UCU Web 2014
Belfast South : week 2
The Belfast South Flexible Tournament started on 21st October. It runs every Monday evening through till spring-time when the Summer Tournament will begin. The competition is open to all UCU members
GOING DUTCH
An arresting telegram arrived today, delivered by a fresh-faced young chap sporting a peaked cap and a very unlikely, tight tunic. I didn't think telegrams still existed nevermind Post Office delivery boys...
The Agony and the Ecstacy
Martin Kelly reports on his recent performances in the League, UCU Masters and the recent ICU event in Kilkenny. Martin provides some clues on other UCU members playing in Kilkenny
Belfast South Tourney: part 1
Belfast South's Flexible Winter Tournament has reached its half-way mark. The tournament restarts on Monday 6th January with another 11 weeks to go before awarding prizes.
BSCC - Best Game Autumn 2013
The Belfast South Best Game prize for Autumn 2013 has been awarded to Martin Kelly vs Robert Lavery for their match-up from Round 2. Move 12 and Robert, as Black, sacrifices his Rook with Rxc3
Belfast South 2014
Four weeks into the New Year and its all change at the top of the Flexible Tournament standings. 2014 has started badly for the 2013 leader, Robert Lavery; everyone, it seems, is racing ahead of him.
3 weeks to go
Only 3 weeks left in Belfast South's regular Monday tournament. Top honours are far from certain and there is just enough time for outsiders to get a couple of games in to meet the qualifying quota and maybe steal a win.
Belfast South Finale
The final game night for the Belfast South Flexible Tournament is coming up on Monday 24th March. The winner has yet to be decided so there is everything to play for; well, for some folks anyway.
Tournament Finale
Belfast South's Autumn/Winter Tournament reached its finale on Monday night. After 19 weeks of competition it came down to the final week to determine the winner
Muldoons open for business
Magherafelt to Mallusk and now to Muldoons. The south antrim club are on the move again and this time they have their eyes on something more than the John Strawbridge Cup!
NICS Inaugural Intense Rapidplay
On Sunday 20th October Civil Service CC is running its first-ever Intense Rapidplay. Don't be put off by the title, the club is offering a day of friendly but competitive chess.
NICS Intense Rapidplay
Report on NICS first in a series of Intense Rapidplays. The one-day tourneys build up to a seasons Grand Prix finale
Belfast South vs NICS
On only their second outing, NICS trekked to Belfast South and nearly caused a major upset. But for some tenacious nail-biting from Neil Green, the last board to finish fell for the home team.
NICS vs Muldoons
Match report: NICS vs Muldoons 31/10/2013
NICS vs Lindores
After complicated too-ing and fro-ing by email & phone between NICS, Lindores and the League Controller a match-up was finally confirmed. Unable to secure accommodation in the Pavilion, NICS decamped to the Holywood Arches to continue their onward league quest. Yet another opportunity to create an upset for a Silver King contender.
NICS vs Ballynafeigh
Tues 19th Nov. NICS tripped down to Ballynafeigh Community Centre for a league match more to their liking - Ballynafeigh's number 3 team. After the past couple of weeks of demolitions from Muldoons, Fisherwick and Lindores, the team ought be able ought gain some points and lift themselves clear of the bottom.
Fruithill vs NICS
After their victory last week, a relaxed NICS team travelled across the city to Fruithill. Perhaps they should have been a bit more concerned: strong-man McAlister was missing for the match and Fruithill have a reputation for fielding strong home-teams. As it was, the visitors were not entirely out-gunned.
NICS Lackadaisical
The next event in NICS rapidplay series is the "Lackadaisical" scheduled for Sunday 26th January. As intense as ever but the start and stop times make it an easy one for those challenged by an early rise on Sunday mornings. We have even got the caterers in so you can have your Sunday lunch made for you before you start.
UCU Newsletter
The UCU Web Team have just finalised the Union's monthly newsletter. The first issue should be sent out over the first weekend in November. If you have not been subscribed, use the sign-up tool to add your name for the next issue.
Website Improvements
In addition to the release of the UCU Monthly Newsletter, the Web Team have made a few changes to the website to make it more accessible to members. We are also bringing in a substantial body of historical articles for the UCU Archive.
