Club Champion, Coronavirus ,Club Closure and Computer Chess

Next week was due to be the last week for CJCC before the Easter break but coronavirus has intervened.

With the government closing the schools I must follow suit and close the club. There will be no meeting therefore on Tuesday 24th March.

I hope to reopen the club on 21st April but this is dependent on how the coronavirus situation develops.

This week was the turn of the older players although it was understandably quieter than usual.

Many congratulations to John who beat Hriday in a play-off to decide our Club Champion. Shrishti won the trophy for the highest scorer among the younger players and will receive her trophy when I next see her. A CJCC record 77 players took part in total which represents most of our membership.

Xander is facing the camera behind John fresh from representing the Essex U9 team at the weekend.

I can recommend the sites below as a great way to improve chess skills and have fun playing while the club is closed and tournaments are postponed.

www.chesskid.com - great for younger children whether learning and playing

www.lichess.org - some well presented material in the "learn" section and an online playing platform for older children

www.thechesswebsite.com - lots of bite-size chess videos for slightly stronger players

Best Wishes
Robin
chelmsfordjuniorchess@gmail.com

Brentwood Open 1st March

We had over 100 children from Year 1 to Year 12 take part in the 5th Brentwood Open on Sunday. Brentwood School were generous supporters of the event and great hosts.

The top section was internationally rated with the bottom section for ungraded younger players so there was something for everyone. Full details will appear at www.britishchess.co.uk

14 CJCC players took part, featuring in all 4 sections. It was particularly nice to see some in their first individual tournament.

Three of our debutants in the U11 Minor - Yashas, Shrishti and Hugo - came joint 3rd with 4/6. Hugo won my Player of the Day trophy for his score (he is only in Year 1) and attitude.

In the top section Olga also got 4 points, only losing to the players who finished 1st and 2nd.

The whole tournament took place in a great spirit of competitive enjoyment which was a credit to the players and to everyone involved with the smooth running of the event.

 Hugo and Shrishti with their trophies.

 Shrishti in action against Gus (also from Chelmsford).

 The U11 Sections (for all those in Year 6 and below). Quite a few CJCC faces to spot.

The top section where Olga scored 4/6 with international rating points at stake.

Best Wishes
Robin
chelmsfordjuniorchess@gmail.com