| To put your point of view on this page email:- keithtabner@hotmail.com |
Shifnal & Telford Chess Club: new venue - 05/01/2012
Unfortunately we found out last night at about 6pm, and hour and a half before the scheduled start of a Wolverhampton League match, that the Nedge Tavern was shut up and showed no signs of life, and continued that way all evening. Didn't want to waste the evening, so we have found an alternative venue, which is:-
The Madebrook Inn,
Bridgnorth Road,
Madeley,
Telford
TF7 4JF
Phone 01952 400649
That will be our new home with immediate effect.
Keith and Toby, could you please publicise this change in your own inimitable ways.
One potential problem is that all our equipment is still at the Nedge. I spoke to the owner this morning by phone and he says he will meet me tomorrow afternoon to let me get it out, but he may have problems which prevent him coming, so I'm not assuming we'll get it soon. We have matches next Wednesday against Telepost A and Shrewsbury C. Keith and Francis, could you please take particular care that your captains and teams are aware of the move. And could they please be prepared to bring sufficient sets, boards, clocks and scoresheets to supply any deficiency that may occur. We'll supply the beer! That should give us some breathing space to replace it all if necessary. If we do manage to retrieve it tomorrow, I'll let you know. Any questions, please ask. Just don't ask me for directions, 'cos I don't really know the way there yet myself! - Regards, Richard Thompson
Francis and Keith, Just to confirm that on Friday, we managed to take possession of all our equipment and took it to the Madebrook. So there's no need for your teams to bring anything. But thank you anyway. I'll amend the deal. We'll provide the sets, boards, clocks and scoresheets: you buy the beer! Regards, Richard 08/01/2012
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Shropshire January Congress. Yes we can!
You may have read in Toby's column this week that January's Wrekin Congress is not going ahead because of problems with availability of the venue.
From conversations I have had with a number of people over the past few days it is clear that a lot of people had already earmarked the regular January weekend for chess. We could just sit at home that weekend, or worse still have to tackle that DIY list, or we could do something about it!
A potential venue has already been identified for the January weekend and if there is sufficient interest it is possible that we could still organise a congress.
Clearly time is of the essence and we would appreciate it if you could respond to this email as a matter of urgency to let us know:
a. Will you play in a Shropshire congress on weekend 7-8 Jan?
b. Would you be prepared to help by being part of an organising committee?
Look forward to hearing from you.
Steve Rooney
Contact:
Steve Rooney on 01694 723724 ( steve.rooney@busandcoach.com )
or
Francis Best on 01743 821220 ( francis.best@gmx.com ) |
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Season 2010-11 and prior |
Cox Trophy Summer 2011
The date has now been definitely confirmed as Wednesday, May 18, at Shifnal & Telford's venue at The Nedge social club, Stirchley, Telford. Players will need to be there at 7.20pm for a prompt 7.30pm start of the clocks – obviously sticking to a timetable is going to be crucial if all rounds are to be completed in one night.
It will, as in previous years, be for teams of FIVE players. So far there have been three confirmed entries – Shifnal & Telford A, Telepost C and Telepost D. Can team captains let me know by the end of the month whether they will be entering. If I don't get confirmation they are, I shall assume they aren't. Once definite numbers are known the initial draw can be made and circulated. Time control is likely to be 10 minutes per player but that is not set in stone because it will depend on how many teams enter.
The venue can comfortably accommodate four matches simultaneously, five at a push. It will mean that the first round, in which there will obviously probably be more than four matches, will have to be played in two back-to-back stages.As in previous years players will be only able to play for one team. However, I am proposing that substitutes will be allowed in later rounds so that, for instance, if a club has, say, eight players interested in taking part, the three “extras” could be fielded in later rounds (assuming of course they are not knocked out in round one).
A teams should be stronger than B teams, B teams stronger than C etc. If matches are drawn, the result of the bottom board will be discounted, repeatedly if necessary, until a decisive result is achieved. If every game in a match is drawn, the team playing black on board one will be declared winner. In the case of time control disputes, the two team captains will in the first instance act as arbiters. If they are actually involved in the dispute, then I suppose it will be me, taking advice if necessary from any experienced/strong player or players to help me. If anyone can see any problems with the above drop me a line as I can obviously change things if in my inexperience I've dropped a clanger. Toby Neal langrishcaiger@aol.com |
Nigel Short and CJ de Mooi lecture tour and simul
Dear Chess Friends
I contacted some of you last weekend to indicate that we had the possibility of hosting an event as part of the Autumn tour by Nigel Short GM and CJ de Mooi, ECF President. I was sufficiently encouraged by the response to commit us to participating and I am delighted to say that we have now secured Sunday 16 th October 2011 as a firm date.
