U1800 FIDE RATED Jamison Classical Chess Academy 2026

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 6JR

Contact email: fidechessni@gmail.com

Early entry list:

John Rollins (Adult) 1703 [FIDE classic]

Chris Armstrong (Adult) 1640 [FIDE classic]

Rory Miller (age 14) 1548 [FIDE rapid]

Alex McKeown (age 10) 1515 [FIDE rapid]

Seren Winstanley (age 14) 1454 [FIDE rapid]

Paul O'Connor (Adult) 1446 [FIDE classic]

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Entry list correct as at 18:43 on 30 December 2025

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Details: 3 day Jamison Chess Academy: Sunday 8 to Tuesday 10 February 2026

During school mid-term break. Open to adults and children. This U1800 chess academy is ideal for players rated in 1400s to 1700s. This course is not suitable for beginners, it is aimed at intermediate level. Entrants should already hold a FIDE classic, rapid or blitz rating in the 1400s to 1700s range. Level 1 is titled The Golden Pawn and successful graduates will receive a golden pawn trophy (see flyer).

Pupils attending this course will enjoy a small group teaching format with 2 demo board sessions per day by Club Masters, opening trouble-shooting, in-depth post-game analysis and 6 classic rated games (2 per day at 1 hour each per player)

Limited to a maximum of 8 players

Book and prepay early to secure a place.

Venue: Maxwell Hall, Groomsport + analysis space: Avril Morley Room

Course fees = 90 GBP (discounted to 45 GBP for members of Bangor Chess Club). It is free entry for additional players from the same family. Retired/unemployed/full-time students are also eligible to a 50% reduction therefore 45 GBP instead of 90 GBP.

The course fees will cover the venue hire for the 3 days. Please note, we are not using Bangor Chess Club funds for this 3 day chess academy as participation is extremely limited.

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Course Schedule

DAY 1 of 3: Sunday 8 February 2026

Morning session:

11:15 to 11:45 Morning Lecture: Beating a Grandmaster

Demo board talk exploring Reti opening theory, including a GM victory from May 2025. The talks are designed to be interactive so pupils will be asked to present good moves at different points of the lines discussed.

11:45 to 12:00 - break

It is recommended players take a walk outside to get some fresh air for a few minutes.

12:00 to 14:00 - Classic game 1

Players will compete in a FIDE rated classic game at a time control of 60+0.

When the game is finished, pupils will move to the Avril Morley Room for post-game analysis.

14:00 to 14:45 - break

Lunch break: pupils are encouraged to bring a pack-lunch with them. Food can be eaten in the Avril Morley Room at any time throughout the 3 days

Afternoon session:

14:45 to 15:15 - demo board game analysis

We will play through one of the games from the morning classic with Club Master deep dive analysis (selected from viewing the live games in progress during the morning session).

15:15 to 15:30 - break

It is recommended players take a walk outside to get some fresh air for a few minutes.

15:30 to 17:30 - Classic game 2

Players will compete in a FIDE rated classic game at a time control of 60+0 When the game is finished, pupils will move to the Avril Morley Room for post-game analysis.

Ends 17:30

DAY 2 of 3 Monday 9 February 2026

Morning session:

10:15 to 10:45 Morning Lecture: Beating a Grandmaster

Club Master will deliver a demo board talk, hand-out will be supplied so pupils can play over the ideas at home afterwards.

10:45 to 11:00 - break

It is recommended players take a walk outside to get some fresh air for a few minutes.

11:00 to 13:00 - Classic game 3

Players will compete in a FIDE rated classic game at a time control of 60+0 When the game is finished, pupils will move to the Avril Morley Room for post-game analysis.

13:00 to 13:45 - break

Lunch break: pupils are encouraged to bring a pack-lunch with them Food can be eaten in the Avril Morley Room at any time throughout the 3 days.

Afternoon session:

13:45 to 14:30 - demo board game analysis

We will play through one of the games from the morning classic with Club Master deep dive analysis (selected from viewing the live games in progress during the morning session).

14:30 to 14:45 - break

It is recommended players take a walk outside to get some fresh air for a few minutes.

14:45 to 16:45 - Classic game 4

Players will compete in a FIDE rated classic game at a time control of 60+0

16:45 to 17:15 - game analysis

When the classic game is finished, pupils will move to the Avril Morley Room for post-game analysis.

Ends 17:15

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DAY 3 of 3 Tuesday 10 February 2026

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Morning session:

10:15 to 10:45 Morning Demo Board Lecture: Trouble-shooting openings with a Club Master

Details: Q&A session where we'll present solutions to opening difficulties.

10:45 to 11:00 - break

It is recommended players take a walk outside to get some fresh air for a few minutes.

11:00 to 13:00 - Classic game 5

Players will compete in a FIDE rated classic game at a time control of 60+0 When the game is finished, pupils will move to the Avril Morley Room for post-game analysis.

13:00 to 13:45 – break

Lunch break: pupils are encouraged to bring a pack-lunch with them. Food can be eaten in the Avril Morley Room at any time throughout the 3 days

Afternoon session:

13:45 to 14:30 - demo board game analysis

We will play through one of the games from the morning classic with Club Master deep dive analysis (selected from viewing the live games in progress during the morning session).

14:30 to 14:45 - break

It is recommended players take a walk outside to get some fresh air for a few minutes.

14:45 to 16:45 - Classic game 6

Players will compete in a FIDE rated classic game at a time control of 60+0 When the game is finished, pupils will move to the Avril Morley Room for post-game analysis.

16:45 to 17:15 Demo Board Lecture: Summary of what we have learned across the 3 days.

Ends 17:15