The GazetteMay 2019

Registered Charity Number 263049

Supporting Chess Players with Sight Loss.The BCA is grateful to Geoff Patching, whose

legacy will fund 4 issues.BCA Website Address: www.braillechess.org.ukEmail: customerservices@braillechess.org.ukTwitter: https://twitter.com/braillechess @braillechess

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrailleChess

To contact a member of the committee, please see the Braille Chess Association’s website where there is a facility for emailing each officer.

Note: The views expressed in the Gazette do not necessarily reflect the policies or views of the BCA, nor those of the editor.

CONTENTSEditorial.......................................................................................................................................................................Forthcoming Events.....................................................................................................................................................All Under One Roof.....................................................................................................................................................Notes on the AGM.......................................................................................................................................................Membership Secretary’s Report..................................................................................................................................Italian Magnetic Sets...................................................................................................................................................Millennium Club, the BCA’s monthly lottery.............................................................................................................Correspondence Chess Director’s Report....................................................................................................................Windermere Chess Theme Break 2019.......................................................................................................................Windermere Chess Theme Break 2020.....................................................................................................................10The Mating Game......................................................................................................................................................10Joan’s Windermere Poem 2019.................................................................................................................................11Les Whittle Memorial AGM Congress Report..........................................................................................................13David Hodgkins Memorial Annual Best Game Prize 2018.......................................................................................15David Hodgkins Memorial Annual Best Game Prize 2019.......................................................................................1610th BCA Email Tournament....................................................................................................................................16Puzzles Selected by Chris..........................................................................................................................................17ECF Grades for BCA Members January 2019..........................................................................................................18Personalia...................................................................................................................................................................18

EditorialIn December 1926 celebrated author, Agatha Christie, sparked a nationwide search when she disappeared without trace from her Berkshire home. Her car was discovered near Guildford but the lady had vanished. Even Sir Ar-thur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, tried to discover her whereabouts but to no avail. Some feared she had committed suicide. Eleven anxious days passed before she was recognised by a banjo player at The Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate, where she had checked in as Mrs Teresa Neele from Cape Town. This bizarre incident, in which the writer of some of the finest mysteries ever devised became the centre of a real-life enigma, blurs the lines between fact and fiction.Fortunately, there was no such confusion when the BCA went to The Old Swan Hotel for our Les Whittle Me-morial AGM Congress in March. People booked in under their own names and nobody went missing. Pieces may have been lost from boards under perplexing circumstances but that’s all within the Laws of Chess. No villains were unmasked but the identity of the winner of the 2018 Best Game prize was revealed. Read the relevant re-ports in this issue to discover “whodunnit” and “whowunnit”! You can also investigate proceedings at the AGM by studying our Secretary’s handy summary, though the most sleuth-like readers will already have spotted changes to the list of officers that came about during the meeting.Without wishing to alarm anyone, I should warn you that someone is plotting a murder at our next over the board tournament! Anyone who enjoyed the Murder Mystery evenings at recent Chairman’s Cup tournaments might be interested to know that another such event is planned for our Geoff Patching Memorial Championship in Torquay this summer. Don’t get too excited though. I’ve heard from a reliable source that a rookie writer has been com-missioned and she hasn’t a clue! Apparently, it’s a chess themed piece in which the second best player in a tour-nament is bumped off and it goes under the most unenthralling title of “Board Two – Death”. Anyway, don’t let that put you off coming to Torquay. You have a motive (it’s going to be a great week) and an opportunity (the closing date is imminent but has not yet passed). It’s elementary, my dear readers! See Forthcoming Events.In these pages there is corroborating evidence from several sources indicating that another highly successful Chess Theme Break has been run by Peter and Celia Gibbs in Windermere. Additionally, this gazette contains the regu-lar items by all the usual suspects. Chris Ross has selected a fiendishly tricky puzzle to test our powers of deduc-tion and Correspondence Chess Director, Paul Benson, reports on all the events that he keeps under surveillance. Membership Secretary, Mark Hague, has exciting news about the latest recruits from far and wide and one such relative newcomer has written for us about the magnetic appeal of Italian craftsmanship!Before closing, lest anyone thinks I’ve been unkind about the author of the Torquay Murder Mystery, I should point out, in case you haven’t already guessed her identity, that it’s me! Case closed.Please send me your contributions for the August issue by the end of June. Many thanks,Julie Leonard

Forthcoming EventsTuesday 9 th July to Tuesday 16 th July 2019: The Geoff Patching Memorial British Championship This will be held at The Livermead House Hotel, Torquay. It will be a seven round event, with one round each day, and will be open to all visually impaired chess players both from the UK and overseas. It will also be open to all associate members of the BCA. The British Champion will be the highest placed UK visually impaired player. Depending on the entry, there may also be a Challengers event in addition to the main championship.This is a new venue for the BCA but it comes with good recommendations. For the last few years it has been the venue for a very popular week-long chess tournament run by the Devon Chess Association and a few of our members have attended that. Hotel amenities include an outdoor pool, a fitness centre, a sauna and a squash court, as well as a garden. The cost to BCA members and associate members will be £290 per person for the week, for dinner, bed and breakfast regardless of room type. The entry fee will be £10. If you want a sea view, the additional surcharge is £10 per person per night. For anyone staying part of the week only, the cost will be £42 per person per night for dinner, bed and breakfast. For anyone wishing to stay additional nights at the beginning or end of the tournament, the cost per night will be £69 per person regardless of room type. Payment for entry and all accommodation, including any additional nights, should be sent to the Treasurer by the closing date of 14th May 2019.Organisers Gary and Tanvi.

3

15 th – 17 th November 2019: The Hans and Stefi Cohn Memorial International Autumn Tournament This year’s International Autumn Tournament is being dedicated to the memory of Hans and Stefi Cohn for all the tremendous work they did to support chess for blind and partially sighted players, not only in the BCA but more widely around the world. The tournament will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Solihull, and we are hoping that some of our friends from overseas might be able to join us. The hotel is located a short taxi ride from Solihull Railway Station, and is also convenient for Birmingham International Airport. It has extensive grounds, a fitness centre, a sauna and a heated indoor pool and is adjacent to Solihull’s indoor shopping centre.The event will consist of two five round Swiss tournaments – an Open and a Challengers for those whose grade or estimated grade is 100 or below. Both are open to blind and partially sighted players and to associate members of the BCA. The entry fee for both tournaments is £10.Prices at the hotel have increased but we are of course doing our best to minimise the effect of this to members. The cost for dinner, bed and breakfast for the Friday and Saturday nights is £45 per person per night for BCA members and associate members irrespective of room type. The cost for members and associate members staying the Sunday night will be £65 per person per night irrespective of room type. For prices for non-members, please contact the organiser, Voldi Gailans. Payment for all accommodation (including Sunday if required), together with the £10 entry fee should be sent to the Treasurer, Gill Smith. The closing date for entries is 20th September. Any queries about the tournament should be sent to Voldi.

