English Chess Forum

Having just answered an e-mail from captain on this year's competition at National Stages and neutral venue, I was wondering when Osfordshire disappeared as a County - does anyone know?

I think ECF & some systems, and clubs are going OTT on this. Basically, I'm going for' removal of my e-mail address removal of birth year/and dob, removal of my home address and old home address (I'm shocked on chess leaflets coming in the post there) removal of my phone numbers. Clubs and tournamen...

On the weekend proposal of open then minor counties I cannot see how that would work as the teams are likely to be different. At 144 last August I have a chance of playing in the minor counties (keeping the average rating low) but zero chance in the Open. It was not so long ago that I played for bot...

Alan Scrimgour going well.

I was having problems with the first sentence after my post
On the second sentence we can hardly be a national federation if we do not have individuals and teams entering international competitions.

I cannot see any items in this part of the budget suggests payments to players, and clearly the intention is some sponsorship. As much as saying we like to see the top players there are items such as image rights. And their tax returns. Certain matters are confidential. My tax returns are private, a...

It was good to have a well put together set of views in my inbox. Will get back.

One of the most disturbing points of the debate is the reason most counties do not enter the Open is because they cannot field a competitive team. I would say that 12 out of 16 teams in division 1 of the 4NCL will not win. It can be like that in some league competitions. Every year 100s of football ...

A few thoughts. Are tournament players trying to increase ratings? Many may be better of training than playing frequently? Using excelerated/ or hyper pairings may be better to avoid mis-matches. Having different grading limits on tournaments may help. To avoid the same pairings. Organisers tend to ...

Averaged 180 in chess. My alcohol influenced darts experience 85+ (8 pints and a Christmas lunch). My normal average over 5 seasons (55). CJ joined Kingston for a season or 2. 90% of us never heard of him. His chess playing ability was much overstated too. There were a lot of blank looks from oppone...

If we are using the basis of government funding or VAT for the chess as a sport argument then we have all failed. Get realistic. If the government is considering VAT on food (Treasury) is also likely to curtail and reduce any of these loop holes. Why is 2/3rds of music funding allocated to Opera is ...

Nick - you could volunteer? The point is that accounts approval and the budget can slow down for unforeseen circumstances. RBKC's accounts ending 31st March 2017 were published May 2017 and being audited when Grenfell happened. A post balance sheet event. The audit was signed off after the statutory...

Perhaps Council ought to volunteer those that moan about account and budget delays being unacceptable for the 'overtime' next year?

RIP Roger.
Kevin, thank you. It is difficult when you lose a club stalwart.
I knew Roger through chess and our Surrey meetings. A real gentleman and tough opposition over the chessboard.
Very welcoming to visitors.

The costs of venues are likely to be at their highest on Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays than in midweek. This is difficult for organisers. So as much as I hate 5 round tournaments we are generally stuck with them for long play or fide purposes. Whilst it is nice of ECF, most tournaments are ...