Page 1 of 1
City Congresses Returning
Posted: Tue Dec 17, 2024 9:03 am
by MartinCarpenter
Well they've emailed about this but it's worth sticking here in case people stumble over it - thanks to the kind souls in the Ilkley chess centre, there's a large bunch of traditional city based congresses due to return to Yorkshire in 2025.
https://ilkleychesscentre.com/events
Bradford, Huddersfield, York and Leeds, spread through the year. Jan, April, Sept and Oct respectively.
Fractionally cheeky of them calling them 1st congresses but they've earned the right
I'm intrigued by the U1900 majors, and not really sold on 3 rounds on the Saturdays, but I'm sure there'll be good reasons for both of those.
Re: City Congresses Returning
Posted: Wed Dec 18, 2024 1:34 am
by Andrew Zigmond
I don't see anything "cheeky" about it. While previous congresses have been held under these names none have taken place since before the pandemic. Also, even if the exact number of previous congresses could be traced, not calling them the 1st might imply continuity with the prior organisers.
I also take slight issue with the "kind souls" comment. Running these events is not an act of kindness, it is dedication on the part of one man to ensure that Yorkshire has a roster of professionally run congresses fit for chess in the 2020s.
Regarding three rounds on the Saturday it possibly makes it easier to arrange venue hire, means organisers and some players only have to take two days out of their diary and also the quick Friday/ Saturday turnaround of the traditional congress isn't always ideal for every player.
Re: City Congresses Returning
Posted: Wed Dec 18, 2024 9:23 am
by MartinCarpenter
Well it's certainly kind (quite a strong complement you know) that they're using that energy to help chess rather than something else!
What they really need for the names is a brand name, like the 4NCL etc. Except that 1st Ilkley York congress would obviously be a recipe for mass confusion and ICC is taken!
A bare 1st York/Bradford etc congress does look a little weird when there's been so many before now. Incredibly unimportant.
Re: City Congresses Returning
Posted: Wed Dec 18, 2024 9:52 am
by Mick Norris
MartinCarpenter wrote: ↑Wed Dec 18, 2024 9:23 am
Well it's certainly kind (quite a strong complement you know) that they're using that energy to help chess rather than something else!
What they really need for the names is a brand name, like the 4NCL etc. Except that 1st Ilkley York congress would obviously be a recipe for mass confusion and ICC is taken!
A bare 1st York/Bradford etc congress does look a little weird when there's been so many before now. Incredibly unimportant.
d2d4 maybe?
Re: City Congresses Returning
Posted: Thu Dec 19, 2024 9:20 am
by MartinCarpenter
They've shown a fine imagination with their Yorkshire league teams - Dragons, Knights and Scorpions....
Re: City Congresses Returning
Posted: Mon Feb 17, 2025 5:15 pm
by Andrew Wainwright
Andrew Zigmond wrote: ↑Wed Dec 18, 2024 1:34 am
I don't see anything "cheeky" about it. While previous congresses have been held under these names none have taken place since before the pandemic. Also, even if the exact number of previous congresses could be traced, not calling them the 1st might imply continuity with the prior organisers.
I also take slight issue with the "kind souls" comment. Running these events is not an act of kindness, it is dedication on the part of one man to ensure that Yorkshire has a roster of professionally run congresses fit for chess in the 2020s.
Regarding three rounds on the Saturday it possibly makes it easier to arrange venue hire, means organisers and some players only have to take two days out of their diary and also the quick Friday/ Saturday turnaround of the traditional congress isn't always ideal for every player.
@AndrewZigmond - Thank you for your kind words. We are doing our best and have been blown away with the positivity and support from Chess players across Yorkshire and beyond. Our congress circuit will hopefully go from strength to strength in the coming years and create a platform of regular, well run and professionally organised events for our players to enjoy.