About us:
Wimborne Chess Club is the one of the largest in Dorset, fielding teams of all standards in both the Bournemouth and District and Dorset leagues. We warmly welcome new members and will help you learn or get back into chess.
During the league season we meet at the Merley Social Club (which has a car park and bar) Harrier Drive, Merley. BH21 1XE from 7.15 pm until 11pm on Wednesday.
An informal chess coffee morning is held every Friday from 9.45am at The Royal British Legion, Wimborne
New members of any strength are always welcome, note that Juniors (under 16) must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
If you want to know more please contact us at info@wimbornechessclub.org.uk
Wimborne Chess Club is the one of the largest in Dorset, fielding teams of all standards in both the Bournemouth and District and Dorset leagues. We warmly welcome new members and will help you learn or get back into chess.
During the league season we meet at the Merley Social Club (which has a car park and bar) Harrier Drive, Merley. BH21 1XE from 7.15 pm until 11pm on Wednesday.
An informal chess coffee morning is held every Friday from 9.45am at The Royal British Legion, Wimborne
New members of any strength are always welcome, note that Juniors (under 16) must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
If you want to know more please contact us at info@wimbornechessclub.org.uk
**CHRISTMAS MEAL: Friday 21st December**
The Royal British Legion in Wimborne has been booked for our Christmas meal. It's £12.50 for a main (veggie or fish options available) and either a starter or pudding. We are meeting at 7pm for a 7:30pm start.
More details to follow.
The Royal British Legion in Wimborne has been booked for our Christmas meal. It's £12.50 for a main (veggie or fish options available) and either a starter or pudding. We are meeting at 7pm for a 7:30pm start.
More details to follow.
8th November 2018: Wimborne A v Poole B. 3-1
We were able to put together our strongest team yet in the away match to Poole B withAllan Pleasants returning from his journeys playing for Wales in recent the Olympiad and a Welsh team in the European Club competition. Poole B were missing at least one of their players so we started hot favourites.
On board 4 Graham had a good position but had overlooked the weakness of his kingside so despite being material up his opponent was able to force a perpetual check for an early draw. My position on 1 was not great and I was too passive with white and was clearly worse but managed to stay in the game and was not as bad as looked and a draw was agreed.
Mark on 3 had a strong kingside attack and found a nice finish to win a piece and the game at same time I was offered a draw.
This left us just needing draw from final game but Allan always had the edge and his minor pieces were covering most of middle of board. His opponent had to either be slowly crushed or go for a sacrificial line which to his credit he did and there were a few threats that Allan had to be careful but eventually the threats ran out and Allan won.
This gave us our first win of the season after one loss and a draw. The next match against Poole A will be crucial.
Ian Clark (Team Captain)
7th November 2018: Wimborne C v Ringwood A. 2-2
An early win for Ringwood's Martin Clancy on Board 2 and a late essential win for Wimborne's Steve Culleton on Board 4 were the book ends to two draws sandwiched in between. From our perspective a warm welcome to Graham White, making his Wimborne debut, and a particular well done in achieving a commendable draw on the top board against a much higher graded opponent. A good evening's chess and a fair result overall.
Colin Wilson (Team Captain)
31st October 2018: Wimborne C v Poole B. 2-2
We played against Poole B team who out graded us especially on the bottom two boards. Our team was Tim, John, myself and George.
George had a magnificent defeat despite ‘pawning’ two queens. John had a very good result against their board 2 Tarik. That left Tim and I, I had a sacrifice of a knight for 2 pawns that almost worked as I ended up with 3 linked passed pawns heading towards queening. Unfortunately I ended up in time trouble and after 3 hours made a mistake , giving away a rook! Defeat followed. Finally Tim battled hard against Eric Sachs and won in a strong end game.
Well done John and Tim.
Mike D (Team Captain)
31st October 2018: Wimborne F v High Milton. 1.5 - 2.5
If you were playing against a team which you out-graded on every board AND they were a player short to boot, you'd be forgiven for thinking you had a fairly comfortable win in the bag, right? Wrong! Counting chickens and hatch comes to mind here.
Jim Newman losing on top board relatively quickly should have set the alarm bells ringing, but, 'don't panic Mr Mainwaring,' we still had the default point as a cushion.
However, hot on Jim's heels for an early bath was Phil Holden on board 3, who lost to the good Highcliff player Rachael Richardson who I can never understand is only rated at 81 points when she always seems to win and has claimed some notable scalps in the past, including our own Jim Fox who is no slouch at chess.