Booking Conditions and ProceduresBy entering a BCA tournament, a player is deemed to have consented for their name and any special requirements to be passed to the hotel prior to the event. Also, consent is considered to have been given for a player’s name, club, results and possibly also their gender to be sent to the ECF for grading purposes. For juniors, the date of birth is also required if they are to get the age-related grading bonus they are entitled to.If you have any queries about the hotel or the tournament please contact the organiser. Blind and partially sighted UK residents under the age of 25 receive free entry and free accommodation when playing in BCA events. In appropriate circumstances, free accommodation is also available to a parent or guardian accompanying a junior.Visually impaired UK residents in their first year of membership receive their first BCA weekend event free or £100 reduction in the cost of a week-long event. They may also be accompanied by a guide or companion who will receive the same concession. For a first event we ask for payment in advance and we then make a refund at the event. You may pay in these ways:Cheques payable to Braille Chess Association should be sent to Gill Smith. Online or telephone payments may be made to: Braille Chess Association, sort code 40 52 40, account number 00082456.Credit/debit card payments may be made through the BCA website.If you pay by direct payment then you should inform Gill when the payment has been made. Bookings accepted after the closing date are subject to a £10 late booking penalty for each person. Late bookings and entries are accepted at the discretion of the organiser. Bookings are confirmed when full payment has been received. Payments can only be refunded within the time limit set in the terms and conditions set by the hotels. Members are advised to take out holiday insurance to cover themselves.When contacting Gill please let her know if you want a single, double or twin room and if you have a preference for a bath or a shower. And remember, if emailing Gill, copy in the tournament organiser.Also say whether any of the following apply.

1 If you will be bringing a guide dog;2 If you are on a special diet;3 If you have mobility problems and would benefit from being located in a room near to a lift;4 If you are a wheelchair user;5 If you feel you would have any special difficulties in an emergency such as a fire evacuation;6 Any other special requirements.

The BCA reserves the right to refuse or cancel any entry or to exclude any person from any event it runs.

4

All Under One RoofA note from your Congress Support Officer, Mark Kirkham:If you would like to participate in any of the following events, or indeed any that are not listed here, then why not make use of the congress support scheme? It's designed to help BCA members meet the costs of entering mainstream congresses such as travel and accommodation expenses, or just the entry fee itself. It's open to all members who have played in a BCA event over the past year who have not also received international funding. Anyone who was previously deterred by the bind of writing a report on the event, will be pleased to hear that this requirement has been removed as we felt it was somewhat formal. All we ask for now is a little feedback.If you are considering entering one of the events listed below you may well find yourself in good company as some of them are popular with BCA members. In order to make a claim there are three simple steps:-

1. Contact the Congress Support Officer at least one week prior to the event. Retrospective claims will not normally be accepted. 2. Send a receipt or proof of expenditure to the Treasurer on return from the congress. Claims can include entry fee, accommodation, travel and any other reasonable expenses. The Congress Support Scheme does not cover claims for insurance.3. Provide feedback on the event to the Congress Support Officer. This does not need to be formal, and will be stored as an anonymous record for our database. It may benefit other BCA members thinking of attending the same event in the future.

Please note that, in the spirit of the Congress Support Scheme, failure to complete all of the above steps may mean that we cannot guarantee that your claim will be processed successfully, as the scheme is subject to available funds. List of All Under One Roof events by Guy Whitehouse: This list should not be treated as definitive and is only as complete as I can make it whilst complying with gazette deadlines. The following events take place in hotels so the accommodation and tournament are at the same venue.Castle ChessThese are organised by the Castle Chess directors, Tony and Barbara Corfe and Mark Shaw. The website www.castlechess.co.uk gives the email address. Castle Chess are well used to having visually impaired participants in their events. I have also found that other participants in Castle Chess events have got to know and befriended BCA players.Please note that unless otherwise stated, all Castle Chess congresses are now six-round Swiss events and you are allowed to take a half-point bye in any two of the first five rounds. The grading bands are an Open which also has an U180 Premier section, the Major for those under 155 with an Intermediate section for U135s, and a Minor section for those with a grade less than 115 with a Challengers section for U95s.10th – 12th May 2019, 5th Harrogate Congress, Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate.The Old Swan is a popular venue with our members and this looks like a well-established event on the CastleChess calendar. I should say that the entry form currently being made available on the website says that the Premier is for those with a grade under 175. The grading bands for the other sections are as described above.4th - 6th October 2019, 15th Fareham Congress, Lysses House Hotel, Fareham. I’m putting this one in now because in the past accommodation at the hotel has been limited and you need to get in fairly early if you want a room at the venue. I don’t know if that’s still the situation, but I thought better safe than sorry as three players are already down as having entered.Other EventsIrish Chess Union tournaments: There are a number of chess events put on by the Irish Chess Union which all seem to be based at the Talbot Hotel, Stillorgan Road Dublin. Contact the Tournaments Officer, Ivan Baburin, for more details.3rd– 5th May 2019, Cornwall Open Chess Congress, Falmouth Hotel, Castle Beach, Falmouth.This is a five-round Swiss. The sections are the Championship (U190), a Major (U150) and a Minor (U110). Email: cornwallcongress@gmail.com.19th May 2019, 2nd Crewe Rapidplay Congress, Ibis Styles Hotel, Emperor Way, Crewe.This is a seven-round Swiss. The rate of play is 20 minutes with a 10-second increment per move for each player. There are four sections: an Open, a Major (U165), an Intermediate (U135) and a Minor (U105). Contact Neville Layhe.

5

24th– 27th May 2019, 2nd 4NCL Spring Bank Holiday Congress, Basingstoke Country Hotel, Basingstoke.Seven rounds. The grading bands for the sections are likely to be an Open, a FIDE U-2050, aFIDE U-1825 and an ECF U-120. See http://www.4ncl.co.uk/19th– 21st July 2019, 22nd 4NCL FIDE Rated Congress, Ramada Hotel Telford Ironbridge, TelfordFive rounds. FIDE Rated Open, FIDE Rated U2000 (U175), ECF Under 135. See http://www.4ncl.co.uk/

Notes on the AGMWe began our AGM by holding a minute’s silence for six members who had died during the last year: Bobby Brown, John Dawson, Mary Marshall, Mike Meaney, Geoff Patching and Les Whittle.After the usual formalities the first topic that generated any significant discussion was what should happen if a player’s mobile phone went off during a game. It emerged that the rules on this varied from congress to congress and league to league. The views of those present also differed, with some favouring the idea that the player should forfeit the game immediately. Others thought that players should have to hand their mobile phone in before going into the chess room; their phone could be stored in a bag with their name on. Still others argued for an approach based on people being warned to turn their mobile phone off before the start of each round and then people forfeiting a game if their phone went off more than once in a round or in more than one round. No firm decision was taken at the meeting; the committee will look at the matter again at its meeting in May.It was noted that not everyone in the Challengers section was recording the moves of their games. It was recognised that new players might struggle with this aspect of chess and it was agreed we would not want to put such people off from participating by being overly strict on this. However, the general opinion was that the Challengers was in some respects a training programme; those who intend to play in our events must get used to this aspect of chess discipline and learn to record their moves, even if this means more experienced people having to provide assistance and instruction.Turning to financial matters, Gill reported that the fundraising climate was very tough and that we were around £18,000 worse off than we were last year. Even so Julia had done her usual magnificent job and had raised around £20,000 during the current financial year. Although she normally attends the AGM with her husband Roy, this was not possible this year, but of course we gave her the usual round of applause and thanks in her absence.Our national and international tournaments programme was briefly covered. Gary urged people to consider the British Championships scheduled to be held in Torquay from 9 to 16 July. A full programme of entertainment and activities was being planned. Meantime Chris Ross and Bill Armstrong were due to attend the world individual championships in Sardinia; they would be flying out in early April and we wished them the best of luck.Mark Kirkham reported that a new reader had been found to record Chess Magazine. He had heard sample recordings and was satisfied with the quality. However due to the low numbers of people receiving these recordings, our subscription to Chess Magazine had been renewed for just one more year. If numbers did not increase, we might have to consider whether it was worthwhile continuing to provide this service.Everyone currently serving on the committee and in non-committee posts was re-elected except Voldi Gailans who had said he wished to stand down from the post of Public Relations Officer. Dan Rugman stood from the floor and was unanimously elected. Guy Whitehouse.

