?
Black to move.
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Updated 12/10/24
Last night's results were all decisive!
Group One
Mike Ingham 0–1 Trefor Owens
Tyrone Jefferies 1–0 Martin Singer
Emma Walker 0–1 Kristof Siklodi
Keith Hyde 1–0 Alfie Burton
Ashley Jarvis 1–0 Vytautas Gedminas
Michael Dale 0–1 Paul Hobbs
Group Two
Stephen Lamb 1-0 Luke Johnson
Andrew Martin-Luce 1-0 Owen Taylor
Duncan Marsh 0-1 Arnaud Wisman
Nick Allen 1-0 Gary Clifford
Andrew Gillard 1-0 Craig Lindsay
Therefore the tables are:
Swale Chess Club Facebook page provides extra chess news. If you are not already a member, please sign up today.
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Updated 04/10/24
Many thanks to David for filling in at very short notice and in difficult circumstances when one of our team failed to show. We waited half an hour before we would have had to forfeit the board, and so David had less time at the start of the game.
Unfortunately, Hastings were quite strong and we lost 5–1.
Our team with results: Keith N (0), David (0), Keith H (0), Stephen (0), Andrew M-L (1), Tyrone (0)
Last Sunday, the Intro team played their first game away to Hastings and were defeated 2.5–1.5.
The results: Tyrone (1), Paul (0), Alfie (0.5), Owen (0)
This week's results.
Group One
Trefor Owens 1–0 Emma Walker
Kevin Charlton 1–0 Mike Ingham
Tom Creed 0–1 Vytautas Gedminas
Paul Hobbs 0–1 Ashley Jarvis
Alfie Burton 0–1 Martin Singer
Group Two
Arnaud Wisman 1–0 Craig Lindsay
Owen Taylor 0–1 Nick Allen
Gary Clifford 1–0 Andrew Gillard
Therefore the tables are:
We welcomed new member Dan to Swale Chess Club last night, who saw the club in full swing; there were 16 games going on including those downstairs versus our visitors from Hastings.
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Updated 27/09/24
Congratulations to returning champion Trefor Owens, who is pictured here with the Swale Chess Club Championship trophy.
We were well represented at the Snodland Rapidplay last Saturday 21st September held in memory of George Hollands, who passed away last year. There were 41 players and we were six of them.
The event was won by Peter Large, International Master, with 4.5 out of 5. Keith N scored 3 out of 5 and won a grading prize—joint third in the U1850 category. Andrew Gillard, Stephen Lamb and Tyrone Jefferies all scored 2 out of 5 and also won grading prizes—they were joint third in the U1450 category. Nick and Alfie each scored one point.
Thanks to all who came along. It was a well-organised event.
It was a pleasure to welcome new member Michael to the club last night.
Last night's results:
Group One
Mike Ingham 0–1 Keith Hyde
Ashley Jarvis 0–1 Tyrone Jefferies
Trefor Owens 1–0 Paul Hobbs
Alfie Burton 0–1 Kristof Siklodi
Group Two
Luke Johnson 0–1 Arnaud Wisman
Owen Taylor 1–0 Keith Nevols
Gary Clifford 1–0 David Page
Stephen Lamb 1–0 Nick Allen
The tables are:
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Updated 20/09/24
Firstly, thanks to David and Trefor for presenting the training over the last two weeks. The feedback has been very positive and we will try to organise some more sessions throughout the season.
The club championship has kicked off and here are the results of the opening week.
