Hamilton Chess Club

Richard takes out Autumn(1). Autumn(2) starts next week. See you there.

This year’s Waikato Open will be held 27 28 29 July at St Paul’s Collegiate. The flyer is here, and registrations are being accepted here

The Tournaments:

An Open and an under 1800 tournament, each a six round Swiss with a time control of all moves in 90 minutes plus an increment of 30 seconds per move. Both tournaments will be FIDE and nationally rated events, and are therefore open only to NZCFregistered players (or overseas players registered with their national federation).

Venue: Saint Paul’s Collegiate School, Hukanui Road, Hamilton

Timetable:

Friday 27th             Rnd 1     7.15 pm

Saturday 28th        Rnd 2     9.00 am        Rnd 3     2.00 pm        Rnd 4     7.00 pm

Sunday 29th            Rnd 5     9.00 am        Rnd 6     2.00 pm

Prize Fund:

Open Tournament: 1st $325, 2nd $200, 3rd $150

Grade Prizes: cash and chess book prizes to the value of $175

Under 1800 Tournament: 1st $175, 2nd $125, 3rd $75

Grade Prizes: cash and chess book prizes to the value of $175

If you have been thinking about coming along for a look then May 1st at 7pm is your best bet. We will start a 6 game tournament running over 2 weeks. Each game will last around 40 minutes. Games will kick off shortly after 7, so dont be late if you want to take part in the mini tournament. New members are always welcome. Come along and be part of the fun. Read this page for guidance if you are thinking of joining the club

This great movie is compulsory viewing for any kiwi with an interest in chess. It is available on TV One On Demand currently, or can be watched this evening on TV One. Upon its premiere as the Opening Night film of the New Zealand International Film Festival on 17 July 2014, The Dark Horse was declared by the RNZ National Review “One of the greatest New Zealand films ever made“.

The Dark Horse is an inspiring true story based on the life of a charismatic, brilliant but little-known New Zealand hero and chess champion – Genesis Potini. Once a heralded chess champion, Genesis has spent the last few years in and out of mental institutions, battling with severe bipolar disorder.  After being released from the psychiatric ward for one more chance at life, he moves in with Ariki, his gang-patched and distant brother, and Ariki’s soon-to-be-patched teenage son, Mana. Needing a purpose and a reason to get out of the gang house, Genesis joins a rough-as-guts local chess club, with the wild idea of coaching the motley crew of kids to the national chess championship.  On the way, Gen must face the responsibility that comes with being a leader, navigate conflict within the gang world and try to survive the potentially devastating strife that breaks out between him and his brother over his nephew’s future. Watch it — you wont be disappointed

The club is in recess now for the school holidays. We will reopen on May 1st with Autumn Cup (1). The calendar for 2018 can be found here.