Beginning game...


Clement Sreeves:

Arsenal 3-0 AC Milan
Benfica 2-0 Zenit St P'sbg

Guess this means I go first.

1.c4



Spoiler here>> I've played Andy 4 times over the board, and the score is 2-2 so far. I had an interesting decision on move 1 already! Normally I am a 1.e4 player, but in that case he would likely play the Sicilian Dragon. And I figured 25 moves of theory wouldn't make a very interesting game... I have experimented a bit in the past with 1.c4 and 1.Nf3, so it's not a total bluff! <<Spoiler here

Seeing as I am on a tirade at the minute...

Why has no-one been emailed regarding notice of the SGM? I believe a motion was passed at the last AGM that members would be emailed with the notice of the SGM, the agenda and any motions. :\

I was trying to think of creative ways to raise money for Scottish junior chess when I thought of the sidestake fun route that I have been involved in for a while. For years a friend and I have picked one player per section at Scottish weekend chess congresses and added up their points, winner takes all. Now, before the Gambling commision are called in on a friendly rivalry, would it be ok to set up some kind of organised legal sweepstake amongst ourselves with a view to raising funds? I am not talking ridiculous stakes, simply a token amount but with a percentage of the pool deducted and forwarded to Scottish junior chess. You could have a player per section as we do, highest total wins. Or more interestingly, you could have performance above published grade totals. If there is any interest in the performance above published grade route this weekend at Glenrothes I bags Euan Gray, Andew McCusker and Kai Pannwitz. Please remember, as Sergeant Wilson said in Dad's Army, you have to say "I bags" first,

Robin.

There has been much discussion about one of the motions to be discussed but very little on the other.

I am a strong supporter of the Standards Code. Those who are aware of the difficulties I have had with the ECF Board will be aware of my reasons for this support.

I cannot claim that the code is perfect but I have real concerns that the proposed amendments are too drastic and will make the Code effectively toothless.

No-one wants Chess Scotland to be dictating to leagues or congresses but an independent body which looks at genuine concerns (only after local procedures have been exhausted) is a necessary tool.

As has been seen on the grandparents’ thread there is a danger of democracy via the proxy vote being diluted. Unless people try to gather proxy votes for both sides then the matter is won by the more active side rather than the more beneficial.

I would therefore urge people to read ALL motions for the EGM and either turn up and vote or give your proxy to someone. Such proxies can indicate the way you want to vote or give freedom of choice to your nominated proxy. If you are indicating the way you want to vote then you can do so by letting Andy Howie know. This must be done at least 7 days in advance of the meeting.

Since it came into existence I know of no case which the Standards Committee has had to investigate but it is good to know that it is there. I’m not totally sure of the legal position but I have real concerns that the proposals made could cause Chess Scotland’s ability to apply for PGV disclosures to be removed. I do know that despite volunteers being checked for free there can still be an administration fee charged. It costs the ECF £60 to have volunteer arbiters checked.

This issue is too important to let apathy win. Please make sure you exercise your right to vote.
As I am doing the Durham Congress on the day I will be giving my proxy.

Quote:The idea is two high ranked players play out a correspondence game in the thread posting a diagram and their next move but also, in spoiler tags, commentary on why they are doing that and some of their considerations regarding what they see as the upcoming variations in short we get to see the thought process of the player as they play it. Obviously the players don't read each others commentary.

Congratulations to the University of Edinburgh chess team who won the British Universities' last weekend.

http://www.buca.org.uk/news/2012-buca-ch...uary-25-26

The team consisted of Adam Bremner (B1), Gabriel Petesch (B2), Boris Mitrovic (B3), Clément Sreeves (B4).


Also, well done to Clément who won Best Board 4 and to Adam for a great performance on board 1 - Including a win against a 2400 for Adam. Adam's TPR was 2376, and Clément's was 2344.

They are keen on chess in Birmingham - played and beat 39 adults on tuesday night - my largest ever simul.
5.30 pm -10.05pm

Don't think many simuls as big as this in Scotland

The agenda for the SGM is as follows:

2. That eligibility requirements for Scottish representation be amended to bring it in line with most sports in the UK, such that “Were either or both of the player’s parents born in Scotland?” is changed to “Were any of the player’s parents or grandparents born in Scotland?”

What way should I vote ?

does anyone here know of anyone who can carry out repairs to analogue clocks, for a reasonable price?
TIA

2nd PRESTWICK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT CHESS CONGRESS

May 4th to May 6th 2012

JUNIOR SATURDAY CHESS TOURNAMENT – SATURDAY MAY 5TH

A one day junior event suitable for novices, beginners and juniors who are not taking part in the weekend event. The Saturday Junior Event is one of the new additions to this years congress and it is hoped that the event will give an opportunity to young people in Ayrshire, and beyond, who are interested in chess, to be part of a major event and encourage them to continue playing.

Open to any Junior aged under 16 at 4th May 2012 with a grade under 1000 or who is ungraded. The format of this new event will depend on the number of entries. Trophies and medals will be awarded for the best performances.

Entry fee for the Junior Saturday event will be £5 per person. Chess Scotland members may deduct £2.

The Junior Saturday Tournament will be held on the first floor of the airport’s main departure lounge and just a very short walk from the weekend tournament hall, where top players including a Chess Grand Master from Lithuania will be playing.

The Junior Saturday Venue overlooks the main airport departure area and as it is semi-open we anticipate that the event will create a lot of interest among those using the airport and probably some curious spectators.

The venue provides a fantastic opportunity to bring attention to Junior Chess events and junior chess in Ayrshire and we hope that the event will be well supported by juniors and parents alike. With a good turnout, who knows what publicity and benefits could be reaped from the event.

The 2012 event will be run by David Deary, who is the newly elected Treasurer of the Ayrshire Chess Association. David is a well known face on the congress circuit and it's good to see one of the younger faces taking an interest in organising at a County level and at tournaments. Joining David will be Michael Hanley, the President of Chess Scotland, who in addition to this role, finds the time to organise an extremely successful junior club in Hamilton and take chess into schools in the Hamilton and Bothwell area.

Further details on the Junior Event, the weekend congress and an entry brochure can be found at <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.ayrshirechesscongress.co.uk">http://www.ayrshirechesscongress.co.uk</a><!-- m -->