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
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
Chess Players of Carrickfergus and Beyond! The Ulster Chess Union is delighted to have been contacted to share the details of a new club coming in Carrickfergus. Jan 21, 2026
The New Year - Welcome - and Childrens Chess continues at Methodist College : Sat Jan 10th 2026 Young players gathered at Methodist College to compete in the monthly Chess tournaments. Players of all ages from P2 to ... Jan 13, 2026
Christmas and New Year sees the Ulster Blitz Championships 2025/26 Hosted by Fruithill Chess Club, Falls Bowling Club. A brilliant venue and Chess Club. 37 players played a marathon of 18... Jan 03, 2026
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Upcoming Events
Sligo Chess & Culture Festival Jan 30th - Feb 8th 2026 The Sligo Chess and Culture Festival will have entertainment, social, cultural, and sporting activities, chess talks, wo... Jan 30, 2026 - Feb 08, 2026 — Diamond Coast Hotel, Enniscrone, Ireland
U1800 FIDE RATED Jamison Classical Chess Academy 2026 Sunday 8 February 2026 to Tuesday 10 February 2026 Venue:Maxwell Hall, 30 Main Street, Groomsport, County Down, BT19 6J... Feb 08, 2026 - Feb 10, 2026 — Maxwell Hall, 30 Main Street, Groomsport, County Down, BT19 6JR
February 14th 2026 Childrens Chess 12:30 – 5:00 UCU Monthly Schools Chess Tournaments Continues at Methodist College. Feb 14, 2026 12:30 PM - 05:00 PM — Methodist College,1 Malone Rd, Belfast BT9 6BY
FIDE rated Team Match: Northern Ireland v India. Saturday 21 Feb 2026 A Bangor Chess Club initiative, celebrating the outstanding contribution that players from the local Indian community ha... Feb 21, 2026 10:15 AM - 04:30 PM — Queen’s Hall, 13 West Street, Newtownards, BT23 4EN
Ulster Rapidplay Championship 2026 FIDE registration TBC Feb 28, 2026 09:30 AM - 04:30 PM — Fruithill Chess Club, Falls Bowling Club, 63 Andersonstown Rd, Belfast, BT11 9AH
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