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
END OF SEASON NEWS LETTER.
Hello everyone.
We are at the end of another league season which, I am sure, we all enjoyed. Many congratulations to our A team who won the first Division title again! What a strong team we have. Well done to Ian and his team. I would also like to congratulate the B team in the Dorset 3rd Division who came first after an epic last game. Colin’s report on our website is worth a read! As far as other teams are concerned no team got relegated! Full details of the matches and tables are on the LMS section of the Dorset Chess website.
I would also like to congratulate our team that played in the new Bacchus league. Most were new players who gained valuable experience over the season.
The teams for the new season [starting in late September] will be selected once the new gradings are announced by the ECF early in August. It will be very helpful if you could indicate your availability for this.
As a point of interest the ECF will trial producing monthly grading lists in this coming season. If the trial works, they will implement in the following season. Do not forget to renew your ECF membership before September.
As you are aware, we have started sessions for Juniors on the first Saturday of every month at the Wimborne library, we have had upto 10 juniors taking part. Many thanks to Graham and his team for organising this. Our website is now very active thanks to Sam for that improvement.
Finally, a date for your diary. Our Annual General Meeting will be held at the Merley Community Centre on Wednesday 4th September. I hope to see you all there, and just a reminder that we continue to play in the Merley Community Centre all summer on a Wednesday night and at the British Legion in Wimborne on Friday morning.
Mike D (Chairman)
League Report: Wimborne B Team crowned Dorset League Division 3 champions.
Conundrum: when is a defeat not a defeat? Answer: when it results in winning the title!
That was the slightly bizarre outcome of our crucial title decider against defending champions Poole B who needed to win the match by three points to one or better to retain their crown. Poole came into the match on the back of a terrific run of form so we knew we would be in for a tough contest.
The evening began well with an excellent early win for Phil Holden on the bottom board which left us just needing one draw from the remaining three games. All was going according to plan. The non-playing captain was able to relax a little and enjoy his pint. However, as Alan Tyler made a miscalculation on Board 2 and Steve Culleton, despite stout resistance, lost on time on the top board, our increasingly fraying hopes lay with Graham Hillman on Board 3 who was pitting his wits against Poole’s higher graded captain, Tarik.
I had been engrossed in this open and rather wild contest for some time, marvelling at how it bore little resemblance to the dour games I am normally involved in. I thought I saw lots of possibilities for Graham but fortunately for us he chose to follow his own thought processes. There was a flurry of moves on both sides just to meet the 35 move deadline and I suspect both score sheets will have lacunae in them at around this stage. In the period that ensued Graham made a number of cheeky draw offers in the knowledge that that would suffice but captain Tarik, fully cognisant of the cruciality of winning, batted them all away.
There was an increasing sense that time would be the deciding factor in this game, as both clocks steadily counted down in roughly equal measure. Tarik had pawns advancing menacingly down own one flank, while Graham had potential counter opportunities on the other side. The former had a supporting knight, while the latter had a bishop as back up. Or was it the other way around or was it two knights? I am normally, like most people, the best player in the world when looking on but my own mind had turned to mush at this point, as it so often does when I am actually playing.
With about one minute each left there ensued a second bout of frantic move making. As the dust began to clear it became apparent that Graham had emerged with two pawns and Tarik with just a knight. Still they relentlessly played on, until realisation finally dawned that the valiant Tarik could no longer win and that Graham was too mentally drained and time challenged to do anything other than claim the vital draw. There was a clear mutual respect between the two gladiators at this point.
Because of the high stakes and dramatic context, this was one of the most exciting games I have ever witnessed and I applaud both players. Unfortunately, as indicated above, I doubt that any intelligible record of it will have survived for analysis. Perhaps that is just as well.
Many congratulations to our B team squad! The main core has been Graham, Alan and myself, each playing in 7 out of 8 matches, but Sepp and Steve have played a vital part too, stepping in and contributing vital points along the way. It is fitting that it was Graham’s draw in this final match of the season that reclaimed our crown, previously held in 2017, as he has enjoyed an excellent season throughout, accumulating an impressive five points out of a possible seven in the games he has played and remaining undefeated. Well done and thank you to all!
Colin Wilson (B Team Captain)
Thursday 11th April (Dorset) C v Poole: 1.5-2.5
I was first to lose giving away a piece early on. I did have a strong attack on his King and Queen but he defended really well. Phil Wallace was on board 3 against an old opponent Chris Ambrose. He produced a great sacrifice , a Bishop for two pawns and a very attacking situation. He eventually drew.
John Bowley had a very good win on board two. Tim Joyce had his usual long game and time was an enemy. He caved in to a player 20 grades higher.
Mike D (Team Captain)
Wednesday 10th April 2019: Wimborne C v Bournemouth A: 1-3
In truth our team was Wimborne D in disguise with technically three reserves turning out for us and our normal number 4 being promoted to top board. I was particularly grateful to Alan Tyler who played at short notice and to Tony Buckfield who, minding his own business in the midst of a friendly game, was abruptly hauled into the match room at very short notice (7.29 p.m. to be precise!) and achieved a creditable draw. Our last minute shuffles must surely have given Bournemouth a boost and they took full advantage, securing a classic two wins with white and two draws with black to earn a deserved victory and give their survival chances a real boost.