Last night's results:
Group One
Emma Walker 0–1 Kevin Charlton
Vytautas Gedminas 1–0 Alfie Burton
Martin Singer 1–0 Tom Creed
Tyrone Jefferies 0–1 Paul Hobbs
Kristof Siklodi 1–0 Mike Ingham
Group Two
Arnaud Wisman 1–0 Owen Taylor
Keith Nevols 1–0 Luke Johnson
David Page 1–0 Craig Lindsay
Stephen Lamb 1–0 Duncan Marsh
Andrew Martin-Luce 1–0 Rufus Edwards
Andrew Gillard 0.5–0.5 Nick Allen
Tables after the first week are:
From last night's inaugural championship games. Engine analysis summarises the Andrew v Nick game as, “Sharp—A back and forth game where both players had chances.” The game ended as a draw but here is a typical moment that happened along the way. Andrew as White is two pawns down but in compensation finds some lovely tactical play with his developmental lead.
White to move.
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Updated 18/09/24
To be held at the Hastings and St Leonards Chess Club, 2 Cornwallis Terrace, Hastings TN34 1EB
Results from 212 blitz competition—Thursday 12th September 2024:
Whilst the other members of Swale Chess Club were enjoying the blitz event upstairs, David and I as coaches had a very enjoyable time showing two games to the group downstairs.
We chose to look at a game of Judit Polgar followed by a game of Vasyl Ivanchuk.
Today I was watching live coverage of the Olympiad when the following position occurred. The player with the white pieces was Ivanchuk, his opponent being Wesley So, and the commentator was Judit Polgar—an exciting coincidence.
Polgar found the win in a split second; Ivanchuk took a little longer but I am sure he was composing himself as his victory helped Ukraine beat the mighty USA.
Interestingly Ivanchuk, aged 40, announced his retirement from chess in 2009 after losing to a 16-year-old Wesley So … 15 years later he exacted his revenge!
White to move.
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Updated 07/09/24
Thank you to those members who turned up last night to enjoy another great chess evening at the club, which included training, blitz 212, and an edible chocolate chessboard cake with pieces. A big thank you to Nick Allen for providing the homemade cake and, of course, our compliments to the chef!
David and Trefor tutored some members with the aid of a demonstration chessboard (inedible!) in the White Room, whilst Tyrone organised a rated blitz 212 tournament upstairs in the Artisan Room. Thanks to David and Trefor for organising the coaching evening.
If you fancy playing some rapid chess on Saturday 21st September 2024, our friends at Snodland Chess Club are organising a memorial tournament in memory of George Hollands, the Kent County Chess Association Treasurer, who sadly died last year at the age of 39.
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Updated 27/07/24
Our Annual General Meeting took place on Thursday the 25th of July 2024, with 11 members attending.
***Swale Chess Club is now on holiday until Thursday the 5th of September.***
“We are now taking entries to the 52nd Thanet Chess Congress and look forward to welcoming you all back again to our event, Friday 9th to Sunday 11th August. With the same wonderful venue as last year, and with an even greater prize fund, it is surely a must for your diaries for August.”—East Kent and Thanet Chess League
The 2nd Kent FIDE Congress was fun. They had about 80 players in total, which was a little less than last year (which I also went to). I got 2.5 out of 5 and finished up around middle of the group.
Swale Chess Club Facebook page provides extra chess news. If you are not already a member, please sign up today.
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Updated 20/07/24
FIDE was formed on July 20th 1924 in Paris, 100 years ago today, at the town hall of the 9th arrondissement (6 rue Drouot) during the first unofficial chess olympiad; today, July 20th 2024, is International Chess Day.
First of all we would like to welcome Owen Taylor to Swale Chess Club, who participated last night in the final rounds of our three-week 212 Blitz Tournament. An impressive debut managing to score points against some serious customers!
Last night's 212 results were:
JARVIS 4.5/5
LAMB 4.5/5
JEFFERIES 4.5/6
CLIFFORD 3.5/6
SIKLODI 3/5
GEDMINAS 2.5/5
GILLARD 2/5
TAYLOR 1.5/5
EDWARDS 1/4
CREED 0/4
JOHNSON 0/4
The overall winner of the Swale 212 was Trefor Owens with the best percentage score of 83.33%. Full details are shown on: ecflms.org.uk
We also had the rapidplay play-off games where David Page emerged as the winner beating Kevin Charlton 1.5–1.
