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

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Addidle vs Heape

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

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Hunt vs Gillen

British under-12, Plymouth 11th August 1989

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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
Annual Prize giving at Stormont took place on Friday June 5th 2026 MLA Naomi Long invited top young chess players to Stormont. To celebrate young chess players. With competitions and awar... Jun 14, 2026
Brilliant day of Fischer Random Chess. Ulster 2026 Champion crowned. On Saturday 13th June 2026. At 10:30am 14 players gathered to play the very challenging and fun game of Fischer Random. ... Jun 14, 2026
The Delancey Schools UK Chess Challenge Belfast Megafinal took place on May 9th 2026 This marks the end of our monthly Childrens Chess Tournaments. A brilliant one day qualifier for the prestigious Delance... May 30, 2026
Arkell Put to the Test in Carrickfergus English chess legend pushed all the way as local players claim two wins and two draws in a memorable evening for the Uls... May 27, 2026
City of Belfast Chess Tournament Delivers Drama, Upsets, and Two Champions in a Thrilling 2026 Edition The May Bank Holiday weekend brought six intense rounds of competitive chess to Lisburn Chess Club, as 34 players from a... May 22, 2026
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Upcoming Events
The Citi Belfast Charity Rapidplay July 30th 2026. ( FIDE rated) Rapidplay tournament at Citi Offices on Thursday 30th July Round 1 starts at 7:30pm. All monies being dona... Jul 30, 2026 07:15 PM - 10:30 PM — Citi, Gateway Offices, 60 Sydenham Rd, Belfast BT3 9DP.
FIDE RATED Bangor City Centre Summer Weekday Classic 2026 3 day mid-week event: Rounds each day at at 10:00 to 13:00 and 13:45 to 16:45 Tuesday 18 August 2026 Wednesday 19 Aug... Aug 18, 2026 10:00 AM - 04:45 PM — Marquis hall, Castle Park, 5 Abbey Street, Bangor, BT20 4JE
FIDE RATED Bangor City Centre Summer Weekday Classic 2026: Day 2 3 day mid-week event: Rounds each day at at 10:00 to 13:00 and 13:45 to 16:45 Wednesday 19 August 2026 Thursday 20 A... Aug 19, 2026 10:00 AM - 04:45 PM — Marquis hall, Castle Park, 5 Abbey Street, Bangor, BT20 4JE
FIDE RATED Bangor City Centre Summer Weekday Classic 2026: Day3 3 day mid-week event: Rounds each day at at 10:00 to 13:00 and 13:45 to 16:45 Thursday 20 August 2026 Aug 20, 2026 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM — Marquis hall, Castle Park, 5 Abbey Street, Bangor, BT20 4JE
FIDE Rated Ulster Championships 2026 Aug 29, 2026 - Aug 31, 2026 — Blackmountain Shared Space, 280 Ballygomartin Road, Belfast, BT13 3NG
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