English Chess Forum

I am sad to report that Gerry McCurdy has died suddenly, aged 69. Former director of the Blackpool congress and one of the strongest players on the Fylde coast in the 1970s.

I first met Gerry in the inauspicious surroundings of the Raikes Hotel in Blackpool, venue of the Blackpool chess club at the height of the Fischer boom. Gerry, recently arrived from Northern Ireland, was the strongest player there.

I do not think Gerry had been playing much chess recently. He had been spending a lot of time in France, polishing his wonderful knowledge of the language.

Was a familiar figure in the 1980s, and a very strong player then.

Remember him beating Jeff Horner at the Lancaster quickplay one year, mating with literally his very last second

Sad.
Had, may we perhaps learn, his wife predeceased him?

Sadly, Gerry's wife died not long after he did.