News – 2019–20

Items on this page are in reverse chronological order (i.e. the most recent items are at the top). For the very latest news, visit the home page.

Chess During Lockdown (21st Jun)

Phil Morgan takes a look at chess during the lockdown. Over the board play has stopped but chess continues to be played online at all levels. Full Article

Nottingham Congress Cancelled (15th Mar)

The Nottinghamshire Chess Association has reluctantly cancelled the 45th Annual Nottingham Congress, which was due to take place on 21st--22nd March at Nottingham High School. This is the first interruption to our annual Congress, which began in 1976, and we have not come to this conclusion lightly.

Proposed government restrictions on large gatherings, together with an English Chess Federation announcement suggesting an initial three-week cessation of team chess matches, in conjunction with the rapidly escalating national situation and local circumstances, make this the only reasonable course of action.

Arrangements will be made to refund entry fees to all competitors as soon as possible.

Notts Correspondence Team 2020 (8th Mar)

Phil Morgan looks at the rise of the Nottinghamshire team who now play in the top division. Full Article

Nottingham Rapidplay (1st Mar)

Mark Hebden (4NCL Guildford) won the open with a score of 5½/6. Full Results

Warwickshire Congress (1st Mar)

The Warwickshire Congress took place on 21-23 Feb. Jonah Willow (West Notts) finished equal 2nd in the Open section with a score of 4/5 and won £56.25. Here are the results for all the Notts players who took part (all scores out of 5):

Doncaster Congress (1st Mar)

The Doncaster Congress took place on 21-23 Feb. Anita Somton (West Notts) finished equal 1st in the Major section with a score of 4/5 and won £183.33. Chris Fraser (West Bridgford) came equal 2nd in the Minor section with a score of 4/5 and won £50. Here are the results for all the Notts players who took part (all scores out of 5):

News for juniors (1st Mar)

Issue 24 (Mar 2020) of the newsletter is now available.

60 years of County Chess (16th Feb)

Andy Walker has written an article about county chess then and now. He observes the changes that have taken place over the years in county chess including the team selection and player grades. He also recalls stories of funny incidents in games. At the end he shares his playing record in county matches. Read article

Robert Richmond's funeral arrangements (9th Feb)

Robert's funeral service will be at Wilford Hill Crematorium, Loughborough Road, Nottingham NG2 7FE on Wednesday 19th February at 3.00 p.m. All are very welcome subsequently to come to The Beeches Hotel, 69 Wilford Lane, Nottingham NG2 7RN for refreshments. If you are able to email to indicate that you hope to attend, that would be helpful but is not essential.

John Swain

4NCL Congress (9th Feb)

The 24th FIDE Rated Congress was held in Harrogate on 17-19th Jan. Jonah Willow (West Notts) won the Open with a score of 4½/5 and took first prize of £500. Here are the results for all the Notts players who took part (all scores out of 5):

News for juniors (9th Feb)

Issue 23 (Feb 2020) of the newsletter is now available.

Nottingham Rapidplay and Nottingham Congress (19th Jan)

Following the untimely loss of Tournament Controller, Robert Richmond, we have now reorganised things and the new entry details (postal or online) are available here:

Competition Date Online Entry Form PDF Entry Form
Nottingham Rapidplay 16 Feb 2020 Enter Online Download Entry Form
Nottingham Congress 21-22 Mar 2020 Enter Online Download Entry Form

Robert Richmond (12th Jan)

It is with great sadness that we have to report the death of Robert this week. He has done a massive amount for the County and his Club over the years and he will be greatly missed. I believe a more fitting obituary will follow, but in the meantime we will be making arrangements to cover the work he was currently doing, most notably the upcoming RapidPlay and Congress.

Steve Burke (for the Executive Committee)

News for juniors (16th Dec)

Issue 22 (Dec 2019) of the newsletter is now available.

British Rapidplay (1st Dec)

The British Rapidplay took place in Pudsey, Leeds on 23-24 Nov. The main events are played over 11 rounds. The highest placed Notts player in the Open was Jim Burnett (Mansfield) on 6/11. Ruben Evans (West Bridgford) finished equal 2nd in the England Under 11 Trial Qualifier with a score of 4/5. Here are the results for all the Notts players who took part:

News for juniors (10th Nov)

Issue 21 (Nov 2019) of the newsletter is now available.

NCA History (3rd Nov)

A new History section has been added to the website.

Part 1 sets out the factual record - Champions, Clubs, Officers etc.
Part 2 is a series of historical pieces, in roughly chronological order

Further pieces are planned. Comments, corrections, missing match reports and lots more photo's please.

Robert Richmond

Nottinghamshire County Championship (27th Oct)

The 2019/20 County Champion is Shabir Okhai (West Notts) with a score of 4½/5. Full Results

League Management System (13th Oct)

This year we are using the ECF's League Management System. This is where you will find all reported match results. Phil Morgan looks at how to navigate the LMS and gives a summary of how teams are performing in the divisions so far. Full Article

News for juniors (13th Oct)

Issue 20 (Oct 2019) of the newsletter is now available.

News for juniors (24th Sep)

Issue 19 (Sep 2019) of the newsletter is now available.

Nottinghamshire County Championship (19th Sep)

Entries are now being accepted for the County Championship. You can either enter online or download a pdf version of the entry form.

General Meeting (31st Aug)

A general meeting will take place on Tuesday 24th September at Gambit Chess club at 7pm. The meeting has been called to consider the proposal "that Retford Chess Club be admitted to NCA as an affiliated member and be permitted to participate in NCA league and other competitions". The club currently have fixtures in place for a team within Division 5. This is subject to the outcome of the general meeting. The venue for the meeting will be confirmed in due course.

British Championships (31st Aug)

The British Championships was held at the Riviera International Centre in Torquay on 26th July to 4th August. Jonah Willow (West Notts) scored 5½/9 in the Championship and became joint British U18 Champion. Robert Taylor (Ashfield) won a grading prize in the Weekender Soanes. Here are the results for all the Notts players who took part in the competition:

Manchester Congress (31st Aug)

The Manchester Congress took place on 16-18th August. Two Notts players entered the Knights section. Graham Neil (Noamds) scored 3½/5 and Chris Fraser (West Bridgford) scored 3/5.

LMC meeting minutes (4th Aug)

The minutes for the LMC meeting held on 4th July are now available to view on the website.

Jonah's Rise (4th Aug)

Phil Morgan looks at the rise of Jonah Willow, one of the most promising junior players to come from Nottinghamshire. He also looks at the coverage and commentary of major chess tournaments. Full Article

News for juniors

2019–20