Colin Wilson (Team Captain)
Wednesday 3rd April 2019: Wimborne A v Southbourne A: 2-2
CONGRATULATIONS ON THE LEAGUE TITLE WIN!
Congratulations to Ian and his A team who have clinched the Division one title last night . Needing only a draw to win the league , Ian and his team had a thrilling match . We were 2 -1 down with only Ian's match left . He pulled off a great win to clinch the title.
Wednesday 27th March 2019: Wimborne v Poole Knights (Bacchus): 1.5-2.5
A mixed match for Wimborne. On board 1 David Lane stormed to victory. Unfortunately, on board 2 (my board) I missed a King/Queen fork and was on the back foot from there on. My opponent didn't make any errors and beat me handily.
Board 3 was fairly even throughout but unfortunately for Phil, his opponent managed a checkmate. Finally Paul, with many pieces on the board got caught out by a stalemate after canny play by his opponent. Everyone had a good evening and enjoyed some challenging games.
Overall a well deserved win for Poole Knights.
Sam Walker (Team Captain)
Monday 18th March 2019: Ringwood A v Wimborne C: 2.5-1.5
This was a top of the table clash, with the result putting Ringwood A into pole position for promotion and bringing to an end our C team's splendid five match unbeaten run.
The first to finish was my own game on the bottom board against Peter Donaldson; I was happy to accept a back foot draw. On the top board, Peter Anderson, with a 30+ grade advantage, and Graham White played out a "Modern that turned into a French like structure" (a quote way beyond my comprehension!) that ultimately left Graham's king exposed. With Peter managing to double his rooks on the open f file, the game and the point went his way. On Board 3 Steve Culleton engineered a strong position, responding to Niall Woodger's Sicilian. After a couple of inaccuracies on both sides, this turned into a 4 v 3 pawn structure on the king side and a knight and white squared bishop each. A long grind looked in prospect but Steve offered a draw which Niall was grateful to accept. On Board 2 Jorgen was in a very cramped position against Martin Clancy so Steve's draw offer didn't look like it would affect the overall result of the match. Aware of that result, Martin offered a draw to Jorgen, who also gratefully accepted, thus balancing out the kind draw offer ratio. Indeed it was a friendly evening all round!
Ringwood A are now very much strong favourites for promotion to Division 1 but a late surge from our B team could yet make matters interesting. They would need to win their remaining four games, including a match against Ringwood, to cause a stir. A very tall order but, if they could field their full strength line up, then who knows?
B&DCL Div 2
Team Play. Won. Draw Lost For Against Points
Ringwood A 8. 5. 2 1 19½ 12½ 12
Wimborne C 8 3 3 2 17½ 14½ 9
New Milton A 7. 2. 3 2 14 14 7
Wimborne B 6. 3 0 3 11½ 12½ 6
Bournemouth A 7. 1 3 3 13½ 14½ 5
Poole C 6. 1 1 4 8 16 3
Colin Wilson (Team Captain)
Thursday 14th March 2019: Dorchester D v Wimborne B: 1.5-2.5
This was a big win for Wimborne B in the context of the Division 3 title race. Dorchester took an early lead but Sepp brought the match level with an impressive win against Paul Brackner; the early capture of a knight was the key and Sepp relentlessly pressed home his advantage. The two captains fought out a dogged draw on Board 2 which left the outcome of the match dependent on the top board. Fortunately we were in the capable hands of Steve Culleton who gradually gained a grip on a hitherto tight game, eventually winning on time but in a dominant position also.
With our C team also recording an emphatic win this week the top three sides still have all to play for. Our B team lead the way with our C team on their coat tails but Dorchester D have a game in hand which keeps them firmly in the picture too.
Dorset County League Div 3
Team Play Won Draw Lost For Against Points
Wimborne B 6 3 2 1 13 11 8
Wimborne C 6 2 2 2 12½ 11½ 6
Dorchester D 5 2 2 1 10½ 9½ 6
Purbeck B 5 2 0 3 9½ 10½ 4
Poole B 4 0 2 2 6½ 9½ 2
Colin Wilson (Team Captain)
Wednesday 13th March 2019: Wimborne C v Purbeck B: 3.5-0.5
Wimborne were the stronger team but Purbeck put up a solid defence and provided an enjoyable evening. I had a lucky win against Chris who turns into a Wimborne player on Friday mornings. Sam Walker and his opponent both played carefully and an honourable draw was agreed. John Bowley played a careful and slow game gradually taking control.
Tim Joyce and partner both ended up in time trouble and in a final ridiculous flurry of moving, head scratching and clock bashing, Tim’s youth and endgame skill saw him Queen and mate. It was so quick that the older spectators didn’t know who had won till Tim offered to buy everyone drinks. Then we knew.