I have attached a flyer for the day and please can all club secretaries publicise the event as widely as possible.
A few people expressed the view that the proposed pricing structure (which was in fact merely a suggestion from CJ de Mooi) was a little high for the simultaneous display in particular at £40. As a response to this, I will undertake to reduce this price if at all possible. This will be much easier if Shropshire players make an early commitment to be involved in at least some way, so I would urge people to register their interest as suggested on the flyer (there's no financial commitment to individuals at this stage – that will come later). If we are able to raise sponsorship or corporate support in some way, then that would obviously help, so any interest along these lines would be welcomed – please direct enquiries to me.
Some people suggested that we don't have enough players within Shropshire to give adequate support for this event. For this reason, we will open up the event to neighbouring counties in due course. I wanted to give initial preference to Shropshire players but again, this preference will be wasted unless people register in good time.
Finally, some people expressed a view that we wouldn't be able to secure a reasonable venue for the event without adding significantly to the cost. Well, again, I am pleased to say that, at minimal extra cost, we have secured an excellent venue at the Wrekin Housing Trust, Colliers Way, Telford TF3 4AW. There is a first class training suite which we can use, superb catering facilities and ample parking.
I intend to do all I can to make this a truly memorable event for Shropshire chess and have started to assemble a team to help with this. I would welcome contact from other Shropshire players to bolster this team – let's make this a substantial boost to Shropshire chess!
With best wishes to you all and thank you in anticipation of your support.
Francis Best - President, Shropshire Chess Association - 10 Mar 2011
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Minor Cup 2011
I emailed recently to make everyone aware of this years Minor cup knockout tournament which I shall be organising. I would now like to give details and rules of the competition
1) Who is eligable to play? Last year the rule was that no player rated above 135 was eligible to play. From the feedback I got from my first email it was clear that this rule was unpopular by some who thought that the cup should be for B and C league players. Therefore the cup will be eligible to all players, except i) nominated A team players from the first division ii) and players rated above 145. Its not perfect but unless the cup is to be all inclusive then I don't think that there is a perfect solution, some A team players in division 2 are rated as high ,or higher, than B team players in division 1. I cant see the justification for excluding some of these players but not others.
2) Dates of fixtures. A tournament of 16 teams would be ideal , with 4 rounds including the final. Three working weeks will be allocated to each round with the tournament starting on April 25.
round 1 to be completed by 13 May
round 2 " " 3 June
round 3 " " 24 June
the final " " 15 July
The date of each match will be considered to be the club night of the away team in week 3, but of course this is just a starting point, the team captains have a 3 week window to rearange the fixture if necessary.
3) Venue The whole tournament will be pre drawn so teams can see who who they are likely to play next. If , in round 2, a team who played at home in round 1 is drawn at home to a team who played away in round 1 then the fixture will be reversed and the home team will become the away team . If, in round 3 ,a team who has previously travelled twice is drawn away then their fixture will be reversed, unless their opponents have also travelled twice. This rule is obviously to stop some teams having to travel in every round. It will probably be activated in round 2 so please be sure that you understand it (highly unlikely to be an issue in round 3) The final to be at a venue to be agreed by the 2 captains, not necessarily nuetral but no home advantage to be inferred to either team.
4) Teams. 4 man teams, no player may play for 2 teams. In the event of a 2-2 draw then the score on board 4 to be discounted, then board 3 etc... if all 4 games drawn then the team who played black on board 1 will win, ie the home team as they play black on board 1. 95 minutes per player games, as in the league.
5) Entries. Closing date for entries April 8, the draw will then be made that weekend and sent out to all captains immediatly.. all I need is the name of the team being entered , the name of the captain and means by which I can communicate with them. I have probably missed something but its only February 3 so plenty of time yet. All I ask is please acknowledge this email , even if your club has no interest in the cup and no intention of entering a team Anyone I don't hear from within 2 weeks I shall try to contact by other means.