Membership Secretary’s ReportWe have five new members who have joined in the past few months, two of whom joined up at the January Chess study week organized by Peter and Celia Gibbs. They were Rebecca Blaevoet and Donna Jodhan, both from Canada. They also have been previous members of the BCA, so it is great to have them back on board.Two brothers, Javaid and Ahsan, from Huddersfield have also rejoined the BCA. They were active junior members in the past and now wish to rekindle their interest in the game of Kings. They both attended the March AGM and I was delighted to make their acquaintance at the weekend, a very lively pair! It’s always very heartening when new members join and attend one of our events. Also Graham Geraughty a new member from Leyland, Lancashire attended the March AGM Tournament too. This meant that in the Challengers section of the March AGM Tournament we had an impressive 14 members participating.This is all very good news for our Association.Deceased, I'm very sad to have to report that Stanley Saunders who attended our events in the past years died in March 2018. I remember him and his wife Ann attending our events and remember his gentle humour. RIP Stan.

6

Mark Hague

Italian Magnetic SetsEdnun Pourtahmasbi writes: Greetings. As some of you may know, I'm a rather recent member to the BCA. Possibly also the youngest other than the juniors which is vaguely terrifying. Anyway, I digress. The reason for this article, is to let you all know about the wonderful Italian magnetic chess sets which are available to purchase. For those of you who have not seen these, let me run you through some sales patter.The board is made of a very durable wood, which is felted on the bottom. The magnets are hidden inside, so you cannot feel them from the top. The squares are of course raised and lowered for easy identification of black and white. There is not an enormous level change between the squares, so whilst it can be felt very easily, it is not as pronounced as the Chess Baron sets and I personally, think it looks a lot nicer.As for the pieces, they are hefty wooden Staunton design, with felt bottoms and the magnets hidden inside. The black pieces have pins driven through the top, however, these have been applied with extreme care and feel very classy. They are not as sharp as on the Chess Baron pieces, so you are not likely to draw as much blood when playing a game at least, not as a result of your own actions.The magnetic force between board and pieces is quite remarkable. You can pick the board up with two rooks at opposite corners with no problems and unless you are using your board as a bowling alley you're not likely to knock the pieces over. The pieces are tightly locked and centre themselves automatically to the squares and of course there is no worry of loosening pegs over time. The magnets are neodymium so should not wear out.There are no prisons on the board, but I have found a rather wonderful way of keeping captured pieces organised is to use the lid of a biscuit tin placed nearby. Who says I'm getting fat? Vicious rumours I tell you.There are two sizes available. On the larger board, each square is 30mm (1 3/16”), giving a playing surface of 240mm (9 ½”) square. The overall size of the chessboard, with the edge, is 270 mm (10 10/16”) and it is about 14 mm thick (9/16”). For the smaller sets the squares are each 25mm (1”), so the board is 200mm (8”) square. We have found that the smaller sets are more popular with people, perhaps because you can feel more in a smaller space. (Imperial conversions are approximate.)The big set is £136, and the small set £175. The reason the small sets are more expensive, is because the pieces have a greater level of detail and are made of nicer wood. they're also harder to come by. These are approximate costs since we pay the makers in Euros and of course, exchange rate, Brexit, grumble, grumble. You should also expect to add on another £25 for postage, although we do get a postage discount the more we order.This article is an exploratory foray, to find out how many people want these sets. They are quite expensive and may take a few months to arrive and we do not know how many they might be able to provide.  We need to get an idea of orders and then we can ask for a bulk delivery to the UK. We will not take payment until we know the orders are ready to ship. I will organise it and post the sets to anyone who wants them, or deliver them to you at a tournament. If you're interested, please give me a call as soon as possible and no later than the end of July.

Millennium Club, the BCA’s monthly lotteryFor just £1 a month you could take part in our prize draw! The Millennium Club raises funds for the BCA by holding a monthly draw at £12 per number per year. You may have as many numbers as you like at £12 each. Every month a lucky winner receives £35. If you wish to enter the draw, send a cheque made payable to "Braille Chess Association" to the treasurer or make an online or telephone payment to the BCA. Or, even better, you could set up a standing order then next year’s subs will not be forgotten.

Recent Millennium Club winners: February: Sheila Milsom, number 2.March: Paul Benson, number 57.April: Voldi Gailans, number 16.

Gill Smith, Treasurer

7

Correspondence Chess Director’s ReportPride of place this quarter must go to Voldi Gailans. In just under 70 days he has raced to 4 out of 4 in the Championship Challengers.

45th BCA CORRESPONDENCE TOURNAMENT 2019-20 Premier - Group Leader Paul Benson Warren 0 - 1 Crombie, Sicilian, 28. Scores: Alec Crombie 1-0, Ernie McElroy 0-0, George Phillips 0-0, Guy Whitehouse 0-0, Denis Warren 0-1. Challengers - Group Leader Gary Wickett Gailans 1 - 0 Tew, French, 52. Gailans 1 - 0 Gallacher, French, 15. Greatrex 0 - 1 Gailans, Centre Counter, 28. Gailans 1 - 0 Cuthbert, French, 30. Scores: Voldi Gailans 4-4, Mike Hague 0-0, Jim Cuthbert 0-1, Eric Gallacher 0-1, Arthur Greatrex 0-1, Eleanor Tew 0-1.

BCA LEAGUE 2018-19 Division 1 - Group Leader Guy Whitehouse Mike Hague 1 - 0 Mark Hague, Sicilian, 48. Scores: Alec Crombie 1.5-2, Ernie McElroy 1-1, Mike Hague 1-2, Mark Hague 0.5-3. Division 2 - Group Leader Voldi Gailans Final scores: Derek Heyes 2-2, Voldi Gailans 1, Denis Warren 0. Division 3 - Group Leader George Phillips No update. Scores: Guy Whitehouse 4.5-5, George Phillips 4-5, Jim Cuthbert 2.5-4, Arthur Greatrex 0-2, Eric Gallacher 0-3, Eleanor Tew 0-3.

