In 2022/23, Queens Park Members have the opportunity to compete in our five round Club Championship, supported by our season sponsor Beltrami & Co.
Each round has a ‘designated date’. This is a Tuesday evening club night at which we encourage Members to play their Beltrami Club Championship games in our usual venue.
Games are played over-the-board at the 60+0 time control, under Chess Scotland rules, involving use of a clock and notating moves. One point is awarded for a win, and half a point for a draw. Using the Swiss pairings format, the number of points Members are on will determine who they are drawn against in the next round – i.e. “winners play winners”.
The designated date for round 3 is Tuesday 21 February, with a 6:45pm start time in The Bungo.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
If you are participating in the Club Championship, and cannot make this date, please contact Tournament Controller Alex Lane, or another Member of the Committee, by WhatsApp or email, and we will work with you and your opponent to reschedule.
There were a number of defaults in round 2. Those who do not turn up for their game, or notify us in advance, risk inconveniencing their opponent and forfeiting the game. Repeat offenders may be removed from the tournament, as those affected have to wait around for an opponent to show up, and also miss out on the opportunity for a graded game. We appreciate all cooperation in making the tournament an enjoyable experience for everyone taking part.
The round 2 standings and the round 3 pairings follow below.
Paul Cumming (left, facing) is one of seven in the leading pack
Queens Park Chess Club and our local Thursday Chess Group partner are the focus of a special feature in today’s (Sat 4 Feb) Saturday Magazine of the Herald Newspaper.
The article focuses on the history and formation of the Chess Club, and the recent growth of interest in casual and competitive chess around Queens Park. It provides insight into how the Chess Club and Thursday Group work together, and the valuable social connections that can develop over regular chess meetups, as bonds develop and friendships form.
The feature was trailed at the top of the front page
Our thanks to Cat and Colin for taking the time to get to know us – and to the Herald for highlighting the feature on the front page, and allocating so much space in the magazine.
The Herald feature comes on the back of items in the Evening Times and ITV News at Ten, and a Chess Scotland overview on the local scene. The Queens Park area is fast developing a strong national profile as a hotbed of chess. With the Chess Club now operating with 46 Members, six competitive teams, and a casual chess group, plus record attendances on Thursdays, all indications are that local popularity of the game will rise even further in 2023.
Main image created with artificial intelligence using DALL-E
What is it like to be part of Glasgow’s Queens Park Chess Club?
Each month, Derek Rankine (Club Secretary) interviews Queens Park members and asks them to share their experiences and perspectives.
The latest interviewee is Wull Swales, 35, a Support Worker who helps people to improve their confidence and independence, and work towards their goals. Wull, who is also an accomplished rock musician and performer, grew up in Twynholm in Dumfries & Galloway. He attended Music College in Greenock, and now lives in Auldhouse, Glasgow.
Derek: Did you learn the rules of chess in childhood?
Wull: I have memories of learning how the pieces moved when I was in Primary School. A child-minder and friend of the family taught me. In my adult life, up until last year, I remember playing a handful of games on my phone sitting in the back of a tour bus, doing pass and play.
What triggered your immersion in chess in 2022?
I don’t want to say Beth Harmon… but I think the show piqued my interest, and I liked the idea of learning. Then at the start of summer 2022, I saw a post on a community page from Marianne Burns about local casual chess. I joined the group chat and found out about the chess meetups in Queens Park. But before I even went to one of the Thursday or Sunday gatherings, Rhys McCrosson posted in the chat, does anyone want to meet up in Queens Park and play one on one?
So I packed up my Poundland board, and we spent a few hours playing and talking in the sunshine. We worked on some fundamentals and as I could feel myself being drawn further and further in, Rhys started telling me about the Chess Club, and that I should visit on a Tuesday evening when the new season started at the end of August.
What is it about chess that appeals to you?
There’s a few different things. Firstly I think it’s important to use different parts of your brain. The part of my brain that craves learning and challenging myself loves chess, in the same way the creative side of my brain loves music, songwriting and fantasy novels. I definitely have a bit of a competitive streak in me. I really enjoy just trying my best over the board against someone who’s there to do the same, both of us truly enjoying doing it.
I also play Magic The Gathering competitively. There are big debates online on what is the hardest game ever to play, and chess and Magic are often featured. Both involve a mixture of tactics, assessing board states, strategizing within the game, making choices that make your opponent’s life harder, capitalising on their mistakes, and recovering from losing positions.
I really love the social aspect of chess and Magic too. I’ve had a great time getting to know people and hearing about their passion for the games. I love the spirit of healthy competition. I travelled across UK, Europe and the US playing Magic and making great friends along the way. I’ve already met so many great people through Queens Park Chess Club. I’m looking forward to getting out there and playing more chess tournaments and league games too in Glasgow and Scotland.
Wull faced Jass in the Beltrami Club Championship second round
How did you get into playing chess online?
A lot of people on the WhatsApp chat were talking about chess.com and Lichess, reporting that they are both good platforms to play on and improve. So that’s where I went. I still do a lot of my playing on both. I really enjoy playing different time constraints as well as doing lessons and puzzles.
I’m trying to pay more attention to game analysis, looking at where my games have gone wrong and how to try not to repeat mistakes. Analysis is also about looking at the good moves you didn’t see and committing certain patterns to memory.
You took Rhys’ recommendation, and joined Queens Park Chess Club in Autumn 2022. Did you feel that was the natural next step in your improving journey?
Chess in the Park was such a lovely, wholesome thing. People in the sunshine having a nice time, curious passers by stepping in off the path, joining for a game before going about their day. I looked forward to it every week.
The Queens Park sessions had given me so much passion for the game, and the Chess Club was the clear progression. I knew the Club was an opportunity to play more and push my skills with fantastic developing and experienced players alike. I knew I would be learning not only about playing the game itself, but about tournament play, rules and etiquette.
Has the Chess Club been helpful to your development so far?
The Chess Club has been incredibly helpful. I remember being at my first Club night, when Rhys and yourself ran a Beginner’s Session. During the intro, you said, “this may be your first time recording moves”, and I was already feeling challenged and out of my comfort zone – in a good way. I was already a little unsettled, as it was only the second time I’ve played inside a building!
I’m a strong believer in the idea of, you can’t always win, but you can always learn. I try my best to ask questions and analyse positions and games with whoever I’m playing. Often, I do this even with games I’m watching. Everyone at Queens Park has been fantastic, sharing their skills, knowledge and learning resources, to aid my development so far. I have improved a lot.
“I’m a strong believer in the idea of, you can’t always win, but you can always learn.”
Wull Swales
You have been playing in the Beltrami Club Championship, our five round internal classical tournament. Before it began, you told me you were certain to get five losses, and would look to use these losses as a learning experience. Having played two rounds so far, both against experienced, nationally rated players, your prediction is already way off. Can you tell us a little about both games?
I would be delighted to.
I thought so!
