News
Irish Championships to be held 1st - 9th August 2020.
The Irish Championships will run from 1-9 August in Coláiste Éanna; entries close on July 25th.
July 20th Today is International Chess Day
The International Chess Day is celebrated annually on July 20, the day the International Chess Federation (FIDE) was founded, in 1924. The UN have organised a Zoom meeting and invited chess players to join see below for details - starts at 3:00pm (BST).
Lockdown Summer Tournament: weeks 7 - 9
The weekly Summer tournament continues with slow chess of 90mins each on lichess. We welcome new players - some fun and exciting endgames with time being a factor.
New National Abiters
BREAKING NEWS: Northern Ireland has two new FIDE licensed National Arbiters - Mark Newman and Adrian Dornford-Smith. Report from Brendan Jamison - who has been the main driver for getting National Arbiters and training of Arbiters in Northern Ireland.
Lockdown Summer Tournament: weeks 4 - 6
The Summer drop in tournament continues. With a couple of new players and plenty of good chess. Read on for results and current scores.
Final Standings for the 2020 Childrens Chess Grandprix
With the March Childrens Chess completed we have the final standings for the 2020 Grandprix. The top four of each section usually get invited to Stormont for an award ceremony and Elite Chess Tournament.
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
