We had an excellent turnout despite half term of 22 juniors who came along to learn and play chess. Receiving these continued numbers makes our club worthwhile and rewarding for all our coaches and myself.

I would request you to confirm in advance of a Saturday as we have always planned and need to know numbers in advance. This is to arrange numbers of players in each section and arrange the pairings of competitive games. I always check my messages late on Friday evening.

Our coaches have requested you arrive on time not during a session, please respect this.

Tony is running a competitive ‘Find the master move challenge’ in the advanced section.

This is to make the correct move whilst analyse games.

Steve was away playing in a congress so Eric stood in and managed the beginners in both groups/ Andres looks the most promising out of this very young group and we hope they can retain knowledge in the next few weeks. Eric demonstrated an online game where developed a Queen to early, captured a pawn and became trapped after 12 moves whist white had developed 5 pieces.

Graham took the intermediate section of Nirvan/Harvey/Markas/Pavina/Satah & Liam. The theme of the day was central control of the board and development of all pieces.

Martin reviewed a game with Liam M who came back for his 2^nd lesson and seems very keen.

Tony advising Eric on a move!

2^nd session numbers were a lot smaller so Graham and Martin shared lessons with Nilay/Kit/Koko/Teo and Manvik. Again, looking at development of pieces and going through middle game tactics.

Ladder Board Results

Advanced group

Nathanial 1 Rafan, Kautum 0 Nicolas 1, Neil 0 Peter 1.

Intermediates

Harvey 1 Sarah, Markas 0 Nirvan 0, Liam 0 Liam M 1, Coach ½ Pavina ½.

2^nd session

Sepanta 0 Andres 1, Teo 0 Kit 1, Koko 0 Manvik 1, Nilay ½ Coach ½.

We are at the half way stage with the ladder board competition and the three sections are very close/

1^st session/2^nd session

Peter/Nicolas and Kautum are neck and neck

Harvey & Nirvan are clear leaders in the Intermediate group. Nilay and Manvik are close as are Andres and David in the beginners section.

Its all to play for and there are 5 weeks to go.

We wish all well in their games and look forward to seeing you all next week.

Thanks to our coaches of Graham/Martin/Tony and Dee that came along to help whilst Steve and Paul were unavailable. Both return next week.

Eric Sachs