Back to over the board this week with Rounds 5 to 8 of the popular Freebird tournament, played with a 10m + 5s time format. After 8 rounds, Gordon Lyall wins this first leg of the tournament on 7 points, followed by Geoffrey Gunawan on 6.5, and Stewart Holdaway on 6. The full cross table of results can be found here. The second and final leg of the Freebird will be played in June. Next week we will hold our AGM, and the week after that we will begin the also popular Kington Memorial tournament. Check here for the full calendar of events planned for the year. If you live locally, and are interested in playing, come and check us out. We cater to all levels.

Two Club members, Geoffrey Gunawan and David Scott, visited Napier last weekend for the 9th annual Hawke’s Bay Rapid. Also participating was recent newcomer to the Club, Stewart Holdaway. While none of us were amongst the final prizes, it was a very enjoyable and well-run day. Final winners can be found here, while full results for the Kāpiti contingent can be found here. Going into the final round, Geoffrey was in for a chance of first place in the B grade, but lost to eventual B grade winner Briene Membrere. However, one highlight of the day perhaps, was his very nice 8 move cameo from Round 4. 

Here is a short and sweet cameo from Geoffrey from Round 4 of the annual Hawke’s Bay Rapid played in Napier, February 13, 2021

With the change in Covid Alert Levels announced on 14 February, and in line with NZCF policy, the Club will not meet  over the board on Tuesday 16 February, but will instead meet online from 7:30 pm at lichess.org/team/kapiti-chess-club.  Even if you haven’t previously played with us online, it’s easy to participate, just click on the link and ask to join the group. If we (hopefully) return to Alert Level 1 this week, then we will resume over the board play on 23 February, with the second night of the Freebird Trophy, and with the AGM also pushed back one week to the 2 March.

It was great to see a number of new visitors to the Club again this week, where tournament play kicked off for the year with the first four rounds of the Freebird Trophy. This series runs over two weeks under a time control of 10 m + 5 s. At the half-way stage of this first leg of the tournament, newcomer Stewart Holdaway leads on 3.5, with Gordon Lyall and Geoffrey Gunawan next on 3, and David Paul next on 2.5. Current results can be found here.  The final four rounds of this first leg of the tournament will play next week. 

Below: Geoffrey Gunawan showing  good form with a Round 1 win over current Club Champ Gordon Lyall

Kāpiti Chess Club kicked off its year this week with a great night of social chess. It was great to see a bunch of new visitors as well as our returning members. An exciting calendar of events is planned for the coming year. Next week sees the start of the popular Freebird competition, with its lively 10 minute + 5 second time format. On the 23rd is our Annual General Meeting. Both members and visitors are welcome and encouraged to come along and contribute their views on key matters for the Club.

A reminder also that the Hawke’s Bay Chess Club is holding their annual Hawke’s Bay Rapid tournament on February 13. I’ve been going for a couple of years, and have found them thoroughly enjoyable and well-run. Entry form here.

The Kāpiti Chess Club starts back again for 2021 on February 2. All are welcome. We have a new calendar of events (here) that will appeal to both social and serious players, including a new Spring Cup with a 15 m + 5 s format, a Fischer-Random night, our traditional tournaments and heaps more.

If you are an existing member, welcome back! If you’ve never visited us before, and are interested in playing Chess, come and check us out. We play at the Salvation Army (rear) hall, 41 Bluegum Road, Paraparaumu Beach, every Tuesday night from 7:30pm. The first three nights are free! Feel free to contact us here if you have any questions.