Doug Rawlinson Trophy
The Scarborough Chess Club will be holding the Doug Rawlinson Rapid Play competition on Monday the 27 September commencing at 7.30 pm at the Roscoe Rooms, Roscoe Street, Scarborough. This gives players the opportunity to play five games in the evening against different opponents. You do not need to be a member of the club to attend but a fee of £3.00 is payable for the night by non members.
Scarborough Chess Club - Back in Action
The Scarborough Chess Club is back in action following the Covid restrictions and lock downs.
After enjoying the hospitality of the North Riding Public House for over ten years the club has moved to the Roscoe Rooms on Roscoe Street, Scarborough. Club nights will be Mondays with games starting at 7.30 pm. Training evenings will be the first week of the month and the Club is anticipating playing again in the York and District League later in the year.
Sad News
The Scarborough Chess Club has lost one of its stalwart members when Malcolm Peart passed away on the 9 January 2021. Malcolm joined the club in the early 1980s and went on to win the Club Championship a total of thirteen times. The first was in 1991 and the last was in 2011. Over the years he also won all of the other competitions organised by the Club. It was his initiative for the Club to enter the National Club Championship. This resulted in the club winning the Intermediate Plate in 1987 and Malcolm winning the Best Game Prize in the Major Section and a prize of £50.
Over the years Malcolm carried out many roles for the Club starting as Team Captain and moving on to President before making the role of Publicity and Training Officer his own. He was always keen on giving players the opportunity to improve and felt handicap games could allow them to win some games and encourage them to improve further. He ran the club's time handicap and material handicap quick play competitions to complement his first Tuesday of the month training events for many years, which were very popular. Much to his consternation he went on to win the events despite the handicap applied on a number of occasions. He will be greatly missed by the members of the Club.
(Further information on Yorkshire Chess site)
Scarborough v Ye Olde Starre Inne
Scarborough Chess Club continued their quest for a first ever league title with a home match against Ye Olde Starre Inne. The visitors had been a bête noire for the Seasiders this season, beating them both in the reverse league fixture, and knocking them out of the cup. Revenge was definitely on the minds of the team.
The home team had their strongest side of the season available, with Jon Ayres coming in to replace captain Simon Dixon on bottom board. They held a rating advantage of 979-950, or only 5 points a board, so it looked like a tight struggle would ensue.
Jon Ayres, making his seasonal debut, got Scarborough off to a flying start with a nice positional squeeze. Paul Hutchinson then continued his good form with a win, shortly followed by top board John Jarmany making it 3-0 with some nice middle game tactics. Les Wells made sure both points were safe with a solid draw. Chris Dossett, (who was appropriately for Valentine’s Eve playing Mr Darling), poured on more misery for the visitors with a nice queen side attack after the kings had castles on opposite sides. Simon Chester then drew the final game after sacrificing a knight for two pawns, but not quite finding the winning line in a complicated endgame.
This was Scarborough's best win of the season and closes the gap on leaders Acomb.
Match Card
Scarborough next have an away game against Eagle and Child 2, who beat them in the reverse fixture in January. If they can reverse that result, a showdown with last year’s champions and current leaders Acomb, could decide the destiny of this year’s title.
League Table
Match Reports
Scarborough chess club have had a strange start to the second half of the season. Firstly, they entertained Eagle and Child 2, who were just behind them in the league standings. Unfortunately for the Seasiders two of the middle order were unavailable, but they still held a 953-917 rating advantage going into the match.
Super-sub Malcolm Kirby, playing his first game of the season started things off with a smooth victory on bottom board. Regrettably, for the home team, this turned out to be the high point of the match for them as Simon Dixon and Simon Chester both succumbed to the pressure and lost. John Jarmany and Neil Pennock kept the match alive with draws, but Paul Hutchinson, needing a win to tie the match, overpressed and lost.
Match Card
A home match with Cavaliers was next on the fixture list for Scarborough. Unfortunately, the Away team could not raise a team and defaulted the match 6-0 to Scarborough.
A trip to Eagle and Child 1 came next. The Seasiders had both Chris Dossett and Les Wells back in their lineup but were missing Neil Pennock. Despite this absence, Scarborough held a 966-900 edge on grades, or 11 points a board, so they started slight favourites .
