There are many opportunities for all members to play chess at whatever speed they choose.

If you like the idea of slow games on Saturday afternoons you’d probably enjoy playing county chess.

This season Surrey are fielding five teams in the SCCU county match tournaments: Open, U2050, U1850, U1650 and U1450. The matches are played on Saturday afternoons with play usually starting at 2pm. Our home matches are normally at Cheam but away matches involve travel to venues in Kent, Essex and Middlesex. The time control is 35 moves in 100 minutes then 20 minutes for all remaining moves with 10 second increments for all moves. Play can last up to 4½ hours.

If you’re interested in playing county chess for Surrey contact Trevor Jones on  <htjones.raildev@gmail.com> who will put you in touch with the appropriate match captains.

If you prefer something faster, Richmond Junior Chess Club are running the Rik Thomas Memorial blitz on Saturday 18 December. Rik was one of the coaching team at RJCC and, as many of you will know, also played for Kings Head for many years.

Visit http://rjcc.org.uk/richmond-blitz for further information and to download the entry form.