That only left yours truly on board 2 to try and save the match. Some hope! My opponent, Aleksandrs Gorbacovs (what's with this club penchant for eastern European players?) played the fastest and most aggressive chess I have ever come across. He also played a completely unconventional opening which he obviously knew well, and as I didn't, it meant I had to spend a lot of time trying to anticipate and analyse what he was up to. To cut a long game short, I eventually neutralised his aggressive play and we ended up with Kings and a pawn each which were both going to fall in the next couple of moves. Draw.
So, while a satisfying game for me, an unfortunate result for the team. Still, you win some, you lose some. Onwards and upwards to our next match.
Greg Webb (Team Captain)
26th October 2018: Wimborne D v Southbourne C. 1.5-2.5
Successful loss for Wimborne D. We were outgraded on each board and by a total of 80 points in total but managed a creditable 1.5 points. Cornelius said he couldn’t make the match on a day-return from India. John Bowley was in Switzerland. ( what sort of excuse is that ?) Unfortunately Phil Wallace is ill and Mike Davidson has water on the knee.
On the top board Alan Tyler couldn’t quite turn his position into a win so a draw was agreed. Michael Litchfield and I moved a few pieces around, agreed a draw and retired to the bar, which in this case is the kitchen, where we discussed digestive biscuits and the state of the world. Graham Hillman stepped in and achieved a creditable draw. David Lane kindly played to help us out and lost to his opponent graded 40 points above him.
A very enjoyable evening with Southbourne’s usual biscuits and tea.
Tony Buckfield (Team Captain)
90th Birthday: John Turnbull
John, who celebrated his 90th birthday recently is still enjoying internet chess and his gardening. He and Sara send their good wishes to everyone at the club.
Phil Wallace 23/10/18
15th October 2018: Bournemouth A v Wimborne C. 1-3
A welcome first win of the season for Wimborne C, the foundations for which were a good win by Mike Jackson on board 2 and two solid draws all round on the bottom two boards. All ultimately hinged on the top board game which was excitingly tense and could have gone either way in an open end game. In the end Jorgen's two rooks and a knight prevailed with a clever mate against his opponent's queen and a knight.
Colin Wilson (Team Captain)
REPORT ON 53rd DORSET OPEN CONGRESS
This year's congress took place last week from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 over 5 rounds. It was held in the Elstead Hotel in Bournemouth, a very comfortable for a congress of 100 players. The congress was well managed by our Ian Clark and Martin Simons from Southbourne. Clearly well experienced in handling such tourneys. We had 12 of our members playing in the various sections with middling results !
In the Open section, which was very competitive, we had one player Mark Littleton who achieve a score of 2 /5 , which was very respectable in view of the strong field. In the Major section we had 3 players Colin, Joergen and Tim. Colin finished with 2.5/5. Well done. In the Intermediate section we had only one player, Sepp, who was playing above his grade. He had a respectable score of 2.5/5. Well done. In the Minor section we had 7 members playing and the star was Graham who managed 4.5 /5 . He tied for first place. Again well done. One other player of note was Greg who achieved 3 points. The rest of us, David Lewis, David Lane,Phil, Sam and myself all played ‘par’ chess or below. No other real stars.
However I am sure we all agree that we thoroughly enjoyed the event.
Mike (Chairman)
5th October 2018: Southbourne E v Wimborne F. 2-2
Our first game of the new season was definitely a mixed bag! On board one, Phil Holden was the first to finish but was unlucky to have lost to a back-rank mating tactic with Queen and Bishop. Score 1-0. I was the next to finish on board three, accepting the early draw offer by my opponent following a routine, uneventful game. Score 1.5-0.5. Our veteran player, David Lewis, returning to chess after a lengthy absence, had a long game against stiff opposition, which ended in a kings and pawns end game, where David showed his experience and brought home the full point. Score now 1.5-1.5. Well done David. The fate of the match now rested in the game on board two with Mike Davidson. And what a marathon that was! In a gruelling game that went virtually the full 3 hours, with neither side giving an inch, it was finally decided in the last two minutes of play, when a three-fold repetition check by Mike's opponent, saw honours even, 2-2. Well done Mike. Have a Merlot on me!
So, a good start to the season for Wimborne F, and well done, once more, to my team mates.
Greg Webb (Team Captain)
4th October 2018: Wimborne v Poole Bishops. 2-2
We kicked off the first match of the Bacchus league with an inconclusive skirmish. David got in the first blow with a stunningly quick victory. Paul and Phil played valiantly but lost with good humour. I finished with a rearguard win after using up a great deal of my time.
Overall plenty of lessons were taught and everyone (hopefully) had a good time. Thus a steady start to the new Bacchus league with some more development for players to come (see what I did there).
