junior-old-stuff

21 May ’19: Yesterday at the Elstead Hotel, Bournemouth, Highcliffe School defeated Poole Grammar 9.5-8.5 in a close and exciting final.

The Final of the B&DCL Inter-Schools Championship is on Monday, 20 May at the Elstead Hotel, Knyveton Rd, starting at 4pm.

Highcliffe School are the proud and present holders of the competition having wrestled it from Bournemouth Grammar school for Boys last year for the first time, they will be giving all to retain the trophy and Poole Grammar school have reached the Final for the 1^st time. The Poole team are made up of year 8 and 10 boys who have all won schools chess events at Baden Powell primary school and will be hoping to be successful in the Final.

The match will be played over 3 rounds for all 6 boards with a time control of 15 minutes per player so 30 minutes per game. It is expected the match to be completed by 6 pm where a prize giving will take place.

All chess enthusiasts and friends are welcome and to remind all that there is car parking at the hotel and there are refreshment facilities.

4 Apr ’19: Report on the Bournemouth Central Library Junior Team defeating Park School, Queens Park 17-15 on 2 Apr. This was in the final of B&DCL Junior Chess Inter-Schools Challenge final. Please see 3 images further down the page – the first is the scorecard, then the Bournemouth Central Library team followed by the runners-up Park School, Queens Park.

2019 JUNIOR SCHOOLS/TEAM CHESS CHALLENGE FINAL

2^ND APRIL – VENUE BOURNEMOUTH CENTRAL LIBRARY

PARK SCHOOL VS BOURNEMOUTH CENTRAL LIBRARY TEAM

The sun was shining in the large, spacious, Central Library’s conference room and all was quiet as the team were preparing for the Junior Chess Team Challenge, whilst 22 excited kids were waiting outside to play chess.

Park School who were playing in the chess event for the first time, fielded a full team after having chess coaching since last September by Paul Errington and yours truly.

In opposition, the Central Library Team, with several very keen and enthusiastic juniors who were also playing for the first time.

By 4.15 pm after a short delay due to waiting for some boards to arrive; the pairings were announced, whilst parents, teachers and players were anxiously watching on – maybe a total of 35/40 people in all.

All formalities completed, hands were shaken, clocks started and here we go……15 minutes each player, 3 rounds …. eyes down!

Silence, immaculate concentration from the young 7 to 11 year olds, tension, brain power, and the results started to come in. It was clear from the onset Park were very strong on boards 1-3 with Oliver Smith/Hugo Svedberg and up and coming Joey Li. BCL were stronger through the middle boards with 4/5 players all girls – sign of things to come. On the lower boards you could take your pick and several mating possibilities were all over but finishing off is another thing. Checkmate is the name of the game but they all did so well. By 4.40pm Graham was posting the 1^st round results and it was Park 5 BCL 7 – nothing in it.

The 2^nd round started at the same pace – click clock click clock. Some really good and thoughtful chess was being played on the top boards and the BCL team did all possible to stop the ongoing march of the top boards but Oliver and Hugo were just too strong and had wins. However, through the middle boards Park were getting better and there were some very close results with pieces all flying all over the board – not the floor. End of the 2nd round -5-5 so overall Park 10- BCL 12.

It was now 5.15pm and once all the refreshments were devoured the 3^rd and Final round commenced with the tension was very high and all players realising it was anyone’s match. In no time, bang, bang, bang, bang – all winners for Park who took a 2 point lead but wait a minute the girls fought back and these results were reversed and BCL re took the lead. The crowds gathered by the remaining boards and after some clearance was necessary – no security control necessary here, the final games came in with an overall score of another 5-5.

Final result – Park School 15 – Bournemouth Central Library team 17.

There were 32 games of chess played in 2 hours, all rules respected, no issues, the kids embraced the challenge and the event. Head Teacher Mel Dowler helped with the prizegiving, all players received a medal, and an attendance certificate and the winners Bournemouth Central Library team were handed the trophy!

By 6.15pm, tables re-arranged, equipment sorted, the room was cleared, the sun was still shining and a moment of reflection when I thought quote’ did this really take place’ unquote.

Happy memories, pictures and trophy to remind us all.

Well done all and to the team of helpers, Graham Morris/Steve Bailey/Dee Nustedt and Paul Errington.

2019 INTER SCHOOL SEMI -FINAL

BOURNEMOUTH GRAMMAR SCHOOL VS HIGHCLIFFE COMPREHENSIVE

1^ST APRIL 2019 – VENUE BOURNEMOUTH GRAMMAR SCHOOL

IN THE 2^ND SEMI-FINAL BOTH HIGHCLIFFE THE PRESENT HOLDERS AND BOURNEMOUTH (BGSB) PREVIOUS HOLDERS WERE HOPING TO FIND A WAY THROUGH TO PLAY POOLE GRAMMAR SCHOOL IN THE FINAL.

BOTH TEAMS WERE FIELDING A SELECTION OF YEAR 7/8 PLAYERS AND IT WAS GOOD TO SEE EXPERIENCED PLAYERS MOVING THEIR WAY UP THE TEAMS IN SENIORITY AND PERFORMANCE.

IT IS A 6 BOARD MATCH OVER 3 ROUNDS WITH 15 MINUTES EACH ON THE CLOCK.

ROUND 1 STARTED WITH AN EARLY LEAD OF 2 POINTS FOR BGSB HOWEVER HIGHCLIFFE FOUGHT BACK TO LEVEL THE SCORE TO 3-3 TO COMPLETE THE 1^ST ROUND. BOTH TEAMS WERE STRONG ON TOP BOARDS AND A GOOD LEVEL OF CHESS WAS EVIDENT.