FRIENDLY LADDER TABLE Anyone wishing to play a friendly game on the Ladder should now contact myself, details as shown in list of Officers. Any friendly games played under correspondence conditions, such as by Braille, cassette, email, telephone, can qualify as a Friendly Ladder game. Please report such games and let your efforts be reflected in your accumulating score. Scores: 7 Jim Cuthbert; 6 Eleanor Tew; 5 Stan Lightowler; 4 Mark Hague, Dorothy Hodges, Stan Lovell, Denis Warren; 3 Ernie McElroy, Lea Ryan; 2 Lionel Bryant, Derek Couchman, Tony Elbourn, Jason Pearce, Bill Tatum; 1 Christopher Huby.In closing, to those about to start a game: Break a peg!Paul Benson

Windermere Chess Theme Break 2019Gary Wickett writes:Warnings of train strikes and snow did not deter the hardy BCA chess stalwarts from their annual pilgrimage to Windermere. Indeed, so celebrated is this event, that some came all the way from Ireland and even Canada. It is reported that some were seen not only with chess sets, but guitars, ukuleles, drums, a flute, clarinet, and even a mini keyboard and violin! Who said chess players were quiet! On Saturday 25 January this sleepy northern town was to be momentarily disturbed from its winter slumber! Soup, sandwich and tea were provided on arrival and at 5.30 we all met up in the bar for a short meeting with Shery from the hotel (no pun intended), who went through the trips and all the non chess related activities. We then repaired to the dining area where we enjoyed a very filling and delicious three course meal, followed by a hot drink and mints. I am sure all of us came back a little heavier than we arrived! After dinner we returned to the bar

8

where Peter Gibbs relayed all the chess related details. As for the time some of us left the bar, I shall swiftly move on to Sunday!Those who wished to take part in the coaching were split into pairs and joined their assigned coach for a two hour morning session followed by a two hour afternoon session with a two hour break in between for lunch. Those who didn’t partake in the coaching had a free day. On Sunday evening in the bar, in true BCA style, out came the instruments!On Monday whilst the chess players sat with their coaches, the non chess players sat on their buses and were ferried to Grasmere, a village famous for its gingerbread and its connections with William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. Each morning whilst the chess players chessed, the non chess players would board the two mini buses and be taken to local places of interest.Monday evening was Celia’s quiz, where once again Norman Andrews’ team proved to be the winning team. Ironically, I moved from Norman’s team to help make up the numbers of another team and we achieved the lowest score ever recorded! I am sure they would have done much better if I hadn’t have joined them!Tuesday was the free day and after the morning excursion to Hawkshead, many of us spent the afternoon on a boat on Lake Windermere, albeit few were as brave as Mark and Liz Kirkham who went on top deck in the freezing cold, warmed only by their northern spirit and of course their hot chocolate and rum!Tuesday was also bingo night, where luck smiled on Abi and Thuy, who won three small cash prizes plus a weekend for two at the Manor!Wednesday was Judgement Day, when all the hard training would be put to the test! The eight participants in the tournament were split into two groups of four. Each group would be an all play all with the top player/players of each group qualifying for the final.Group A consisted of Alan Kearsley, Abi Baker, Rebecca Blaevoet and Mark Hague.Group B consisted of Richard Harrington, Tony Lawton, Lea Ryan and Gary Wickett.Sadly, Donna Jodhan, who had travelled thousands of miles from Canada for the chess theme break, suffered ill health during the week and was not able to take part.The time control for all games was just one hour, and depending on your strength and the strength of your opponent, you might begin the game with just 20 minutes through to 40 minutes on your clock. So there was no knowing whose name would end up on the coveted trophy! All games were hard fought and everyone managed a win.In group A Rebecca qualified with 2 points: beating Abi and Alan but going on to lose to Mark. Abi also qualified with 2 points: Beating Alan and Mark but losing to Rebecca. Mark and Alan both finished on 1 point: Mark with his win against Rebecca and Alan with his win against Mark.In group B Gary qualified with 2 points losing his first game to Tony but going on to beat Lea and Richard. Tony scored 1.5, with his win against Gary and drawing with Lea. Lea scored 1.5 beating Richard and drawing with Tony. Richard scored 1 with his win against Tony.A century had turned since Shirley Watkins became the only woman to have her name inscribed on the illustrious trophy. Was that all to change? There were now two women in the final! Did I stand a chance?The first game was Abi v Rebecca. They had met in the first round and Abi had a score to settle! I nervously followed the game. It was hard fought with many twists and turns but Abi eventually came out the victor.We must now leave the chess for a moment. On Wednesday evening we were entertained by singer, Fiona Shaw. I have to say, I was spellbound! I thought I was in the presence of Karen Carpenter and Dusty Springfield, the likeness to all the various singers she imitated was striking!Back to the chess. Thursday my first opponent was Rebecca. I was playing fast and fierce! I didn’t want my flag to fall! I appeared to have the upper hand, when Rebecca won my queen with a fatal pin! Both queens were now off the board but in the nick of time I swindled the win!So with Abi and myself both on one point, the final game was the clincher. Once again it was a hard fought battle. The queens were off and both our clocks were rapidly ticking down. I was up in material but I was struggling to find the win. I didn’t dare look at the clocks, when my ears were greeted by the sweet music of the falling flag announcing my victory!Thursday night was the ever celebrated Soirée, where BCA members have the opportunity to share their various talents. I have already broken my promise to keep this article as short as possible, so unfortunately, as much as I would love to, I can’t ascend into descriptive raptures about all the acts; but suffice to say it was a fantastic evening of songs, poetry and a witty chess story from Alan, and all the better for the appearance of Nancy, our

9

editor’s guitar! Julie has been playing less than six months but was keeping up perfectly with all the other musicians! We finished the evening with a group song about Windermere and a medley of songs as a tribute to Les Whittle, Mike Meaney, Geoff Patching and Bob Brown; all dear friends who were regular attendees and who we sadly lost last year. It was lovely to see Moira at the event.On Friday afternoon Peter Gibbs challenged the chess students to a simultaneous display. He had five brave victims: Mark, Alan, Rebecca, Richard and Tony. Peter won all five games.Friday night we had the presentation of the trophy and the great tradition of Joan’s comic and poignant poem describing the week. This was followed by the Liz Quiz or Quiz with a Difference as it was officially named. We all got into teams and had to solve 20 cryptic clues relating to chocolate bars: followed by 20 more relating to parts of the body. I can’t remember who won but the team I was on did well on the chocolate bars. Make of that what you will!After breakfast on Saturday we all said our goodbyes and with heavy hearts headed home.May I take this opportunity to thank Peter and Celia Gibbs for once again organising a fantastic event. May I also take this opportunity to mention and thank the coaches: Mark Kirkham, Ernie McElroy, Philip Doyle, Colin Chambers, Norman Andrews and of course Peter Gibbs. May I thank Joan, Celia, Liz and everyone else who helped make the week as enjoyable as it was.

Windermere Chess Theme Break 2020Peter and Celia Gibbs write:The 27th Windermere Chess Week at the Windermere Manor Hotel is from 25th January 2020. The Early Bird tariff which is until the end of June 2019 for the week is £455. For anyone booking after 30th June 2019 the weekly tariff is £525. The rate for individual nights for anyone staying less than a week will be £75 per night. These rates include dinner, bed, breakfast, and a soup and sandwich lunch for everyone. The non-refundable booking fee is £100 with the non-refundable residue due no later than six weeks prior to arrival. We strongly ad-vise people to take out holiday insurance.The Hotel now only owns one minibus. However, trips and excursions can be arranged with a charge of £10 per person per trip or excursion. All trips/excursions must be booked four weeks prior to arrival but there is no refund for any subsequent cancellation. One night's entertainment is included in the price. Transportation from Win-dermere Station to the hotel and vice versa is included in the charge but transportation to and from Oxenholme Station will be charged at £15 per person for each journey. The manager has guaranteed that the evening menu will include two vegetarian options.For chess players there is training on the Sunday and Monday mornings and afternoons, and from Wednesday morning onwards there will be a chess cup handicap competition. On the Friday afternoon Peter will give a simul-taneous chess display to all the trainees who wish to challenge him.Tuesday is a free day for everyone. The evening entertainment is Celia's quiz on the Monday, Celia's bingo on the Tuesday. On Wednesday evening a lady comes to sing to us and on Thursday evening is Joan's soirée when mem-bers of our group show off their musical and other talents! Friday evening is the prize-giving.When you’ve booked, please ensure that you inform us. The staff of the Windermere Manor Hotel are no longer able to tell us who is coming due to data protection regulations.

