Rookies Games

From the get go, Rookie always include a game at the end of his column, more often than not a match between local players. Browse this unique snapshot of local chess reportage

Darby vs Kelly

Ballyfermot Open, Dublin Nov 1989

Darby vs Kelly - Read More…

Addidle vs Heape

King’s Gambit: Prestel tournament, 28/8/89

Addidle vs Heape - Read More…

Hunt vs Gillen

British under-12, Plymouth 11th August 1989

Hunt vs Gillen - Read More…

J.McLean vs M.Kelly

Junior Tournament, St. Patrick's Chess Festival, Castlebar, March 1983 Shows how dangerous a gambit can be

J.McLean vs M.Kelly - Read More…

P Carton vs M Kelly

Meanwhile, study this complicated game involving Northerners in Dundalk, in which Patrick Carton (Newcastle) boxed-in Martin Kelly (Fisherwick).

P Carton vs M Kelly - Read More…

N Carton vs P O'Hanlon

In this recent game from the Dundalk Open, the joint winners of the Newtownards Senior shows how attacking on both flanks pays dividends:

N Carton vs P O'Hanlon - Read More…

K McCann vs W Ginn

Kevin McCann's win over William Ginn and a tonic it proved as he was third in the Ulster Senior Schoolboys

K McCann vs W Ginn - Read More…

R Henderson vs H Beckett

This wee, the first seed in the Newcastle Major, Ron's recent rewarding run was rendered redundant

R Henderson vs H Beckett - Read More…

News
Saturday 14th Feb 2026 and another brilliant monthly Childrens Chess Tournament. Youngsters from all over Ulster gathered at Methodist College to compete in an afternoon of Chess, a swiss tournament an... Feb 21, 2026
UCU Events Update – Remainder of the Season This has been a challenging year for UCU events; however, we have been fortunate to secure arbiters for events held so f... Feb 21, 2026
Standings of the Childrens Chess Grandprix after January 2026. The Ulster Chess Union runs monthly tournaments at Methodist College. All pupils are welcome to play. Five of these tour... Feb 07, 2026
The new year and the chess league continues.... Playing chess in a team is one of those joys of chess. You have the beautiful game and the team spirit. Each player focu... Feb 01, 2026
Williamson Shield 2026: Storms, Strategy, and a New Champion A report by Chris Dorrian Jan 28, 2026
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Upcoming Events
FIDE rated Ulster Rapidplay Championship 2026 Feb 28, 2026 09:30 AM - 04:30 PM — Fruithill Chess Club, Falls Bowling Club, 63 Andersonstown Rd, Belfast, BT11 9AH
Women's Chess Day with special guest - WGM Trisha Kanyamarala Mar 08, 2026 12:00 PM - 04:00 PM — Lisburn Chess Club, 60-62 Longstone Street
FIDE RATED Coalisland Blitz Championship 2026 Tuesday 10 March 2026. Check-in at 19:50 The 10 rounds will be played back-to-back from 20:00 to 22:30 Time-control 3-... Mar 10, 2026 07:50 PM - 10:30 PM — Washingbay Centre, 92 Ballybeg Road, Aughamullan, Coalisland, County Tyrone, BT71 5DX
Third Executive Board Meeting Agenda TBC Mar 10, 2026 08:00 PM - 09:30 PM — Lisburn Chess Club
March 14th 2026 Childrens Chess 12:30 – 5:00 UCU Monthly Schools Chess Tournaments Continues at Methodist College. Mar 14, 2026 12:30 PM - 05:00 PM — Methodist College,1 Malone Rd, Belfast BT9 6BY
Upcoming events…