Yeah, five losses, that’s exactly what I thought would happen. My friend Luke, a fantastic chess player who represents Hamilton Chess Club, recommended the book “Chess for Tigers” by Simon Webb. The author writes a lot about the mental preparation for the game – which I think is important. I tried to take this into account. Tigers don’t lose. Tigers asses each situation and carefully consider their actions. Tigers always take their opponents into consideration. Tigers play to their own strengths.
So in Round 1, I had the pleasure of playing Iain Shields. I had played him before a few times, both online and in person. He is a fantastic player, with good opening theory that leads into interesting, unusual middlegame positions. I set myself up and mentally prepared to play to my strengths: no-thrills, solid fundamentals, make positive trades, play to the centre, develop pieces efficiently, and castle quickly to protect my King.
Iain played the Scotch Opening, which I wasn’t very clued up on. My fundamental approach was going well, but I ended up a pawn down early. I was keeping pace with the clock and making decent moves, but gradually I fell behind. Overall, I played well despite losing. I went over the game with Iain and Rhys and was proud of my efforts. I had played to my strengths, as best I could.
Wull benefited from a Queens Park introductory group lesson
The second game had a different outcome, right?
I was chatting to Graeme McKinnon, and he said, with the Swiss pairings system, as the rounds go on, I will have more evenly matched games with players on similar scores, who are closer to my level in experience and ability. But when the pairings went up, I realised I had another strong opponent, who was hundreds of points higher rated – Jass McNeill. Like Iain, I had played Jass before. He had been a massive help in my development during games at Queens Park and in the Club.
This game, I had the White pieces. Up until a few weeks before, I would play 1.e4 only and focus on fundamental opening principles from there. But I started looking at alternatives, and began playing a bit of the English opening. 1.c4 can be quite an explosive start, and I was really enjoying it. I watched some YouTube videos by Grandmasters, and instead of memorising moves, I learned about ideas relating to seeking control of the centre from the side. I was really enjoying learning it, and I thought, if nothing else, at least I’m going to have fun playing an opening I enjoy, with a player I like and admire.
The game itself was incredible. I started with a standard English set up. Jass found strong diagonals for his Bishops. I utilised my Queen and a strong central pawn set up a lot of central tension. Then I castled kingside and Jass queenside. Next, a bloodbath on the b and c files! I ended up slightly ahead, and when the dust settled, I was advancing dangerous pawns, using my Rooks and an active Queen to support them. I managed to promote a pawn, Jass sacrificed a Rook, I set up a check, and my attacking momentum was flowing in waves.
Then a question appeared: do I actually have mate here? I looked at the board for a long time, knowing it must be mate. Surely? My heart was pounding with excitement, but my head was racing with doubt. Have I missed something, could this really be a forced win? Finally, I went for it. I played the move, touched the clock, and Jass lifted his hand for the shake. It was an incredible moment. Relief, joy, and a sense that all of my hard work over the last seven months had come to fruition.
An illustration and a record of Wull’s Beltrami Championship victory was highlighted in the Club newsletter – click to read in full
Congratulations. Your victory was fêted in our new weekly newsletter with a special ‘Wull S the Giant Killer’ illustration by Graeme and a full record of the game. Next up, you have registered to play an International Master in a simultaneous exhibition, and to represent Queens Park in the Scottish National Chess League. Are you looking forward to those experiences?
I’m really thankful to the club to have these kind of opportunities. They’ll be valuable learning experiences. I love to learn and to try new things in this beautiful game we play, and I look forward to representing a Club I’m proud to be a part of in team events.
“My heart was pounding, my head racing… finally, I played the move, and Jass lifted his hand for the shake. It was an incredible moment of relief and joy.”
Wull Swales
Can you tell us about some of your highlights in music?
There’s been a few incredible moments. I spent a week recording in Chicago with the legendary Steve Albini, with a brand new bass waiting for me as I stepped in the studio. There’s certain bucket list things you don’t expect to achieve – it was an incredible experience. As a performer, it would maybe be playing the Wickerman festival. I went to my first Wickerman when I was maybe 16, 17. The local bands were a big inspiration for me. They made me think, “I could do that too”, and helped shape my goals. Going back and playing the Wickerman Souls Tent ten years later was incredible.
I also had the incredible privilege of playing at my own wedding – my wonderful wife Lynsey encouraged me to play a few songs. The band were mutual friends who I’ve deputised for many times in the past. It was just a beautiful day. Getting to share my skill with the people I love the most was incredible. And the chant of “Mammy Mammy Mammy F-ing Swales” for my Mum in between songs was amazing!
Playing the BBC Big Weekend was a really fun experience too. We were on the Introduction Stage with Royal Blood, and Katy Perry was headlining the main stage, she was unbelievable. Me and the drummer sneaked away to get a quiet beer at some point. We got stopped by security trying to get back, as there were “a lot of fake passes”. We had to prove our ID by showing them the BBC live stream – that was pretty cool.
In addition to those, hearing my own voice on the radio for the first time was also brilliant, getting to share stages with bands I admire like Jeniferever, My Vitriol, Withered Hand, Last Days Of April. I was involved in a TV advert with Bruce from Big Country, and I played live shows in New York. Finally, getting to sing in a choir recording with one of my musical icons, the late Scott Hutchinson of Frightened Rabbit, was very important to me musically. That was very special.
Chess and music are closely linked. World Champion Vasily Smyslov was an accomplished opera singer, Soviet Champion Mark Taimonov a famous concert pianist, and Queens Park’s 2022 simul opponent GM Jacob Aagaard is a keen guitarist. While Bob Dylan, Madonna, Sting, Kurt Cobain, and the Wu Tang Clan are just some of those in the popular music world with a serious passion for chess. Why do you think there is a strong crossover between music and chess?
It’s interesting, I’ve thought about this too. I think both music and chess have a basis in maths or science. You take basic principles, expand your knowledge, and test things out with a specific goal in mind. Then the beauty of creative art kicks in. You try different approaches and see what happens. That’s where the magic is born, in music and in chess.
Wull vs Jass, after 22.cxb5 and the “bloodbath on the b and c files” – click image to view full game on Lichess
Do you think there are strong parallels between learning a musical instrument and learning to play chess, such as deliberate solo practice, testing your skills as part of a group, and performing in front of others? Or are they fundamentally separate disciplines requiring different approaches?
There are definite links between the two. Building up basics, understanding what notes are, and how to build chords, could be considered similar to learning about how chess pieces move and interact with the board. Similarly, learning different scales has parallels with learning specific openings, and new techniques like bending guitar strings, are like learning about when to fianchetto your Bishop, and transposing chess board positions is similar to inversions of chords. With both, as your skill improves, you learn about how to build up in different ways to reach a specific goal.
There are genre characteristics too. The Sicilian opening is the jazz of chess, whereas the Ruy Lopez could be punk rock. I’m sure someone else could put it a lot more elegantly, but at its base level, there are definitely similarities. It’s the end result where they differ. You look to win in chess, while in music, the goal is to share your music, thoughts, feelings, emotions, grooves and energy.
Have you tried to expose your band members to the game?
I’ve been trying to encourage anyone I can to try it out.