Tony Buckfield (Team Captain)
Friday 8th March 2019: Wimborne A v Southbourne B: 3-1
This was another great win for our A team by 3-1 and now we are 4 points clear with 2 matches left so one draw will be enough to win the league. We have Southbourne A to play next on 3rd April at home.
My match was first to finish after a few complications most lines seem to come to a draw so draw was agreed after Martin Simons asked if we could stop the clocks to go for tea and I accepted his draw offer! He then resumed after tea and agreed a draw!
Alan had a queenless middle game but kept the pressure on James Forster and eventually found a way through for a another excellent win ( Alan has 4.5/5 ).
Eddie was playing Michael Litchfield so was favourite to win but it was a difficult game. He managed to keep his pieces active enough to swap off into a won ending.
Mark looked like he had a great position against Russell Pegg but lost his way and seemed to be losing. He managed to hang on for a draw.
This was our 6th win in a row after starting the season with a draw and a loss so great recovery and well played to all players.
Ian Clark (Team Captain)
Wed 6th March 2019: Wimborne C v Wimborne B (B & D) 2.5-1.5
Our alphabetically challenged C team completed the double over our B team. In truth the two teams are, by design, intended to be pretty evenly matched and so it proved across the top three boards where three tight games ended in draws. It was Steve Culleton's game on Board 4, last to finish, that was to prove decisive. Steve is enjoying an excellent season and, despite the plucky resistance of Phil Wallace who was deputising, his passed pawn advance through the centre proved irresistible.
Colin Wilson (Team Captain)
20th February 2019: Wimborne D v Poole D: 2.5-1.5
Wimborne notch up a useful win against a very strong Poole team.
Phil Wallace won quickly on board 4. He knows all the tricks and traps in the openings. Steve Culleton,Alan Tyler and John Bowley all drew leaving us the winners.
The result should leave us safe from the fear of demotion and safe from the fear of promotion. We are a good middle of the league team.
Tony Buckfield (Team Captain)
19th February 2019: Bacchus v Bournemouth: 1-3
We started off one up as my opponent failed to turn up. From there it was, sadly, a case consistent losses. Nevertheless everyone seemed to enjoy themselves with good gameplay from everyone.
Sam Walker (Team Captain)
Wed 13th Feb Wimborne B 3 v 1 Wimborne C (County League)
Wimborne B completed the double against their (friendly) rivals in the C team. It was fine margins in all the closely contested games but the B team made the most of white pieces on Boards 2 and 4 with wins for Alan Tyler and Phil Holden, whilst Graham Hillman and Colin Wilson secured draws with black against Phil Wallace and Tim Joyce respectively. Conviviality in the bar after the match underlined the excellent spirit and respect in which the match was played. The B and C teams currently lie 2nd and 3rd in County Division 3 and both still have league leaders Dorchester in their sights.
Colin Wilson (Team Captain)
7th February 2019: Poole F v Wimborne F: 3-1
Top board saw Jim Newman deliver a solid performance against a new addition to the Poole F team, which ended in a forced draw when Jim's opponent opted for a perpetual check. Next to Jim, I had black again against Chris Ambrose, and the result, unfortunately, was the same again, a loss to his annoying English!
Board three was an odd affair: David Lane went a piece down to his opponent who then shortly after offered him a draw with plenty of time still on the clocks. David, of course, accepted! Sam Walker playing for us for the first time this season put up a good show against their team captain but it was second place for him too on the night!
Well done team for playing in such good spirit.
Greg Webb (Team Captain)
6th February 2019: Wimborne A v Poole B: 3-1
The match against Poole B included A team debut for our"new" player Graham White who came in for Mark Littleton who has been having a great season.
Graham seemed to be in trouble against Toby but using his end game experience managed to find a draw by threatening a repetition on the seventh rank.
Eddie on 3 had a good attack against Dragi and was able to win enough material to lose a bishop and still be winning.
I was struggling against Chip on 1 but managed to keep enough threats to force a draw. This put us 2-1 up.
Allen on 2 always had a strong position but was not clear how would finish off but found a few nice moves to win the ending by exploiting his passed a pawn to tie down Sergio's last piece.
This result and Poole A beating Southbourne B puts us 3 points clear with 3 remaining games agisnt both Southbourne teams and Poole A.
Ian Clark (Team Captain)
30th January 2019: C v (Dorset) B: 1.5 - 2.5
We had a hard fought match between 2 strong teams. Firstly Phil Wallace on Board 3 agreed an early draw then after a strong defence by Phil Holden I managed a good attack and won pieces so 1.5 to the C team !
John Bowley capitulated to Alan Tyler to match at 1.5 each before the final match lasted well past 10 am but Colin Wilson eventually won through.
Mike D (Team Captain)
23rd January 2019: Bacchus League - Wimborne v Bournemouth: 2-2
We started off one up after Phil's opponent was unable to make it. Unfortunately Paul went a piece down early on and after putting up a valiant effort eventually lost the game. Nigel unfortunately fell to a checkmate but luckily my opponent lost track of his time and so resigned.
Overall, a draw for our first Bacchus match of the year.