First to finish was captain Simon Dixon, who won from a tricky position, despite being a pawn down, his active King being the deciding factor. John Jarmany then slipped to a rare defeat on top board when his attack fizzled out. Paul Hutchinson then restored the lead for the visitors with a smooth win. Simon Chester then drew, shortly followed by another draw from Chris Dossett, who could not convert his extra pawn into anything substantial. This left Les Wells needing at least a draw to secure both points. With both players in severe time trouble mistakes and illegal moves happened on both sides. The dispute could not be resolved and this game will have to be resolved by the league. Scarborough have at least a draw in the match, but are hoping to get both points after the stewards enquiry.
Match Card
This result may play a big part in who wins the league, as Scarborough dare second, a couple of points behind Acomb, who still have to visit the coast in what could be a title decider.
Scalby School Chess Tournament 2020.
Scalby School are running a chess tournament - details below.
Venue: Scalby School, Fieldstead Crescent, Scarborough YO12 6TH. Tel: 01723-362301-Neven Buric.
Date: Saturday 1st February 2020.
Times: 9.30-5.0
Rules of Competition: 6 Round Swiss with 20 minutes each on the clock. Where possible games to be scored.
Chess Experience: Suitable for any chess player ages 8-16.
Refreshments: Some available on site or can bring packed lunch.
Entry Fee: FREE ENTRY.
Prizes-To be presented at the end also medals and certificates.
Contact Neven Buric (details above) to enter or for more information.
Match Report - Acomb v Scarborough
Scarborough chess club faced their toughest match of the season, with an away fixture at last year’s champions, and current leaders Acomb. This match had been put back a couple of weeks to avoid a fixture pile-up. Both teams were in good form, with Acomb unbeaten, and Scarborough having won their three latest matches, all by the narrowest possible margin.
The home team not only held the advantage of not having to travel, but on grades they were ahead 1051-968, or very nearly 14 points a board. Only board two, Paul Hutchinson held a rating advantage and then only by a single point. Simon Chester faced the biggest challenge, being 27 rating points lower than his opponent.
First to finish was Neil Pennock, who put up such a good defence that his opponent Michael Jackson found it impossible to “beat it", and the game was drawn. Scarborough captain Simon Dixon then succumbed to the inevitable, with his opponent two pieces ahead for no compensation, to put Acomb ahead. Simon Chester also lost, as his highly rated foe played well in time trouble to put the home side two up with three to play.
Top board John Jarmany then raised the Seasider’s hopes with a nice win after sacrificing a pawn for development, then crashing through. Chris Dossett had been struggling, going first a pawn and then an exchange down, but in the knight and pawn, versus rook and pawns endgame, the steed proved equal to the castle and the game was drawn. This left Paul Hutchinson, in mutual time trouble, to queen a pawn and win the game, securing a very entertaining and close-fought draw in the match.
Match Card
This result leaves both teams at the top of the table, going into the Christmas break, with everything to play for in the second half of the season.
League Table
Scarborough v York R.I. Kings
Scarborough Chess Club entertained Royal Institute Kings on Thursday, hoping to move up the standings with another victory. Their season had started with a narrow loss, but successive wins had boosted their hopes of claiming the York and District League title for the first time in their history.
Captain Simon Dixon had generously agreed to play the match over 4 boards instead of the usual 6, as the visitors were short of two players for the long trip to the coast. There was also a last minute change of venue, as their normal home was double booked. The Cask Inn agreed to let them play there at short notice though, so things were all set for the clash to go ahead.
Scarborough held the upper hand on grades, as for the first time this season both John Jarmany and Paul Hutchinson were available together. The disparity of 690-563, or 31 points a board was the largest they had held all season, but things were to prove much tighter over the board than this would suggest.
First to finish was Paul Hutchinson who crushed his opponent with a strong attack inside an hour. Things were looking much closer on the other three boards though, and it looked as if all three results were still possible. Les Wells then offered a draw in a complicated position, which was accepted by the opposing captain. Chris Dossett was a pawn up but the position was ssuch that either side pushing for a win was too risky, and the game was drawn by repetition. John Jarmany was ahead by an exchange but his opponent had set up a fiendish trap with could lead to a back rank mate. John had a perpetual check against the opposition king though, which he knew would seal the match for Scarborough, so he took it. This gave the Seasiders a third win on the bounce, all by the narrowest possible margin.