We are both fans of the Californian band Weezer. What is your take on singer Rivers Cuomo’s song Chess?
Yeah I 100% love Weezer! “The Blue Album” is one of my favourite albums of all time, and three decades on, they are still producing some absolute bangers. Chess is an incredible song. It gives a 1960s Beatles/Quarrymen vibe. I guess it’s a metaphor for life, and how all the decisions you make affect how you develop as a person.
Even though there are things that make it harder sometimes, you need to roll with the punches, and try to anticipate your next move. You choose what parts of yourself you need to develop and that helps you grow – in chess as in life.
Weezer’s frontman wrote a memorable song about chess and life
Through the local ‘chess in the park’ WhatsApp group, you have been sharing your journey of improving from a novice rating of 317 rapid on chess.com in July 2022 to over 750 in January 2023. Other group members have been impressed with your progress, especially in finding some elegant tactical ideas and mating nets. Are you pleased with your steady improvement?
I am delighted with my improvement so far. I remember in the early days of playing, people would be making comments like “and then the natural thing to do would be to transpose in to the Benoni…” or something like that. I would nod politely as if I knew what they were on about, while thinking, “OK Wull, just remember the horsey can move in an L shape!”
So I really like having a better understanding of the game, so I can start to handle situations better, read the board well, and make good moves. I think it was Todd Anderson (Magic The Gathering player) who said, “you don’t need to know how you’re going to win from turn one, but you should always have a plan”. Which is what I’m trying to focus on now.
“Music and chess have different genres: The Sicilian is the jazz of chess, whereas the Ruy Lopez is like punk rock.”
Wull Swales
What tips would you share with a complete chess beginner, who has just learned how the pieces move?
Find fun in fundamentals, develop your pieces, castle early, try to control the centre of the board and take free pieces. Rhys put me on to ChessBrahs on YouTube – GMs Eric Hansen and Aman Hambleton. They have an excellent “Building Habits” series of videos. I watched and rewatched a bunch, following simple rules to help build up standard habits for good gameplay, while avoiding traps.
As I’ve mentioned earlier, I think it’s important to ask questions. If you don’t know why your opponent did something, ask them after the game. Analyse your games when you can, in person and online, and see where mistakes and triumphs are happening, so you have less of the former and more of the latter.
Is the English your favourite chess opening?
Currently, yes it is. I’m really enjoying playing it, and learning more and more about it as time goes on. In another comparison to the music, it’s the drop D guitar tuning of openings. It starts you from a new place and helps you develop fresh understanding from different viewpoints. I also love playing the Modern Defence as Black (1.d4 g6), using an early Bishop fianchetto to pressure the centre.
Do you have any chess goals – online or over the board?
Online over the next six months I will fight to exceed 1000 rapid rating on chess.com. In person, I will play in more tournaments, soak up the magic that chess has to offer, and work towards a Chess Scotland rating. I’d like to play one of the weekend Congress classical tournaments this year, with five long games in three days.
But mostly I just want to improve as a player and enjoy the ride. And of course, I still need to learn when it is natural to transpose into the Benoni.
Thanks for your time Wull!
This series will continue with a special double interview next month. For those who missed it, last month’s interviewee was Ash Angappan.
Image credits: Martin McKeown (main image of Wull performing); Club President Graeme McKinnon (illustration of Wull & Jass in weekly newsletter – created with the help of artificial intelligence).
As of January 2023, Queens Park Chess Club will meet on Tuesday evenings in a new venue – The Bungo Bar and Kitchen.
For the past 15 months, since resuming weekly meetings following the Covid lockdowns, the Club has been based in Wellcroft Bowling Club. With the chess leagues restarting in the current 2022/23 season, we have faced a challenge with regard to venue access times.
The Bowling Club closes at 9pm, and we are obliged by league rules to start our fixtures at 7:15pm at the earliest. With a 75+0 time control – one hour and 15 minutes for each player – league matches can go on for two and a half hours. This season we have been regularly finishing later than 9:30pm, to the inconvenience of the Bowling Club volunteers.
This Autumn, we began a search for an alternative local venue with longer opening hours. Following a scoping process, the Bungo was a unanimous choice for the Committee. The Club will have exclusive access to the private Bungo-Lo basement function room. With the new venue having a 10:30pm closing time, we will be able to continue hosting home league matches on Tuesdays, while offering extended hours to all Members and visitors.
The Chess Club has exclusive access to the basement function room
The new venue is within a five minute walk of the Bowling Club on 17-21 Nithsdale Road in Strathbungo, just off Pollokshaws Road. It is a two minute walk from Pollokshaws Road bus stops and five minutes from Queens Park and Pollokshields West train stations. On-street parking is available on Nithsdale Road. Click here for a Google Maps link.
The Committee would like to express gratitude to Ian, John and all at the Bowling Club for kindly hosting the Club from October 2021 to December 2022. We are grateful for their generosity.
We hope Club Members will welcome this change. The Bungo follows Govanhill Neighbourhood Centre, McNeill’s Pub and Wellcroft Bowling Club to become our fourth regular venue since formation in January 2019. The original Queens Park Chess Club also used a number of different venues around Queens Park during its lifetime.
The Bungo is located just north of Queens Park, on Nithsdale Road
We have booked the Bungo until the end of the current season on Tuesday 30 May 2023. We will seek feedback from Members at the end of the season, before making a decision on the potential of continued use of The Bungo in the longer term.
What is it like to be part of Glasgow’s Queens Park Chess Club?
Each month, Derek Rankine (Club Secretary) interviews Queens Park members new and old and asks them to share their experiences and perspectives.
This month, Derek speaks to Ash Angappan, 26, who recently completed a master’s degree in Advanced Physiotherapy Practice at Glasgow Caledonian University. Ash is from a small town near Chennai in Tamil Nadu, south India, and currently lives in Tradeston, Glasgow.
Ash joined the Chess Club during the 2022/23 season. She won her opening fixture in the Beltrami Club Championship and has played for both Queens Park A and B teams in Divisions 1 and 2 of the Dumbarton and District Chess League. As of December 2022, Ash has a Lichess blitz rating of 1670 and is working towards a Chess Scotland rating.
Derek: Do you remember when you were first exposed to chess?
Ash: When I was 11 years old, my mother taught me to play chess. She also taught my sister. My sister was a strong opponent, who always played well and beat me quite easily in classical chess. We did not use a clock, but these were serious, longer games. I used to make moves quickly, but she would think a lot for each move, and win each time without much effort!
How much chess did you play in childhood?
I used to play with my sister and mother quite often, especially during holidays. I played with my cousins on vacation as well. I didn’t know anything about openings, but I knew the rules and how to checkmate.
I started chess at 11 years old and played until I was 17. I stopped playing to concentrate on my studies and get into University.
How did you get into playing chess online?
I started playing chess again in 2019, after finishing my undergraduate degree and getting my first job. I played online, which is easy to get into, but I used a lesser known app for casual play. I got to know about the impressive Lichess website in April 2020 and I started playing competitive games there.
Do you have any memorable achievements in online chess?