ROUND 2 COMMENCED WITH EVERYONE AWARE OF THE CLOSE LEVEL OF THE TEAMS. THE MATCH PROGRESSED WITH WINS FOR BARNABY, HIS SECOND AND CIARAN MISSED A WIN WITH A 3 PAWN ADVANTAGE IN AN END GAME. THE SCORE WAS AT THE END OF THE 2^ND ROUND WAS 3.5 HIGHCLIFFE SO THEY HAD A NARROW ONE POINT LEAD GOING INTO THE FINAL ROUND.

ROUND 3 STARTED WITH BOTH TEAMS FULLY AWARE OF THE SCORES AS THEY PROGRESSED AND WERE BEING POSTED ON THE SCREEN – NO, NOT SKY SPORTS!

AS THE PREVIOUS ROUNDS ALL GAMES WERE CLOSE BUT BEN HAD AN EARLY WIN FOR HIGHCLIFFE BUT REGGIE (FEMALE) PLAYING HER FIRST GAME HAD A WIN BUT MISSED A MATE AND IT WAS 1-1. MEANWHILE WINS FOR BEN AND JJ AGAIN LEVELLED THE SCORES TO MAKE IT 2-2. 2 GAMES TO GO AND BGSB NEEDED BOTH AS THE TENSION ROSE WITH ALL EYES SEARCHING FOR ANY CLUES.

KILLIAN FOR HIGHCLIFFE MISSED A TRICK AND WENT DOWN TO SCOTT SO 2/5 EACH ALL GOING INTO THE FINAL GAME. 17 GAMES PLAYED AND THE OVERALL RESULT DEPENDED ON THE FINAL GAME IN THE FINAL ROUND.

BARNABY 2/2 SO FAR GIVING ALL AGAINST CIERAN WHO IS EXPERIENCED IN THESE SITUATIONS FOUGHT SO HARD . 20 PLUS EYES ALL ON ONE BOARD WITH THE RESULT IN THE BALANCE.

BANG BANG – TICK TOCK – 3 MINUTES LEFT – 2 MINUTES AND CIERAN MOVED HIS QUEEN ONTO THE WRONG SQUARE AND IT WAS ALL OVER. SHAME FOR HIM AND BOURNEMOUTH. HANDS WERE SHOOK AND HIGHCLIFFE WON THE GAME AND MATCH, IT COULD NOT HAVE BEEN CLOSER.

FINAL SCORE HIGHCLIFFE 9.5 – BGSB 8.5

CONGRATULATIONS TO HIGHCLIFFE ON QUALIFYING FOR THE FINAL AND COMMISERATIONS TO BGSB WHO GAVE ALL BUT IT WAS NOT QUITE ENOUGH.

ALL PLAYERS WHO COMPETED WERE WINNERS AND IT WAS A PLEASURE SEEING THIS LEVEL OF CHESS BEING PLAYED WITH ENTHUSIASM, COMMITMENT, ENERGY AND PURPOSE.

THANKS TO BGSB/MATT AUSTIN FOR HOSTING THE EVENT AND TO THE WINNING CAPTAIN BRYAN LOSE FOR GIVING SO MUCH AT HIGHCLIFFE SCHOOL IN THE INTERESTS OF JUNIOR CHESS.

THE FINAL WILL BE CLOSE AND EXCITING.

Eric Sachs, B&DCL Junior Chess Inter-Schools Championship Organiser

The 2^nd semi-final of the 2019 Inter school chess event will take place next Monday 1/4 at Bournemouth Grammar school for boys who will be playing last year’s winners Highcliffe Comprehensive.

The winners will play Poole Grammar school who beat Lytchett Minster last week to reach the Final for the 1^st time.

Next week’s match should be interesting as both teams are in transition after some year 10 and Sixth former students have moved on and will be replaced by the up and coming year 7/8/9 students taking part for the 1^st time. It should be close but I am sure Highcliffe who were very proud to have won the trophy for the 1^st year will do all to reach the Final for the 2^nd time.

The Final is to be played the 2^nd week in May with a date to be confirmed.

Eric Sachs B&DCL Junior Chess Inter-Schools Championship Organiser 27 Mar ’19

Poole won by 10/5 – 7/5 only crossing the line in the 3^rd and final round. This was a very close fought match and both teams had players who have played this season in the Bacchus league. There was some exciting and some tense chess played at a really good level.

Outstanding performances especially were from Jamie Doyle (yr 7) who scored 3/3 and Alexsander Mouer (year 10) also scoring 3/3. All matches were played with a 15 minute each time control and in a great spirit.

Well done to Poole team who fought so hard to reach their first final.

Many thanks to Tarik Reghif for hosting the event at Lytchett Minster school and it was great to see the huge progress made at Lytchett for several students who are now playing a good level of chess after a development programme that started 2 years ago.

Congratulations to Jack Prosser (year 11) who scored 3/3.

The 2^nd semi-final will be played between Bournemouth Grammar school and the holders Highcliffe.

The winners will meet at a venue to be confirmed in the 2^nd week of May.

Eric Sachs. B&DCL Junior Chess Inter-Schools Championship Organiser 19 Mar ’19

The 1st semi-final will be between Highcliffe, who will be defending their trophy, and Bournemouth Grammar School for Boys at a date to be confirmed from 18/3.

The 2nd semi-final will be between Lychett Minster and Poole Grammar School from w/c 1st April.

The winners will be playing each other in a Final in Bournemouth from w/c 1st April.

The Highcliffe/ BGSB will be interesting due to the high level of year 7/8 students playing for the first time as the more experienced 6^th formers have moved on .

