Year: 2011

  • Last night was booked for a ‘social night of chess’ not a Tournament round as previously advertised. A casual 5 minute Tournament was held, which saw Paul Frost and David Paul share the honours with 5.5 points each. A play-off resulted in the first game drawn and the 2nd game won by David. Mike O’Rorke came a respectable 3rd.  Josh Bunker and Rick Lowe both played impressive chess beating Club President Guy Burns. Round 5 of the eight round 60-60 John Kingston Memorial Trophy Tournament resumes 15 June.

    Coaching will available 15 June for both Senior and Junior players at 7:00pm 15 June.

  • Strong competition continues in our 60-60 Tournament where David Paul continues to dominate the field. His nearest contenders are rising star Ian Liddell—playing outstanding chess—who, tonight, bet top-seeded John Whibley, and top Junior Itay Ben-Dom. Next week is round 5 of this eight round Tournament.

  • Great turnout at Waikanae due to KCDC needing to use Library room—Waikanae Senior Citizen Hall near the UtaUta St/Pehi Kupe St corner—we had 12 people play in the 60-60 Tournament. For those who did not make it and have not missed any games, you will be awarded  half a point. This is our policy when one game is missed in a Tournament (except for our 5 Minute Tournament).

  • Our 25 May Club night will be held in Waikanae, at the Waikanae Senior Citizen Hall near the UtaUta St/Pehi Kupe St corner—See map below.

    2 vehicles will be leaving the Kapiti Library at 7:20 for those who need transport. This is a ‘once-only’ and next week we are back at the Library.

  • Our 60-60 Tournament for 2011 has begun and will be played over the next 2 months, ending mid-July. Don’t forget coaching next week, this is available for both Seniors, Juniors and the general public, starting at 7:00 at the Library.

  • Alistair McGowan continues his fine form during the 5 Minute Tournament (Night 3) held tonight. Incumbent 5 champion David Paul struggled, but still leads the field overall. Great to see former Kapiti Chess Champion, Levin based Earl Roberts, playing in the field. This Tournament is the only competition whereby non-members can play.

  • A solid blow by Gordon Anderson in Round 8 of the Free Bird Tournament (15-15 minute time frame) has, like a sharp hammer strike, knocked back Alistair’s McGowan’s slim lead—now shared with David Paul. Play for this Trophy continues in late November with two night’s play. Johnny Hynes leads the Juniors.

    Next week is Round Three for our Blitz Trophy Tournament, also coaching will be available from Club Captain, David Paul at 7:00pm.

    Please note, on May 25 the Chess Club will meet at the Senior Citizens’ Hall in Waikanae— at our usual time-—because Council will be using the library room.

  • Free Bird Tournament (15-15 minute time frame) leader—Alistair McGowan—continues his fine form after beating David Paul tonight. He is closely followed by David, Zoe Kingston and John Whibley. Johnny Hynes continues his steady run, leading the Juniors. This new Tournament, sponsored by Mike O’Rorke, continues next Wednesday (27 April)—another four games—and will be followed by two more nights play in late November, early December.

  • John Whibley played a great game and managed to draw against current Kapiti Chess Club champion David Paul. This draw allowed Alistair McGowan to slip into—sharing—the top slot in our 30-30 (25 minutes plus 5 second increment) Tournament after an easy win against wild-card Guy Burns. Itay Ben-Dom easily took out the Junior prize in the Tournament, followed by Johnny Hynes.

  • The result of the punishing game, last night, between Guy Burns and David Paul has given Alistair McGowan a chance to take out 2011’s, 30-30 Trophy. Like the tenacious blacksmith on the forge, Guy hammered home a comprehensive victory, allowing Alistair to be half a point behind David on the overall total. No one else appears close enough to take the trophy and it will all come down to how these two players fair this Wednesday night. Itay Ben-Dom—well and truly—leads the Juniors—even after missing tonight’s play.

  • 2nd (and last) series of our 30-30 (25 minutes plus 5 second increment) Tournament is well under way. David Paul still manages to hold the lead after several tough games. Alistair McGowan failed to capitalise on a superior position and managed a notable draw and is tied level for this series. Itay Ben-Dom leads the juniors. Mike O’Rorke takes the coaching this Wednesday—6 April.

  • Tonight’s 5 Minute Tournament saw some great chess played by the Juniors. Johnny Hynes and Josh Bunker played outstanding chess to trounce Senior player Mike O’Rorke who had a troubled night. Johnny and Josh played each other later, and achieved a respectable draw. Guy Burns, another senior player was well beaten by Ian Liddell and junior Jacko O’Grady also put Guy under pressure.

    David Paul was the shining star of the night achieving the perfect result of 6 wins out of 6 games—he now leads the field in our—5 rounds over the year—5 Minute Tournament.

    Next week Series II of our two part 30-30 (25 minutes plus 5 second increment) Tournament begins.

    Don’t forget coaching by Club Captain David Paul will start at 7:00pm 23 March.

  • Coaching starts 9 March 7:00pm at the Library.

    Our 30-30 is progressing well. Guy Burns and David Paul led neck and neck and will square it off next match—will be an exciting game. Top junior player Itay Ben Dom is half a point behind the leaders, along with Alastair McGowan and Zoe Kingston.

    The latest rating list from NZ Chess Federation has been released. Alastair McGowan tops the rapid rating list on 1832 and David Paul hits 1861 for the standard rating.

  • Our AGM was held and our governance and constitutional obligations were undertaken. Club officials were elected, reports made and several motions were passed. Pressure to increase fees was resisted and fees will remain the same as 2010. Our 30-30 tournament resumes next week and the following week—9 March—chess coaching will commence. Please note:  it was agreed at the AGM that all games for 2011 will commence at 7:45.

  • Chess started in 2011 with a 5 minute Blitz Tournament. David Paul dominated the field, but was strongly challenged by Alistair McGowan who managed a draw against him. Chess continues with the first round of the 30-30 (Timeframe: 25 minutes, plus 5 seconds add on) Tournament starting 9 February.

    Coaching has also been confirmed and will occur at the Library at 7;00pm— on a fortnightly basis—starting 9 March.