I remember I started playing Lichess tournaments at the rapid time control for players rated under 1500. The tournaments were an hour long. I think it was my 5th tournament, when I came 1st place!
I was delighted. I screenshotted my trophy and showed it to all my friends. After that, I started playing, quicker – blitz and bullet. I don’t find it easy to play so fast, but currently I am around 1670 rating in blitz and 1632 in bullet.
You are now moving back in the opposite direction, from mainly playing chess online, to mainly playing over the board. What differences are you observing between online and off, and how are you navigating the challenge?
Yes, I learned playing chess over the board, but during the pandemic, I played online. The biggest thing I noticed is that while playing online, as we don’t know the opponent, its looks and feels like a game with a computer. In over the board, it’s completely different. You can’t miss the reality you are competing against another human.
I am having some difficulty over the board at present, because I am used to viewing the board online. But I find I can remember moves I played over the board, even after a few days have passed. I feel this is important, because I am able to go over what I played to analyse and address my mistakes. Even though I have still not learned many openings, I am able to predict some moves before the opponent plays. As I love chess, whatever happens on the board, even if I lose a game, I feel good.
You are one of several University students in Queens Park. How are you finding the balance of playing chess and developing your skills, alongside studies and other commitments?
I would say that playing chess has really improved my confidence. I find that after an over the board game, I feel enthusiastic. Sometimes after coming home after Chess Club, I would be motivated to complete assignments. I feel that my brain is more active after playing chess – I literally feel the same way as I do after a plank exercise workout.
As I love chess, whatever happens on the board, even if I lose a game, I feel good.
Ash Angappan
Did you play in any Chess Clubs or tournaments in India?
Unfortunately, I haven’t played any tournaments in India, and I wasn’t a member of any Chess Club there. I regret that I was not active in organised chess when I was India.
You moved from India to Scotland in the last two years. What differences, if any, have you noticed between the general popularity and culture of chess in the two countries?
There is a major culture change, but I am pleased chess is widely played in both countries. The biggest difference is the weather. I came to Glasgow alone, without having any friends, but people in the city helped make me feel comfortable quickly.
I really love being in Glasgow. People are so friendly, and the city is a good place to live and study. I did find it difficult last year because of the winter, but now I am starting to get used to the weather!
Chess can help fill our long winter nights! Staying with India, Vishy Anand was World Champion before Magnus Carlsen. As of December 2022, Vishy is still in the top ten, at the age of 52. What influence has he had on the general development of chess in India?
He will always be the hero of chess in India. My Mum used to talk about Vishy a lot when I was young. I am a big fan of Vishy’s, I have followed his progress off and on. Things changed a lot after Vishy won the 2007 World Championship. Now, there are a lot of Chess Clubs, super-strong players, top coaches, and a lot of general encouragement for people to play chess.
This all led to India hosting the Chess Olympiad this year, which is really a proud moment for India. As Vishy is from Chennai, which is in Tamil Nadu, that makes me a little prouder of my home state.
A scene from the opening ceremony of the 44th ‘Olympics of Chess’ in July 2022. India hosted the event for the first time this year.
Going back to 1988, Anand had just become the first Grandmaster in India. It’s amazing to see the progress: now there are more than 75, and several young prodigies like Vidit Gujrathi, Dommaraju Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi are in the top 30 globally and rising fast. Do you think we will see another World Champion from India in the near future?
I am certain that there will be another World Champion from India. I think you missed out Praggnanandha, who famously defeated the current World Champion, Magnus Carlsen, this year. I could also name some other talented young players from India who I can imagine competing to be World Champion in future.
As soon as I came to Glasgow, I started looking for Chess Clubs, but due to my studies, I didn’t have time for one to start with. As soon as I got settled, I started my search again. I posted a question in the Queens Park Chess Club Facebook group, and got a reply very quickly, which made me very happy to join.
What do you remember of your first visit to the Chess Club? Did the Club make a good first impression?
Yes, I do remember, and it did. The people in the Club were so friendly. Paul, Caitlin and others welcomed me and I was added to the WhatsApp group. I played a couple of good games on the first day, which really made me happy.
What do you like most about the Chess Club?
Friendly people who teach me about openings and endgames. Alistair taught me endgames, which really helped me to improve my game. Alex taught me some new openings. I like how people exchange their knowledge and share their thoughts freely to help others.
What would you like to see the Chess Club do better, or differently?
The club is doing good so far! I would like to see more classes though.
With so many super-strong players and top coaches, I am certain that there will be another World Champion from India.
Ash Angappan
Chess has a notorious gender imbalance. Most Chess Clubs around the world are mainly, or entirely, male. What do you think would support or encourage more women to participate?
Yes, that’s true. When I came to the Chess Club, I saw only very few females and overall, I think females are a small proportion of the membership. How to fix this? One idea is, schools could provide chess classes for girls, once a week.
Have you personally had any negative experiences in chess because of your gender, whether online or in person?
When I was in India, I was speaking to one of my neighbours, who told me that he plays chess. I told him that I too play chess but without playing with me, he assumed: your rating must be 600. I replied to him, in fact, my rating is 1600. Then I played many rapid games with him, in which I won all the games. He prejudged me because I am a female.
The strongest female chess player of all time, GM Judit Polgar (left), pictured at the United Nations in 2017.
I hope he learned his lesson. Do you think cultural developments in recent decades, such as Judit Polgar’s incredible career and Anya Taylor Joy’s performance in The Queen’s Gambit, are helpful in promoting the game to women?
Yes, I really do. When I watched The Queen’s Gambit I was stunned with her acting and the quality of the chess. I started thinking of my moves after sleeping, which is funny! I think there should be more movies to encourage women to play chess.
You are only beginning to learn about chess openings, but do you have a favourite?
I like playing Queen’s Pawn openings, which I feel is a little more secure for the White king and a safer way to play.
Click on the board to learn more about the main ideas behind 1.d4 and typical Black responses.
Do you have a favourite chess player, from past or present?
What tips would you share with chess beginners, who are looking to improve?
I think beginners should do two things in general: play more games, and watch or study Grandmaster games, especially those that provide strong ideas on how to attack and defend.
I like how friendly Queens Park is: members exchange knowledge freely to help each other.
Ash Angappan
Do you have any chess-related ambitions?
Yes, I aim to win one tournament over the board.
Finally – when you next play your sister, who do you think will win?
She is not playing chess at present. I am pretty sure that I would win against her now, even in classical games!
In 2022/23, Queens Park Members have the opportunity to compete in our five round Club Championship, supported by our season sponsor Beltrami & Co.
Each round has a ‘designated date’. This is a Tuesday evening club night at which we encourage Members to play their Beltrami Club Championship games in our usual venue.
If Members are not available on this date, Tournament Controller Alex Lane will work with you and your opponent to find an alternative date – and possibly a different venue – that suits both players.
Games are played at the 60+0 time control, under Chess Scotland rules, involving use of a clock and notating moves. One point is awarded for a win, and half a point for a draw. Using the Swiss pairings format, the number of points Members are on will determine who they are drawn against in the next round – i.e. “winners play winners”.