Sam Walker (Team Captain)
We were able to put together our strongest team yet in the away match to Poole B withAllan Pleasants returning from his journeys playing for Wales in recent the Olympiad and a Welsh team in the European Club competition. Poole B were missing at least one of their players so we started hot favourites.
On board 4 Graham had a good position but had overlooked the weakness of his kingside so despite being material up his opponent was able to force a perpetual check for an early draw. My position on 1 was not great and I was too passive with white and was clearly worse but managed to stay in the game and was not as bad as looked and a draw was agreed.
Mark on 3 had a strong kingside attack and found a nice finish to win a piece and the game at same time I was offered a draw.
This left us just needing draw from final game but Allan always had the edge and his minor pieces were covering most of middle of board. His opponent had to either be slowly crushed or go for a sacrificial line which to his credit he did and there were a few threats that Allan had to be careful but eventually the threats ran out and Allan won.
This gave us our first win of the season after one loss and a draw. The next match against Poole A will be crucial.
Ian Clark (Team Captain)
7th November 2018: Wimborne C v Ringwood A. 2-2
An early win for Ringwood's Martin Clancy on Board 2 and a late essential win for Wimborne's Steve Culleton on Board 4 were the book ends to two draws sandwiched in between. From our perspective a warm welcome to Graham White, making his Wimborne debut, and a particular well done in achieving a commendable draw on the top board against a much higher graded opponent. A good evening's chess and a fair result overall.
Colin Wilson (Team Captain)
31st October 2018: Wimborne C v Poole B. 2-2
We played against Poole B team who out graded us especially on the bottom two boards. Our team was Tim, John, myself and George.
George had a magnificent defeat despite ‘pawning’ two queens. John had a very good result against their board 2 Tarik. That left Tim and I, I had a sacrifice of a knight for 2 pawns that almost worked as I ended up with 3 linked passed pawns heading towards queening. Unfortunately I ended up in time trouble and after 3 hours made a mistake , giving away a rook! Defeat followed. Finally Tim battled hard against Eric Sachs and won in a strong end game.
Well done John and Tim.
Mike D (Team Captain)
31st October 2018: Wimborne F v High Milton. 1.5 - 2.5
If you were playing against a team which you out-graded on every board AND they were a player short to boot, you'd be forgiven for thinking you had a fairly comfortable win in the bag, right? Wrong! Counting chickens and hatch comes to mind here.
Jim Newman losing on top board relatively quickly should have set the alarm bells ringing, but, 'don't panic Mr Mainwaring,' we still had the default point as a cushion.
However, hot on Jim's heels for an early bath was Phil Holden on board 3, who lost to the good Highcliff player Rachael Richardson who I can never understand is only rated at 81 points when she always seems to win and has claimed some notable scalps in the past, including our own Jim Fox who is no slouch at chess.
That only left yours truly on board 2 to try and save the match. Some hope! My opponent, Aleksandrs Gorbacovs (what's with this club penchant for eastern European players?) played the fastest and most aggressive chess I have ever come across. He also played a completely unconventional opening which he obviously knew well, and as I didn't, it meant I had to spend a lot of time trying to anticipate and analyse what he was up to. To cut a long game short, I eventually neutralised his aggressive play and we ended up with Kings and a pawn each which were both going to fall in the next couple of moves. Draw.
So, while a satisfying game for me, an unfortunate result for the team. Still, you win some, you lose some. Onwards and upwards to our next match.
Greg Webb (Team Captain)
26th October 2018: Wimborne D v Southbourne C. 1.5-2.5
Successful loss for Wimborne D. We were outgraded on each board and by a total of 80 points in total but managed a creditable 1.5 points. Cornelius said he couldn’t make the match on a day-return from India. John Bowley was in Switzerland. ( what sort of excuse is that ?) Unfortunately Phil Wallace is ill and Mike Davidson has water on the knee.
On the top board Alan Tyler couldn’t quite turn his position into a win so a draw was agreed. Michael Litchfield and I moved a few pieces around, agreed a draw and retired to the bar, which in this case is the kitchen, where we discussed digestive biscuits and the state of the world. Graham Hillman stepped in and achieved a creditable draw. David Lane kindly played to help us out and lost to his opponent graded 40 points above him.
A very enjoyable evening with Southbourne’s usual biscuits and tea.
Tony Buckfield (Team Captain)
90th Birthday: John Turnbull
John, who celebrated his 90th birthday recently is still enjoying internet chess and his gardening. He and Sara send their good wishes to everyone at the club.
