News
Farewell from Ross and Brendan
As of 25th May 2020 Ross Harris (Chairperson) and Brendan Jamison (Secretary / tournament director/ league controller) have stepped down from their roles on the UCU Committee. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time helping to run and develop chess in Ulster. But we feel the time is right for some fresh faces and some fresh ideas! Mark Newman will be taking over as interim Chairperson until the next AGM. - A letter from Ross Harris.
Lockdown Summer Tournament: week3
The competition continues - with a few more players and some challenging chess games. Email me if you wish to join this drop-in competition.
The UK Chess Challenge this year is being held online
I include the details from Email from the UK Chess Challenge organisers. The first Megafinal weekend is 20th/21st May. There are also opportunities to learn and improve your game.
Lockdown Summer Tournament: week2
The Summer drop-in tournament continued on weds 13th May - with a few more players joining the fun and some good chess played.
Lockdown Summer Tournament: week1
Week1 started with a small but enthusiastic team of chess players.Keen to get a slow game of chess. The format is the same as our usual Summer tournament but moved online.
Summer Tournament 2020 in lock-down
Using the same rules as our usual Summer Tournament we will be running a Weds evening drop in tournament. With time limit of 1:30mins each. Read below for more details.
The Hibernian Online Chess League
The Hibernian Online Chess League is accepting applications from all Irish clubs to join a new online league being set up to give chess players the opportunity to play with their teammates again during these very difficult times for everyone.
It was incredible. Review of the Season 2019-2020
Even though the 2019/2020 season ended a little earlier than planned (with the lockdown commencing on Monday 23 March), it was still one of the most successful years in the history of the Ulster Chess Union. Watch the 2 minute video of all the highlights over the past 10 months - and I am sure everyone will join me in a big thankyou to Brendan whos done so much this and previous years for UCU chess.
QUIZ WINNERS + SUPPORTING EACH OTHER + INVENTORY OF ONLINE USERNAMES
Congratulations to John Bradley (Omagh CC) and Gary Johnston (Bangor CC), joint champions of the UCU End of Season Quiz.
Ulster Chess Union Quiz of the Season 2019-2020
Return answers by email or text to quizmaster Brendan Jamison by 12 noon on Sunday 19 April. Winners will be announced online on Ulster Chess Union website and through social media.
Stephen Morgan wins the 2nd Ulster Cyber Rapid Championship
On Sunday 12 April, our final onliner kept the chess community buzzing with excitement. Congratulations to Stephen Morgan, crowned champion of the 2nd Ulster Cyber Rapid Championship. He remained totally unbeaten after 14 games which is an incredible feat given the high standard of players out in force.
Aaron Wafflart wins Ulster Cyber Classic Friday 10 April 2020
40 players meet online to play in the Ulster Cyber Classic on Friday 10th April.
Sergio Esteve-Sanchez, wins 2nd Ulster Cyber Blitz
Brilliant numbers playing on line in the 2nd Ulster Cyber Blitz.
More Cyber UCU events to play
The Brendan Jamison has organised more fun Cyber events. A slower paced competition on Friday with each playing having a possible 60mins each followed by a Rapid event on Sunday and dont forget the competition tomorrow evening - more details below
Muhtarim-El Haque wins the first Ulster Cyber Rapid Championship
The Ulster Chess Union Cyber competitions continue with the Cyber Rapid Championship. Held on Sunday 5th April.
Michael Waters wins the Ulster Open Bullet Championship 2020
The Ulster Open Bullet Championship was run online on Friday 3 April on LiChess.
69 Blitz it out in UCU’s first online event
On Wednesday 1 April, we had 69 locals battling it out in the Ulster Cyber Blitz Championship #001. Report by Brendan Jamison, Ulster Chess Union Tournament Director
Ulster Cyber Rapid Championship #001
Time control: 10+5 Sunday 5 April 2020 6pm to 9pm (UK/Ireland time)
SURGE OF LOCAL PLAYERS MAKE THEIR FIDE DEBUT IN APRIL 2020 RATING LIST
UCU Tournament Director Brendan Jamison publishes the lattest FIDE ratings for local players. The UCU having run this year a considerable number of FIDE rated tournaments the number of players with FIDE ratings is increasing.
