The Paris leg of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour starts tomorrow. Lots of support from Magnus, Naka, Fabi and many other top players around this version of chess - a terrain where people aren't trying to remember theory and are "just playing chess"

You've got a chance to try your hand at Freestyle/960/Fischer Random Chess on Saturday - Scotland's first tournament of this type officially advertised and recognised by Chess Scotland (afaik). 

Follow the link and be part of the action - still a few days left to join:

https://congress.playchess.org.uk/congress/566/home

Iain died suddenly, at home on the 22nd of February, 2025 aged 59 years. 

Iain was the beloved son of Stuart and Thelma, dearly loved brother of Alan and Eleanor. Devoted uncle to Daisy and brother-in-law of Brenda.

A funeral service was held at Seafield Crematorium on Tuesday the 25th of March and was well attended by his friends at Musselburgh Chess Club and wider friends from across the Edinburgh, Lothian and Scottish chess community.

Ian was somebody who was kind and always had time for Jonathan and I even long after we left Musselburgh Chess Club. He will be sorely missed.

Beginning of the month and 2 events this weekend.

Friday night has a Blitz in Glasgow Central Hotel, 9 places left at the moment, though we seem to be able to conjure up more places as the week goes on.

Sunday has an Allegro at Livingston Mercure Hotel, though with 31 places left in it, the danger of being cancelled is real.

Central Blitz is here, check your name is on the list please.

Allegro sections are here, and here, please check you are in the section you think you entered.

Timeshift - Series 9: 5. How to Win at Chess - BBC iPlayer

At last season's AGM Jonathan suggested that teams returned to six players. 

It was reduced to five because, among other reasons, it meant teams could come in one car. It is difficult for some clubs to get drivers so having to find at least two was impossible for them. This would be even harder if clubs have multiple teams in the competition. 
Also an odd number gives a team the chance to get overall win rather than a lot of draws so helps find overall winner on league points table.

Jonathan stated that 5 team members gives unfair white advantage to first named team. The arbiters stated that over the whole competition the colours evened out (Ask them I don't know techy stuff!)

I would ask all captains to discuss this with their club and give me a decision on the number of players they want in a team next year. I will collate these and present at AGM this year for deliberation.

All captains should have my contact details so please email, phone or text me me by 20th April.

Thank you

GG

Giving you plenty of warning folks. I want all the shields returned at SNCL so we can give them to the next winning teams.

Last round in the morning followed by Team Lightning tournament in the afternoon, hosted by Thor.

AGM will be as quick as possible.

Great result at European Individual!

Sorry for the short notice it has been a hectic week. If you have a trophy from last season can you please bring it with you tomorrow so that I am sure to have it before next month's prize giving.

Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow

In 2022 I was removed from the Scottish National Team without an explanation. Can a Chess Scotland official give me an explanation?

www.pokernews.com/news/2023/10/ivan-ils007-stokes-dominates-to-win-over-1-million-in-wcoop-44620.htm 

Remember him? I'm thinking I chose the wrong hobby .