Phil Wallace 23/10/18
15th October 2018: Bournemouth A v Wimborne C. 1-3
A welcome first win of the season for Wimborne C, the foundations for which were a good win by Mike Jackson on board 2 and two solid draws all round on the bottom two boards. All ultimately hinged on the top board game which was excitingly tense and could have gone either way in an open end game. In the end Jorgen's two rooks and a knight prevailed with a clever mate against his opponent's queen and a knight.
Colin Wilson (Team Captain)
REPORT ON 53rd DORSET OPEN CONGRESS
This year's congress took place last week from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 over 5 rounds. It was held in the Elstead Hotel in Bournemouth, a very comfortable for a congress of 100 players. The congress was well managed by our Ian Clark and Martin Simons from Southbourne. Clearly well experienced in handling such tourneys. We had 12 of our members playing in the various sections with middling results !
In the Open section, which was very competitive, we had one player Mark Littleton who achieve a score of 2 /5 , which was very respectable in view of the strong field. In the Major section we had 3 players Colin, Joergen and Tim. Colin finished with 2.5/5. Well done. In the Intermediate section we had only one player, Sepp, who was playing above his grade. He had a respectable score of 2.5/5. Well done. In the Minor section we had 7 members playing and the star was Graham who managed 4.5 /5 . He tied for first place. Again well done. One other player of note was Greg who achieved 3 points. The rest of us, David Lewis, David Lane,Phil, Sam and myself all played ‘par’ chess or below. No other real stars.
However I am sure we all agree that we thoroughly enjoyed the event.
Mike (Chairman)
5th October 2018: Southbourne E v Wimborne F. 2-2
Our first game of the new season was definitely a mixed bag! On board one, Phil Holden was the first to finish but was unlucky to have lost to a back-rank mating tactic with Queen and Bishop. Score 1-0. I was the next to finish on board three, accepting the early draw offer by my opponent following a routine, uneventful game. Score 1.5-0.5. Our veteran player, David Lewis, returning to chess after a lengthy absence, had a long game against stiff opposition, which ended in a kings and pawns end game, where David showed his experience and brought home the full point. Score now 1.5-1.5. Well done David. The fate of the match now rested in the game on board two with Mike Davidson. And what a marathon that was! In a gruelling game that went virtually the full 3 hours, with neither side giving an inch, it was finally decided in the last two minutes of play, when a three-fold repetition check by Mike's opponent, saw honours even, 2-2. Well done Mike. Have a Merlot on me!
So, a good start to the season for Wimborne F, and well done, once more, to my team mates.
Greg Webb (Team Captain)
4th October 2018: Wimborne v Poole Bishops. 2-2
We kicked off the first match of the Bacchus league with an inconclusive skirmish. David got in the first blow with a stunningly quick victory. Paul and Phil played valiantly but lost with good humour. I finished with a rearguard win after using up a great deal of my time.
Overall plenty of lessons were taught and everyone (hopefully) had a good time. Thus a steady start to the new Bacchus league with some more development for players to come (see what I did there).
Sam Walker (Team Captain)
Jim Fox receiving the award for winning the club's All-Play-All
3rd October 2018: Wimborne D v Bournemouth B. 1.5-2.5
PROMOTION FEARS
Phil Wallace played a calm game to win in good time. I came second in my game. Interestingly my opponent check mated me very cleverly with a rook and Bishop, as you do. I congratulated him on his cunning and guile but just as I was about to retreat to the comfort of a Merlot an observant bystander pointed out that my opponent was in check. In fact we were both in check. We calculated that he was in check before I was, so as he had touched his rook to mate me should he have to move it to get out of check? But he couldn’t so we gave up and I lost anyway.
Alan Tyler held steady and drew on the top board. You do need a good top board. John Bowley who hasn’t lost all season, had a comedy of errors, including overlooking that he could take his opponents Queen. Whoops. He lost triumphantly.
Bournemouth B were relegated from Div 2 and if they're not careful could go back there.
Tony Buckfield (Team Captain)
27th September 2018: County League. Dorchester D v Wimborne C. 2-2
Wimborne C started off with a draw away to Dorchester D. It was getting a win from the jaws of defeat and vice versa!
The order of play was Tim on board 1, Tony on 2 , me on 3 and Sam on 4.
Tony and I had neutral games ending in draws then the fireworks started. Sam gave his queen away but recovered to win with a rook and bishop mate ! 2/1 to us. Tim’s game was last finish . He had the much better position with a pawn up and maybe more . He forgot to move his rook which his opponent captured !!
