Current news in Ulster Chess
Strand 1 close in on Silver King after week of closely-fought matches
(B&D League 2018/19 Week 18) Strand 1 were hoping for draws between their rivals in their free week to maintain their cushion as much as possible - they got one, as well as a pair of 3-2 scorelines in the other matches.
UCU Winter Tournament 2018-19
This popular event, hosted by Queen's University Chess Club and organised by Belfast South Chess Club, finished on 8 April along with prize-giving. As with previous years there were prizes not only for the overall Winner and Runner-up but also 3 Grading Band prizes. 2 Best Game prizes were also awarded.
Checkmate with honours
Last Thursday (4 April) Bangor Chess Club hosted a special simul match with 15 players taking on Division 1 player Brendan Jamison. However, the usual format had a creative twist! Brendan played without a queen on every board, challenging the local players to find the quickest checkmate.
Kings and queens battle at Royal School, Armagh
The first ever Armagh Rapidplay Chess Championships were held at the Royal School on Saturday 30 March. The event was run by the Ulster Chess Union (UCU) and kindly supported by the school headmaster Graham Montgomery.