Ulster Masters 2013
Ballynafeigh hosted the 3rd Ulster Masters last weekend. This year, rather than two distinct sections, both seniors & challengers were combined. A broad range of talent competing in the 2-day tournament starting on Saturday 16th November
B&D League
Seven weeks into the League and teams are starting to sort themselves out. There only another 4 matches (2 before & 2 after the holidays) left in this part of the competition before we break into Divisions 1 & 2 and the battle for the Silver King starts in earnest.
UCU News Correction
Apologies for an error in this months UCU News: the final round in the Belfast South Tournament will be on Monday 16th December and not as reported
B&D League Christmas break
Christmas is upon us and the final match has been played in 2013. The league is settling down now as we approach the break when the competition separates into two divisions. With most teams having a couple of fixtures remaining in this section, it is not at all clear who will be up and who will be down - apart from the top and bottom of course which is pretty clear cut.
UCU Blitz 2013
The final event of 2013: the UCU Blitz Championship. An afternoon of outrageously fast and furious play to sort out the men from the boys.
B&D League: Part 2
Part 1 of the League has finished albeit with one result awaiting adjudication. However, this won't affect the split which is made all the more interesting with an influx of a few extra teams. The League Controller has released the fixtures lists too so the cup races begin in earnest on 27th January
Kelly "Marshalls" his Attacks as Black
Here are two recent miniatures, which Martin Kelly won as Black, each proving Black gambits do work! Having lost to a Lopez a few weeks earlier in Cork (Alex Lopez, that is), Kelly wins against a Lopez (Ruy Lopez, that is!)
B&D League - week 5 analysis
Five weeks in and both divisions have leaders almost a full game-set of points ahead of their closest challenger. But there are at least another 9 weeks left and with some startling results and upsets already, especially in Division 2, consistency might be hard to come by.
Ballynafeigh 2 vs Fisherwick
On October 29th, the Silver King holders visited Ballynafeigh Community House.
Ballynafeigh 2 vs Lindores
Ballynafeigh 2 vs Lindores match report
Ballynafeigh 2 vs Fruithill
Ballynafeigh 2 vs Fruithill - November 19th, 2013
B&D League - Part 2, Week 3 round-up
Lindores take the lead and Belfast South are involved in further controversy, but the big story of the week was in Division 2.
B&D League - Part 2, Week 4 round-up
Fisherwick retake the lead, while Bangor slip up in Division 2.
Williamson 2014
Now over 100 years old, the Williamson Shield was up for grabs over the weekend of 22/23 February at the familiar venue of The Maynard Sinclair Pavilion. Always a popular event in the UCU calendar.
B&D League - Part 2, Week 6 round-up
Another lead change in Division 1, while NICS slip up in the Division 2 title hunt.
B&D League - Part 2, Week 7 round-up
As the divisional stage reaches the halfway point, Fisherwick retake the Division 1 lead yet again, while Bangor extend their Division 2 lead.
B&D League - Part 2, Week 8 round-up
The highlight of the week was undoubtedly Tuesday night at Ballynafeigh Community House, when the Division 1 title chase was blown wide open on a remarkable night of chess.
B&D League - Part 2, Week 9 round-up
Lindores take another chunk out of Fisherwick's lead with a big win over Lagan.
B&D League - Part 2, Week 10 round-up
Lindores are almost tripped up by an under-strength Ballynafeigh 1 team, and Bangor go even further ahead in Division 2 with a dominant whitewash of Muldoons 2.
B&D League - Part 2, Week 11 round-up
Fisherwick take advantage of a slip-up by Lindores, and Bangor take another step towards the Division 2 title.
B&D League - Part 2, Week 12 round-up
Bangor beat NICS to officially seal the John Strawbridge Cup, but the Silver King is still very much up for grabs as Lindores edge out Fisherwick.
B&D League - free week update
Title rivals Fisherwick and Lindores played rescheduled matches on the 28th of April - would this be the night the title was decided?
B&D League - Part 2, Week 14 round-up
Although both titles were already sewn up, there were still other matters at stake in the final round of the 2013-14 season.
UCU Belfast and District League part two
The League Controller has now notified the team captains about the divisional split.
New League timetable
With the unfortunate withdrawal of Bombardier the league timetable has been amended.
