Of course, several chess leagues already operate in and around London. So why another one? Recently I carried out a survey of over 100 leagues in Britain and Ireland. The great majority - about 80% - use quickplay as the mandatory or default method of finishing games. In the London area, however, the picture is different. It can be hard to guarantee a finish on the night unless you're strong enough to play in Division 1 of the London League, or you're able to travel out to Middlesex, Essex or Kent.
Discussions with London chess players suggest that many of them would like to finish their games on the night. But the repeated attempts to introduce a mandatory or default quickplay time control in London's existing leagues have largely failed, given the reluctance of many older players to adopt a time control where they may have to play more quickly than now. I understand this point of view. I have come to believe that only a new chess league can guarantee the finish on the night that many players want.
Other points about the Central London League:
- • there will be no grading restrictions or eligibility requirements;
• any existing or new teams are welcome;
• all games will be submitted for ECF grading;
• I've obtained the use of a large venue in Pimlico on Thursdays, for teams that don't have their own venue in central London;
• the exact time control will be agreed with all the member clubs at the start of the season, but is likely to be a Fischer time limit where suitable clocks are available.
The deadline for entries to the league is 31 July. Fixtures will be published in early September and I will try to avoid fixture clashes with other leagues as far as possible - I don't see the CLL as competing with others, but running alongside and offering something different.