Mike D. (Team Captain)
17th September 2018: Division 3. Highcliffe B v Wimborne D. 2-2
Wimborne D took a positive step towards their aim of not going up nor going down. Alan Tyler lost on board one to the evergreen Richard Ursell. John Bowley on board 2 showed his skill by losing his Queen. Whoops. And then winning the game. I plodded on a bit and when we counted the pieces at the end I had more so my opponent resigned. Phil Wallace played a steady game but something went wrong and he lost
.
Tony Buckfield (Team Captain)
9th September 2018: Start of Season AGM
Summary of the club AGM, held on 5th September 2018
The chairman noted that the club had had a successful season, winning the Division 1 title in the Dorset League and finishing a close second in Division 1 of the Bournemouth and District League. The move to a new venue at the Merley Community Centre had been a success and we will continue to meet there.
At Jørgen Nielsen’s suggestion an initiative to encourage junior chess players has been set up. This is held at Wimborne Library one Saturday per month. Graham Hillman, who now leads the initiative, has attended a course at Chess in Schools and Communities.
On the social side a total of 38 members and guests enjoyed a Christmas meal.
Turning to the coming season, the Treasurer reported that the club’s finances are sound and he recommended a subscription of £35, which includes membership of the Merley Social Club.
We will enter five teams in the Bournemouth and District League, one in Division 1, two in Division 2 and one in each of Divisions 3, 4 and 5. In the Dorset League we will have three teams, one in Division 1 and two in Division 3. We plan to enter a team in the newly formed Bacchus League for less experienced players.
The AGM was followed by the customary sale of second hand books.
Phil Wallace (Secretary)
PROMOTION FEARS
Phil Wallace played a calm game to win in good time. I came second in my game. Interestingly my opponent check mated me very cleverly with a rook and Bishop, as you do. I congratulated him on his cunning and guile but just as I was about to retreat to the comfort of a Merlot an observant bystander pointed out that my opponent was in check. In fact we were both in check. We calculated that he was in check before I was, so as he had touched his rook to mate me should he have to move it to get out of check? But he couldn’t so we gave up and I lost anyway.
Alan Tyler held steady and drew on the top board. You do need a good top board. John Bowley who hasn’t lost all season, had a comedy of errors, including overlooking that he could take his opponents Queen. Whoops. He lost triumphantly.
Bournemouth B were relegated from Div 2 and if they're not careful could go back there.
Tony Buckfield (Team Captain)
27th September 2018: County League. Dorchester D v Wimborne C. 2-2
Wimborne C started off with a draw away to Dorchester D. It was getting a win from the jaws of defeat and vice versa!
The order of play was Tim on board 1, Tony on 2 , me on 3 and Sam on 4.
Tony and I had neutral games ending in draws then the fireworks started. Sam gave his queen away but recovered to win with a rook and bishop mate ! 2/1 to us. Tim’s game was last finish . He had the much better position with a pawn up and maybe more . He forgot to move his rook which his opponent captured !!
Mike D. (Team Captain)
17th September 2018: Division 3. Highcliffe B v Wimborne D. 2-2
Wimborne D took a positive step towards their aim of not going up nor going down. Alan Tyler lost on board one to the evergreen Richard Ursell. John Bowley on board 2 showed his skill by losing his Queen. Whoops. And then winning the game. I plodded on a bit and when we counted the pieces at the end I had more so my opponent resigned. Phil Wallace played a steady game but something went wrong and he lost
.
Tony Buckfield (Team Captain)
9th September 2018: Start of Season AGM
Summary of the club AGM, held on 5th September 2018
The chairman noted that the club had had a successful season, winning the Division 1 title in the Dorset League and finishing a close second in Division 1 of the Bournemouth and District League. The move to a new venue at the Merley Community Centre had been a success and we will continue to meet there.
At Jørgen Nielsen’s suggestion an initiative to encourage junior chess players has been set up. This is held at Wimborne Library one Saturday per month. Graham Hillman, who now leads the initiative, has attended a course at Chess in Schools and Communities.
On the social side a total of 38 members and guests enjoyed a Christmas meal.
Turning to the coming season, the Treasurer reported that the club’s finances are sound and he recommended a subscription of £35, which includes membership of the Merley Social Club.
We will enter five teams in the Bournemouth and District League, one in Division 1, two in Division 2 and one in each of Divisions 3, 4 and 5. In the Dorset League we will have three teams, one in Division 1 and two in Division 3. We plan to enter a team in the newly formed Bacchus League for less experienced players.
The AGM was followed by the customary sale of second hand books.
Phil Wallace (Secretary)
Merley Social Club,
|
Contact Wimborne Chess Club: info@wimbornechessclub.org.uk
|