No let-up in chess events over summer
IT used to be that summer was the time of year that chess players took a break, but that’s all changing. Now there are a range of fun summer chess events on Tyneside for everyone to take part in.
First of all, tomorrow, Northumberland are taking part in their first-ever National Open Counties Final versus Yorkshire. The match will be over 16 boards at Darlington’s Dolphin Centre, where spectators are welcome for the kick-off at 2pm, and the games can also be followed live online via Northumberland Chess
Association’s new website at www.northumberlandchess.com
In addition to the traditional Summer Knockout Cup for club teams, there are now a host of other new events – organised by South Shields and Gosforth chess clubs, as well as the Northumbria Masters Congress, held over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
On Sunday, there is an Open Blitz tournament with a total of £300 in prizes at South Shields’ central library, The Word, in the town’s Market Square.
Doors open 10.30am for an 11am start, and the rate of play is five minutes plus an extra two seconds per move. It’s still not too late to enter, just drop a line to Blitz@southshieldschessclub.co.uk Cash entries (£10) will be accepted on the day, but please email first.
Then, Gosforth Chess Club are holding two fun events – on Monday, July 11 at 7pm, there is a 10-minute blitz tournament at their weekly venue, Gosforth Empire Club and Institute, 32-34 Salters Road, NE3 1DX.
This is followed by a day of chess in the open air on Saturday, July 16 at Urban Green café, Gosforth Park. (What three words location: robots.saying.gent) Full details for both events are at www.gosforthchessclub.co.uk/summerevents
It’s also time to plan ahead for the biggest event of the North East chess calendar – the Northumbria Masters Congress, which is now at a brand new venue, St Mary’s Catholic School, on Benton Park Road, Longbenton.
This year’s congress will have the Masters Open tournament, where close to 100 players are expected; Grandmaster and International Masters all-play-all tournaments; and the Challengers (Under 2000), Major (Under 1750) and Minor (Under 1500) sections. All these tournaments take place on August 26-30 over nine rounds, but players have the option to take up to three half-point byes.
There is also a one-day Junior Rapidplay on Friday, August 26, which will finish in time for young players to take part in the main events.
For more information go to www.northumbriamasters.com