Thank you Jon Smith. 02/02/2011- (e-mail:-
jonathan.715smith@btinternet.com)
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Minor Cup
Hello all - My name is Jon Smith, I play chess in Oswestry and I have been asked if I would organize the minor cup this year. I am emailing club secretaries to gauge the level of interest. The tournament would be during may and june, ideally 16 teams and two weeks for teams to complete each round. Previously the cup has been for 5 man teams ,and a player could play for a "lower" team as well as their own, I quite like the idea of 4 man teams with no player allowed to play for 2 teams at all. However I am aware that the cup has previously suffered from lack of interest and I dont want to change any rules which might make it less popular. Anyway please let me know any thoughts or opinions and if you would be interested in entering any teams. If we are to give people as much notice as reasonably possible I will be asking for entries by april 1st. (remembering of course that the cup is only open to players graded under 135). thank you, JJ Smith 15/01/2011 |
New MCCU Grand Prix event
Hello all,
If you haven't visited the MCCU website recently or heard what arose at the MCCU AGM I would like to draw to your attention a new MCCU Grand Prix event.
We already have a standardplay Grand Prix which decides the MCCU Individual Champion. The AGM decided that an rapidplay Grand Prix would also be run, but wanted this to be aimed at a lower graded category, deciding on U150.
If you are running a rapidplay event during the coming season and are part of this newsgroup, it is likely that the event will qualify to be included in the GP.
It doesn't matter what grading sections are used in your event, any MCCU player with a published rapidplay grade of U150 can have their results included in the GP.
All you have to do is contact the Events Director Cyril Johnson or myself at least 14 days before your event & ask for it to be included, then you need to send us the results - a link to a website where the results are shown will suffice. Letting us know well in advance will ensure your event gets listed on the MCCU website as part of the GP.
The full rules for the new GP are on the website -
www.mccu.org.uk in the Grand Prix section.
So come on - get your event included! - it costs you nothing & might just encourage a few more entries.
Regards
Julie Johnson 28/08/2010 |
Teams of four players
I put forward the following idea for discussion for next season,that teams should consist of four players.
The benefits as I see it are that this would help clubs maintain, and in some cases increase the number of teams in the league and would make travel more comfortable ie 4 in a car rather than 5 and in some cases would ease travel costs.This would also hopefully cut down on the number of default games in the league. John Casewell 01/06/2010 |
Cox Trophy
I have replied to David Everington on this subject concerning a quickplay format for the cox trophy in 2011, I have already stated that though I can see the attraction for such a format to some individuals sadly quickplay has never been my game even less so as I have got a lot older, should this be passed I do wish you well with this but sadly I would not consider entering such an event myself?! regards Eugene Raby 31/05/2010 |
Cox Trophy
Hi Toby - Good thinking - clearly the present format doesn't work - the rules are so tough that it's almost impossible to field a team.
At the Darwin Chess Festival 2003, John Casewell organised a team rapidplay event which proved popular. Held on Saturday in the Darwin Centre in Shrewsbury in full view of the shoppers, each club fielded one team of four players (as four can fit into one motorcar, he considered this to be most economical for transport costs). Any extra players went into a pool to top up incomplete teams - thus ensuring that every club was represented. It was great fun - perhaps that is the way forward? Keith Tabner 31/05/2010 |
Cox Trophy
I agree with Dave re. Telepost venue, although, would it be big enough?
Newport British Legion would be big enough, but out of the way!!
Toby, a good idea - Tony Holdford 31/05/2010 |
Cox Trophy
Toby - I like the idea. The present format is proving very difficult.
Shrewsbury A had to pull out this year because I couldn't raise a team
to go to Ludlow at two days notice. Perhaps the knock-out element
could be dropped and we could have a quick-play team Swiss event at
ten minutes each so everyone gets an evening's chess.
Dave Lovegrove's idea of a Shrewsbury venue makes sense geographically
but I imagine Telepost would not be big enough and Shrewsbury isn't
much bigger - and has no bar!
However, why I think this might work, somewhere, is because the Summer
quickplay tournaments which Jim Wilkinson used to organise when
Shrewsbury had the former, quite large, venue were very popular and
well supported. David Everington 31/05/2010
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Cox Trophy
Toby,
O.K. by me except it may be better if the venue was in Shrewsbury (Telepost ? with a bar also) as this is a half way post so that the likes of Ludlow,Oswestry and Church Stretton were not disadvantaged with the travelling.
Dave Lovegrove 31/05/2010
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Cox Trophy
Hi everybody - I'm planning to put an idea to the Shropshire Chess Association AGM
and would like you all to consider it as it will avoid having to
explain in detail at the meeting.
I'm going to suggest that, as a trial, the Cox Trophy is held in 2011,
as a one night knockout tournament played at a rapid time control.
The idea is to try to make it a fun, social event, and revive some
enthusiasm - there have been nine withdrawals already this year, and
the danger is that a team could get to a late stage of the competition
purely on byes, which obviously devalues the competition.
Venue: Shifnal & Telford. (They are happy for this).