Sam Walker (Team Captain)
21st January 2019: Wimborne E v Highcliffe C: 2-2
The E team met Highcliffe on Monday without 2 regulars , Jim Fox and Sep W-Clarke. The substitutes were Jim Newman and Mike Davidson. Mike and I had 2 early wins but Jim and Paul Brackner had long games and fought hard but had to give in.
Graham Hill (Team Captain)
18th-20th January 2019: Fareham Congress
Congratulations to Joergen who came second in the strong Major section of this congress. 4 four of us , the two Davids [Lane and Lewis] Graham Hillman and I competed in the minor. We all had some good results but did not win anything this time!!
Mike D
Wed 16th Jan Wimborne B 1 Wimborne C 3 (B & D)
In grade terms this was a very closely matched derby across all four boards which was very much reflected in the games played. The two Grahams on the top board agreed an early draw but then Wimborne C gained the initiative with a win for Mike Jackson who took full advantage of a central pawn gained in the middle game. The decisive match was a strange affair on the bottom board where Steve Pollyn resigned against Steve Culleton, thinking his bishop lost, only for hindsight to reveal he in fact could potentially have gained a rook for a bishop with best play. With the outcome of the match no longer in doubt, a draw was amicably agreed in a closely contested game on Board 2. As one would expect, the match, between fellow club members, was played in a highly respectful spirit.
Colin Wilson (Team Captain)
14th January 2019: Wimborne D v Ringwood B: ½ - 3½
Wimborne D get revenge on Ringwood B. This fine result lifts us from the foot of the table too one above the foot. A good place from which to make our run up the table. The strategic manoeuvring of our players paid off.
Phil Wallace was rested and I was dropped due to unreliable results. On board 1 Steve Culleton took the pressure off the team by a steady draw. Alan Tyler played well to beat his similarly graded opponent. John Bowley found a happy win. Cornelius Cornes playing his first game for the D team played a steady game to win on board 4.
Tony Buckfield (Team Captain)
7th January 2019: Wimborne A Team Update
We have managed to win our last 3 matches which were away to Poole B and home and away against Highcliffe. All the results were by 3-1 and were much tougher than final results suggested.
Mark Littleton has been the star winning all 3 of his matches with all the other team members supplying at least one win.
Wimborne A are now 2 points clear at top of league with 4 matches remaining but all to play for.
Ian Clark (Team Captain)
10th December 2018: Dorset C v Purbeck B: 2½ - 1½
Our Dorset C team won a close match at Purbeck on Monday night.
David Lane on board 4 had an excellent win with a strong attack on his opponent, Paul Stanley. I had an honourable second against Derek Mount who won a pawn and then ‘ground’ me down.
Tim looked well up but had to surrender pawns and managed a draw against Nick Stout on board one .
This left John Bowley on Board 2 against Richard Quinn and he had a long game but had a very good win !
We are now second in Division 3
Mike D (Team Captain)
22nd November 2018: Poole Knights v Wimborne (Bacchus League): 2½ - 1½
Our team played its second match down in Poole . Poole struggled to field a full team and asked to reduce the teams to three players a side. I countered that this was only a friendly league to encourage non league players to get such experiences, so I suggested they could play a player above the grade limit of 100 which they did. So our team was Sam on one , Phil on two, Paul on three and Nigel on four. Phil and Paul came an honourable second after hard games.
Nigel was the star beating his young opponent who gave away his queen. Sam also had an outstanding game with a hard earned draw against Chris Ambrose on board one. Chris had played for Poole F the night before against us and had a long game against our captain Greg and won.
Well done team. Next match this coming Wednesday at home. I think the idea of the Bacchus league is definitely working !
Mike D (Team Captain)
22nd November 2018: Poole D v Wimborne D. 1½-2½
Tony Buckfield had gone to seek the pleasures of Portugal, so I was acting captain.
Alan Tyler and his opponent, possibly under the influence of the World Championship agreed a draw (I'm not sure that they played 30 moves first though). The two Stephens playing on board 1 fought to a conclusion with Wimborne's Stephen Culleton taking the spoils.
John Bowley's position looked good, so when we entered the second time period I offered my opponent a draw. He had also assessed the position and declined. Many moves later he resigned when left with only a king and I had a king and unstoppable pawn. At this point I found John's game had turned around and he had lost. A fortuitous win for Wimborne.
Phil Wallace (Acting Team Captain)
21st November 2018: Wimborne F v Poole F. 2.5 - 1.5
A good win for Wimborne although against a significantly outgraded Poole team on boards 2, 3 and 4.
David Lane had a very quick win on board 4 against a young and inexperienced Ben Harman, who was a last minute stand in for the Poole team. On board 2, Phil Holden also had a short game when he accepted his opponents early draw offer.
David Lewis had a longer, more challenging game against their captain Steve Bailey, but eventually prevailed and brought home the full point. My game against Chris Ambrose dragged on for virtually the full 3 hours, and I eventually lost on time.
So, in the three games we have played so far this season, we have had all three results!
Greg Webb (Team Captain)
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)
Hello everyone.
