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

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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 Summer Tournament Weds 17th June at Civil Service The Summer Tournament is at Civil Service Social Club starting Wednesday 6th May 2026 at the Maynard Sinclair Pavilion a... Jun 17, 2026 07:15 PM - 10:30 PM — NICS,Maynard Sinclair Pavilion, Stormont, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3TA
Cancelled: Summer Tournament Weds 24th June due to International Cricket The Pavilion/facitilies are being prepared/used for International Cricket - so not available on Weds 24th June. Chess i... Jun 24, 2026 07:15 PM - 10:30 PM
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