The Mating GameA short story written by Alan Kearsley for the Windermere Chess Theme Break 2019. In 1998 four women went to Windermere Manor Hotel in search of love. They had previously kissed a good many frogs, but none had turned into a prince. Through the grapevine they had heard that a lot of eligible young men patronised the Manor and each hoped they would find the perfect companion. Joanne Bishop was 27 and the oldest of the quartet. On the first evening of her holiday she met Stuart in the bar. He was tall, muscular and dark, but it was his toned-down Scots accent that she found most appealing. He was drinking wine rather than whisky and, contrary to what she had heard about the frugality of the Scots, he was quick to buy her a gin and tonic as she accepted his invitation to join him at his table. As they talked she realised that he was highly educated. He was a postgraduate student at Edinburgh University and had a particular interest in black holes. She thought of asking him what he saw in black holes but some instinct warned her to hold her tongue. He noted the vacant expression on her face and quickly changed the subject, asking what she enjoyed about life. He seemed genuinely interested in what she said and she became increasingly comfortable in his presence.

10

That was the start of a beautiful friendship. They maintained regular contact over the following few months and met whenever they could. Joanne showed no hesitation when Stuart suggested that she should move in with him and they became engaged shortly afterwards. In 2001 she became a Scholar’s Mate. Denise Castle was initially not impressed when she met Gerry on her second day at Windermere Manor. They were booked on the same day trip. The outing was a popular one and when Denise boarded the minibus, last minute as usual, the only available seat was next to Gerry. He spoke incessantly to her, possibly out of a sense of nervousness, and harangued her with a string of jokes of variable quality. Nonetheless, as time passed she realised there was something about him she found appealing. Maybe he tapped into her maternal instincts. He had an air of innocence, coupled with an irrepressible joie de vivre. She made a point of spending time with him during her holiday and made sure she had his contact details before she returned home. Things progressed steadily. They grew closer, though they did not always meet as often as Denise would have liked as Gerry was heavily involved with an historical re-enactment group. His particular interest was the Tudor period and his role was that of court jester. Very apt, she thought. The couple’s courtship was a lengthy one and it was only in June, 2005 that they married and Denise became a Fool’s Mate. For Sonia Knight it was love at first sight. She had always had a liking for older men and was drawn to Greg the instant she set eyes on him. His craggy features and tanned complexion suggested that he worked outdoors and this was confirmed when he told her that he lived on a sheep farm. What did surprise her, because there was no trace of an accent, was the knowledge that the farm in question was in Australia. Fortunately for her, Greg was a bachelor and was as attracted to her as she was to him. As a consequence, she flew out to Australia just over a month after they met. There was a vacancy for a domestic help on the farm and taking the job meant that she and Greg saw each other most days. They married in the autumn of 2002, Sonia thus becoming a Shepherd’s Mate. Tina Queen left the hotel feeling disappointed. She had witnessed relationships beginning to develop between other guests, but none of the men she had met appealed to her and she was beginning to wonder if she would ever find her soul mate. Having said her goodbyes, she set off for Oxenholme and boarded the train to Scotland, en route to visit her brother and his family just outside Glasgow. She found herself sitting beside a smartly dressed man who welcomed her with a beaming smile. When the catering trolley appeared he offered to buy her wine and nibbles. She accepted his kind offer and they were soon engrossed in conversation. He had a warm, easygoing manner and an engaging central European accent. Tina began to hope that the journey would be delayed so she could spend more time with him. Unfortunately the train arrived in Glasgow on schedule. Happily for Tina, her travelling companion asked for her telephone number before they parted. By then she had gleaned that he had been born in Prague and was single. He was in Scotland on business, being normally resident in London. Tina was certain that in Emil she had met her Mr Right. The pair married eighteen months after their chance meeting, Tina thus securing a Czech Mate.Editor’s note: Many thanks to Alan for sending in this charming story. What a relief that there was no Stale Mate or Smothered Mate! Perhaps Alan has a sinister sequel in mind!

Joan’s Windermere Poem 2019Excerpts from a poem by Joan Shorrock:

Windermere Manor, is it a bore?What do we come here for?We come because we’re happy to beWith our extended family once more.Welcome to Windermere Manor!Please don’t take offence.Close the door behind you.That’ll be ninety pence.Most people come to play chess.For some that creates much stress,So we have fun when all’s said and doneThat creates much happiness.

11

After church we had trouble with Jim.The taxi was too high for him.We pushed and heaved and were relievedWhen he finally managed to get in.

They sounded like children to me, The dining table was noisy you seeBut on the contrary, it was Tanvi and GaryAntoine and Abi and Thuy.

At dinner we confused Alan.Sheila and George had a scheme.George wasn’t allowed ‘No custard’So Sheila gave him her ice cream.

We too felt like naughty childrenLike being back at school.‘Quick don’t let the staff catch youYou’re probably breaking the rule!’

Monday evening we got our brains in gearAnd as the custom isWe got ourselves into teamsTo tackle Celia’s Quiz.

A varied set of questionsAnd everyone joined inA hard fought battle but in the endTwo teams tied to win.

Tuesday morning we were at HawksheadAnd needed water wingsBut in the dry at the outdoor shopWe purchased many things.

(The commentary on the boat sounded like George Formby.)Welcome to the sail on WindermereNow don’t lean over the sideAnd don’t stand on the seat.The lake is one mile wide.

Now we’re at the deepest partThe length is over ten.Don’t forget hot chocolate and run ‘He he – turned out nice again!’

In the evening we had bingoThe excitement was intense With a pound a go from everyoneThe stakes they were immense.

Peter sent coded messagesHe was corrupt and up to tricksThe same people kept winningI think it was a fix.

Wednesday Hayes Garden WorldA great place to explore.When Tanvi gets her shopping homeShe can open her own store.

12

On Thursday it was Keswick For a walk. What lovely weatherBut Tanvi was at it againAnd bought handbags at Lakeland Leather.

Thursday evening was the soiréeIn talent it aboundsWith songs, stories and poemsAll worth one hundred and fifty pounds.

A snowy day at Kirby LonsdaleAnd when the walk was doneWe all left the snow behindAnd went and found ‘The Sun’.

Some piled into the sweet shopWhere we found Antoine – what’s new.Then some of our party Went into the bakery too.

Back in time for ‘The Presentation’Now that the chess is doneAnd after a successful tournamentCongratulations! Gary has won.

We say ‘Well done’ to SheryFor really getting to gripsWith the hassle of coping with us all And organising the trips.

With charges for this and charges for thatWhatever shall we doWe don’t want to let downPeter and Celia who

Have made this such a special weekWith special people hereIt would be sad not to seeYou all again next year.

Editor’s note: Thanks to Joan for sending in her poem which she read in its entirety at the soirée.