We are at the end of another league season which, I am sure, we all enjoyed. Many congratulations to our A team who won the first Division title again! What a strong team we have. Well done to Ian and his team. I would also like to congratulate the B team in the Dorset 3rd Division who came first after an epic last game. Colin’s report on our website is worth a read! As far as other teams are concerned no team got relegated! Full details of the matches and tables are on the LMS section of the Dorset Chess website.
I would also like to congratulate our team that played in the new Bacchus league. Most were new players who gained valuable experience over the season.
The teams for the new season [starting in late September] will be selected once the new gradings are announced by the ECF early in August. It will be very helpful if you could indicate your availability for this.
As a point of interest the ECF will trial producing monthly grading lists in this coming season. If the trial works, they will implement in the following season. Do not forget to renew your ECF membership before September.
As you are aware, we have started sessions for Juniors on the first Saturday of every month at the Wimborne library, we have had upto 10 juniors taking part. Many thanks to Graham and his team for organising this. Our website is now very active thanks to Sam for that improvement.
Finally, a date for your diary. Our Annual General Meeting will be held at the Merley Community Centre on Wednesday 4th September. I hope to see you all there, and just a reminder that we continue to play in the Merley Community Centre all summer on a Wednesday night and at the British Legion in Wimborne on Friday morning.
Mike D (Chairman)
League Report: Wimborne B Team crowned Dorset League Division 3 champions.
Conundrum: when is a defeat not a defeat? Answer: when it results in winning the title!
That was the slightly bizarre outcome of our crucial title decider against defending champions Poole B who needed to win the match by three points to one or better to retain their crown. Poole came into the match on the back of a terrific run of form so we knew we would be in for a tough contest.
The evening began well with an excellent early win for Phil Holden on the bottom board which left us just needing one draw from the remaining three games. All was going according to plan. The non-playing captain was able to relax a little and enjoy his pint. However, as Alan Tyler made a miscalculation on Board 2 and Steve Culleton, despite stout resistance, lost on time on the top board, our increasingly fraying hopes lay with Graham Hillman on Board 3 who was pitting his wits against Poole’s higher graded captain, Tarik.
I had been engrossed in this open and rather wild contest for some time, marvelling at how it bore little resemblance to the dour games I am normally involved in. I thought I saw lots of possibilities for Graham but fortunately for us he chose to follow his own thought processes. There was a flurry of moves on both sides just to meet the 35 move deadline and I suspect both score sheets will have lacunae in them at around this stage. In the period that ensued Graham made a number of cheeky draw offers in the knowledge that that would suffice but captain Tarik, fully cognisant of the cruciality of winning, batted them all away.
There was an increasing sense that time would be the deciding factor in this game, as both clocks steadily counted down in roughly equal measure. Tarik had pawns advancing menacingly down own one flank, while Graham had potential counter opportunities on the other side. The former had a supporting knight, while the latter had a bishop as back up. Or was it the other way around or was it two knights? I am normally, like most people, the best player in the world when looking on but my own mind had turned to mush at this point, as it so often does when I am actually playing.
With about one minute each left there ensued a second bout of frantic move making. As the dust began to clear it became apparent that Graham had emerged with two pawns and Tarik with just a knight. Still they relentlessly played on, until realisation finally dawned that the valiant Tarik could no longer win and that Graham was too mentally drained and time challenged to do anything other than claim the vital draw. There was a clear mutual respect between the two gladiators at this point.
Because of the high stakes and dramatic context, this was one of the most exciting games I have ever witnessed and I applaud both players. Unfortunately, as indicated above, I doubt that any intelligible record of it will have survived for analysis. Perhaps that is just as well.
Many congratulations to our B team squad! The main core has been Graham, Alan and myself, each playing in 7 out of 8 matches, but Sepp and Steve have played a vital part too, stepping in and contributing vital points along the way. It is fitting that it was Graham’s draw in this final match of the season that reclaimed our crown, previously held in 2017, as he has enjoyed an excellent season throughout, accumulating an impressive five points out of a possible seven in the games he has played and remaining undefeated. Well done and thank you to all!
Colin Wilson (B Team Captain)
Thursday 11th April (Dorset) C v Poole: 1.5-2.5
I was first to lose giving away a piece early on. I did have a strong attack on his King and Queen but he defended really well. Phil Wallace was on board 3 against an old opponent Chris Ambrose. He produced a great sacrifice , a Bishop for two pawns and a very attacking situation. He eventually drew.
John Bowley had a very good win on board two. Tim Joyce had his usual long game and time was an enemy. He caved in to a player 20 grades higher.
Mike D (Team Captain)
Wednesday 10th April 2019: Wimborne C v Bournemouth A: 1-3
In truth our team was Wimborne D in disguise with technically three reserves turning out for us and our normal number 4 being promoted to top board. I was particularly grateful to Alan Tyler who played at short notice and to Tony Buckfield who, minding his own business in the midst of a friendly game, was abruptly hauled into the match room at very short notice (7.29 p.m. to be precise!) and achieved a creditable draw. Our last minute shuffles must surely have given Bournemouth a boost and they took full advantage, securing a classic two wins with white and two draws with black to earn a deserved victory and give their survival chances a real boost.