Match Card
This victory moves Scarborough up to 2nd place in the league table, level on points with leaders Acomb. These teams clash next Thursday in Acomb, where the Seasiders hope to extend their winning streak to four and, at the same time, claim top spot in the division before the Christmas break.
League Table
Scarborough v Eagle and Child 1
Scarborough Chess Club had their first home game of the season on Thursday when they entertained perennial high flyers Eagle and Child 1. This was all set to be a tough encounter against a team that Scarborough had never beaten. The visitors held a 1000-940 rating advantage, or ten points a board; this isn’t always the deciding factor though. Eagle and Child top board International Master Simon Ansell was not available, whilst the Seasiders kept the same team that won their previous match last month.
Scarborough captain Simon Dixon was first on the scoresheet, giving the home team an early lead with the white pieces. Simon Chester then kept his unbeaten record intact with a draw in a blocked position. Chris Dossett also drew in a complicated position against his higher rated opponent. John Jarmany then ensured at least a draw in the match, making it 3-1 with a smooth finish when both players were short of time. Les Wells had gone a pawn down early in the game and had wrecked pawns. He struggled to a rook and pawn endgame, but could not hold it. This left Neil Pennock to ensure both points came to Scarborough with a hard fought draw.
Match Card
Scarborough now entertain R. I. Kings, who they have already beaten this season, so they hope to take their winning streak to three.
The league table makes interesting reading, with everyone having dropped at least two points.
League Table
York R.I. Kings v Scarborough
Scarborough Chess Club were on the road again for their second match of the new season, when they faced the Railway Institute Kings. After a disappointing loss in the opening fixture, they were hoping to get back to winning ways. Although new recruit Paul Hutchinson was not available, Scarborough did have club champion John Jarmany back on top board. Otherwise, captain Simon Dixon selected the same team.
On grading, the Seasiders had an advantage of 940-848, or 15 points a board, so they started strong favourites to take both points back to the coast.
First to finish was Neil Pennock who won quickly, when he used a knight to create what is known as a ‘family fork', attacking king and queen at the same time. Chris Dossett then drew in a Budapest Gambit when his opponent returned the gambitted pawn to get an equal position. The sole victor in the previous match, Simon Dixon, then went wrong in an ending with bishops of opposite colours, which levelled the match. Simon Chester then got his second draw of the season, despite being down to his last 5 minutes. Les Wells then showed good technique to finish off his opponent when his rooks mopped up all his opponents weak pawns. This left only John Jarmany on top board, needing a draw to secure the points. His opponent had sacrificed a rook for a vicious looking attack. John gave back the material to reach a queen and pawn endgame where his king had no shelter from checks, so a draw was agreed.
This gave Scarborough victory by the narrowest of margins, after losing by the same score in their first match.
Match Card
Scarborough now have a break until November 7th when they play their first home fixture of the season against a strong Eagle and Child first team. If the hosts have both John Jarmany and Paul Hutchinson (each of whom have wins against Grandmasters in the past), available, they could shock the visitors.
Ye Olde Starres v Scarborough
Scarborough Chess Club started the new season in the York and District League, Division One, with a difficult away trip to the newly renamed Ye Olde Starres. The name change is due to a switch in venue, and they now play in the oldest tavern in York. The home team outgraded the visitors on every board, holding an overall 1014-920 rating advantage, or 16 points a board, but the match proved a lot closer than could have been expected. Scarborough were missing top board and club champion John Jarmany, but they have recruited Paul Hutchinson, a very strong player making his comeback after a ten year hiatus.
Les Wells was first on the scoresheet for the visitors, with a well earned draw against his experienced opponent. Neil Pennock also drew a complicated game in the Queens Gambit declined opening. Chris Dossett then slipped up in a Sicilian Defence after some wild complications, to put the home team in front. Paul Hutchinson mis-remembered the best move order in a Leningrad Dutch and went down to his highly rated opponent. Ye Olde Starres then got the half point they needed to secure victory when Simon Chester could not find a way to win in a blocked position and a draw was agreed. Captain Simon Dixon got a consolation victory on bottom board when his opponent ran out of time. This meant Scarborough lost by the narrowest of margins.