Les Whittle Memorial AGM Congress ReportJohn Osborne writes:We were back in the north of England to return to one of our favourite hotels in Harrogate. The Old Swan Hotel is the place were Agatha Christie stayed when she disappeared from public life. Harrogate is also famous for many things including the composer Edward Elgar who used to enjoy walks in the local park.It was a very bleak day on our arrival with non-stop rain and a lack of support at the local station. Also on this oc-casion the hotel heating was great on the first floor but extremely disappointing on the 3rd floor. This did cause concern and was not resolved.Moira opened the tournament with the first move to allow us to focus for a few minutes on Les Whittle’s life and contribution to chess and the BCA. Norman Wragg gave a tribute speech which highlighted his passion for chess and great achievements over the years.Many familiar faces took part at this tournament but there were also lots of new faces and characters to add new excitement and enjoyment to the weekend.It was a busy hotel with a coin festival taking place. Roman coins could be seen across the carpet and a buzz of excitement about this very interesting hobby gave the hotel a busy and atmospheric tempo.

13

For the first time we had the opportunity to play in two rooms which seemed to work well. There was much de-bate about mobile phones and what should be done if people forget to turn them off. The committee will continue to discuss this matter. The best game for 2018 was jointly awarded to Gill Smith and Richard Murphy.It is almost impossible to capture in a small article the emotional impact that flows throughout the tournament. There were people in the bar in deep despair over their game and analysing every move. Others were so happy to get a point on the board. Familiar faces did win both tournaments and the scores can be seen below.It was another great weekend and so many people were able to stay over on Sunday to reduce the pressure of hav-ing long journeys on a Sunday evening. Huge thanks to everyone who helped make this tournament run very smoothly.

OPEN1st 4.5 points Chris Ross2nd 4 points Paul BensonJoint 3rd 3 points Owen Phillips, Steve Burnell, Ian Blencowe (Grading Prize A), Richard Murphy (Grading Prize B)2.5 points Stan Lovell (extra Grading Prize A)2 points Bill Armstrong, Colin Chambers, Mark Kirkham, George Phillips (extra Grading Prize B)1.5 points Guy Whitehouse, Voldi Gailans

CHALLENGERSJoint 1st 4 points Dan Rugman, Gary Wickett (Dan won the trophy on tie-break)3rd 3.5 points Steve Thacker3 points Mark Hague, Jim Cuthbert (Grading Prize A), John Osborne, Phil Rafferty (John and Phil shared Grading Prize B)2.5 points Gill Smith2 points Tony Lawton, Ednun Pourtahmasbi, Graham Geraughty, Javaid Mohammed (Ednun, Graham and Javaid shared Grading Prize C)1.5 points Richard Harrington1 point Ahsan Ali

Many thanks to Owen Phillips for sending in all his games from the event (whether won, drawn or lost) for the gazette. The first one is described by Owen as an exciting tussle! Mark Kirkham gave Owen quite a scare but says that he didn't have the confidence to trust his instincts at the crucial moment.Open - Round 1: Mark Kirkham (121) v Owen Phillips (178) [ECO "A52"]1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 Ng4 4. e4 Nxe5 5. f4 Here, Black often plays Nec6, but Owen wanted to keep the game more original and so chose a rarer and more double-edged line, almost to his cost!5. … Ng6 6. Nf3 Bc5 7. f5 Nh4 8. Ng5 Bb4+ 9. Nc3 Qf6 10. Qd3 Mark comments: The simple Bd2 seems to leave white a pawn up, but I gave too much negative weight to having doubled c pawns. One possible line is 10...h6 11. Qh5 Bxc3 12. bxc3 O-O 13. Qxh4 hxg5 14. Qxg5 Qe5 15. Bd3 f6 16. Qe3 Na6 17. O-O Nc5 18. Bc2 Re8 19. Qh3 b6. The game continued:10. … h6 11. Nxf7 Qxf7 12. g3 Qe7 13. gxh4 Qxh4+ 14. Kd1 Nc6 15. Qg3 Qxg3 16. hxg3 Bxc3 17. bxc3 Ne5 18. Be2 b6 19. Bf4 d6 20. g4 Bb7 21. Bxe5 dxe5 22. Bf3 Ke7 23. Ke2. Ba6 24. Kd3 Rad8+25. Ke3 Bxc4 26. Be2 Bxe2 27. Kxe2 Rd6 28. Rad1 Rhd8 29. Rd5 Rxd5 0-1

Now here’s a Round 2 treat for Caro fans! Owen writes: “Thanks to Steve [Burnell] for again showing me just how weak I am playing against the Caro Khan when it is handled by an expert! Well played. My instinct tells me that h4 and h5 are too loose!”Steve responds: “It is a line against the Caro which I rarely encounter! It was an interesting and enjoyable game.”Open - Round 2: Owen Phillips (178) v Steve Burnell (138) [ECO "B11"]1. e4 c6 2. Nf3 d5 3. Nc3 Bg4 4. h3 Bxf3 5. Qxf3 e6 6. g4 Nd7 7. Bg2 Ne7 8. h4 Ng6 9. h5 Nh4 10. Qg3 Nxg2+ 11. Qxg2 Bc5 12. b3 d4 13. Na4 Bd6 14. Nb2 Qc7 15. Nc4 e5 16. Nxd6+ Qxd6 17. a4 c5 18. d3 h6 19. g5 hxg5 20. Bxg5 f6 21. Bd2 Qe7 22. Rb1 Qf7 23. Qh3 f5 24. Qxf5 Qxf5 25. exf5 Nf6 26. h6 Kf7 27. b4 cxb4 28. Rxb4 b6 29. a5 gxh6 30. axb6 axb6 31. Rxh6 Rxh6 32. Bxh6 Ra1+ 33. Ke2 Nd5 34. Rc4 Kf6 35. Kf3 Kxf5 36. Rc8 Ra21/2-1/2

14

Owen describes his Round 3 encounter as follows:“This is a tale of a lot of wriggling on Rossie's Fishing line and hook! It’s not one of my finest but a good clean kill by the Rossie! I got a bit too clever for my own good in the opening! Well played Chris.”Open - Round 3: Chris Ross (206) v Owen Phillips (178) [ECO "A40"]1. d4 Na6 2. Nf3 c6 3. c4 g6 4. Nc3 Bg7 5. Bf4 d6 6. Qd2 h6 7. h3 Nc7 8. e4 Ne6 (interesting but probably unplayable with best moves by White) 9. Be3 g5 10. Be2 Nf6 11. Nh2 Nf8 12. Rd1 a6 13. Qc2 Qc7 14. Ng4 h5 15. Nxf6+ exf6 16. f4 Ng6 17. f5 Ne718. d5 c5 19. a3 Bd7 20. b4 b6 21. Rb1 Qc8 22. O-O h4 23. bxc5 bxc5 24. Na4 Bxa4 25. Qxa4+ Kf8 26. Rb6 a5 27. Rfb1 Qd8 28. Rb7 Nc8 29. Rd7 Qe8 30. Rbb7 Kg8 31. Qc2 Qe5 32. Rxf7 Bf8 33. Rfd7 Ne734. Bc1 Qg3 35. Rb3 Qe1+ 36. Bf1 a4 37. Rb1 Qg3 38. Qd3 Qxd3 39. Bxd3 Nc8 40. Rbb7 Rh6 41. Rd8 1-0

