5th Simon Bartlett Memorial Congress 2024

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Congratulations to Suhayl Abdalla who won the Minor section with 5/5!

Devon Juniors Daniel Smith, Vincent Dong and Pengxiao Zhu also took part, scoring at least half-marks in their respective sections.

 

Dr.Dave's 10 steps for choosing a move

  1. What is your opponent up to?  What are all the things your opponent's move does?
  2. Even if you think you know: look at all the checks and captures (now and next moves for your opponent)
  3. Most important: Look around the whole board
  4. Can you spot any tactical patterns -- or are there loose pieces/Kings -- can they make something happen?
  5. What can you do to them?  Same routine: checks and captures, whole board, tactical patterns
  6. Improving your position -- which is your laziest piece?

Reuben Fine’s 30 Rules of Chess

OPENING RULES

1. Open with a centre pawn.
2. Develop with threats.
3. Play knights before bishops.
4. Castle as soon as possible.
5. Avoid developing the queen too early.
6. Do not move the same piece twice without a good reason.
7. Use your minor pieces to fight for the centre.
8. Maintain at least one pawn in the centre.
9. Make as few pawn moves as possible.
10. Avoid sacrificing without a clear and adequate reason.

MIDDLEGAME RULES

County colours for Devon juniors

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In last Sunday's Devon County chess match for all ages, Devon juniors were selected: Caleb Caleshu, Jack Wills and Harvey Cooper.  Congratulations to all.

British Champs 2023

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I've been trying to find and follow the progress of Devon juniors in this year's Championships, but please email me if I've missed anyone.

I spotted Luke Honey and Reece Whittington having a go in the strong 9-round Major Open, scoring 5 and 3.5 respectively.  A tough week in the office!  (For context, the winner was an International Master who scored 7/9.)

Reece and Luke then took part in the U1900 Rapidplay, which was won by Luke with 5.5/6 -- very well done! 

Positional elements

Here's a list.  

There are different levels of appreciation, from Know-That to Know-How 

  1. I've heard of it...
  2. I can recognise it in a position or a game
  3. I pay attention to it when choosing a move
  4. I know a model game = I know enough about it to win a game with it when it is the main thing going on = I can make an effective plan based on it 
  5. I can judge how important it is in a more complex position

activity

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David Regis, 71 Mary Street, Bovey Tracey, Devon TQ13 9HQ  

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