Embedded Files
Cup defeat and a League defeat
In the Perry knock-out cup on Friday 13 March, the result was as tight as it could be. Meir lost on boards 1 and 2 but won on boards 3 and 4. The result is decided by "board count". Wins on boards 1 and 2 give a total of 3, while wins on boards 3 and 4 give a total of 7 - Cheddleton go on to the final. Cheddleton fielded players graded higher than ours on each board, particularly on board 3, where Gwyn was rated 100 below his opponent, but scored a win.
A week later, we were away to Cheddleton D, on a busy evening at their base at Saint Andrew's Methodist Church in Cheddleton. It was a key match, as they are "snapping at our heels" at the top of the division. They won - 2.5 to 1.5 - a hard fought evening. Congratulations to their players! We have only one fixture to play - against Holmes Chapel, currently third in the table, but with a game in hand.
Friendly afternoon chess in Leek
Friendly afternoon chess in Leek
At Leek Baptist Church, Rosebank Street, ST13 6QA
Every Thursday, 2 pm - 4 pm
No membership fees, just £1 per session, tea/coffee included
Further details from Ziggy on 07726 202016
Playing at the Army & Navy Club in Pall Mall, London
Playing at the Army & Navy Club in Pall Mall, London
One of our members, Martin, went down to London for the weekend of 13-15 March to play in a tournament at the Army and Navy Club. His results were mixed, though he did hold his own through most of a long game against the winner of the Minor, before failing to halt a queen attack and resigning. It was an unusual tournament, with a dress code, in a most prestigious location.
A new club for chess players in the north of the City
A new club for chess players in the north of the City
The Tunstall and Burslem Chess Club has opened, meeting at The Old Post Office, next door to the Queens Theatre in Burslem. They meet from 7 pm on Wednesdays at this lively venue; visitors are welcome. For more information, contact Andrew Crosby on 07591 493839.
"Period photo" on the left
Unbeaten this season - still!
Unbeaten this season - still!
With a convincing win in the Perry Cup, 3-1 against a team from Crewe on January 21, a League win against Crewe L, 4-0, and a draw with Gables C, Meir still remains unbeaten both in League and Cup. In the Perry Cup, a knock-out competition, we will play the winner of Cheddleton and Crewe 2 in the semi-final. Holmes Chapel C are creeping up on us, one point behind from the same number of matches.
Getting ready for our home match against Cheddleton D, before Christmas - photo by Dan, from Cheddleton.
Playing for the County
Playing for the County
Bob, Gwyn and Roger turned out for the County Under-1450 side on Saturday, January 24. Two wins out of three, and many thanks to Roger for driving to the match against Nottinghamshire at Bramcote. Staffordshire had to default a board because a player dropped out, sick. Notts won the match with 6.5 - 5.5. The Under-1850 team was also playing - they lost 7.5 - 4.5.
The Staffordshire Chess Congress is back this year, March 27 - 29
The Staffordshire Chess Congress is back this year, March 27 - 29
There will be another impressive venue for the next local Congress - the Victoria Hall at Kidsgrove Town Hall. The venue is a few minutes walk from Kidsgrove Railway Station, close to bus stops, and has free parking at the rear. Enjoy light refreshments and a licensed bar at the Hall. Play starts at 7.30 pm on Friday, March 27 and at 9.30 and 2.30 on the Saturday and Sunday following. More information here and a booking form. Don't delay, there are only 96 places.
Friendly chess in Leek
Friendly chess in Leek
Ken and Martin often go to play chess at the University of the Third Age (U3A) in Leek. It is one of the groups at U3A, and meets between 2 and 4 on Tuesday afternoons. U3A is run by volunteers for people who are no longer in full-time work, who are retired or semi-retired. All Members pay an annual subscription and members of the Chess group pay £1 at each session (which includes a cup of tea). This is friendly, social chess. One of the members likes the group partly because it meets in the afternoon rather than running late into the dark winter nights. There is a link on the "Links" page.
Staffordshire Chess Congress 2025
Staffordshire Chess Congress 2025
Bob and Martin, from Meir, joined some 90 players at the Staffordshire Congress on August 16 and 17. It marked the centenary of the establishment of the City of Stoke-on-Trent. The Congress was held in the impressive Kings Hall at Stoke Town Hall, thanks to the generosity of the City Council. The congress was opened by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Steve Watkins, who, after a short speech, played the first move on the top board.
Nearly half the players were from local clubs, while others had travelled to the City for the congress. The volunteer organisers worked hard to make the event an enjoyable success. There are more details on the Staffordshire Chess Association web site.
Bob won two games, drew one game and lost two; Martin won one, drew two and lost two. Both played in the Minor section (for players with a grade below 1450).
The Lord Mayor makes the first move on the top board to start the Congress
Chess in City libraries
Chess in City libraries
Martin, from the Meir Chess Club, joined the group that plays chess in Hanley Library every Wednesday afternoon from 2 pm. It is run by volunteers, guided by the charity "Chess in Schools and Communities." Sikhander Ali and Andrew Crosby oversee the group. They also started a group in Tunstall Library on Friday afternoons. Martin played in the first inter-library match, at Tunstall.
Players, from beginners upwards, can drop in, have a cup of tea, and play chess.
Library staff and the group volunteers will make you welcome. It is a sociable way to play chess "over the board."
The encouraging story of an inspiring Nigerian prodigy
Andrew Crosby, is the editor of "The Gift of Chess: the Ivie Urieto Story." It is a narrative that captures the heart of a young prodigy's journey and the unwavering support of her father who believed in her. It reminds us that every child, if guided by love and purpose can achieve remarkable things, in chess and in much more. The book is available on Kindle.
Andrew Crosby at Tunstall Library
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