In Round 4 Owen admits that he got another scare, this time from Richard Murphy! Open - Round 4: Owen Phillips (178) v Richard Murphy (107) [ECO "C00"]1. Nc3 d5 2. e4 e6 3. f4 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Bd7 5. Be2 Bc6 6. Bf3 Nf6 7. Qe2 Be7 8. c3 Nxe4 9. Bxe4 Bxe4 10. Qxe4 Qd5 11. Qxd5 exd5 12. d4 Nd7 13. Nf3 O-O 14. O-O Nf6 15. Re1 Rfe8 16. Be3 Bd6 17. g3 Re7 18. Kg2 Rae8 19. Bg1 Re2+ 20. Kh3 Draw agreed. “Phew” said Owen!A possible continuation: 20. … Rxb2 21. Rab1 Ba3 22. Rxb2 Bxb2 23. Rb1 Re2 24. Ne5 b6 25. c4 g6 26. Rf1

Round 5 saw “The clash of the Phillips'!” Owen writes: “I think it is clear that George played well and that the opening was very double edged. Good fighting chess in memory of a grand BCA player-Les Whittle!”Open - Round 5: George Phillips (100) v Owen Phillips (178) [ECO "B06"]1. d4 g6 2. e4 d6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. Be3 c6 Black could now play a Gurgenidze Pirc: But 5. Qd2..this move discourages that option and Black instead plays: h6 6. Nf3 b5 7. Bd3 a6 8. O-O Nd79. Rfe1 Bb7 10. Ne2 g5 Black sets up a Double Bayonet counter attack! A similar thing to a Hippopotamus open-ing (the only difference really is that Black has played an early c6 to support his b5 pawn) 11. c3 e6 12. h3 (nice move)12. ... Ne7 13. Ng3 Ng6 14. Nh5 Bf8 15. Nh2 Nf6 16. Nxf6+ Qxf6 17. Ng4 Qg7 18. e5 O-O-O 19. Nf6 (White was threatening a repetition by Nh5 and Nf6 on the Black Queen! Black has no time to play dxe5!)19. ... Be7 20. Bxg6 Qxg6 21. Qe2 Bxf6 22. exf6 Qxf6 23. Qh5 Rdg8 24. d5 White tries to open matters up.24. ... cxd5 25. Bd4 e5 26. Bb6 Qg6 27. Qg4+ f5 Now contemplating resigning, George plays 28. Qxf5+..just in case Black was falling asleep!28. ... Qxf5 0-1Editor’s Note: It would be great to have some games from the Challengers section in the gazette as well. We won’t have an over the board event before the copy deadline for the August gazette so I’d be delighted to receive some games for inclusion in that issue!

David Hodgkins Memorial Annual Best Game Prize 2018Bill Armstrong writes:Since Owen Phillips presented this as a tribute to David Hodgkins, I took real pride in being its first recipient for a game that was far from perfect but echoed the fighting spirit that was characteristic of David. Last year Chris Ross won with a game of exceptional quality. For this year’s decision, I narrowed the field to four games, all available in the BCA Gazettes: August 2018, Murphy – Casey, a correspondence game; November 2018, two games from the World Team Championship Ross- Muller and Stoykov-Benson and finally February 2019 Smith –Hague a game from the Autumn Congress. If you want you can see for yourself the problem of choosing the win-ner from this list before you read further.Each game had that special extra feature that merited inclusion in the short list. Gill Smith, who came late to the world of chess tournaments, defeated with flawless accuracy an opponent ranked so far above her that a draw would have been a real achievement. Chris, in a game full of tension and ingenuity from both sides, had the better prospects in a drawn game with a strong German top board. Paul making his return to International IBCA events proved he still has a deep understanding of the game and his practical chess skills are still very sharp. Richard, playing correspondence chess as if it were over the board chess without moving the pieces to assist his decisions,

15

made some heroic choices in his very double-edged and exciting game against Eamonn. His final victory could have been presented as a long planned tactic instead of modestly describing it as a desperate counter when all seemed lost. The choice like the decisions at the chess board was not easy. But, while my chess decisions are very often proved wrong by my opponents or later computer analysis, this one is a matter of taste, and after much hesitation, I opted to share the award between two worthy winners of the David Hodgkins trophy, Richard Murphy and Gill Smith.

8th BCA Email Tournament: Murphy v Casey1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7 5. e5 Nfd7 6. h4 a6 7. Bxe7 Qxe7 8. Qg4 0-0 9. f4. c5 10. Nf3 h6. 11. 0-0-0 Nc6 12. Ne2 Qe8 13. Ng3 f5 14. Qh3 cxd4 15. Nxd4 Nxd4 16. Rxd4 Nc5 17. Be2 Bd7 18. Bh5 Qe719. Bf3 Rac8 20. Nf1 Bb5 21. Kb1 Qc7 22. Ne3 Na4 23. Rd2 Qc5 24. Nd1 Qb4 25. Rf2 Rc4 26. a3 Qc5 27. Bh5 d4 28. g4 Bc6 29. R1h2 Be4 30. gxf5 exf5 31. Qb3 Kh8 32. Bf3 d3 33. Bxe4 fxe4 34. cxd3 Rc1+ 35. Ka2 e3 36. Rc2 Rxc2 37. Rxc2 Qd4 38. Qb4 Rxf4 39. Qxd4 Rxd4 40. e6 Kg8 41. e7 Kf7 42. Nxe3 Rxd343. Nf5 Black resigns.

BCA Autumn Tournament, Derby, Challengers - Round 2: Gill Smith (50) vs Mark Hague (98)1. e4 c5 2. d4 cxd4 3. Qxd4 Nc6 4. Qe3 Qc7 5. Bc4 e6 6. Nf3 Nf6 7. h3 a6 8. 0-0 b5 9. Bb3 Bb710. Nc3 Rd8 11. Bd2 d5 12. exd5 Nxd5 13. Nxd5 Qd6 14. Rad1 Ne7 15. Nxe7 Bxe7 16. Bc3 Qxd117. Rxd1 Rxd1+ 18. Ne1 0-0 19. Qg3 g6 20. Qe5 f6 21. Qxe6+ Kh8 22. Qxe7 R1d8 23. Bxf6+ Rxf624. Qxf6++

David Hodgkins Memorial Annual Best Game Prize 2019Stan Lovell writes:I've been asked to judge this year's David Hodgkins Memorial Best Game competition. Any game played by any BCA member in the British Isles, including associate members, in any BCA over the board or correspondence event, or in any event when representing BCA, during the year 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2019 is eli-gible. The criteria I have been given means I will not necessarily be looking for the most perfect game. It could be a win against a stronger player, it could be a great escape or something with specially interesting ideas etc. All eligible games published in the Gazette will automatically be entered, unless the player concerned particularly requests his/her game not to be entered.Send your games to any committee member, in any format. If you send your game in print be sure to send it to a committee member who can read print, such as Julie or Gill. You may also send games to me in any format, other than print. Don't be shy, give it a go!Stan Lovell

Editor’s note: As I write work is underway on a new page for our website detailing all of the judges, winners and winning games since the inaugural year of 2016. When you read this it may be published so check that space!