Time limit: 10 minutes per player. Organisers (probably me, I should
imagine) would though have discretion for a slightly longer time limit
if there was a low entry.
Organisation: If there was a full entry of 16 teams in round one,
because of lack of tables and sets this would have to be played as two
sets of four matches, played back to back. The same in round two (when
other teams join the competition). If there was a lower entry, there
would be scope for adapting this accordingly.
Substitutions: My first thought was none at all, but then I thought
maybe there would be scope to allow teams to have a squad system,
drawing on, say, seven players for each team. This would mean that if
they did not have quite enough players to field two teams, they could
at least give everybody a game - if they got through round one of
course.
Finale: Trophy presentation. There could also be a 3rd/4th place
playoff.
The idea is to bring a bit of a "buzz" back to the competition. Only
those teams which wanted to take part in the Cox would take part.
There is a bar at Shifnal & Telford so there would hopefully be a good atmosphere and it wouldn't be boring for players waiting (with a short
time limit, there would never be a great wait).
Disadvantages are that half the field would only get a few minutes' of
chess before being knocked out (with luck they would head for the bar
and then become spectators for later games, especially if clubmates
were still involved). And of course a lot of people don't like rapid
time limits. Also, the standard of chess would not be great.
Feedback/suggestions/criticisms/improvements welcome!
Toby Neal 30/05/2010
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Summer Chess
Just a response to the request for ideas to liven up interest in the summer competitions. I like Steve Rooney's idea of trying something different, like experimenting with a rapidplay format for the Minor, or both. - Toby Neal 01/03/2010 |
| Illegal moves
Due to a recent incident in a First Division match I have been asked to clarify the position regarding illegal moves. Please ensure that all your club players are aware of the FIDE rule 7.4a and b accordingly.
I sought the opinions from the President and two senior players unconnected with the two clubs involved. They all agreed with me that the player claiming the two minutes was entitled to do so. This would apply after the player making the illegal move has pressed the clock.
To quote from the President's response "My view is that (the player's) action is 'legal, normal and reasonable'. He is acting in accordance with FIDE rules and showing awareness of them, which is precisely what we have asked Shropshire players to do since last season's difficulties."
Vincent Crean - League Controller 15/02/2010
Article - 7.4 - From FIDE Laws of Chess
a. If during a game it is found that an illegal move, including failing to meet the requirements of the promotion of a pawn or capturing the opponent's king, has been completed, the position immediately before the irregularity shall be reinstated. If the position immediately before the irregularity cannot be determined the game shall continue from the last identifiable position prior to the irregularity. The clocks shall be adjusted according to Article 6.13. The Articles 4.3 and 4.6 apply to the move replacing the illegal move. The game shall then continue from this re-instated position.
b. After the action taken under Article 7.4.a, for the first two illegal moves by a player the arbiter shall give two minutes extra time to his opponent in each instance; for a third illegal move by the same player, the arbiter shall declare the game lost by this player. However, the game is drawn if the position is such that the opponent cannot checkmate the player's king by any possible series of legal moves.
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Amended Fixtures Divs 2 & 3
Please can you ensure that all team captains are aware that there has been a shake up in both league Division 2 and 3 over the past few days / hours!!
a) Shrewsbury C in division two have sadly had to fold, - more information related to this can be found under "talking points" on the website.
b) I have allowed a very late entry in Division 3, for Ludow to field a 2nd team "Ludlow B". This is excellent news for promoting chess in the county (But quite some work for me !!)
In light of both these issues I have amended the fixtures accordingly - (I have scratched all Shrewsbury C's matches)
and I have had to alter quite significantly the 3rd Division fixtures to include Ludlow B - I have however, kept the first games of the season (week begining 12th October) the same, so that you all have approximately 3 weeks to notify and rearrange fixtures with all chess players involved.
All the latest fixtures have been updated and are displayed on the website and can also be downloaded in excel format.
I hope this will not cause to many problems, however if you do have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me.
Many Thanks - Vinny Crean - League Controller 01/10/09 |
Shrewsbury C team has folded
I'm afraid that our C team has now definitely folded. Ian Davies has had to relinquish his captaincy on account of work commitments and a number of the C team players have reduced their involvement with league chess. The fixture against our B team last Friday couldn't be arranged so I don't see any hope for fixtures against other teams, I'm afraid.
Anyway, please could you put an announcement on the website and scratch the C team fixtures. Thanks very much. Francis Best 27/09/09 |
Shrewsbury Chess Club - Venue Change
For those of you who have not been to the club recently, you ought to be aware that our meeting room at Shelton Hospital has been changed. We are now in the Shropshire Suite (IT Training Rooms). This applies to all Shrewsbury teams, including the juniors. Our club night is still Fridays.