Round 1
32 players competed in the first round. Unusually, all games were decisive, with no draws. Round one winners included the Club’s highest rated players Tommy Lally (1616) and Craig Thomson (1582), and defending champion Rhys McCrosson (1477).
On the lower boards, unrated newcomers Connor Thompson, Andrew Speirs, Ash Angappan and Paul Stewart also picked up full points.
Seven new members joined the Beltrami Club Championship at round two. Most games were played on the designated date of Tuesday 10 January at 6:45pm.
The results follow:
Board
White
Rating
Score
Black
Rating
1
Tommy Lally
1616
1-0
Derek Rankine
1318
2
Chris Dinwoodie
1025
0-1
Craig Thomson
1582
3
Rhys McCrosson
1477
1-0
Iain Shields
1093
4
Andrew Speirs
0
0-1
Paul Cumming
1432
5
Giuseppe Bosco
1411
1-0
Greg Forrest
0
6
Connor Thompson
0
1-0
Harvey Dellanzo
1373
7
Graeme McKinnon
1339
0-1
Ash Angappan
0
8
Paul Stewart
0
0-1*
Alistair Ahmed
1606
9
Wull Swales
0
1-0
Jass McNeill
1254
10
Caitlin McCulloch
1128
0-1
Ryan McGill
0
11
Ronnie Martin
0
1-0
Aidan Doye
0
12
Moray Lennox
0
0.5-0.5
Douglas Veitch
0
13
Harry Thomson
0
0-1
Sagar Kukreja
0
14
Rhys Brown
0
1-0*
Jackie Logan
0
15
James Carson
0
0-1*
Gemma Dickson
0
16
Sachin Vats
0
0-1*
Jonny Linney
0
17
Jordan McNaught
1422
0-1*
Stewart Gray
1449
18
Thomas Fowley
0
1-0
Michael Mathieson
0
19
Philip Blaber
1260
1-0*
Ethan Small
0
* = Default Win
The designated date for round three is Tuesday 21 February. The draw will be shared with Club Members via email and WhatsApp, and posted on the blog section.
Please contact us if you cannot play your game on this date and we will work with you and your opponent to reschedule. Those in the draw who do not turn up to play their fixture, or notify the Club in advance, risk a loss by default.
November 2022 was another packed month for the Club. Business continued for our three teams in the Glasgow and Dunbartonshire Chess Leagues, the Beltrami Club Championship got underway, and we initiated a Club Leaderboard. We were represented at national tournaments in Oban and Livingston, and we hosted a group of visitors from the admirable Freedom From Torture charity.
We reached an impressive milestone of 40 members, making Queens Park one of the bigger chess clubs in Scotland. That is all the more impressive given it doesn’t include non-members who: join us in Wellcroft Bowling Club for casual chess on Tuesdays; play in the Thursday Chess Group; and/or join our meetups on Sunday mornings. Full details follow.
Beltrami Championship
32 players competed in the first round of our Club Championship, sponsored by law firm Beltrami & Co. The tournament provides an opportunity for members of all abilities to test their classical skills, gain or improve upon a national rating, and compete for the prestigious trophy.
Round one winners included the Club’s highest rated players Tommy Lally (1616) and Craig Thomson (1606), and defending champion Rhys McCrosson (1477). On the lower boards, unrated newcomers Connor Thompson, Andrew Speirs, Ash Angappan and Paul Stewart also picked up full points. Full results here.
Round two, which has the designated date of Tuesday 10 January, will see six new Members join the tournament. Players unavailable on this date may arrange for their game to take place later in January. The round two draw will be made by Tournament Controller Alex Lane in early December, and will pair winners against winners using the Swiss format.
All round one games concluded in November
Club Leaderboard
This month saw the launch of Queens Park’s own elo system in a special Club Leaderboard administered by Club President Graeme McKinnon. “Queens Park elo” does not contribute to Chess Scotland or FIDE ratings – but it does provide all-important bragging rights.
The Leaderboard is open to members and non-members alike, and simply involves playing a timed over-the-board rapid game (10+0, 15+0 or 30+0) with another player during a Club night, and recording the outcome in a score slip.
All players start at 1200. At the end of November, Rhys McCrosson leads and is the first player to cross the 1300 threshold, out of more than 30 players that have played at least one Leaderboard game to date. Click here to see the standings and rules.
Driven: Rhys leads in no. games and rating
Oban Congress
Congratulations to Queens Park’s Jordan McNaught, a surprise joint winner of the Major section of the 2022 Oban Congress. Jordan, ungraded, was one of three players to share the prize money with 3.5/5.
Just behind on 3/5 were Alex Lane and Alex Radevic, while Derek Rankine scored 2.5/5. With Queens Park supplying the three lowest seeds of 14 players, it was an impressive outcome for the Club.
Oban: (l-r) Alex R, Zizheng, Alex L, Derek, Iain & Jordan
Queens Park was also represented in the Minor section by Iain Shields, who got 2.5/5, while Strathclyde Uni’s Liu Zizheng, who regularly visits Queens Park, achieved 2/5 in the Challengers section.
The five round classical tournament (75 mins per player for the first 30 moves, then an additional 30 mins per player) was held in Oban’s Royal Hotel on the weekend of 18-20 November.
International Master Andrew Greet, who will be visiting Queens Park on 31 January 2023 for a special 22 board simultaneous exhibition, won the tournament’s Open section with 4.5/5. An invitation to the simul will be shared with Members in early January.
Jordan collecting his well-earned Oban prize money
Livingston Allegro
A Queens Park delegation was in attendance at a Scottish Chess Tour rapid tournament in Livingston’s Mercure Hotel on 8 November. In a tough Major section, Graeme McKinnon scored 2/5 and Jordan McNaught got 1/5.
In the internationally rated Minor section, Connor Thompson achieved three consecutive wins to finish on 3/5, while Jonny Linney got 2/5 and Ryan McGill got 1/5. The time control for the five round Swiss pairings event was 20+10.
The international charity Freedom From Torture, which provides therapy and support for people who are recovering from torture, visited Queens Park this month. The charity’s Scottish branch runs a chess group for some of its service users. On 23 November, the group joined us for some casual games and advice on learning and development.
Our Members greatly enjoyed meeting the group and sharing some tips around opening principles and middlegame strategy. The group have an open invitation to join us again anytime in future.
Freedom From Torture’s chess group visited Queens Park
Monthly Interview
Our interview series continued with Ryan McGill as our November subject. Ryan is an enthusiastic new Member who arrived at Queens Park Chess Club via our local partner, Thursday Chess Group.
In his interview, Ryan tells us about how his interest in the game developed, picks out several highlights from his first few months in the Club, and shares some useful advice to newer players.
Meanwhile, the Thursday Chess Group is also growing in size. This month they set up home in a new location, the Corona Bar in Shawlands. Thanks to a successful joint bid to the Thriving Govanhill Fund, players no longer have to bring their own chess sets, and can turn up for a game anytime from 6pm on Thursday.
