With the new season fast approaching, clubs have been contacted so they can provide the number of teams they would like to enter in this coming season’s B&DCL and Dorset Chess Leagues.

• Divisions 1 to 5 to consist of 6 teams – No change.

• Following the B&DCL AGM, there is planned to be a new Division 6 subject to sufficient teams entering. This is to be restricted to teams with an average rating of no higher than 1400 with no individual players having a rating of more than 1500. This has been introduced so that all regular players in the B&DCL, can play other players of similar playing strength. To maximise the chances of running with a Division 6, there will be no restriction on reserve places in Division 5 so players can double up playing in both Divisions 5 & 6.

• There is planned to be a friendly (Bacchus) team Jamboree in November at date and venue to be decided, for new players, including juniors. This will be organised by Nikki Forster.

• The friendly Bacchus League, for new players including juniors, will start in the New Year, to give clubs time to attract and assess their new players before entering a team.

• Matches are expected to commence in the week commencing 30th September with the 1st round of fixtures being as shown below –

w/c	Div.1	Div.2	Div.3	Div.4	Div.5	Div.6
30/09/24	X			X
07/10/24		X			X
14/10/24			X			X

 

• Consideration will be given to introducing a 4th Division with a lower rating limit. This will be dependent upon the level of interest shown by clubs before the start of the season.

• Clubs who enter Division 2 must ensure that the sum of player’s ratings must not exceed 7200 with the playing average being a maximum of 1800.

• Clubs who enter Division 3 must ensure that the sum of player’s ratings must not exceed 6400 with the playing average being a maximum of 1600.

• Clubs who enter Division 4 must ensure that the sum of player’s ratings must not exceed 5600 with the playing average being a maximum of 1400.

• Matches are expected to start in the week commencing 14th October with the 1st round of fixtures being as shown below-

w/c	Div.1	Div.2	Div.3	Div.4
14/10/24	X			X
21/10/24		X
28/10/24			X

Rule Changes for both leagues:

• The current limit of 75 points for players playing out of rating order will be increased to 100 points.

• Additional time increment of 15 seconds per move will be permitted for visually impaired players using Braille and other assisted chess sets. This takes the time allowance to one hour plus 45 second increments. This extra allowance is optional, but applies also to the opposing player.

 

Clubs to contact the respective League Controllers –