“We are now taking entries to the 52nd Thanet Chess Congress and look forward to welcoming you all back again to our event, Friday 9th to Sunday 11th August. With the same wonderful venue as last year, and with an even greater prize fund, it is surely a must for your diaries for August.”—East Kent and Thanet Chess League
Based on a recent Swale Chess Club 212 blitz game. White has a fearsome move available now, against which Black has two main but futile defensive attempts. Can you find the move itself and the two very nice continuations? White to move.
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Updated 13/07/24
Marking the 100th anniversary of FIDE on 20th July. The FIDE and ECF rated congress will be held over 2½ days, a rarity in Kent across all sections, and serving as a warm-up one week ahead of the British Chess Championships. The time control is 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment from start to allow for an Open section for the first time in a FIDE event at the venue.
Our visitors Weald of Kent won 12–4 on Thursday.
Swale
JARVIS 1521: 1; 1; 0; 0 (2)
HOBBS 1500: 0; 1; 0; 0 (1)
CREED 1427: 0; 0; 0: 0 (0)
JOHNSON 1296: 1; 0; 0; 0 (1)
Weald of Kent
DAKIN 1971: 1: 1; 1; 1; (4)
HART-DYKE 1777: 0; 1; 1; 1 (3)
CHAPMAN 1773: 0; 0; 1; 1 (2)
WARRICK 1576: 1; 0; 1; 1 (3)
Weald of Kent had the white pieces on the odd-numbered boards.
Ingham, Michael 1–0 Walker, Emma
Last night's results were:
1 OWENS 5/6
2 NEVOLS 4.5/6
3 LAMB 4.5/6
4 PAGE 3.5/6
5 ALLEN 3.5/7
6 JEFFERIES 3/7
7 GILLARD 2.5/6
8 SIKLODI 1/6
9 GEDMINAS 0.5/6
Congratulations to the winner Trefor Owens, and thanks again to Tyrone for organising.
From last night's 212 blitz tournament. This had been a dead draw except White has just made the disastrous move h2–h3??. Under blitz conditions Nick as Black now played the winning move and his opponent resigned on the spot. Black to move.
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Updated 06/07/24
Eight players took part in our 212 all-play-all blitz tournament last night. Congratulations to the joint winners Arnaud and David, and thank you to Tyrone for organising.
Lamb, Stephen 0.5–0.5 Gedminas, Vytautas
Allen, Nick 0.5–0.5 Clifford, Gary R
Walker, Emma 0–1 Hobbs, Paul
Johnson, Luke 0–1 Creed, Tom
Swale Chess Club Facebook page provides extra chess news. If you are not already a member, please sign up today.
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Updated 02/07/24
The asterisks indicate games won by default.
1st: Trefor Owens 17.5
2nd: Arnaud Wisman 16
3rd=: Kevin Charlton, Keith Nevols 14.5
Thank you for taking part. The next championship is scheduled to begin on Thursday 19th September 2024.
This week's results.
Thanks and congratulations to Trefor and Arnaud who have now completed their fixtures.
Therefore the final table is:
The entirely green results data shows that each of the players have completed all 20 of their games. Great commitment, and thank you from us all to our tournament organiser Keith Nevols.
David Page 1–0 Keith Nevols
Keith Nevols 0.5–0.5 David Page
David Page qualifies for the final.
Gary Clifford 1–0 Emma Walker
Stephen Lamb 1–0 Luke Johnson
Keith Hyde 1–0 Kristof Siklodi
Alfie Burton 0–1 Andrew Gillard
Ashley Jarvis 0.5–0.5 Vytautas Gedminas
There were two matches this week.
On Wednesday our team (Keith N, Tyrone, Paul and Ashley) lost 2.5–13.5 away to Rainham, and on Thursday Swale (Tyrone, Tom, Rufus and Mike) lost 4.5–11.5 to Hastings.
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