Our Thursday Group partners in their new venue, Corona Bar
Endgame Class
Our internal Club training sessions continued with Alex Radevic hosting one on practical endgames on 29 November. Alex used our new demonstration board (purchased with Thriving Govanhill funding) to set up and work through a series of positions with a group of eight.
Next month, Graeme McKinnon will take a class on developing an opening repertoire. The session will be particularly valuable to those at intermediate level who are less clear about how to build up an appropriate depth of knowledge in their favoured openings. A session invitation will be shared via the Club Member WhatsApp group next month.
League Update
Queens Park’s impressive start in the Glasgow Chess League continued with a 2-2 draw away to the Glasgow University A team on 16 November. The result, achieved from wins by Tommy Lally and Paul Cumming on boards two and four respectively, keeps Queens Park’s promotion chances in good health at the top of Division 3b.
In the Dumbarton & District Chess League, Queens Park’s A team in Division 1 lost 0.5-3.5 at home to Stepps A. Craig Thomson achieved Queens Park’s half point by drawing an opponent rated more than 400 points higher, and ungraded Connor Thomson put up a tremendous fight against 2000+ rated Stepps opponent John Henderson.
Queens Park’s B team had mixed fortunes in Division 2 of the Dunbartonshire League. Caitlin McCulloch captained the team to an impressive 3.5-0.5 win away to a Giffnock side featuring her father, Andy, on 7 November. The following week, on 15 November, the team suffered a 4-0 defeat at home to an impressive Strathclyde University side. The second game saw league debuts for new and ungraded Queens Park Members Sachin Vats, Greg Forrest and Sagar Kukreja.
Queens Park lead Division 3b of the Glasgow Chess League
The Dunbartonshire teams are frequently rotated with a view to giving newer players experience alongside some of our higher rated Members. Those wishing to join a future team are encouraged to respond to calls for league players issued by captains in the Members WhatsApp group.
As some Members have reported difficulty finding the latest league tables, this website will feature a regularly updated set of tables on a dedicated new League Info page. In addition, our website calendar also provides detail on all league fixtures across the 2022/23 season, as well as special events.
National Ambition
In early 2023, Queens Park will be going national. We have registered teams in two Scotland-wide Cup competitions – the Spens and the Richardson.
The ‘first’ Queens Park Chess Club, which was active from the 1870s to the 1930s, won the prestigious Spens Cup on several occasions. While it is unlikely we will match their success on our first try, we will look forward to following in their footsteps and testing ourselves against other Clubs across the country in the five board Cup.
Queens Park may be entering the Scottish National Chess League too. The Committee are considering an invitation to join Division Five for the current season, with fixtures beginning in January.
The historic Queens Park Club first won the Spens Cup in 1903
Public Posters
The posters highlight the three busy chess meetups
Finally, those in Govanhill and Shawlands may have spotted our above poster, highlighting the three regular and free-to-attend chess meetups around Queens Park. The posters are currently on display in community noticeboards and selected venues.
As of November 2022, Ryan has a rapid rating of 1609 on Lichess and is working towards a Chess Scotland grading.
Derek: Hi Ryan! Who introduced you to chess?
Hi Derek, thanks for inviting me. I’m not sure I can really credit anyone to getting me into chess other than myself. I think a lot to do with it was sheer curiosity. Chess is so ubiquitous, you can’t avoid it.
If I were to think of any reason as to why I gravitated towards chess, I’d say that I’ve always had a love for games of all sorts: board games, video games, card games. No matter the type of game, it’s a lot of fun learning how they work, how to get good at them, what strategies work, and why they work. When a game is known as ‘The Game of Kings’ and ‘The Ultimate Game of Strategy’ it’s hard not to be interested.
When any game is played at a high enough level you always hear, “it’s like a game of chess” – and I wanted to see how true that was by learning the game. If I were to credit anyone in teaching me, it would be IM John Bartholomew’s YouTube channel. His videos really helped me to understand ideas beyond how the pieces move, like basic opening principles and tactics.
I understand you didn’t play much chess growing up?
No, not at all. I started playing in 2017 at the age of 23. I have a friend who tried to get me to play chess when we were younger, but I wasn’t interested. I saw him again earlier this year and we had a few games, which I won. I think younger me would be happy with that.
Did Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit and the online chess boom during the pandemic play a role in maintaining your interest in chess?
Yeah, definitely. My Lichess account has a huge period of inactivity from early 2019 until early 2021, a short time after The Queen’s Gambit came out. I knew I was going to love the show from the first trailer I watched, but I don’t think I could have predicted just how good it would be. I think it’s one of my favourite shows ever.
I’ve told so many people to watch it, and so many times I heard back: “I really loved it, even though I don’t have a clue about chess”. It was really great watching this big surge of interest in chess, and I didn’t want it to pass me by having stopped playing for a while. Now I think about it, I realise I’ve only been playing actively for three years.
You joined the Thursday Chess Group last year. How did you hear about the Group – and why did you decide to go along?
I joined in December of 2021, so I’m one of the longest tenured attendees. It’s been great watching it grow and transform.
Towards the end of lockdown, I felt like my life was so confined to my flat. I was working from home, and a lot of things were not back to running as normal. I was really excited to go out and do something on a weekday locally.
I saw the Thursday Group advertised in a Facebook community for my local Glasgow neighbourhood. I sent a screenshot to my girlfriend saying: “Do you think I should go?” She said, “Go for it”, and I’ve been there almost every week since.
You play with the Thursday Chess Group most weeks. For those who haven’t been, what is a typical evening there like?
One of the best things about the Thursday Group is that so many different people come. There are different people to play and catch up with every week. You get vastly different games – and vastly different conversation topics.
You can play anything from serious, timed games, to fun, casual games with loads of chatting. We’ve played four-player variants like Hand & Brain and alternating turns. You can spectate games. You can analyse positions with a group. You can learn opening and endgame theory from stronger players. There’s so much to do.
I’ve had weeks where I visited for an hour, and weeks where I stayed until we were asked to leave when the bar closed at 11pm. I’d really encourage people to try it out if they want a taster of over-the-board (OTB) chess. It has just moved from Brodies Bar to a bigger space in a new venue – the Corona Bar in Shawlands. Anyone interested can drop in anytime from 6pm until closing on a Thursday night and there is also a WhatsApp group they can join.
Why did you decide to join Queens Park Chess Club?
It just made sense to me. I was playing with a lot of the members on Thursdays and Sundays in the park, and having really good quality competitive games. I was surprised, after only playing online and in the bar, that I was getting some wins against Club players. I had expected the Club players to be at a level above.
It made sense for joining the Club to be the next step in my chess journey. To officially join a Chess Club, and compete in tournament games and league matches, seemed like an exciting place to go next. So I happily went to their first Tuesday night meeting this season, in Wellcroft Bowling Club at the end of August.
Did you have any preconceived ideas of what a Chess Club is like? How did the reality of Queens Park match your expectations?