To reach the new rooms, travel down Somerby Drive, away from Welshpool Road but carry on past the entrance to the old venue. Carry on past Winterton Way and Napoleon Drive, both on your left. As you come to the “No through road sign”, there is a sign to the right to the Shelton Hospital. Turn right here and follow the road round to the right. Carry on past the newer buildings on your right; the road goes down to the left, leading towards the hospital chapel. Park, if necessary, at this point. The entrance to our building is signposted “Older People's Services” by a blue hospital sign (our building is opposite the chapel, to the left if your back is to the chapel). Entrance is through an automatic(-ish) door. Go up to the first floor, through the double doors and our rooms are on the left.
We will try to get in the habit of displaying a sign near the opening, so that you know you are in the right place! - Francis Best Secretary, Shrewsbury Chess Club 10/09/09
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Lift to weekend rapidplay - can you help please?
We have a new player at Wellington, Vikas Sharma, who is over from India on a work contract. He is living and working in Telford and expects to be here about six months.
Vikas is a strong player (beats me every time, not that that's difficult) and particularly wants to go to weekend rapidplay tournaments i.e. one-day tournaments. But he has no transport.
Can the word go out that if there are any Shropshire chess players going to weekend tournaments around the country, could they mention it to Vikas as he might want to cadge a lift?
He is staying at The Rock, Telford.
His email address is sharma_vikas1@rediffmail.com -
Toby 23/06/09
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re Shropshire Chess Association AGM Wednesday 1st July 2009
Below is a copy for information of some proposals for amendments to league rules following discussions with other players this season. The league's constitution says that amendments can only be proposed by the Rules and Disputes Committee but Colin has agreed to send this to the other members of that committee (I think that is Ian Willson, Richard Thompson and Francis Best). They may decide to amend them or not accept them at all, but I thought it was worth letting you have sight of the original proposals. I don't imagine the proposals will be universally accepted but I think it is worth debating nonetheless.
Steve Rooney - Church Stretton 03/06/09 Shropshire Chess Association
Proposed rule amendments
GENERAL
AMENDED RULE 4
Each club must register its players with the League Controller at the start of each season, before the first fixture in which they play. Late registration may be carried out at any time during the season, as long as the information is received no later than the first match result involving the player(s). Each club shall notify the league controller before the first match of the season of four nominated players for each team represented in the league. Nominated players may not play for another team from that club in a lower division. Penalties for breaches of the rule are stipulated at rule 21. [comment]
The nomination of four players per team is already the practice, but is not actually mentioned in the rules.
TEAMS
AMENDED RULE 7
A member of a club may represent only one team for that club, unless the reserve provisions in Rule 8 apply. If a club has more than one team in a division, members of that club may only play in one of its teams in that division, including as reserves. If a player is a member of more than one club, he/she may only play for one team within a division. [comment]
This would prevent reserves being drawn from another club team in the same division. Some have argued in the past that the current provision avoids defaulting of boards but the rule has led to controversy in recent seasons and is clearly open to abuse by clubs.
AMENDED RULE 8
8a
A reserve may be drawn from a team from the same club in a lower division, as follows:
8a
Players graded below 90 can play up into a team in a higher division without restriction, 8b
Players graded above 90 can play up into a team in a higher division on two occasions. He/she becomes a member of the team in the higher division on the third occasion for the remainder of the season. Where a reserve wins by default the result will count as an appearance for the team in the higher division. 8c
Penalties for breaches of rule 8 are stipulated at rule 22.
[comment]
This removes the terms 'higher' and 'lower' teams and clarifies that the provisions relate to teams in higher and lower divisions. The grading limits for reserves are amended to take account of changes in the ECF system next season and also simplified to have just above and below grade 90, rather than the existing three bands which are an unnecessary complication.
MATCH DETAILS
RULE 11 Players must be arranged in grading order according to the latest ECF grading list, except that players on adjacent boards whose grading differs by no more than 10 points shall be regarded as interchangeable for the purposes of this rule. Penalties for breaches of this rule are specified at rule 23. [comment]
This amendment follows the ruling made this year by the League Controller. The current league rules are ambiguous and are subject to different interpretations.
PENALTIES 22. Where rule 8c is breached: a) all results achieved by the player for the team in the lower division following his/her third appearance for the team in the higher division will be treated as losses by default for match purposes. [comment]
This is in line with earlier amendment about teams in higher and lower divisions
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