English Chess Forum

I have to admit I misread Mike's post as referring to what would have been this year's competition, as opposed to the one that was abandoned when the pandemic struck. While I understand the frustration that some events look set to be permanently unfinished I think there comes a point when a line nee...

I am disappointed to see the proposal that this be abandoned. I understand the reasoning (only 50% of counties/ unions want to continue so it wouldn't be the normal competition) but what about those of us who do want to play? I'll raise this at the Finance Council if there are some others who feel ...

If six people are allowed to sit around a table in a pub for a drink, then those six people are free to play chess while they're doing so. Another six people can do the same at an adjacent table. The problem only arises if the groups decide to mix.

Chess players have been fretting about the number of very old chess players for at least 20 years, during which time the age profile hasn't noticeably changed. Are you quite sure about that? Isn't it more the case that the players are mostly the same people as twenty years ago, only twenty years ol...

I'd also push back on the suggestion of losing a generation of young players. Having played in a few 4NCL online congresses it's noticeable that there is relatively little overlap with congress regulars and the average age seems to be a lot lower. These are likely players who don't have the time an...

Don't worry I am sure the ECF will find some why in 2022 of saying its unsafe I think we are in danger of losing a whole generation of young players this decision is farcical . Most of us cant wait o get back to playing OTB and socialising with long lost friends . Nearly everyone will have had two ...

In chess terms Sheffield chess club is a member of the Yorkshire Chess Association, which is affiliated to the Northern Counties Union.

I've played in every British since 2013 and if I could return to any one of the six host towns Llandudno would be my choice by far.

The government has published their roadmap which suggests they are aiming for normality by 21st June although this is subject to review at every stage. Assuming this goes to plan (and that's a big IF) the British would be able to go ahead but I appreciate there are other considerations that may not ...

A few months ago I was bored and amusing myself by playing against the lichess computer on a low level. It was all knockabout stuff but I somehow ended up with this rather attractive position (double check and mate and wins the opposing queen to boot).

Very sorry to hear this news. I knew Patrick Ribbands when he was EACU controller/ Cambridgeshire captain and I was the national controller. Our conversations were always strictly business, so I can't claim I knew him well, but he was always a gentleman and his dedication to his county role was clea...

JustinHorton wrote: ↑

Mon Jan 18, 2021 7:35 pm

What's the point

Assuming the question is in the context of the `substantive point` I referred to, the original question was whether there is too wide a range of obituaries being shared on this forum.

Firstly I agree that this thread does not belong here. This section is for deaths and obituaries, not discussion around them

Regarding the substantive point; there are arguments for and against such a wide spread of obituaries. One solution may be a separate section for `international obituaries`.

A related example would be where a player, swindled and subject to a forced mate next move (say a back rank mate where all they can do is interpose a piece), instead runs their clock down in spite. On one level, a player can use their time as they wish - but they also need to be told that this is n...

That's the same position I set up last night (for the sake of pedantry I had the mating bishop on f6). Justin is right to say that Bg8 would be the worst move on the board but a young beginner might conceivably do it without thinking, which was the scenario given. The point is that checkmate can be ...

Interesting question Wadih - also something I have thought about doing when it becomes possible again. I may be at risk of incurring the wrath of the Arbiters' Union here, but I do feel that for lower level events a sort of practical wisdom at the board is more important than knowing the minutiae o...