Colin Wilson (Team Captain)
Wednesday 3rd April 2019: Wimborne A v Southbourne A: 2-2
CONGRATULATIONS ON THE LEAGUE TITLE WIN!
Congratulations to Ian and his A team who have clinched the Division one title last night . Needing only a draw to win the league , Ian and his team had a thrilling match . We were 2 -1 down with only Ian's match left . He pulled off a great win to clinch the title.
Wednesday 27th March 2019: Wimborne v Poole Knights (Bacchus): 1.5-2.5
A mixed match for Wimborne. On board 1 David Lane stormed to victory. Unfortunately, on board 2 (my board) I missed a King/Queen fork and was on the back foot from there on. My opponent didn't make any errors and beat me handily.
Board 3 was fairly even throughout but unfortunately for Phil, his opponent managed a checkmate. Finally Paul, with many pieces on the board got caught out by a stalemate after canny play by his opponent. Everyone had a good evening and enjoyed some challenging games.
Overall a well deserved win for Poole Knights.
Sam Walker (Team Captain)
Monday 18th March 2019: Ringwood A v Wimborne C: 2.5-1.5
This was a top of the table clash, with the result putting Ringwood A into pole position for promotion and bringing to an end our C team's splendid five match unbeaten run.
The first to finish was my own game on the bottom board against Peter Donaldson; I was happy to accept a back foot draw. On the top board, Peter Anderson, with a 30+ grade advantage, and Graham White played out a "Modern that turned into a French like structure" (a quote way beyond my comprehension!) that ultimately left Graham's king exposed. With Peter managing to double his rooks on the open f file, the game and the point went his way. On Board 3 Steve Culleton engineered a strong position, responding to Niall Woodger's Sicilian. After a couple of inaccuracies on both sides, this turned into a 4 v 3 pawn structure on the king side and a knight and white squared bishop each. A long grind looked in prospect but Steve offered a draw which Niall was grateful to accept. On Board 2 Jorgen was in a very cramped position against Martin Clancy so Steve's draw offer didn't look like it would affect the overall result of the match. Aware of that result, Martin offered a draw to Jorgen, who also gratefully accepted, thus balancing out the kind draw offer ratio. Indeed it was a friendly evening all round!
Ringwood A are now very much strong favourites for promotion to Division 1 but a late surge from our B team could yet make matters interesting. They would need to win their remaining four games, including a match against Ringwood, to cause a stir. A very tall order but, if they could field their full strength line up, then who knows?
B&DCL Div 2
Team Play. Won. Draw Lost For Against Points
Ringwood A 8. 5. 2 1 19½ 12½ 12
Wimborne C 8 3 3 2 17½ 14½ 9
New Milton A 7. 2. 3 2 14 14 7
Wimborne B 6. 3 0 3 11½ 12½ 6
Bournemouth A 7. 1 3 3 13½ 14½ 5
Poole C 6. 1 1 4 8 16 3
Colin Wilson (Team Captain)
Thursday 14th March 2019: Dorchester D v Wimborne B: 1.5-2.5
This was a big win for Wimborne B in the context of the Division 3 title race. Dorchester took an early lead but Sepp brought the match level with an impressive win against Paul Brackner; the early capture of a knight was the key and Sepp relentlessly pressed home his advantage. The two captains fought out a dogged draw on Board 2 which left the outcome of the match dependent on the top board. Fortunately we were in the capable hands of Steve Culleton who gradually gained a grip on a hitherto tight game, eventually winning on time but in a dominant position also.
With our C team also recording an emphatic win this week the top three sides still have all to play for. Our B team lead the way with our C team on their coat tails but Dorchester D have a game in hand which keeps them firmly in the picture too.
Dorset County League Div 3
Team Play Won Draw Lost For Against Points
Wimborne B 6 3 2 1 13 11 8
Wimborne C 6 2 2 2 12½ 11½ 6
Dorchester D 5 2 2 1 10½ 9½ 6
Purbeck B 5 2 0 3 9½ 10½ 4
Poole B 4 0 2 2 6½ 9½ 2
Colin Wilson (Team Captain)
Wednesday 13th March 2019: Wimborne C v Purbeck B: 3.5-0.5
Wimborne were the stronger team but Purbeck put up a solid defence and provided an enjoyable evening. I had a lucky win against Chris who turns into a Wimborne player on Friday mornings. Sam Walker and his opponent both played carefully and an honourable draw was agreed. John Bowley played a careful and slow game gradually taking control.
Tim Joyce and partner both ended up in time trouble and in a final ridiculous flurry of moving, head scratching and clock bashing, Tim’s youth and endgame skill saw him Queen and mate. It was so quick that the older spectators didn’t know who had won till Tim offered to buy everyone drinks. Then we knew.
Tony Buckfield (Team Captain)
Friday 8th March 2019: Wimborne A v Southbourne B: 3-1
This was another great win for our A team by 3-1 and now we are 4 points clear with 2 matches left so one draw will be enough to win the league. We have Southbourne A to play next on 3rd April at home.