Match Card
Although this is a disappointing start to the season, if Scarborough can get their strongest team out regularly, they could still challenge for a top three finish.
League Table
Doug Rawlinson Rapid Play
The club will be holding an evening event on the 18 June which will give players of all levels the opportunity to play five games in the evening. Anybody is welcome to attend. The event will commence at 7.30 pm at the North Riding Public House, North Marine Road, Scarborough.
Chess report 2018/19 season, matches 1 and 2
Scarborough Chess Club first team had a tough start to the season in prospect with two tricky away games.
Firstly, they were to face the current league champions and favourites to retain their title, Terriers. Scarborough were also behind on ratings, with the home team holding a 1015-925 advantage, or 15 points a board. To make matters worse for the Seasiders, they were missing Chris Dossett who was runner-up in the Scarborough Club Championships in the last two years. They did however have a new recruit in Les Wells who used to play in the York League some years ago when he lived in the area.
The situation looked equal in for much of the match, but gradually things started to move in the direction of the home team. First Colin Weller, then Simon Chester and Simon Dixon lost control and Scarborough found themselves 3-0 down. John Jarmany pulled one back on top board with a well-timed mating attack, but Neil Pennock could not extricate himself and eventually lost on time to secure the points for Terriers. Debutant Les Wells then won, against his highly rated opponent, to make the final score more respectable.
Match Card
Scarborough’s second match of the season was another tricky trip to newly promoted Railway Institute Kings. They ran away with the second division title last year and had already started this season with a victory against a team with higher ratings than themselves. For this match Scarborough welcomed back Chris Dossett, but new player Les Wells was unavailable due to a non-chess related injury. Scarborough held a 940-841 rating advantage, or 16 points a board, so started as favourites, though the home side looked to have strength in depth.
The Seasiders started off brightly with a couple of solid wins on the top two boards, John Jarmany and Neil Pennock. With two points on the board and four games still playing, things were looking good, but the situation was worsening on the games still in play. Captain, Simon Dixon though a pawn down, managed to secure a draw, but Colin Weller on bottom board succumbed to his opponent’s sacrificial attack to make the score 2.5/1.5 to the away team. Simon Chester then lost from a good position to bring the scores level. Chris Dossett was 3 pawns down and looked lost, but he managed to swap into an ending where each side had a bishop, but of opposite colours, where the material disadvantage was not decisive, and a draw was agreed for both the game and the match.
Match Card
Scarborough now have a break until November for their first home game of the season against Eagle and Child first team.
AGM and Quickplay Competion
Scarborough Chess Club held its Annual Meeting at the end of May marking another successful season in the York and District League. The first Team came joint third in the First Division and the Second Team came third in the Second Division, whilst winning the knock out cup in a very close final match. The members are now looking forward to the British Chess Championships which this year will be held in Hull at the end of July. This competition has events for all levels of chess player and a number of members of the club are planning to participate.
The club will be holding an evening event on the 19 June which will give players of all levels the opportunity to play five games in the evening. Anybody is welcome to attend. The event will commence at 7.30 pm at the North Riding Public House, North Marine Road, Scarborough.
Club Championship Result - 2017/2018 Season
The Scarborough Club Championship has been won by John Jarmany for the 7th consecutive year. John scored 9 points from a possible 10, winning 8 games and drawing against Simon Chester and the second placed Chris Dossett. Chris finished with 8.5 points and remains unbeaten for the last 2 years.
The Club Championship has been running for over 100 years and all club members can enter. This season it was an "all play all" format.
Match Reports from 29th March 2018
There was an exciting night in prospect at the Scarborough Chess Club on Thursday as the first team were playing a vital league game and the second team were completing in the reserve team Cup Final, this year only open to teams not in the top division.
A difficult decision had to be made first, as only 10 players were available for 11 boards. Simon Dixon, who normally plays bottom board for the first team and top board for the second team, decided that the Cup Final had to take priority.
This meant that the first team started a player short. Coupled with this, Brigantes 1st team had a rating advantage of 831-788, or 8 ½ points a board. The Seasiders had the proverbial mountain to climb.