The Lytchett/Poole Grammar match will have several of the players who are making their name in the Bacchus league for both Poole Knights and Bishops who are now familiar with league and competition chess. Lytchett’ s team will be a mixture including 6^th formers. Poole Grammar are nearly all year7/8/9 but students who have been previously successful at Junior school at Baden-Powell.

Junior section

Park School vs Bournemouth Library – 2 teams each.

I am delighted to announce Park school based at Queens Park will be entering 2 teams for the first time. They will be playing teams from Bournemouth Library in an one Final probably at the Library from w/c 1^st April. Both Paul Errington and yours truly have been supporting and attending Park school on a weekly basis to develop chess in the school since 2018.

Progress and results of the competition will be published on the Dorset web site – watch this space.

Eric Sachs, B&DCL & DCCA Chess Officer, 8 March 2019

DORSET COUNTY JUNIOR

CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP 2018

SATURDAY 9^th FEBRUARY 2019

BOURNEMOUTH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS, CASTLE GATE CLOSE, BOURNEMOUTH BH8 9UJ

Bournemouth School for Girls is delighted to be hosting this year’s Dorset County Junior Chess Championship and invites all chess players in years 3 to 13 inclusive to come along for a fun & competitive day of chess. Whether you are a relative novice or a much more experienced player we would love to see you. This is not a knockout competition so you are guaranteed to play 6 rounds of chess against children of your own standard, or very similar age. There will be refreshments at this event as before , teas/coffees and small bites but the day is a long one, so you are encouraged to bring along a good packed lunch. Doors open at 9.30 a.m and we intend to have a prompt start by latest 10.15 am. Prize-giving will be at around 4.30 p.m and I am planning to invite a speaker to support chess and the event.

There will be trophies awarded to various age groups and medals will be awarded in all age groups. To be eligible for the county trophies you must reside in or attend schools in Dorset, but players from areas or schools outside Dorset are welcome to compete for medals.

If you would like to enter this tournament please e-mail your name, school and year group to [email protected] . Early entries are encouraged and e-mail entries received by 2^nd February 2019 will be charged at £7.50 per person

Payment can to be made in advance either online to a/c 84622970 sort code 51-81-18 or by cheque to be sent to the undersigned.

Your entry will be acknowledged once payment has been received.

This year we cannot accept any entries on the day this year as we plan to make all pairings during the week of the event and prior to the 9/2/19.

Please note there is no access to WIFI within the school.

Last year we all enjoyed the event at the school and Junior chess has increased both in terms of activity within schools and various clubs so I would anticipate and entry of over 75 plus and it would be great to get near this number and even surpass it.

Eric Sachs, Organiser for the Bournemouth Central Library Junior Chess Club, reports (24 July ’18): “After a hugely successful season at the Bournemouth Library Chess Club where we averaged 35 keen, enthusiastic juniors from all parts of the area on a weekly basis and also evident now is the number of so many children from all parts of the world, the sessions are now closed until Saturday 8^th September 2018. Have a great summer and keep thinking about those 64 squares!”

Highcliffe School’s great achievement in winning the 2018 Inter Schools competition and become Champions of local schools’ chess for the first time. The event took place at the Elstead Hotel, Bournemouth on 1 May ’18.

Bournemouth Grammar School who finished runners-up

Bournemouth Grammar School (BGS) put up a brave fight, but were ultimately beaten by a very strong Highcliffe Schools Team who have worked so hard to achieve this award. The key Players from Highcliffe – James Forster (169), Adam Ursell (125) and Thomas Trach (est 120) all won their crucial games to set the foundation to beating BGS. The level of play was as expected extremely high and Highcliffe ended up worthy winners. Highcliffe brought 10 players in all, and mixed and matched the remaining 3 boards in all 3 rounds to maximise their strength and versatility.

Conversely BGS suffered with a limited team and unfortunately defaulted Board 2 in the 1st round which Highcliffe won 5-1 and this was a blow they could not recover from. However, team spirit returned in the 2nd round when they recovered to draw 3-3. They needed a reverse of the 1-5 score to force a play-off however, this was just a step to far and went on to draw the 3rd round 3-3, a valiant effort given all circumstances.

Congratulations to all players that took part in the Final and Lytchett Minster and Poole Grammar schools both of which will be back next year.

Councillor & Guest Speaker Nigel Hedges commends Eric Sachs and his organising team

Inter Schools Chess Organising Team led by Eric Sachs

Special congratulations to Bryan Lose the teacher from Highcliffe who has put so much effort in promoting chess at the school and finally, sincere thanks to our Guest Speaker Councillor Nigel Hedges who came and helped with the Prizegiving.

With thanks to Eric Sachs who wrote this report

Result detail below:-

Highcliffe School Chess Team Mar ’18 – they are through to the final as Qualifying winners

Can you pass on my congratulations to all the players that took part. It was great to see the 4 schools competing competitively and all games were played in good spirit and the best etiquette of chess.

I would have liked to see Lytchett Minster score a couple of points however they improved their board wins from last time and am sure they progress. Poole Grammar came very close in the final round and I saw two mates in one from Poole players that were unfortunately missed which made all the difference. However, all the players are Year 7 and can and will only progress as time goes on. A really good effort from both schools.

Bournemouth Grammar School Chess Team Mar ’18 who finished Qualifying Runners-Up & meet Highcliffe in the final

Congratulations to Highcliffe in scoring in every round yesterday to win the Qualifying event and progressing to the Final. Also congratulations to Bournemouth Grammar School defending the trophy for the 3rd time and qualifying for the Final. They were missing two senior players yesterday.

It would really good to see the boys playing more regular chess either at the school clubs or at our local chess clubs and with more games they will benefit very quickly. It was clear to me that some of them were really missing this and the more experienced players had a real advantage.

