Huddersfield & District Chess Association

[Stephen Westmoreland]

League Update

There is a lot going on after Christmas, so here goes…
1. Dewsbury and Meltham battle it out tonight on Lichess in the Leagues first club competition online.
2. The HDCA take on (as Kirklees), Calderdale next Saturday at the Piece Hall, in what could be a first.
3. The Examiner Handicap runs from January to May, with a whopping seven teams in.
4. The Bill Lumley Rapid comes back in February, April and May. It was last run in 2019. The next time I see my parents, I will call in and say hi to (IM) Bill.
5. The new club Meltham and a revived Dewsbury join the league.
6. Fixtures are TBD on the Knockout competition and Individual (which Nigel is sorting). I may launch the KO anyway as that is the most up to date Trophy.
7. The Yorkshire League continues in January for Dewsbury, Meltham, Holmfirth and Huddersfield, including the u18s league.
8. Clubs continue in the Calderdale League.
9. Led by Tony and Rob, the league are discussing holding a junior event.
10. League members will no doubt enthusiastically offer their support to Yorkshire in the County Championships. Holmfirth players are particularly keen.

So have a Happy New Year and see you back over the board (apart from tonight’s Online event!).

[Mick Norris]

What's the timing at the Piece Hall on Saturday? I might nip in for a quick look

[Stephen Westmoreland]

What's the timing at the Piece Hall on Saturday? I might nip in for a quick look

Starts at 2pm. If Calderdale get an 8th, you can come play for us if you want? It depends on another player (around 1600) returning from abroad.

[Mick Norris]

I won't play Steve but that's a kind offer, thank you

[Stephen Westmoreland]

I won't play Steve but that's a kind offer, thank you

We are flipping it to unrated, to enjoy the local hospitality, if that helps?

[Mick Norris]

No thanks Steve, I come to Halifax to spend time with my girlfriend, not to play chess!

[Stephen Westmoreland]

Wives and girlfriends are a more worthwhile cause than chess. Unless they meet and it may be an idea to hop out the way and play some standard play.

[Stephen Westmoreland]

Fantastic day at the Piece Hall in Halifax, with the end score as Calderdale 3 - 4 Kirklees. Thank goodness for the heaters and a massive thanks to Dave Colledge and the Wine Barrell for hosting.

[Mick Norris]

It was good to call in for a brief watch and chat

All I will say is you have to be tough to play chess outdoors in Yorkshire in January

[Stephen Westmoreland]

Great to finally meet you yesterday and a big thanks to Dave Kilmartin for the lift home. It was cold but fantastic event and I very much enjoyed by burger and beer over the chess board. The burger was much needed as I had been out all morning at my son's rugby.

Playing outside in the sun as it turned to dark was surreal (to almost quote Mark). Looking up from the chess board and an intense game to realise it was dark around the Piece Hall, also how pretty the surroundings are with lights, was fantastic. I took quite a few pictures and will do something for Chess Moves and YCA News should they want it published.

For anyone interested, I will pop in on our website after my son's hockey (Halifax Mens 3s Vs Aire Valley) or when I finally get free.

https://holmfirthchess.org.uk/

[Stephen Westmoreland]

Pictures up: https://holmfirthchess.org.uk/2024/01/0 ... -kirklees/

[NickFaulks]

Not a beer in sight.

[Stephen Westmoreland]

Not a beer in sight.

There were a few beers drunk but not many. I drunk mine in about an hour plus but it was a fascinating game though. Flipped to a red wine after that.

[Stephen Westmoreland]

Last night was the start of the Examiner League, with two new Club from Meltham and Dewsbury entering. 8 new players (2 veterans) played from each, which was excellent to see.

[robertmitchell]

Thanks so much Steve, our team had a great night and learned a lot from the experience. Such wonderful sportsmanship from our opposition too, offering coaching to some of our debut players after the game. Free of charge!

Surreal how it's friendly, supportive players like the Honley team that make playing chess so worthwhile.