(Chess) Life Returning To Normal

[Matt Bridgeman]

I saw that this has come through today, which probably suggests that chess might only be an activity in Tier 1 under the Rule of 6. So at the moment that’s just Cornwall really. Apart for under 18 activities which are exempt in all Tiers.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus ... tent=daily

[Roger de Coverly]

I saw that this has come through today, which probably suggests that chess might only be an activity in Tier 1 under the Rule of 6.

Chess, Bridge, Backgammon, Poker, Cribbage, Scrabble, Go etc aren't legally sports, so presumably are banned within the general prohibitions against households meeting and not being "essential".

[Tim Spanton]

Promising developments on the CzechTour front (from The BBC):

The Czech Republic has moved to a lower tier of coronavirus restrictions - Tier 3.
All shops, restaurants and pubs can reopen from today - with restrictions on the number of people - as will swimming pools, gyms, museums etc. The night-time curfew has ended. Cinemas and theatres, however, will not be allowed to have audiences yet.
The numbers of new infections are declining, although perhaps not as fast as epidemiologists hoped, and some worry what lies ahead in January, after families come together at Christmas.

[Matt Bridgeman]

Are you going for the Prague Open mid-January Tim, or do you think it might likely be a victim of Christmas spread?

[Tim Spanton]

I'm looking at something before then, perhaps Krakow (http://cracoviachess.pl/en/) or Litomysl (http://czechtour.net/litomysl-open/), which start on Dec 27 and Dec 26 respectively. Would love to do Sitges (https://www.sunwaychessfestival.com/) from Dec 12, but that might be impractical.
In all cases it's a case of guessing what will go ahead ...

[Simon Rogers]

Good point Simon; we've only had an Obituaries section on the MCF website for a few months now, to make sure there is a permanent record

Thanks Mick. I've just had a look at the Obituaries section on the MCF. Good to see the reporting and the unsung heroes being remembered. I had a look at the links. They were a bit difficult to read because the links appeared in blue on a blue background.
I'm afraid I've noticed a Death from a few months ago not reported on the MCF website. Can I PM you with it? It might be better you reporting the death to the forum.
I'm afraid I have a death to report from the Isle of Wight.

I'll post the Deaths on the Obituaries Section from Manchester and the Isle of Wight this afternoon. I've also just heard sadly about another death in Warwickshire.

[Wadih Khoury]

I saw that this has come through today, which probably suggests that chess might only be an activity in Tier 1 under the Rule of 6. So at the moment that’s just Cornwall really. Apart for under 18 activities which are exempt in all Tiers.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus ... tent=daily

I think you are right. I am very disappointed, I thought I could get a 2x6 all play all, standard event going during the holidays but the "no mixing" rule for tier 2 is a big blow.

[Simon Rogers]

I saw that this has come through today, which probably suggests that chess might only be an activity in Tier 1 under the Rule of 6. So at the moment that’s just Cornwall really. Apart for under 18 activities which are exempt in all Tiers.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus ... tent=daily

I think you are right. I am very disappointed, I thought I could get a 2x6 all play all, standard event going during the holidays but the "no mixing" rule for tier 2 is a big blow.

I think the Isles of Scilly and the Isle of Wight are also in Tier 1. Up in Lancashire, me and Matt are in Tier 3.

[Kevin Thurlow]

"I'm looking at something before then, perhaps Krakow (http://cracoviachess.pl/en/)"

I played in that some years ago - the venue has changed but it was a good event. I was the only English player, and there weren't too many English speakers. Krakow is a nice place. Feel free to PM me for further info if you need it.

[Paul Bloom]

I saw that this has come through today, which probably suggests that chess might only be an activity in Tier 1 under the Rule of 6. So at the moment that’s just Cornwall really. Apart for under 18 activities which are exempt in all Tiers.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus ... tent=daily

Yes even the great CCF at Coulsdon have now been unable to meet since 2nd of NOv and the tighter restrictions in tier 2 this time mean probably no prospects until the new year . Still am looking forward to the online British Championships in 2 weeks should be a great event something for everyone there ,

[Tim Spanton]

"I'm looking at something before then, perhaps Krakow (http://cracoviachess.pl/en/)"

I played in that some years ago - the venue has changed but it was a good event. I was the only English player, and there weren't too many English speakers. Krakow is a nice place. Feel free to PM me for further info if you need it.

Thanks Kevin. My big worry with Krakow is committing when it might not go ahead.

The Foreign Office travel advice on Poland includes:
Public gatherings are limited to 5 people, excluding households bigger than 5 members and workplaces. Private gatherings may include no more than 5 people, excluding household members – these rules on indoor gatherings will also be in place over the Christmas period. There are restrictions on the number of people attending religious services and funerals. From 24 October there is a nationwide ban on weddings and wakes.
Cultural institutions, such as museums, theatres, cinemas and cultural centres will be closed from 7 November, until at least 27 December.
Sporting events are not permitted with audiences, but may take place without an audience. All cultural events continue to be suspended until further notice.
The above national measures may be extended further, in scope and time, at short notice.

[Tim Spanton]

I emailed the Krakow organisers to find out if chess counts as a sporting event (permitted) or a cultural event (banned):

Yes, CHESS IS SPORT
So, I hope we will not have problems and the Cracovia 2020 will take place according to the plan.

[Wadih Khoury]

I was informed that the French chess federation has suspended all tournaments until Jan 25th.

Spain (Sitges) still seems to be on the cards.

Switzerland (Zurich) seems still ok: http://www.weihnachtsopen.ch/contao/ind ... kopie.html

[Tim Spanton]

I was informed that the French chess federation has suspended all tournaments until Jan 25th.

Spain (Sitges) still seems to be on the cards.

Switzerland (Zurich) seems still ok: http://www.weihnachtsopen.ch/contao/ind ... kopie.html

Interesting re Zurich becos the Swiss CHess Tour is still saying:

Dear chess friend,
As you surely have known, following the decisions of the Federal Council of October 28, 2020, the Swiss Chess Federation had to suspend immediately holding of chess tournaments.
I thank you from the very heart for the trust and support you have shown us from 15 June until today. Together we have managed to revive real tournaments in Switzerland in complete safety. 400 chess players took part in the SwissCHessTour tournaments. Thanks to the protective measures we have tailored and applied, we never had to report any cases of Covid-19 contagion.
In the months to come, the situation may improve and allow us to offer tournaments again. Hope dies last. Keep registering for our tournaments in Adelboden, Basel, etc. If we cannot keep them on the scheduled dates, we will postpone them to spring or summer.
Thank you very much and see you soon again!

[Neil Graham]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPDkCOJO3pc