I will be making enquiries for the Final which could be either 24/4 or 1/5 and I will confirm the venue once the arrangements have been made which will be within the next few days. (Eric subsequently announced on 4 April that the final would take place at the Elstead Hotel, Kynveton Road, Bournemouth BH1 3QP on Tues, 1 May 3.30pm to 7pm).

Lychett Minster Chess Team Mar ’18, who scored more wins & are improving

I will organise a certificate for all players from Lytchett Minster and Poole Grammar Schools and arrange for the distribution shortly.

Finally, can I thank you for taking the time and effort to enter your teams and all that is attached which I am aware of. Also, many thanks to Matt Austin at Bournemouth Grammar School for providing the facilities.

Highlights of the 1st round of the 2018 Inter teams/schools championships are:

Seniors

The venue was at Bournemouth Grammar School and competitors were Poole Grammar/Highcliffe Comprehensive/Lytchett Minster and Bournemouth Grammar School.

24 players took part playing 6 boards for each team over 3 rounds.

The competition is on a league basis over 6 rounds with the top two teams qualifying for the final to be played in April/May.

BGS are the holders and are going for a 3 rd consecutive win.

Highlights of the teams/matches are for BGS – James Forster (grade 170) and Adam Ursell (125) the top two players in the competition proved too strong for their opponents however they suffered on the lower boards 3-6 and only Annelie Davis with 3/3 scored for the team and finished with 4 points over the 3 rounds.

Poole Grammar fielding an almost complete team of year 7 and Bournemouth library players played well above their expectations and scored 3 points over he three rounds. These boys nearly all ex Baden – Powell boys had some great results over opponents some 4/5 years older and only a weakness on Bd 6 stopped them winning more points. They have a good chance of qualifying in the 2 nd round of matches.

Lytchett Minister entered a team and gave their best however the standard of play was too high for them although they did achieve more board wins than last year but I am hopeful with continuous coaching at the school they will continue to progress.

Bournemouth Grammar missing Cieran Southey (Grade 109) still were strong over the 6 boards and are the 1st round leaders with 5 points, Highlights were JJ Weeks who scored 3/3 Oli Hioco 3/3 and Sunny Yang 2/3. This was enough to win the crucial games but with just one point between three teams its all to play for.

I was vey impressed by the general standard of play and there were some exciting finishes with some games going to the final seconds on the clocks.

Junior Section

The competition has been reduced to two teams Bournemouth Library and Ferndown Middle School, both teams fielded reserve players so we had a total of 7 boards for each team. The library team were too strong for Ferndown MS and scored maximum scores on all board to lead with 4 points from 2 rounds. The teams were mixed up for the the 3rd round to even up the teams but highlights were Saathvik Konreddy scoring 3/3, Oscar Davis also 3/3.

2nd round of matches to be played next week.

Pictures of teams and events will be sent after the 2nd round and we have safety clearance to publish.

Junior chess at Bournemouth continues to thrive and last Saturday 24/2 we had a record attendance of 40 juniors that came to play chess. We started with a handful of players in 2014 and the lessons have grown and grown to an extent it is fair to say it has now become the central and main focus of chess for juniors in the area. It is so rewarding to see the progress and success of this project and it gives encouragement to all to come and play chess.

We encourage all juniors of all standards including beginners to come and join in. The group are currently broken into 2 sections, but very soon we will need at least 3 sections to accommodate all. It is essential that all players understand the basics and develop through the games to learn carefully and understand the full depth of the game. At the higher end we have several players that play in local competitions in Hampshire and Wiltshire and sometimes in London.

Currently we have 4 coaches supporting the session and sometimes have a guest speaker so this is the place to come if you want to learn and develop your chess.

Eric Sachs reports 1 Feb ’18:

ECF UNDER 19 CHAMPIONSHIPS – Highcliffe School reached the Regional Final having beaten a strong Winchester team to play Wellington College. This match was played Mon 29 Jan ’18 at Highcliffe.
Wellington College, with a top board graded 200 and 2 other strong players on boards 2/3 won 4-2. However, James Forster drew his board 1 game. Adam Ursell drew with a player of grade 155 (female) and Thomas Trach (pictured left) beat his opponent to give an excellent score of 2-1 on the top 3 boards.

Mickey Pritchard playing for Highcliffe against Wellington College

Annelie Davis pictured playing against Wellington College for Highcliffe

Special congratulations are due to Bryan Lose, the teacher responsible for all things chess at Highcliffe and a great supporter of chess.

2017 DORSET JUNIOR CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS
VENUE – BOURNEMOUTH GRAMMAR SCHOOL FOR GIRLS – 25/11/17

Shield Winners – Oscar Davis (U11) & Hugo Svedberg (U10)

Summary of a Successful Junior Event
There were 71 entrants from across the area with ages from year 3 to 6th Form students, (ages 7 -18).

Players were allocated to into 4 sections
Year 3 & 4, Year 5 & 6, Year 7 and years 8 -13
All sections were hugely competitive and the standard of play was varied but a high and interesting standard especially from the top boards in each section. All games were played in the right spirit, everyone shook hands at the beginning of each game – and over 400 games of chess were played without any disputes over 6 rounds.
Winners of each section and prizes are as following:

OVERALL
Dorset Junior Champion – James Forster ( retained the trophy from last year)
Under 16 – Ciaran Southey
Under 14 – Mickey Pritchard/Annelie Davis
Under 12 (Year 7) Josh Leggatt/Nidhi Ramesh
Under 11 (Year 6) Oscar Davis
Under 10 (Year 5) Hugo Svedberg
Under 9 (Year 4) Oliver Smith
Under 8 (Year 3) Emilio Parandian
SECTION MEDAL WINNER
Years 8-13
Gold/ James Forster – Silver/Sunny Yang – Bronze/ Ciaran Southey
Year 7
Gold/ Josh Leggatt and Nidhi Ramesh –Silver/ Andre Mouer – Bronze/ Felix Wyatt and Fernando Cruz
Year 5-6
Gold/Hugo Svedberg – Silver/ Oscar Davis – Bronze/ Saathvik Kondreddy/Calum Daly/Ramiar Chowdury
Year 3-4
Gold/Oliver Smith – Silver/Ishaan Pradeep – Bronze – Marianna Cilberti