All the games were long and hard fought, with several swinging forward and backwards as each side strived for an advantage. Simon Chester had to settle for a draw, despite having pressure, but his opponent defended stoutly. Stan Lovell, making his seasonal debut for the first team was playing an old foe in Michael Jackson, but at the end of a “thriller” of a game, Stan succumbed to pressure and lost. This put Scarborough ½ - 2 ½ down with the top three boards still playing, needing a comeback akin to Lazarus.
Next to finish was Neil Pennock who continued his excellent season with a fine win after his opponent dropped a piece. Chris Dossett then applied pressure, with his opponent’s king caught in the open and won with a neat ending. Top board John Jarmany then applied the coup-de-grace after being under pressure for most of the game, to seal the win for Scarborough.
York League Division One 29/03/18
Scarboro Castles 3½ - 2½ Brigantes 1
1 196 John Jarmany B 1 0 Gavyn Cooper 191
2 167 Neil Pennock W 1 0 Richard Cowan 168
3 160 Chris S Dossett B 1 0 Peter R Harrington 179
4 146 Simon Chester W ½ ½ Paul May 152
5 119 Stan Lovell B 0 1 Michael Jackson 141
6 0 Default W 0 1 Richard Mounce 144
Meanwhile Scarborough second team were also facing a ratings disadvantage of 8 ½ points a board, as Brigantes third team lead that particular battle by 608-566. As we all know though, the tension of a Cup Final can do strange things to people and favourites on paper do not always come out on top.
First to finish was top board and captain Simon Dixon. His highly rated opponent took a pawn with queen and announced checkmate, only to find that Simon had a knight protecting the pawn, and it was not checkmate at all. It was a crazy blunder for a beginner to make, yet alone someone graded 157. This win for Scarborough was followed by two draws from Nigel Yates and Malcolm Kirby. Bottom board Ronnie Noble could not weather the storm of pieces invading his position and lost, but Colin Weller stayed calm in his opponent’s time trouble and scored the win that brings the cup to Scarborough.
York League Division Two Cup Final 29/03/18
Scarborough B 3 - 2 Brigantes 3
1 146 Simon Dixon B 1 0 Bob Maltby 157
2 121 Malcolm Kirby W ½ ½ Ashley Carr 124
3 127 Colin Weller B 1 0 Sri Sriharan 114
4 86 Nigel Yates W ½ ½ Rodney Mitchinson 99
5 86 Ronnie Noble B 0 1 James Dessent 114
With one game to go in the top division, Scarborough have an excellent chance of their highest ever finish of third. In their last game of the season, they play Railway Institute Cavaliers, who are just behind them in the table.
League Table
Chess Results
It has been a difficult period for Scarborough chess club, with some tough matches. They are trying to achieve a top three finish in the York and District League top division, which would be the highest position in their history.
First on the fixture list was a home match with Terriers, who are fighting it out with Eagle and Child first team for the league title. The visitors had a slender 993-982 rating advantage, or two points a board, so it was set to be a tight match.
Jon Ayres started things off with a draw, shortly followed John Jarmany and Chris Dossett also sharing the points. Neil Pennock then lost for the first time this season to put Terriers ahead. Gary Morris stayed calm after an attempted sacrifice by his opponent backfired, equalising the match. This left everything riding on Simon Chester’s match, but with both players short of time, Simon’s defences collapsed and the match was lost.
York League Division One
22/02/18 Scarboro Castles 2½ 3½ Terriers 1
1 193 John Jarmany B ½ ½ Steve R Hodge 179
2 169 Neil Pennock W 0 1 Patrick Gower 179
3 161 Chris S Dossett B ½ ½ Tim Turner 161
4 160 Jonathan Ayres W ½ ½ Paul M Barber 172
5 146 Simon Chester B 0 1 Christopher Duggan 166
6 153 Gary Morris W 1 0 Neville R Pearce 136
Next on the horizon was a “home” match with University. They are the only team in the league clinging to an old rule which allowed teams to have Scarborough play all games away. It was agreed to play this match at the University over 5 boards, as Scarborough were missing top board John Jarmany. This proved a big handicap as University fielded their strongest side of the season, with two F.I.D.E. Masters on the top two boards. This gave the students a massive 877-776 rating advantage, or 20 points a board.