Civil Service Prize Giving Photos 2013
Civil Service Prize Giving Photos 2013
Last round Summer Tournament 2013
The last round of the Summer Tournament took place on Weds 18th September. Run by the UCU to provide an opportunity for tournament chess over the Summer when alot of the Chess Clubs Close. This year saw plenty of chess 19 rounds with 192 games and 39 players.
Culture Night 2013 photos
Culture Night 2013 photos
Childrens Chess kicked off in November - a warm-up for the Ulster Championships.
The first Childrens chess of the year was held at Methodist College on November 2nd. This starts the group of tournaments that leads to the top players being invited to Award Ceremony in June (previously held at Stormont). Quality Chess played by players from P2 to Upper Sixth. An excellent opportunity to practice for the Ulster Schools Championships in December.
ProblemSheets
Problem Sheets from Childrens Chess
Ulster Schools Championships 2013
Ulster Schools Championships 2013
Bangor vs NICS
NICS traipsed down to Groomsport for their final match of the season; missing the strong-man and President as well, the travellers fully expected to get a drubbing at the hands of a Bangor team who left it a bit late to get their act together. Well my-o-my it didn't quite turn out that way.
NICS Lackadaisical
NICS Lackadaisical Rapidplay was over and done in only a few hours. With barely time to draw breath between the 6 rounds, a clear winner emerged in this event though a selection of analogue & digital clocks were on-hand, just in case.
Fruithill vs NICS
The very first match-up in this season's Division 2 competition; NICS travel to Fruithill. After the first series of games both were more or less tied at the same level though their first encounter in 2013 ended most definitely in Fruithill's favour.
NICS vs Muldoons
NICS entertained Muldoons on Thursday for their first match up in Division 2. Unusually NICS had the edge ratings-wise but not by much; this one could go any way.
Belfast South trip themselves up
NICS headed off across the city for the Banker's Club to test the mettle of "Kelly's Heroes". Waiting in the bay-window with chess board at the ready was Ray Devenny with Sam Flanagan, camera in hand. This did not look good at all!
Bangor back on form
Bangor travelled to NICS on Thursday for their first meeting in Division 2 after the ignominious trouncing they received in the last match of the previous All-Play-All stage of the League competition. From his sick bed, Bangor club captain William McGratten send his team forward to try their best.
Ballynafeigh Do It Again
Ballynafeigh Division 2 squads both entertained opposition on Tuesday night: Paddy Magee's team took on NICS while the 4th team lead by Dennis Wilkinson setup ready for Belfast South's Kelly's Heroes. Anything could happen in either match.
NICS vs Fruithill
Back at home and NICS entertained Fruithill for their final meeting in the season; usually two well matched squads as board imbalances even out for the match. First match of the year went 4-0 for Fruithill, a draw in the second match. Could NICS actually nick more than a point on the night?
NICS Winter Lackadaisical
On the afternoon of Sunday 23rd March, NICS hosted their second lackadaisical rapidplay of the season, the 3rd in their grand prix series. A shortened field this time.
Cap'n Kelly Disappoints
For the first time, Belfast South travelled out to Dundonald to play NICS at their home venue. Kelly's Heroes arrived in bristling form not quite expecting the topsy-turvey match in store for them.
NICS @ Bangor
NICS travelled to Groomsport for the 2nd match-up against league leaders Bangor. Admittedly Bangor are well clear in the Division but considering the previous meeting at the seasiders, NICS could be in with a chance.
NICS entertain Ballynafeigh
NICS entertained a Ballynafeigh team - the one led by Paddy Magee. NICS had their full team roster out with all 7 boards in play. Past match-ups with Ballynafeigh have seldom been easy with the odd surprise or two.
Lavery Grabs Honours
Sundays final NICS Rapidplay was competing with the World Cup and some of the best weather we have had in quite a while. Still, a dozen stalwarts turned out to make Nick Pilkiewicz and Robert Lavery work for their prizes.
B&D League: week 3
3 weeks in and its all to play for with Silver King holders Fisherwick floundering in 6th position. Mind you it will be difficult to predict a final result with one club not playing each week and a bunch of teams at the bottom arguing over the wooden spoon.