I didn’t really have any clue what a typical Chess Club was like, having never been to one. I guess there’s a stereotype of Chess Clubs and serious players, but I didn’t really expect anything negative. Especially after a bunch of the Queens Park players started coming to the Thursday Group, and invited me to the Sunday sessions.
I had a great time on my first visit. I was expecting it to be really quiet while games were played, but it’s not like that at all. It’s not wholly different from playing in the bar. There’s plenty of chatting and laughs to be had, despite being more of a serious environment.
On Thursdays, you can play anything from serious, timed games, to fun, casual games. You can play team games, spectate, analyse, learn theory. There’s so much to do.
Ryan McGill
In your initial months, what have stood out as memorable experiences in Queens Park Chess Club?
Taking part in my first tournament, the East Kilbride Allegro, has probably been the highlight so far. I went 2/5 with one win and two draws, which I was very pleased with. My first win was the first game of the day, which felt really good and took a lot of pressure off.
I was fortunate to have the first game be against you, Derek, again because I felt a lot more comfortable playing against someone I knew. My aim was always just to get at least one win OTB, so I was really pleased to get that out of the way early. The time control, 20+10, seemed a lot more palatable than jumping straight into an hours-long classical game for my first real competitive experience. It wasn’t such a big jump from mostly casual games with no clock, or 5+0 or 10+0 games online. So I’d recommend an Allegro to anyone looking to start playing OTB at a competitive level.
I also fortunately won my first classical game in our friendly against a combined team from Strathclyde & Glasgow University. This felt like a totally different experience to the quicker time controls. I enjoyed it so much that I put myself forward for the league match against Bearsden B in Dumbarton Division 2. That match was another highlight. While I unfortunately lost, I was happy with my position during the majority of the game, and I played a lot of good, hard to find moves.
Yeah, I knew you would bring up our game! It was a brilliant win – you outplayed me positionally. Do you actively train and develop your chess?
Thank you, Derek! Yes, I do tactical puzzles most days, both a mix of rated puzzles on Lichess in order to progress to harder to grasp ideas and positions, and easier unrated puzzles on my phone, which helps with pattern recognition and trying to find simpler tactical combinations more quickly.
I also use the Lichess study feature and opening explorer every so often when I’m trying to learn ideas about specific openings and expand my knowledge of the middle game. I’ll also play a lot of unrated blitz, so I don’t have to worry about any rating points, but I still get the experience of pattern recognition and finding tactics without any pressure if the game doesn’t go well.
As mentioned earlier, I’m playing most Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, so I’m getting my fix OTB too. I also watch some chess YouTubers so I’m taking in a lot through osmosis that way – although that’s mostly for entertainment purposes.
Ryan & Derek (2nd from right) faced off at the East Kilbride Allegro
You play online and over-the-board, casually and competitively, and at various time controls. Do you have a preferred format?
I used to swear by 5+0 online, a maximum of 10 minutes for a game, but since starting to play OTB I much prefer playing in person. I’d really encourage online players to try some casual OTB if they can. I find it to be a much better environment for actually improving at chess with less stakes. You don’t have a rating to worry about, and people are really nice, helping you improve and not letting you make massive blunders, because then the game isn’t fun for either of you. I’d say my preferred format right now is OTB, either 10+0, or untimed.
What advice would you give to those just starting out on their chess journey, who are looking to develop their skills?
Remember to have fun. Chess is a game, and games are for fun. You’re going to lose a lot, but losing is the quickest way to learn, so don’t be discouraged.
After that, learn to develop your pieces quickly and actively, and focus on tactics. Putting the majority of your time into finding tactics like pins, forks and skewers is the quickest way to improve at a beginner level, in my experience. If you can, get to some OTB events, and join a local club or group. This will make chess a much more social experience, one I’ve found a lot more enjoyable than playing anonymous people online.
Do you have a favourite chess player, current or historic?
I don’t really know who my favourite player is. I always love seeing Magnus Carlsen play, because he’s arguably the strongest player ever. I love the romantic era of chess, with beautiful sacrifices and checkmate patterns, I could never play like that so it’s always great to watch games from players like Paul Morphy.
I also think Garry Kasparov is my pick for the greatest ever, he was the strongest player for the longest period of time, when chess was going through its most dramatic shift with the rise of engines. If I had to pick one player to be my favourite, I think it would Kasparov.
My chess ambitions? First and foremost, to keep having fun. I wouldn’t want it to turn into a chore.
Ryan McGill
What’s your preferred chess opening with White?
I play the Queen’s Gambit when I can. I’ve had a few openings as white through the years – the Ruy Lopez, the London System, the Scotch. I like openings that allow for quick development. I picked up the Scotch purely because I’m Scottish – which isn’t a great reason to play an opening, if we’re honest!
The Queen’s Gambit – 1. d4 d5 2. c4 – has been played since the 15th century. Click on the board for an overview of Ryan’s favourite opening.
What attracted you to Queen’s pawn openings?
When I was first starting out, 1.d4 seemed offbeat and unexpected, even though it’s a close second to the more popular 1.e4. I liked the idea that I might be taking the Black player a little out of their comfort zone, and not have to deal with the mountains of 1.e4 variations.
After 1.d4, Black usually has the choice of which variation to go into from there, but if I don’t get a Queen’s Gambit, I’m pretty comfortable with all responses at this point. This just comes with experience.
Going to the Chess Club on Tuesdays, the Thursday Group and the Sunday morning sessions, plus online play and training, is a significant time investment each week. Do you have any issues balancing chess alongside family, work and social commitments?
I thought it would be more of an issue than it has been. I don’t really get up to much during the week after work, so I usually make it along to the local meetups. I like the flexibility it has given my schedule, even though it’s more of a commitment, playing so often.
There are so many options that even if I’m busy one day, I’ll usually be able to attend the next session. When I was just playing on Thursdays, missing out one week, meant I was waiting almost two weeks between OTB games. Now if I miss a Tuesday, I’ll probably be able to make it on Thursday and then on Sunday. It’s really great having so many options to play in a small area of south Glasgow.
Ryan plays on Sunday mornings in Queens Park (spring/summer) and the Glad Cafe (autumn/winter)
First and foremost, is to keep having fun. I wouldn’t want to get to a point where it turns into a chore or anything like that. I’d also like to get a Chess Scotland grade and an international FIDE Rating.
When I was playing online exclusively for a few years, an official FIDE rating seemed so alien to me, the kind of thing only professionals should have. That of course isn’t the case, and I’m well on my way to getting a Scottish grading. My next goal will be to use it as a baseline and push up to the next milestone.
I think small, personal goals are the key to improvement and enjoyment for me. I went 2/5 at my last tournament, next time I want 2.5/5 and then 3/5. I lost my first classical league match, and it’s an aspiration to get my first win this season. And most importantly is getting more consistent.
I have played some really good games, but I lack consistency and some of my games are not great to say the least. I think consistency is the basis for improvement. So once I get more consistent, then I can focus on improving.
Thanks Ryan, and good luck for the rest of the season. I’ll look forward to interviewing another Club Member next month. Meantime, readers can check out what Alex Radevic and Rhys McCrosson had to say.