The day was supported by Tim Onions who came from Devon to set up his bookstall which specialized on books for Junior Chess and all aspects of development for kids chess. Joergen Neilson came along to provide a clinic to help and develop juniors games.
David Fuller from Poole chess club came along to make a speech and assist with prize giving, this was well received as parents and all stayed at the end for the prize giving, in excess of 50 plus and all the winners and were all delighted to receive the various awards. (See photos by clicking on this link: https://mikejay.smugmug.com/Dorset-Junior-Chess-Championships-25-Nov-17-Bournemouth/).
The real winners of the day were the 71 juniors that took time to come to the event and play chess.
Thanks as always to all the helpers, namely, Gabor Horvath, Ian Clark, Paul Errington, Bryan Lose, Steve Bailey and Dee Nustedt.

9 year old Oliver Smith who scored 5/6 to win the Junior Rapidplay Major

BOURNEMOUTH LIBRARY JUNIOR CHESS CLUB MARKED INTERNATIONAL GAMES DAY ON THE 4 NOVEMBER WITH A RAPIDPLAY ATTENDED BY 24 JUNIORS.

THIS WAS A WELL SUPPORTED EVENT AND BROUGHT GREAT INTEREST BY ALL VISITORS AT THE LIBRARY. THE ATMOSPHERE WAS EXPECTANT, LIVELY AND COMPETITIVE.

THERE WERE 12 COMPETITORS IN THE MAJOR WHICH WAS WON BY OLIVER SMITH (AGE 9) WITH A SCORE OF 5/6. SECOND PLACE WAS WON BY SAATHVIK KONREDDY WITH 4/6 ON COUNTBACK AND LARISSA CUTHBERT COMING THIRD SCORING 4/6.

THE STANDARD OF PLAY WAS IMPRESSSIVE AND MOST PLAYERS SHOWED THEIR ABILITY TO PLAY COMPETIVELY AT A HIGH LEVEL. ALL GAMES IN THE MAJOR SECTION WERE PLAYED ON THE CLOCK.

THE MINOR SECTION LUCAS CALAUZ WAS THE CLEAR WINNER WITH AN EXCELLENT SCORE OF 5.5/6. SANJANA CAME SECOND WITH 4/5 AND RAMIN THIRD ON COUNTBACK WITH 3.5/6.

ALL PARTICIPANTS RECEIVED A CERTIFICATE PRESENTED SAT 4 NOV (AS BELOW)

PRIZE GIVING TOOK PLACE AFTER THE EVENT AND ERIC SACHS THANKED ALL FOR TAKING TIME TO PLAY AND WATCH THE EVENT AND TO PARENTS/GUARDIANS WHO GAVE THEIR TIME TO BRING THEIR CHILDREN.

TO WITNESS 24 JUNIORS BATTLING OUT ON THE CHESS BOARDS WITH INTENT, CONCENTRATION, ENJOYMENT AND APPLICATION IS A CREDIT TO ALL THAT COMPETED AND SHOWED THE GAME OF CHESS IS VERY MUCH ALIVE AND ENJOYED BY ALL THAT WISH TO MAKE THE EFFORT TO PLAY THIS GREAT GAME.

ERIC SACHS

4 NOVEMBER 2017

26 APRIL 2017 – VENUE WHITEHALL HOTEL.

AFTER A TOTAL OF 210 GAMES OF CHESS PLAYED IN PRELIMINIARES THE 2017 RESULTS ARE:

SENIOR SECTION

BOURNEMOUTH GRAMMAR BEAT HIGHCLIFFE COMPREHENSIVE 12/6

JUNIOR SECTION

BADEN-POWELL BEAT BOURNEMOUTH LIBRARY 7.5/4.5

CONGRATULATIONS TO BOTH WINNERS WHO RETAINED THEIR TROPHIES FOR THE 2^ND YEAR RUNNING.

IN THE SENIOR SECTION HIGHCLIFFE WERE TOO STRONG ON THE TOP 2 BOARDS BUT BOURNEMOUTH HAD A MORE EVEN ALLOCATION OF STRENGTHS ACROSS BOARDS 3-6 AND THIS WAS CONSISTENTLY CRUCIAL OVER ALL THREE ROUNDS. THE STANDARD OF CHESS BEING PLAYED WAS MOST IMPRESSIVE SPECIFICALLY ON THE TOP 2/3 BOARDS AND ALL CREDIT TO HIGHCLIFFE FOR FIGHTING SO HARD WITH MUCH YOUNGER PLAYERS ON THE LOWER BOARDS. AN EXCELLENT MATCH AND WELL PLAYED BOURNEMOUTH WHO RETAINED THEIR TROPHY.

IN THE JUNIOR SECTION THE LIBRARY TEAM PLAYING IN THEIR FIRST FINAL WERE UP AGAINST THE EXPERIENCE OF 4 STRONG YEAR 6 PLAYERS FROM BADEN-POWELL. AFTER A TESTING 1^ST ROUND IT WAS LEVEL AT 2-2, HOWEVER IN ROUND 2 BADEN-POWELL STORMED AHEAD TO WIN ALL 4 BOARDS AND HAD AN ALMOST UNASSAILABLE MARGIN OF 6-2. THE LIBRARY TEAM FOUGHT VERY HARD IN THE 3^RD ROUND AND MANAGED TO WIN THE ROUND 2.5/1.5 BUT THE OVERALL SCORE FINISHED 7.5/4.5

ALL THE BOYS FROM BADEN-POWELL PLAYED SO WELL, ESPECIALLY AS THIS TEAM IS SELF MANAGED SO CONGRATULATIONS IN RETAINING THE TROPHY AND A GOOD EFFORT FOR THE LIBRARY TEAM WHICH WILL COME BACK STRONGER NEXT SEASON.

