English Chess Forum

That is interesting, Lawrence - ok, I admit, I was an accountant in a former life. To Kevin’s point about reporting spend to the government, that document would probably be the extent disclosed, although they might retain the right to audit.

JustinHorton wrote: ↑

Sun Aug 30, 2026 3:11 pm

John Eddershaw

Nice article. He could have played in the seniors at the British, but perhaps, at the age of 93, did not fancy playing all those juniors.

Kevin Thurlow wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 29, 2026 2:02 pm

I had the immense honour of playing Alex Chernaiev some years ago. At first he didn't want to play me as I was too weak, then wanted extra money to play me, but then subsided…

Did these negotiations happen at the board?

Excellent report, John, thank you. The organisers have put together what looks like a tournament with a lot of strength in depth. An interesting innovation, presumably made possible by sponsorship, or free venue, or other financial considerations, is that there is no entry fee, if I read that correc...

I really enjoyed the comms and commentary. As DG has said he'll be playing in the British next year, it might be worth exploring whether the ECF could bring in someone with a profile similar to Gotham Chess to join the commentary team. I would like to see the return of Andrew Martin! The difference...

LawrenceCooper wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 08, 2026 10:37 am

Round 9 now underway: https://lichess.org/broadcast/scheldemo ... 3/SuknARJR

You had me worried! I thought you were referring to the British, which starts early on Sunday, and I haven’t left home yet!

Jonathan Rogers wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 06, 2026 10:04 pm

He'll have to raise his game, he has looked less impressive than all of the other players on 5/6 thus far.

On the other hand, Adams won those endings in rounds 5 and 6, by sheer determination as well as technique. I still think he will be involved in a play-off.

First impressions very good; a bit hot in the main playing hall, but the tables are well spaced. Plenty of breakout space for the parents of juniors to spread out, but I couldn’t see a bar of any kind near to the playing hall, presumably because most students have gone. The play looks good so far. I...

MJMcCready wrote: ↑

Mon Aug 03, 2026 4:44 pm

I was surprised to learn that even titled players can resort to such underhand tactics to get a win. I thought that sort of thing only really went on at club level.

The difference is they are professional players - look at the gamesmanship/cheating which occurred at the football World Cup.

I don’t know if anyone is making predictions this year, but I am backing Adams to win yet again, possibly after a play-off, but he won’t have it easy. For the 1st round, I can’t see beyond wins for the top 4 seeds, but they all have tough looking opponents. For the Seniors, the over-50 looks a bit m...

Now that the vote counting for the ECF Gold Members Representatives has concluded, the counters have now moved on to count the Greater Manchester Mayoral by-election, which seems to be progressing equally speedily. Now that the vote counting for the ECF Gold Members Representatives has concluded, w...

I think accreditation is a good idea. At the last two British’s, Liverpool and Hull, I have had difficulties entering the venue as a spectator, being challenged by security guards, but being allowed in when saying the magic words ‘I am here for the chess’. A lanyard or similar will work better, I am...

There's a new document appeared at https://www.britishchesschampionships.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Welcome-Letter.pdf although in some respects it's an unwelcome letter. One historical point though. There's a claim that 9. Merchandise For the first time, we will be selling British Chess Cham...

With the current trend to change world champions every two years, these records will eventually tumble.

Very interesting, John! I was briefly a member of Crowthorne, playing for a couple of seasons around 1980/81 in the Berkshire League, when it looked like my club, Bracknell, was about to fold. I also remember playing school matches at Wellington College, playing for my school, Windsor GS, probably a...