Shanklin Chess Club held its second Christmas Chess Competition last weekend, with Philip Kennerley declared the outright winner.
This year it was much bigger with double the number of entrants of all ages, genders and grading levels. The object of the competition was to introduce novices to an ‘Over The Board’ Chess Competition in a more gentle and friendly manner.
On entry, the contestants picked a seat/table number out of a hat so that players were all mixed up, whatever their skill levels.
6 tables of 4 players played a round-robin type 1st round, where each player plays each of the other 3 players on their table. Novices, therefore, had 3 games to enjoy. The 1st round was played with relaxed rules, each game was 30 minutes long with no clocks.
An hour’s lunch break was taken, when the kitchen served all of the contestants a delicious 2-course meal. Each Monday, Wednesday and Friday the centre offers a 2-course meal for just £5 to anyone who reserves a seat. The menu for the whole month is displayed in the café’s window.
After lunch, the next round followed strict competition rules. The format of the round was determined by the number of players who had successfully survived the previous eliminations. With only 7 survivors, another round-robin type of round was chosen, which produced Philip Kennerley as the outright winner, Harry Vernon came 2nd and Nick Purkis finished 3rd.
Everyone enjoyed themselves and insisted that the competition is held every year. However, there may be more competitions to come throughout the year.
More information can be found at www.vectischess.com.
Thanks has been given to the volunteers at the 50+ Centre and to sponsors Arthur Wheeler Estate Agents.
Their website does not work. (11:06 am)