19-07-2016, 01:34 PM
Alex McFarlane Wrote:Tate, Burnett and Shreeves I would think can be considered norm-seekers.
I agree that those mentioned by Matt are among the ones needing support to progress but if the Scottish didn't provide the chance for them to see an array of titled players and hopefully think they could emulate that achievement then, regrettably, no other event in Scotland does.
The benefactor provided funds for that very reason. It should not be forgotten that we had four really strong events because of that generosity. I feel I owe it to that person to try to continue providing events of that quality.
Matt's comments lead to the real question. "How do we progress chess in Scotland?"
The current Directors seem to have good ideas on this but without the finances plans are in jeopardy. There was considerable brainstorming during the event and some ideas are now on the table for discussion.
Shreeves? Shurely shome mishtake Mish Moneypenny
The perennial problem is that even players such as myself are big fish in a small pond. Once you reach a certain level you generally have to play outwith Scotland (Uk) for opportunities to progress, and you tend to coach rather than be coached (this is actually a huge issue compared to many countries!).
Myself, Alan, Calum, Hamish, Andrew Green and others could have been seriously vying for titles if strong coaching was available along with enough tournaments to justify the expenditure (time, money, etc).
As Alex states, if it weren't for the Scottish then NO opportunities nationally would be available for up-and-coming players to see and compete with much stronger players - it needs to be kept as strong as possible, although a rating floor (2 separate events?!) would also help - though perhaps not manageable?!
Money, as always, is the crux of the problem - in the meantime we all do what we can...but there are no real or easy solutions to this one.