ALAN DOMMETT AND ERIC SACHS PRESENTED THE TROPHIES AND MEDALS AND CERTIFICATES WERE AWARDED TO ALL PLAYERS

SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL THOSE ATTENDED INCLUDING IAN CLARK/PAUL ERRINGTON/STEVE BAILEY AND DEE NUSTEDT.

Senior Section Results

Junior Section Results

ERIC SACHS

27 APRIL 2017

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Eric Sachs, Dorset Junior Chess Officer reports 30 March ’17

– Congratulations to Baden-Powell and Bournemouth Library teams in reaching the Junior Final. It will be very close and both teams play each other over 3 rounds in a head to head winner take all Final. It will be played on the 26/4 at the Whitehall Hotel, Bournemouth and all visitors are welcome.

Thanks to all other schools in taking part which were Ferndown Middle School, Bethany and Talbot House. All competed very well and it was so rewarding seeing all these juniors playing chess in a serious and competitive manner.

Please click on table below for it to open.

The Senior Final will be between Bournemouth Grammar School and Highcliffe whom have reached the final for the first team. Again, it will be very tight and match played with 6 in each team will be closely contested.

Eric Sachs Dorset Junior Chess Officer Report 16 March 2017

Hello All,

Please find attached the results of the 2nd and Final round of the Senior competition played yesterday.

Congratulations to Bournemouth Grammar the current holders and Highcliffe for the first time in reaching the final. It will be closely matched as both teams finished on 10/12 and have a score of 1-1 against each other.

The rising standard of the chess was clear to see and all matches were played in an excellent, competitive and sporting atmosphere. Both Bournemouth Grammar B team and Lytchett Minster did very well against strong opposition and I would encourage you to continue playing chess at school and any time possible.

I will arrange to issue certificates of attendance and participation for both losing teams shortly.

Thank you for bringing your teams to the matches and any encouragement I can give to the continuation of your school chess please contact me.

I look forward to seeing the winning teams at the Final at the Whitehall Hotel on the 26/4/17 for a 4 pm start.

Dorset Junior Chess Officer update Sat 4 March ‘17

2017 Senior results Round 1

Hello All,

Please find attached results of the 1st round games on Wednesday.

Thank you all for supporting chess and bringing along the teams. I enjoyed the event and thought some of the chess was really good, especially on the top boards. Well done to Lytchett Matratvers for doing their best against strong opposition and also Highcliffe for doing well on the top boards. BGS look very strong and it was really encouraging to see a 2nd Bournemouth team doing so well.

Special thanks to Richard Cook for providing the room and facilities and making all arrangments.

The next round is on the 15th March and I look forward to seeing you then.

Bournemouth & District Chess League

Current Status on Junior Chess – February 2017

Progress in junior chess continues well.

Events

The Dorset Junior Championships were held at Harewood College on 23/11/16 and I am happy to report there were 72 entrants which covered all ages groups.

The day went very well and was well received by all, the prize giving was well attended with over 50 people remaining to see the trophies, medals and other prizes handed out by Ex – Mayor and Alderman Stephen Chappell.

Pictures were taken and a report went into the Echo.

Detailed report and pictures of all on the Dorset web site.

2017 Junior Team Chess Challenge (previously the Mayors trophy event)

The first round of matches took place yesterday (7 Feb ’17) at the Library with 5 teams participating including a Library team for the first time. There were 20 juniors that competed from Baden- Powell, Bethany, Library/Ferndown Middle School and Talbot House.

There were 3 rounds of 9 with two following dates set for the 8/3 and 27/3.

The games were of a high standard especially on the top boards, all enjoyed the matches and move on to the second round.

The senior event takes place on the 1^st March at Bournemouth Grammar School with Highcliffe/Poole and Lytchett Matratvers all competing.

The final has been arranged for the 26^th April and all are welcome.

BOURNEMOUTH LIBRARY JUNIOR CHESS CLUB

This club has developed into the main centre for junior chess in the area. Recent numbers are up to 30 juniors attending every Saturday morning.

Children come from Ferndown, Brockenhurst and Poole to learn and play chess every week. We have a private room for coaching with a demo board and an open area for playing. We have support from Steve Bailey, Paul Errington, Gabor Horzath and Ian Clark occasionally.

I would welcome all to come along and enjoy the kids learning and playing chess there. Details are on the web site.

Other Coaching

Periodic coaching is ongoing at schools but not on a regular basis now. I receive many comments from parents that juniors are playing in school chess clubs but without contribution from teachers whom are too busy and/or cannot play chess.

We try to support the schools as much as possible and so periodic visits are made to Ferndown Middle School/Talbot House Prep school/Bethany/Bournemouth Grammar and Poole Grammar are all supported by Ian Clark/Simon Errington/Toby Miller and myself.

I do believe the Library chess club has overtaken the school clubs in that the individuals are being trained in the basics, tactics covering as many aspects as possible by more dedicated coaches and in an excellent environment. It also allows them the ability to play opponents from a much wider network and provides them with a competitive spirit and edge.

As a continuation of this, private coaching has developed and there are at least 3/4/5 dedicated juniors receiving private lessons from Gabor, Alan Dommitt and myself.