My match was first to finish after a few complications most lines seem to come to a draw so draw was agreed after Martin Simons asked if we could stop the clocks to go for tea and I accepted his draw offer! He then resumed after tea and agreed a draw!
Alan had a queenless middle game but kept the pressure on James Forster and eventually found a way through for a another excellent win ( Alan has 4.5/5 ).
Eddie was playing Michael Litchfield so was favourite to win but it was a difficult game. He managed to keep his pieces active enough to swap off into a won ending.
Mark looked like he had a great position against Russell Pegg but lost his way and seemed to be losing. He managed to hang on for a draw.
This was our 6th win in a row after starting the season with a draw and a loss so great recovery and well played to all players.
Ian Clark (Team Captain)
Wed 6th March 2019: Wimborne C v Wimborne B (B & D) 2.5-1.5
Our alphabetically challenged C team completed the double over our B team. In truth the two teams are, by design, intended to be pretty evenly matched and so it proved across the top three boards where three tight games ended in draws. It was Steve Culleton's game on Board 4, last to finish, that was to prove decisive. Steve is enjoying an excellent season and, despite the plucky resistance of Phil Wallace who was deputising, his passed pawn advance through the centre proved irresistible.
Colin Wilson (Team Captain)
20th February 2019: Wimborne D v Poole D: 2.5-1.5
Wimborne notch up a useful win against a very strong Poole team.
Phil Wallace won quickly on board 4. He knows all the tricks and traps in the openings. Steve Culleton,Alan Tyler and John Bowley all drew leaving us the winners.
The result should leave us safe from the fear of demotion and safe from the fear of promotion. We are a good middle of the league team.
Tony Buckfield (Team Captain)
19th February 2019: Bacchus v Bournemouth: 1-3
We started off one up as my opponent failed to turn up. From there it was, sadly, a case consistent losses. Nevertheless everyone seemed to enjoy themselves with good gameplay from everyone.
Sam Walker (Team Captain)
Wed 13th Feb Wimborne B 3 v 1 Wimborne C (County League)
Wimborne B completed the double against their (friendly) rivals in the C team. It was fine margins in all the closely contested games but the B team made the most of white pieces on Boards 2 and 4 with wins for Alan Tyler and Phil Holden, whilst Graham Hillman and Colin Wilson secured draws with black against Phil Wallace and Tim Joyce respectively. Conviviality in the bar after the match underlined the excellent spirit and respect in which the match was played. The B and C teams currently lie 2nd and 3rd in County Division 3 and both still have league leaders Dorchester in their sights.
Colin Wilson (Team Captain)
7th February 2019: Poole F v Wimborne F: 3-1
Top board saw Jim Newman deliver a solid performance against a new addition to the Poole F team, which ended in a forced draw when Jim's opponent opted for a perpetual check. Next to Jim, I had black again against Chris Ambrose, and the result, unfortunately, was the same again, a loss to his annoying English!
Board three was an odd affair: David Lane went a piece down to his opponent who then shortly after offered him a draw with plenty of time still on the clocks. David, of course, accepted! Sam Walker playing for us for the first time this season put up a good show against their team captain but it was second place for him too on the night!
Well done team for playing in such good spirit.
Greg Webb (Team Captain)
6th February 2019: Wimborne A v Poole B: 3-1
The match against Poole B included A team debut for our"new" player Graham White who came in for Mark Littleton who has been having a great season.
Graham seemed to be in trouble against Toby but using his end game experience managed to find a draw by threatening a repetition on the seventh rank.
Eddie on 3 had a good attack against Dragi and was able to win enough material to lose a bishop and still be winning.
I was struggling against Chip on 1 but managed to keep enough threats to force a draw. This put us 2-1 up.
Allen on 2 always had a strong position but was not clear how would finish off but found a few nice moves to win the ending by exploiting his passed a pawn to tie down Sergio's last piece.
This result and Poole A beating Southbourne B puts us 3 points clear with 3 remaining games agisnt both Southbourne teams and Poole A.
Ian Clark (Team Captain)
30th January 2019: C v (Dorset) B: 1.5 - 2.5
We had a hard fought match between 2 strong teams. Firstly Phil Wallace on Board 3 agreed an early draw then after a strong defence by Phil Holden I managed a good attack and won pieces so 1.5 to the C team !
John Bowley capitulated to Alan Tyler to match at 1.5 each before the final match lasted well past 10 am but Colin Wilson eventually won through.
Mike D (Team Captain)
23rd January 2019: Bacchus League - Wimborne v Bournemouth: 2-2
We started off one up after Phil's opponent was unable to make it. Unfortunately Paul went a piece down early on and after putting up a valiant effort eventually lost the game. Nigel unfortunately fell to a checkmate but luckily my opponent lost track of his time and so resigned.
Overall, a draw for our first Bacchus match of the year.