The closely fought contest was won on tiebreak by Rhys McCrosson, who finished equal on points with Aidan Doye, and half a point ahead of Alex Radevic.
Can the champion defend his hard-won title? Will Aidan mount another challenge? Could one our many new members – tournament prize-winners among them – emerge victorious? Will we see some big rating upsets? There is only one way to answer these questions….
Jonny (l) & Giuseppe (r) met in round one
How It Works
The five round tournament starts in November 2022. Subsequent rounds will take place over the remainder of the season, concluding at the end of May 2023. Each round has a “designated date”. This is a Tuesday evening club night at which we encourage Members to play their Beltrami Club Championship games in our usual venue.
If Members are not available on this date, Tournament Controller Alex Lane will work with you and your opponent to find an alternative date – and possibly a different venue – that suits both players.
Each game will last up to two hours, at the 60+0 time control, played under Chess Scotland rules, involving use of a clock and notating moves.
One point is awarded for a win, and half a point for a draw. Using the Swiss pairings format, the number of points Members are on will determine who they are drawn against in the next round – i.e. “winners play winners”.
For newer players, the Beltrami Club Championship provides a valuable introduction to competitive, classical chess, and results will count towards achieving a national grading.
In the event of tied scores, the Sonneborn-Berger score will be used to determine final placings. This takes the performances of players’ opponents into account.
Jordan (l) vs Harvey (r) on board six
Round 1 Draw
Designated date: Tuesday 1 Nov, 6:45pm
Board
White
Rating
Score
Black
Rating
1
Douglas Veitch
0
0-1
Tommy Lally
1620
2
Craig Thomson
1590
1-0
Harry Thomson
0
3
Jackie Logan
0
0-1
Rhys McCrosson
1477
4
Paul Cumming
1437
D-0
James Carson
0
5
Jonny Linney
0
0-1
Giuseppe Bosco
1411
6
Harvey Dellanzo
1354
1-0
Jordan McNaught
0
7
Michael Mathieson
0
0-1
Graeme McKinnon
1339
8
Alex Lane
1316
1-0
Philip Blaber
0
9
Ryan McGill
0
0-1
Derek Rankine
1277
10
Jass McNeill
1254
0-1
Connor Thompson
0
11
Greg Forrest
0
0-1
Caitlin McCulloch
1128
12
Iain Shields
1122
1-0
Wull Swales
0
13
Sagar Kukreja
0
0-1
Chris Dinwoodie
1025
14
Aidan Doye
0
0-1
Paul Stewart
0
15
Gemma Dickson
0
0-1
Andrew Speirs
0
16
Ash Angappan
0
1-0
Ronnie Martin
0
D = default win
The above table will be updated as results come in. Once all round one outcomes are confirmed, they will be shared with Chess Scotland for grading, a standings table will be produced, and pairings for round two will be generated.
For any questions about the Beltrami Club Championship, Members can contact Alex Lane via WhatsApp.
October was a busy and productive month for Queens Park Chess Club. Our three league teams had two matches each, we had good representation in the Major and Minor section of the Dundee Congress, and we met Grandmaster Daniel King.
One immediate use of the grant will be to purchase additional chess sets for the Club and for our local partner, the Thursday Chess Group, to address recent shortages and enable even more people around the Queens Park area to join us for casual and competitive chess.
Read on to learn how our players fared in six league matches and a national tournament.
Our Division 3b Team, captained by Rhys McCrosson, got off to a winning start away to the talented juniors of Hamilton C, scoring 3.5 to 0.5. This included a win on board one for J Craig T Thomson, formerly of East Kilbride, in his first game for Queens Park – and his first league game in decades!
The second match was at home to Lenzie Dementors, another extremely strong junior side. The score was 3-1, with wins for Rhys McCrosson, Paul Cumming and Jordan McNaught. The two wins put Queens Park top of the league at the end of October.
There are many fixtures to come, and next month will see the team visit Glasgow University A, who are also likely to be pushing for promotion to Division 2. Results and standings are available on the Glasgow Chess League website.
The first game resulted in a loss away to Renfrewshire. Jordan McNaught won for Queens Park on board two. Tommy Lally, formerly of Airdrie and Shettleston Chess Clubs, and currently Queens Park’s strongest player by grading, was winning his game on board one and almost saved a draw, but a mistake in time pressure led to a 3-1 loss.
The A team drew its second game, home to Phones A on 24 October. The away side had the impressive Pavlos Bozinakis, rated 2177 FIDE, on board one. Pavlos had to work hard to beat 1481 rated Alex Radevic. A win from Graeme McKinnon, and draws by Harvey Dellanzo and Derek Rankine achieved the team’s first league point of the season. See Division 1 results and standings.
Caitlin McCulloch – who this month joined the Club Committee – captains Queens Park B in the Dumbarton league Division 2. The first game featured four unrated players against Bearsden B. Harry Thomson picked up his first win for the Club on board four in a 3-1 home defeat on 11 October.
In the second match, away to Stepps B on 27 October, the team secured a 2.5-1.5 victory, with wins from Chris Dinwoodie and Jonny Linney, and Tommy Lally got a draw on board one. See Dumbarton Division 2 results and standings.
The Dumbarton league fixtures provided valuable experience for many players new to competitive, classical over-the-board chess. Next up for Queens Park B is away to Giffnock on 7 November (Caitlin’s father, Andrew, plays for Giffnock, raising prospects for an inter-family clash!). The A team host Stepps A the following evening.
Click on the board to see Graeme McKinnon’s win vs Phones A
Dundee Congress
A contingent from Queens Park attended the Dundee Chess Congress (pictured above) on the weekend of 14-16 October. Held in the University of Dundee’s Chaplaincy Centre, the five round classical event (time control: 90+15) featured three sections – Premier, Major and Minor.
The Premier section was tied by IM Andrew Greet of Bearsden and FM Keith Ruxton of Sandy Bells Chess Club. IM Greet kindly donated several chess sets to Queens Park at the start of the 2022/23 season, and has agreed in principle to give a simultaneous match against our Members in early 2023. We intend to arrange a date and issue a call for players later in the Autumn.
Three Queens Park Members competed in the Major section – Alex Lane, Rhys McCrosson, and Jordan McNaught. They were joined by Liu Zizheng of Strathclyde University, a regular visitor to Queens Park, who finished on an impressive 2.5 points out of 5.
Alex Lane (right) achieved a Chess Scotland grading of 1316
In round two, Rhys achieved a superb victory with the Black pieces against top seed Donald Heron, rated 1797. Rhys finished on 2 points. Alex scored three draws to get 1.5/5, and achieved a national rating of 1316 in the process, while Jordan finished on the same score with one win and one draw.
Iain Shields and Chess in the Park & Thursday Chess Group regular Ronnie Martin played in the Minor section. Both finished on 2 points, Ronnie scoring two wins and three losses, Iain achieving a win and two draws.
Next up on the national stage is November’s Livingston Allegro and the Oban Congress. Several Queens Park Members will be participating in both.