I am pleased to report the continuation of younger players in our league. Highcliffe are leading the way with Adam Ursell and Thomas Trach both sixth formers and at Poole there is Andre Reid playing in the 3^rd Division now and a new comer Ciaran Southey who is year 7 at Bournemouth Grammar. I notice James Forster is playing at a very high level for Southbourne too.

We must try to do as much as possible to make our league and club chess as attractive as possible to keep this trend going.

As advised previously development of kids playing chess is dependent on availability of coaching from local chess players.

I am sorry to report there has been no known progress in developing kids from Dorset. I really hope this can improve because I have had requests from some parents in the county for coaching and have no ability to provide this. These enquiries have been passed on to Malcom Stevens.

I need to conclude by thanking our band of coaches who give their time and effort to this cause and without them some of the above activities would not be possible.

Paul/Simon Errington/Steve Bailey/Gabor Horzath and Ian Clark.

Eric Sachs

8^th February 2017

FOR JUNIORS

@ BOURNEMOUTH LIBRARY

ON THE 1^ST FLOOR NEXT TO THE CHILDREN’S AREA.

7^th JANUARY 2017 – 8^TH APRIL 2017

OUR JUNIOR CHESS SESSIONS COMMENCE ON SATURDAY 7^TH JANUARY 2017, STARTING AT 10AM.

WE INTEND TO CONTINUE WITH THE SAME FORMAT AS PREVIOUS WHERE THERE WILL BE WEEKLY COACHING AND LOOKING AT ALL ASPECTS OF CHESS. THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY PLAYING GAMES WITH JUNIORS OF A SIMILAR AGE WHICH HAS PROVED TO BE A SUCCESSFUL FORMAT.

WE HAVE HAD ADDITIONAL GUEST COACHES WHO HAVE SUPPORTED THE SESSIONS AND I INTEND TO CARRY THIS ON AS IT ADDS VARIETY OF DEPTH AND STYLES OF PLAY WHICH I AM SURE HELPS YOUR JUNIORS TO ENJOY, LEARN AND PLAY.

WE HAD A VERY SUCCESSFUL DORSET JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT IN NOVEMBER AND NEARLY ALL THE WINNERS CAME FROM THIS CLUB AT THE LIBRARY. IT GAVE ME GREAT PLEASURE TO SEE SEVERAL BEGINNERS AND INTERMEDIATE PLAYERS TAKING PART SOME OF WHICH HAD ONLY STARTED LEARNING AND PLAYING CHESS RECENTLY. TOTAL ENTRIES WERE 72.

I HAVE JUST ATTENDED THE LONDON CHESS CLASSIC AT OLYMPIA WHERE 8 OUT OF 10 OF THE STRONGEST GRANDMASTERS ARE PLAYING. THE GAMES ARE BEING SHOWN AROUND THE WORLD. THE HIGHLIGHT FOR ME WAS WATCHING AN 11 YEAR OLD BOY TRYING TO ACHIEVE THE TITLE OF GRANDMASTER. HE JUST NEEDS 5.5/11 TO DO THIS. HE WILL BE THE YOUNGEST PLAYER GRANDMASTER IN THE HISTORY OF CHESS ECLIPSING ALL THE GREATS INCLUDING FISHER, SPASSKY/KASPAROV/ AND ALL. HE IS FROM INDIA.

COULD YOU BE THE NEXT?

IN THE NEW YEAR WE WILL BE HOLDING THE BOURNEMOUTH & DISTRICT TEAM CHALLENGE AND I WOULD LIKE TO ENTER AT LEAST ONE TEAM FROM THE LIBRARY. EACH TEAM WILL HAVE 4 PLAYERS THIS COMPETITION WILL REPLACE THE MAYORS TROPHY. THERE WILL BE A JUNIOR AND SENIOR TROPHY FOR THE WINNERS.

I HOPE YOU CAN COME ALONG AND PLAY AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE AND REMEMBER IF YOU WANT TO PLAY CHESS THIS IS THE PLACE TO COME.

Posted by Eric Sachs, Dorset Junior Chess Organiser

13 Dec ’16

Come and join us @ The Library

2016 DORSET JUNIOR CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS HELD AT HAREWOOD 26/11/2016 – report by Eric Sachs, Dorset Junior Chess Organiser

72 ENTRANTS

430 GAMES OF CHESS IN 5 SEPARATE SECTIONS

OVER 140 SPECTATORS AND NEARLY ALL REMAINED FOR THE PRIZE GIVING

PRESENTATION BY ALDERMAN STEPHEN CHAPPELL

GREAT GAMES OF CHESS

ALL GAMES PLAYED IN THE BEST ETIQUETTE OF CHESS AND THERE WERE NO ISSUES

GOOD FACILITIES AT HAREWOOD SCHOOL

PROGRESSIVE AND VERY OPTIMISTIC FOR THE FUTURE OF CHESS IN GENERAL AND DORSET.

SEVERAL LOCAL PLAYERS WHO ATTEND COACHING AND CLUBS SUCCESSFUL AND WINNING TROPHIES AND PRIZES

NEARLY ALL JUNIOR PLAYERS SCORED POINTS AND LOVE TO PLAY CHESS.

PRIZEWINNERS

DORSET JUNIOR CHAMPION (S)

JAMES FORSTER 5.5/6 TIED WITH ANDRE REID 5.5/6

UNDER 16 – SUNNY YANG 4/6

UNDER 14 CIARAN SOUTHEY 5/6

UNDER 12 – FRANCIS GILLESPIE 4/6

UNDER 11 – LUKAS SVEDBERG 4/6

UNDER 10 – SAATHVIK KONREDDY 5.5/6

UNDER 9 – JASMINE DRODGE 4.5/6

UNDER 8 – HUGO SVEDBERG 5.5/6

UNDER 6/7 – OLIVER SMITH 6/6

BEST PERFORMANCE PRIZES GIVEN TO

ALEXANDER MOURE (YR 8) 4/6

HANNANH THOMAS (YR 12) 3/6

AND BEST FEMALE

LARISSA CUTHBERT 5/6

A SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL HELPERS ON THE DAY BECAUSE WITHOUT THEM THIS EVENT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE.