10th BCA Email TournamentEamonn Casey and Philip Doyle write: Welcome to our 10th BCA email tournament. There are 17 participants on this occasion, 3 up on our previous tournament. We have divided these into one division of five players, and three divisions with four players. On this occasion division 2 will be the one containing the five players. The divisions were based on BCA grades, per-formance in previous email tournaments where applicable, and where possible, incorporated promotion and releg-ation. In divisions 2 players will have two whites and two blacks, but because there are only 4 players in the other 3 divisions this is not possible, so half the players will have two whites, and the other half will have two blacks, dependent on the seeding. Divisions 1 and 3 will be controlled by Philip while Eamonn will be controlling Divi-sions 2 and 4. It started on 1st March. Here are the early results and scores as at 2nd of April. Division 1: Rod MacDonald, Peter Gibbs, Bill Armstrong, Colin ChambersGibbs beat ChambersChambers drew with ArmstrongGibbs beat ArmstrongScores so far: Gibbs 2/2, Armstrong and Chambers 0.5/2, MacDonald 0/0

16

Division 2: Steve Burnell, Philip Doyle, Stan Lovell, Eamonn Casey, Voldi GailansCasey lost to Doyle Gailans lost to Lovell Burnell beat CaseyBurnell drew with DoyleScores so far: Doyle and Burnell 1.5/2, Lovell 1/1, Gailans 0/1, Casey 0/2Division 3: Steve Thacker, Anthony Borg, Gill Smith, Tony LawtonLawton lost to SmithThacker beat BorgThacker beat LawtonSmith drew with ThackerBorg lost to SmithScores so far: Smith and Thacker 2.5/3, Borg and Lawton 0/2Division 4: Tony Elbourn, Rebecca Blaevoet, Ednun Pourtahmasbi, Edward GreenGreen lost to Pourtahmasbi Elbourn beat Blaevoet Pourtahmasbi lost to ElbournScores to far: Elbourn 2/2, Pourtahmasbi 1/2, Blaevoet and Green 0/1

Game from Division 1: Peter Gibbs v Colin Chambers, with notes by Peter GibbsThe Dragon variations in the Sicilian Defence are called that because the pawn formation is considered serpent-like in appearance.1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 g6 The Hyper-Accelerated Dragon 2...g6 is unusual but has never been refuted. As long as Black sticks to Dragon-like ideas he should achieve a satisfactory position. The usual reply is 3 d4 but I thought it would be best to take Colin out of beaten tracks, hence3. Bc4 Bg7 There is nothing wrong with … d6 and … Nf6, keeping to Dragon-like ideas. 4. c3 Qc7 I strongly oppose 4...Qc7 which is a Kan-like move and I already anticipated holes in Black's position.5. O-O e6 6. d4 cxd4 7. Na3 a6 8. cxd4 d6 9. Bf4 b510. Bxb5 White can do this because of the holes in Black's position.10. … axb5 11. Nxb5 Qd7 12. Nxd6 Kf8 13. Rc1 Ba614. Nxf7 At the time I was rather pleased with myself about this move but later I began to have the collywobbles about it since Black has so many minor pieces floating about. I am sure White has quieter 14th moves which would be just as effective.14. … Kxf7 15. Rc7 Bxf1 16. Ng5 Ke8 17. Qb3 Ne7 18. Rxd7 Nxd7 19. Nxe6 Rc8 20. Nxg7 Black resigns.

Puzzles Selected by ChrisFebruary Puzzle FEN: 8/8/8/8/6Np/7K/3Qp3/5k2White: King h3, Queen d2, Knight g4 Black: king f1, pawns e2, h4 White to play and mate in two. Solution: 1. Qe3 A. 1... Ke1 2. Qc1# B. 1... e1=Q/R/B/N 2. Nh2#

May Puzzle FEN: k1Kn4/p2p4/8/8/8/8/8/3R2Q1White: King c8, Rook d1, Queen g1 Black: king a8, knight d8, pawns a7, d7White to play and mate in two. The solution will appear in the August issue.

Chris Ross

17

ECF Grades for BCA Members January 2019A new grading list was published by the English Chess Federation in January and revised on the 20th of March. Below is a list of the new grades of BCA members, with Rapidplay grades noted in parentheses where applicable.Andrews, Norman G 133 Armstrong, William 142 (140R)Bailey, Stephen 65 Baxter, Colin R 125 Benson, Paul J 158 Blencowe, Ian P 124 (136R)Brown, Geoffrey D 152 (138R)Burnell, Steve 138 Carr, Matthew 142 (138R)Casey, Eamonn 103 Chambers, Colin R 125 Chambers, Duncan 128 Chapman, Gordon 120 Clarke, Geoffrey 93 Clayton, David G 110 Cloudsdale, Peter 152 Cuthbert, Jim 73 Elbourn, Anthony J 52 Elbourn, Irene 0 Fisher, Colin 134 (131R)

Gailans, Voldi 92 Gibbs, Peter C 170 Gordon, Philip L 105 Graff, Ben 153 (144R)Hague, Mark 90 Harrington, Richard 0 Holtz, Steve 81 Jenkins, John H 86 Khare, Shivank 96 (97R)Khare, Shubh 17 Kirkham, Mark 121 Lawton, Tony 47 Lilley, Graham 155 Lovell, Stan E 123 Lowery, Michael 20 Mabbs, David J 176 (157R)McElroy, Ernie 141 Mills, David G 132 Murphy, Richard LW 107 Osborne, John 38

Pennington, Graham 123 Phillips, George W 100 Phillips, Owen S 178 Pomeroy, Raymond J 116 (92R)Pourtahmasbi, Ednun 0 Prasath, Malola TS 185 (190R)Rafferty, Philip 15 Ross, Chris N 206 Rugman, Daniel 90 Ryan, Lea 18 Shimwell, Efe 121 (123R)Smith, Gill 50 Thacker, Steve M 100 Thukaram, Jijjith 89 (100R)Walsh, Gerry F 119 Waters, Roger G 117 Wickett, Gary M 87 Willis, Graham 137 Wragg, Norman A 148

As always, I have tried to make this list as complete and accurate as I can, but please do let me know of any errors or omissions.Julie Leonard

PersonaliaBelated birthday congratulations to lovely Lea Ryan who turned 50 years young on the 19th of March. Congratulations also to our marvellous Membership Secretary, Mark Hague will be 60 on the 31st of May. This popular and energetic couple are celebrating their milestone birthdays by walking the Camino Way pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia this year. The great cathedral at the destination is famous for its huge thurible, which weighs 53 kg even before it is filled with incense. When lit it is suspended from 20 metre ropes and swung back and forth above worshippers, dispersing its fragrant perfume and reaching speeds of over forty miles per hour! I’ve heard that this ceremony goes back centuries to the times when hundreds of weary mediaeval pilgrims would sleep on the cathedral floor and one can well imagine that the air inside needed a lot of freshening up next morning! These days walkers such as Lea and Mark require no such fumigation but if our friends are especially sweetly scented next time you encounter them you will understand why! Let’s wish them both all the best for their new decades and many wonderful experiences on their trip to Spain!

On the 30th of May, another of our number will be celebrating a half century birthday! This person has been a regular attendee at all of our tournaments for many years and has also served diligently on the committee. With his mischievous sense of humour and love of music he brings laughter and smiles wherever he goes. Even those unfortunate enough to fall victim to his skill on the chessboard hardly notice they’ve lost because he is so magnanimous in victory and full of praise and encouragement for everyone. One thing’s for sure: In terms of his BCA membership, Gary Wickett’s a keeper and we wish him all the best for his special birthday and many happy returns!

Please let me know if you have any news for the next issue!Julie Leonard

18