2019-20 Season

Last Thursday we took part in a team arena tournament on LiChess against Bognor, Brighton, Crowborough, Eastbourne, and a team of other Mid-Sussex League players.
Playing for Horsham were Anthony, Chris, Dix, Marian, Monika, Nick, Richard and myself. Anthony repeated his form from last Thursday being the best player in the tournament with 5.5/6 and with pretty much everyone else in good form Horsham won the tournament comfortably.

Last Tuesday Horsham faced Warley Mighty Quinborne in round 2 of the 4NCL online league and we had white on even boards. Warley Mighty Quinborne are ranked first in our group on initial seeding so this was going to be a tough match.

Horsham Chess Club is running tournaments on chess.com on a weekly basis.

On Sunday we played a Swiss blitz tournament with 3 rounds. Lucy showed her prowess with a convincing 2.5/3 to win the tournament with ease.

On Thursday we tried the hectic Arena format where you get repaired instantly. It was generally agreed to be a lot better with some players getting in as many as 9 games. After the initial rush I managed to grab the lead and held it for the middle of the tournament. But Chris came storming through to snatch the lead and hold of all challengers.

The 4NCL has set up an online tournment taking place every Tuesday over the next ten weeks. Horsham's team is in the third division and today we faced our first opponents, 3 Smarties 1 Tube, who are one of the top teams in our division. Things got off to a smooth start with every game starting on time with no technical issues.

I thought it was time to replace the suspension news with a more jolly post - so here you go Horsham 1 dominating a very strong Division 1!

In the meantime we are looking into how best to promote chess in the new strange times - we are hoping to arrange some online tournaments so watch this space.

The club has closed with immediate effect as the church has been forced to close its premises:

It is with sadness that I email to let you know that as of this Friday the 20th March we will be closing our premises and cancelling all bookings for the time being. Unfortunately this will mean that you will be unable to meet next Tuesday. We do hope that we will soon be open for business and look forward to welcoming you back as soon as it is safety do so.

All parents should have received an email from me announcing the suspension of the junior club until the Easter holidays due to the coronavirus.

Stay safe everyone.

Announcement from Mid Sussex League:

In view of current events, including the advice of the ECF that evening leagues should be suspended, and the fact that some of our member clubs have already decided to curtail their activities, all MSCL matches are suspended from today, until further notice.

Obviously we are all being affected in one way or another by this ongoing health crisis.

The club and the Mid-Sussex League continues to meet as normal and we have made minor but sensible concessions where necessary - there is no need to shake hands for instance.

Of course some individuals are affected more than others , either at our club or other clubs . As a club we will respect anyone who needs to take additional measures. Please keep myself and Anthony informed if you have any queries.

Last Tuesday, Horsham 1 scored a crucial win over Worthing 1 in Mid-Sussex League Division 1.

Mike Forster was unable to make headway against Mike Nicholas's customary Alekhine, and so the game ended in a draw.

(Horsham 0.5 - Worthing 0.5)

Anthony Higgs's favourite Philidor proved an effective weapon against Cassie Graham, allowing him to pick up the first win of the match.

(Horsham 1.5 - Worthing 0.5)

However, Worthing struck back as Matthew Payne defeated Mark Broom in a wild game.

(Horsham 1.5 - Worthing 1.5)