IAN CLARK/SIMON FOX/TARIK REGHIF/STEVE BAILEY/GABOR HORZATH/PAUL ERRINGTON/LIZA REID/ AND FINALLY BUT NOT LEAST DEE NUSTEDT

ERIC SACHS

29 NOVEMBER 2016

Progress in local junior chess continues well

Events

The 1^st Bournemouth Junior congress took place on the 11^th June at Harewood College, there were 36 entrants. This was a very enjoyable day and the play was robust and enthusiastic. The respective winners of each age section have been entered in the BCC plus two enthusiastic and deserving entrants, a total of 8 junior players.

Sarah De Lisle from the Ark restaurant who is a FIDE ladies champion sponsored the competition and presented the prizes. All details and pictures on the web site.

2016 Mayors Junior Trophy/Inter school competition final played on the 17^th May 2016 at the Whitehall Hotel.

The Mayor of Bournemouth came along to the view the final and present the trophies to the winners Bournemouth Grammar School (Senior) and Baden-Powell (Primary). This annual competition which has grown saw 10 schools taking part, 4 senior and 6 primary schools. Highcliffe took part and has encouraged other students to play chess. Please see attached an extract from an e mail sent from Highcliffe. The children love to play this type of competition, many for the first time. There were a total of 5 qualifying rounds to reach the final and the competition is very well received, supported and some great chess took place.

Presentations at the school took place on the 11^th and 18^th July by the Mayor with Ian and Eric present.

Dorset Junior Championships were held at Ferndown on 26/1/16. Record number of entrants – 76 over all ages. Reports in the Bournemouth Echo with photos.

Detailed report and pictures on the web site.

Weekly Coaching/Bournemouth Library

Weekly coaching is ongoing and on average there are 20/25 children every week that enjoy lessons on a demo board looking at all aspects of chess. These sessions have been going for over a year and a half now and are hugely successful. A comment from parents are we have been looking for ages to try and find somewhere for my child/children to learn and play chess. I would welcome any local chess players to come along and see the enthusiasm for learning and playing chess.

Weekly coaching continues at Harewood College/Poole GS/BGS (periodic) and primary schools, Moordown St Johns/Ferndown Middle and Bethany schools. Other schools such as Highcliffe and Talbot Heath Primary school are requesting coaching at their schools.

New developments this season have been the introduction of Juniors playing in the B & D Chess leagues. (James Forster/Andre Reid/Adam Ursell and Corey Fox).

As the summer term has ended we are reviewing our plan for the schools for 16/17 season and new additions will be Baden –Powell and Talbot Heath schools with intermittent visits to both Moordown and Harewood.

As always we need assistance from the chess playing fraternity in terms of coaching. It could be for an hour a week every week at a nominated school, and I would kindly request any possible players that could help to contact me. If you can play any level of league chess you can provide valuable assistance to any of juniors and it is great and rewarding to give something back and see the level of enjoyment and progress.

Many thanks to Ian, Paul/Simon Errington/Simon Fox/Steve Bailey and Toby Miller for supporting junior chess.

Attachment to Junior chess report

Highcliffe

We have taken part in the Mayor of Bournemouth’s junior competition for the first time this year and came close to making the final. We defeated Harewood College in the last round and they are the winners of the competition for the last three years before 2016. There has been a surge of interest in chess particularly in year 7. We have two girls playing for the first time and one, Annelie Davis, achieved 3.5 / 6 playing board 6 in the Mayor of Bournemouth’s competition. We had all 8 sets in action outside on the benches at the Jubilee building last Friday and a full chess day is planned for Activities Week.

Chess has real educational potential. It is perhaps the best board game ever invented, played by some 500 million players worldwide and one of the most powerful tools available to strengthen our minds.

So thanks again for greatly improving our ability to play chess at Highcliffe School.

St Katherine’s Primary School

I have passed on your invitation to view the final to our team, who were more than happy to give you their viewpoint of the competition:

“Amazing….”

“I really enjoyed being able to play a more serious game of chess….you know, where I really had to concentrate and play really seriously to try to win”

“I loved being part of a team playing for our school and meeting other people from other schools”

“It was nice to play lots of games one after the other, because if you lost one, you had another game and another chance to win”

“I thought everybody was very nice, and I learnt a lot.”

“A great opportunity to focus and promote our Chess club. What started as a poorly attended club at St Katharine’s has turned into one of the more exclusive and popular. We now even have a waiting list for those wishing to join!”

Bournemouth Grammar School

Thanks for enabling this to take place and the support that has been given in running chess club. Students get a huge amount out of this game.

Engages on a more thought based level and develops tactical and thinking skills that are not allows covered by the academic curriculum.

One of the few events that allows complete cross year engagement and in which age is not a factor. Limited opportunity to represent school in a competitive way unless sport based.

End of document 21 July 2016

As reported above, 36 took part in this first Bournemouth Junior Congress. It was open to juniors born after 1.1.98 and supported by The Ark, Poole Park. Pictured is one of the winners, Larrissa Cuthbert, 6 years old. Larrissa scored an excellent 5/6 and is seen with sponsor Sarah de Lisle (The Ark, Poole Park) at the awards ceremony. It is very much hoped this will become a regularly event for junior chess players in the county.