English Chess Forum

Ernie Lazenby wrote:Just got back from what has to be one of the best Chess congress's in the country. Exceptionally well run by the team; Alex, Lara,Geoff and the rest who go about their job with an absolute minimum of fuss making it a memorable weekend of chess in an excellent venue. The view of the sea from the playing room is second to none and all things considered this has to be a must attend congress. Well over 300 players think the same as me. Cannot wait for 2011.

I'd echo this. The entry numbers were up by 20 or so this year, making 344 in all if I added up the tables correctly.

I like most English seaside towns, but Scarborough is a class above the average, so it's a good choice for players with partners and families looking for a short break by the sea. The event itself is always very competitive. I played in the Intermediate (145 and under), the middle of five sections. There were 92 players in my section alone, and the difference in grade between the top rated players (144) and the midpoint (136) was remarkably small. There are no easy games at this one!

Ernie Lazenby wrote: Our new CEO Andrew Farthing [...] injected a little bit of humour ...

Specifically, I wished all the players the best of luck in their game, except for my opponent, whom I asked to "Have mercy!" This was completely wasted because he turned up late, missed my speech and crushed me like a bug.

What's the good of being CEO if I can't put a stop to that sort of thing?

You could implement FIDE rules on default times. I Imagine exactly the same thing happened to Kirsan at Scarborough a few years ago - it all makes sense now.

Matthew Turner wrote:You could implement FIDE rules on default times. I Imagine exactly the same thing happened to Kirsan at Scarborough a few years ago - it all makes sense now.

Yes, but then I'd miss out on the sweet humiliation of being given a 25-minute headstart on the clock and still losing.