Sam Walker (Team Captain)
21st January 2019: Wimborne E v Highcliffe C: 2-2
The E team met Highcliffe on Monday without 2 regulars , Jim Fox and Sep W-Clarke. The substitutes were Jim Newman and Mike Davidson. Mike and I had 2 early wins but Jim and Paul Brackner had long games and fought hard but had to give in.
Graham Hill (Team Captain)
18th-20th January 2019: Fareham Congress
Congratulations to Joergen who came second in the strong Major section of this congress. 4 four of us , the two Davids [Lane and Lewis] Graham Hillman and I competed in the minor. We all had some good results but did not win anything this time!!
Mike D
Wed 16th Jan Wimborne B 1 Wimborne C 3 (B & D)
In grade terms this was a very closely matched derby across all four boards which was very much reflected in the games played. The two Grahams on the top board agreed an early draw but then Wimborne C gained the initiative with a win for Mike Jackson who took full advantage of a central pawn gained in the middle game. The decisive match was a strange affair on the bottom board where Steve Pollyn resigned against Steve Culleton, thinking his bishop lost, only for hindsight to reveal he in fact could potentially have gained a rook for a bishop with best play. With the outcome of the match no longer in doubt, a draw was amicably agreed in a closely contested game on Board 2. As one would expect, the match, between fellow club members, was played in a highly respectful spirit.
Colin Wilson (Team Captain)
14th January 2019: Wimborne D v Ringwood B: ½ - 3½
Wimborne D get revenge on Ringwood B. This fine result lifts us from the foot of the table too one above the foot. A good place from which to make our run up the table. The strategic manoeuvring of our players paid off.
Phil Wallace was rested and I was dropped due to unreliable results. On board 1 Steve Culleton took the pressure off the team by a steady draw. Alan Tyler played well to beat his similarly graded opponent. John Bowley found a happy win. Cornelius Cornes playing his first game for the D team played a steady game to win on board 4.
Tony Buckfield (Team Captain)
7th January 2019: Wimborne A Team Update
We have managed to win our last 3 matches which were away to Poole B and home and away against Highcliffe. All the results were by 3-1 and were much tougher than final results suggested.
Mark Littleton has been the star winning all 3 of his matches with all the other team members supplying at least one win.
Wimborne A are now 2 points clear at top of league with 4 matches remaining but all to play for.
Ian Clark (Team Captain)
10th December 2018: Dorset C v Purbeck B: 2½ - 1½
Our Dorset C team won a close match at Purbeck on Monday night.
David Lane on board 4 had an excellent win with a strong attack on his opponent, Paul Stanley. I had an honourable second against Derek Mount who won a pawn and then ‘ground’ me down.
Tim looked well up but had to surrender pawns and managed a draw against Nick Stout on board one .
This left John Bowley on Board 2 against Richard Quinn and he had a long game but had a very good win !
We are now second in Division 3
Mike D (Team Captain)
22nd November 2018: Poole Knights v Wimborne (Bacchus League): 2½ - 1½
Our team played its second match down in Poole . Poole struggled to field a full team and asked to reduce the teams to three players a side. I countered that this was only a friendly league to encourage non league players to get such experiences, so I suggested they could play a player above the grade limit of 100 which they did. So our team was Sam on one , Phil on two, Paul on three and Nigel on four. Phil and Paul came an honourable second after hard games.
Nigel was the star beating his young opponent who gave away his queen. Sam also had an outstanding game with a hard earned draw against Chris Ambrose on board one. Chris had played for Poole F the night before against us and had a long game against our captain Greg and won.
Well done team. Next match this coming Wednesday at home. I think the idea of the Bacchus league is definitely working !
Mike D (Team Captain)
22nd November 2018: Poole D v Wimborne D. 1½-2½
Tony Buckfield had gone to seek the pleasures of Portugal, so I was acting captain.
Alan Tyler and his opponent, possibly under the influence of the World Championship agreed a draw (I'm not sure that they played 30 moves first though). The two Stephens playing on board 1 fought to a conclusion with Wimborne's Stephen Culleton taking the spoils.
John Bowley's position looked good, so when we entered the second time period I offered my opponent a draw. He had also assessed the position and declined. Many moves later he resigned when left with only a king and I had a king and unstoppable pawn. At this point I found John's game had turned around and he had lost. A fortuitous win for Wimborne.
Phil Wallace (Acting Team Captain)
21st November 2018: Wimborne F v Poole F. 2.5 - 1.5
A good win for Wimborne although against a significantly outgraded Poole team on boards 2, 3 and 4.
David Lane had a very quick win on board 4 against a young and inexperienced Ben Harman, who was a last minute stand in for the Poole team. On board 2, Phil Holden also had a short game when he accepted his opponents early draw offer.
David Lewis had a longer, more challenging game against their captain Steve Bailey, but eventually prevailed and brought home the full point. My game against Chris Ambrose dragged on for virtually the full 3 hours, and I eventually lost on time.
So, in the three games we have played so far this season, we have had all three results!
Greg Webb (Team Captain)
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)
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
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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,
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Contact Wimborne Chess Club: info@wimbornechessclub.org.uk
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