Search found 526 matches

by Paul Dargan
Mon Jan 09, 2023 5:37 pm
Forum: Congress Diary
Topic: Cambridge International Open
Replies: 99
Views: 10981

Re: Cambridge International Open

I've posted elsewhere about the hotel. It really is a fantastic refurbishment - rooms are great, it's a top-end Marriott property and I'm a bit of a Marriott fanboy. Parking is seriously limited - the only way to guarantee a space is to book one of the suites. I also bothered to check the ECF accomm...
by Paul Dargan
Thu Oct 27, 2022 1:33 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Arbiting Question
Replies: 44
Views: 4259

Re: Arbiting Question

I understand this change and think it is unfortunate. The classic example is having a pair of bishops on adjacent squares (say d3 and d2) and intending to play something like B(d3)xg6 - then accidentally picking up the dark-squared bishop on d2 to effect the capture. In the old rules you could argue...
by Paul Dargan
Wed Aug 17, 2022 12:53 pm
Forum: Live Games
Topic: British Senior Championships
Replies: 3
Views: 1800

Re: British Senior Championships

I am told that C24 has specific issues - particularly if the names as input dont match what it has in its database (a particular issues with middle names v's multiple middle initials was mentioned). Lichess also seemed to have some issues though on some days.
by Paul Dargan
Fri Jul 01, 2022 1:37 pm
Forum: Deaths & Obituaries
Topic: Brian Eley
Replies: 389
Views: 50032

Re: Brian Eley

I’ve wondered whether to add to this thread and what to add for some time. After Eley no longer had BCF roles he was still very active in County Junior Chess. Those not close to the case are probably unaware that Eley ran residential “coaching weekends” 3 or 4 times a year in Doncaster. My recollect...
by Paul Dargan
Mon May 09, 2022 11:07 pm
Forum: 4NCL
Topic: Div 3N season 2021/22
Replies: 92
Views: 16269

Re: Div 3N season 2021/22

It's mainly been Daventry apart from the awful Kent's Hill. If 3N were to go and it ends-up being 3C/N then Daventry is basically no different to somewhere like Hinckley if you are starting from North of Newcastle. People seem to assume that NW venues are somehow close - but in realiyt they are a ni...
by Paul Dargan
Mon May 09, 2022 12:51 pm
Forum: 4NCL
Topic: Div 3N season 2021/22
Replies: 92
Views: 16269

Re: Div 3N season 2021/22

Even the current 3N venues are in reality a pain for any potential NE team. A merger with 3C would just confirm that players are better finding a Div2 team to play in
by Paul Dargan
Sun Jan 16, 2022 6:41 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: New online phenomenon
Replies: 103
Views: 13690

Re: New online phenomenon

I remember on one server that any aborts before move three for White was played didnt count for rating (a player could just hit "abort").

A common tactic became 1.d4 g6; 2.Bh6 - hoping for a pre-moved Bg7 ... and if Black didnt pre-move Bg7 just abort and start again
by Paul Dargan
Wed Jan 12, 2022 2:27 pm
Forum: International News
Topic: Irish New Year IM norm event
Replies: 14
Views: 2376

Re: Irish New Year IM norm event

My understanding was that he was awarded the title "subject to rating requirement" - as I believe was common, and that minutes stating such exist... so if he makes 2400 there is hope.
by Paul Dargan
Wed Jan 12, 2022 10:50 am
Forum: International News
Topic: Irish New Year IM norm event
Replies: 14
Views: 2376

Re: Irish New Year IM norm event

I believe Tim already has the three norms required from before he gave up to concentrate on work - only to return as we all inevitably do ...
by Paul Dargan
Fri Dec 31, 2021 9:23 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Media comments on chess
Replies: 5968
Views: 737678

Re: Media comments on chess

CORONATION STREET?
So I'm not a fan or a watcher - but apparently someone has bought Roy a chess set from an antique shop that was used in 'the big tournament in Nottingham' - was what I was told. So I'm assuming that must be Nottingham 1936 - anyone seen this?
by Paul Dargan
Fri May 07, 2021 11:36 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Northumbria Masters, 26-30 August, 2021
Replies: 58
Views: 7840

Re: Northumbria Masters, 26-30 August, 2021

Well done getting this back up and running Tim. I hope to be able to support it this year
by Paul Dargan
Tue Aug 25, 2020 3:01 pm
Forum: County Championships
Topic: ECF Online County Championship
Replies: 175
Views: 28689

Re: ECF Online County Championship

I cant remember when we (Northumberland) last played an OTB county match - probably early 90's? I do remember numerous long coach journeys and AGM discussions about the cost of participating in national stages should we qualify. I have a clear recollection of us receiving a ban one year - after we g...
by Paul Dargan
Tue Aug 20, 2019 3:40 pm
Forum: Seniors Chess
Topic: World Senior Individual Championships, Bucharest, November 2019
Replies: 12
Views: 5744

Re: World Senior Individual Championships, Bucharest, November 2019

I was seriously thinking about playing in this - but it has the usual "must stay in the hotel" policy. The RIN Grand Hotel Bucharest is offering Full Board for 69Euros a night - which might be OK, but the TripAdvisor reviews aren't great - including this stunner... Avoid this property!!! It’ s next ...
by Paul Dargan
Tue Jul 23, 2019 10:29 am
Forum: ECF Matters
Topic: British Championship Congress 2019
Replies: 553
Views: 71293

Re: British Championship Congress 2019

Nationality doesnt matter for norm purposes in national championships
by Paul Dargan
Thu Jul 11, 2019 11:19 am
Forum: ECF Matters
Topic: British Championship Congress 2019
Replies: 553
Views: 71293

Re: British Championship Congress 2019

Rob I messaged you but no response ... I assume they are sorted?