Childrens Chess March2014
Childrens Chess March2014
Childrens Chess April2014
Childrens Chess April2014
LCU Junior team challenge 2014
LCU Junior team challenge April 2014
Ulster Rapidplay Championship 2014
Ulster Rapidplay Championship 2014
Gawain Jones Simul 2014
Gawain Jones Simul 2014
Mega-final 2014
Mega-final 2014
First week of the Summer tournament 2014
First week of the Summer tournament 2014
Stormont 2014
Stormont 2014
City of Belfast 2014
City of Belfast 2014
2014 Ulster Championships to be held at top Belfast Hotel: The Europa
This year sees a guaranteed prize fund totaling £1000 and for the eighth successive year the Europa Hotel is hosting the Ulster Chess Union's premier tournament over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
NICS at Fisherwick
NICS playing at Fisherwick: 04-11-2013
ChildrensChessJan2014
Childrens Chess Jan 2014 - news and pics
ChildrensChessFeb2014
Pics and article of Childrens Chess Feb2014
Kasparov's visit to Dublin 2014
Kasparov visits Dublin and spends time in a traditional Irish pub
Bangor vs Ballynafeigh 2
Bangor vs Ballynafeigh 2 - 12th December 2013
Lagan vs Ballynafeigh 2
Lagan vs Ballynafeigh 2 match report
B&D League - Part 2, Week 1 round-up
The divisional phase of the 2013/14 Belfast and District League gets underway, with the heavyweights slugging it out for the Silver King and three new teams joining the hunt for the John Strawbridge Cup.
B&D League - Part 2, Week 2 round-up
Lindores gain vital ground on leaders and champions Fisherwick.
"Smart Alex" wins Mulcahy Memorial
Alex Lopez wins the 46th Mulcahy Memorial in Cork; Belfast player, Martin Kelly, pivotal in Lopez successful tournament campaign.
Fruithill vs Ballynafeigh 3
Ballynafeigh 3 got themselves into hot water on Monday nights clash against Fruithill; the Ormeau Road novices were conceding an average of almost 500 rating points to their rivals on every board. This did not look good, but after two games a shock result looked in order.
Ulster Schools Individual Championship: Dec 7th.
Play the best and win the title of Ulster Schools Individual champion. Puzzle solving competition and informal coaching - plenty of chess fun
Ulster Masters 2013 at Ballynafeigh
The Ulster Masters is a weekend event taking place on 16th and 17th November 2013. We look forward to seeing you there!
Ulster Blitz Championship : December 28th
The third Ulster Blitz. December 28th at Ballynafeigh 12:00 Registration. Time control : 3 and 2. This means that each player will have 3 minutes for all their moves PLUS a 2 second increment for every move made. An exciting game played at an exciting rate....
Childrens Chess Jan 2014
Start the year with a fun chess competition. Informal coaching , chess puzzles and plenty of chess.
Childrens Chess Feb 2014
We invite all young chess players to enjoy an afternoon of fun chess, puzzle solving and informal coaching.
Childrens Chess March 2014
Who will be on the leader board for the grand-prix to win a place at the end of year prize giving (usually at Stormont)?
Williamson 2014 - Civil Service Social Club
In its 102nd year. The Williamson Shield - one of the best competitions of the year. Format: 6 rounds. 3 rounds per day. Maynard Sinclair Pavilion, Stormont.
Childrens Chess April 2014
Monthly opportunity to play chess for Primary and Secondary Students. A fun tournament and chess puzzle competition.
Mega-final: The Delancey UK Schools' Chess Challenge 2014
The Mega-final of the Delancey UK Schools’ Chess Challenge will be held on May 17th 2014 at Methodist College, Belfast.
Ulster Rapidplay Championship 2014
The top Ulster Rapidplay tournament - who's going to be this years Champion?
2014 AGM and League Awards
Ulster Chess Union AGM and League Awards ceremony, Tuesday 10th June at Ballynafeigh Community Development Centre, Ormeau Road, Belfast.
City of Belfast Championships 2014 ** Cancelled/Moved
This has been moved to June 7/8th. Weekend of 24th-25th May at the Ballynafeigh Chess Club, Ballynafeigh Community House, 283 Ormeau Road, Belfast.
The Eglantine Summer Tournament: Week 2
The UCU Eglantine Summer Tournament is open to all chess players and provides regular competitive chess during the summer months when many chess clubs are closed.