Things did not start well for Scarborough when captain Simon Dixon got in trouble and lost. Jon Ayres then lost his unbeaten record for the season, followed by Neil Pennock succumbing to his opponent’s pressure, sealing the match for the University team. Simon Chester managed to prevent a whitewash with a solid draw, but Chris Dossett could not convert in a wild game which could have gone either way.
York League Division One
15/03/18 Scarboro Castles 0½ 4½ University Firsts
1 167 Neil Pennock B 0 1 Martin Brown 211
2 161 Chris S Dossett W 0 1 Sam Chow 230
3 161 Jonathan Ayres B 0 1 Tom Leah 170
4 146 Simon Chester W ½ ½ Yousuf Bin-Suhayl 159
5 141 Simon Dixon B 0 1 Eduardo Garcia-Padilla 107
These two defeats had put to bed any chances of Scarborough winning the title, but they still had a chance of their best finish if they could win the last 3 games. The first of these was away at Eagle and Child 2nd team. The home side had International Master Simon Ansell on top board, but Scarborough had their top board John Jarmany back to face him. The home side held a rating advantage of 999-945 or 9 points a board, so it was going to be tough for the seasiders.
Chris Dossett was first on the board with a draw, followed by Malcolm Kirby, making his seasonal debut for the first team, also drawing. Jon Ayres then put the visitors in front with a fine win with the black pieces. Neil Pennock then also drew, as did Simon Chester to secure at least a point for Scarborough, with the top board game still playing. This was an exciting tussle with both kings caught in crossfire, but it was decided in the end by a humble pawn thrust by John, which either lead to mate or loss of the queen for his titled opponent, who resigned.
York League Division One
22/03/18 Eagle & Child 2 2 4 Scarboro Castles
1 235 Simon Ansell B 0 1 John Jarmany 193
2 165 James M Carpenter W ½ ½ Neil Pennock 167
3 148 A Jon Griffith B ½ ½ Chris S Dossett 161
4 140 Owen Robson W 0 1 Jonathan Ayres 158
5 150 Steve Whitehead B ½ ½ Simon Chester 146
6 161 Laurence Cornhill W ½ ½ G Malcolm Kirby 120
This excellent result keeps Scarborough’s chances of third place alive. They have the two teams directly below them still to play, starting with Brigantes first team.
York League Division One : 2017 / 2018
Chess Report
Scarborough Chess Club have had an interesting start to the second half of the season, after ending the first half with an exciting 3-3 draw at home to League Leaders Eagle and Child first team.
The next match was due to be at home to Cavaliers, but the away team cancelled at the last minutes, giving Scarborough the points by default.
This was followed by the reverse fixture against Eagle and Child first team. Unfortunately for the Seasiders, board one John Jarmany was unavailable, but this was balanced by the home team only having 5 players, so Scarborough started one board ahead. The home team had a rating advantage of 858-773, or 17 points a board, so Scarborough’s task was a tough one, even with a 1-0 start
The first two games to finish both ended in draws, with a particularly well played game by Neil Pennock against his highly rated opponent. Unfortunately for Scarborough though, this proved to be the high water mark as Chris Dossett, Simon Dixon and Simon Chester all suffered defeats to end the match with a 4-2 defeat.
From playing the top of the league, four days later Scarborough then travelled to face the team at the foot of the table, Brigantes 2nd team. Scarborough were boosted by the return of John Jarmany on top board, which helped them have a 959-800 lead on gradings, or 20 points a board.
Both Simons. Chester and Dixon, got things moving with smooth victories, shortly followed by John Jarmany forcing resignation with a neat mating combination. Chris Dossett then made the match safe when his opponent used inordinate amounts of time and lost a rook and pawn endgame. Neil Pennock kept his superb form this season with another win and the home team were only saved from being whitewashed when Gary Morris was forced to agree a draw in a better position due to having only 90 seconds left on his clock to complete the game.
Results for both matches
This result puts Scarborough into second place in the table with five games to go. They are still hoping for their highest ever finish, which they would achieve if they were able to hang on to second spot.
League Table