On a bright and sunny day and with severe traffic issues around the Town Centre and the Wessex Way we still had a good turnout of 17 juniors who came along to enjoy chess. Personally, it took me 35 minutes to get home from the Library to the East Cliff – no matter, it was all worthwhile.

All the usual lessons took place with Tony in fine form setting out various puzzles including the two below which the 2^nd one is a real teaser.

Puzzle 1

Puzzle 2

Solutions Below

Steve continued to develop Kit and Eric brought in a selection of instructional book for beginners which I hope will be useful to some. Opening/Middle game and end game techniques and’ How to beat your Dad at chess’. There were books on simple mates in1 and 2 and more difficult ones.

Paul and Martin spent time with Harvey who is developing well now and we are pleased to see his commitment to chess.

The 2^nd session group was taken by Martin who went through one of his recent games – https://xco.ysa.mybluehost.me/website_cb3a4304/games/

Eric and Paul explained chess notation to Koko and Zayaan and continued through games.

Ladder Board Games Results

1^st session

Peter 1 0 Nathanial, Tristan 0 1 Nicolas 1, Rafan ½ ½ Coach, Kit ½ ½ Coach ½, Nirvan 1 Coach 0. Harvey 1/2 ½, Coach,

Peter is on the march now with recent wins against Nicolas and now Nathanial, it is all very close at the top with 3 rounds to go and clearly these three players are leading the way and will share the prizes.

In the Intermediate section Nirvan is ahead and Mariella are looking good but keep on coming to maximise chances of winning.

2^nd Session

Andrew 0 1 Nicholas, Alfie 0 1 Zayaan, Arthur 1 0 Koko, Mariella 1 0 Nilay, Manvik ½ ½ Coach.

In the Intermediate group Alfie is ahead on 3 points but several players are on 2 and anything can happen over the next 3 weeks – watch out for Nicolas who is on a winning streak.

Mariella is looking strong in the beginners section closely followed by Nilay and Manvik.

Once again, thanks to our team of Steve, Paul, Tony & Martin for all coming along to support the club.

Note, just 3 weeks to go to the final week of the ladder board games with our end of season competition on the 19/7.

Eric Sachs

Chess puzzle solutions –

Puzzle 1

1. Nc5!! bxc5 2. Qd8 mate (a. 1… Bc4+ 2. Nb3 mate. b. 1… Bc6 2. Nb3 mate c. 1… a3 2. b4 mate)

Puzzle 2

1. Qh1!! Rxh1 2. Kf6 mate (a 1… Kxg8 2. Qa8 mate b. 1… Rh6+ 2. Kf7! mate)