We were saddened to hear of the death last month of Michael Franklin, an active Richmond member for almost 60 years, a former English international and one of the country’s leading players back in the 1960s. But more than that, and more importantly than that, he was always a perfect gentleman, liked and respected by everyone in the English chess community. He will be much missed. We pay tribute to Michael here.
Our match season concluded with wins for our TVB and London League teams. Well done to everyone: you can find the details here.
We’re currently planning a summer programme including social chess, blitz tournaments, simuls, talks and meals. Suggestions and volunteers are always welcome! Dates and other details will be published here, and you can join our email list and WhatsApp group (contact Sampson Low) to ensure you’re kept in touch.
Our revived lichess arena tournaments on Wednesdays are proving popular so we’ll be continuing them in future. To join our lichess group sign up for lichess if you haven’t already done so and then visit lichess.org/team/rtcc. It’s all totally free, so you have nothing to lose!
The membership form for the 2022-23 season, along with the revised club rules and safeguarding policy, are available for download from the home page. As we’re approaching the end of the season we’ll be happy to offer you a reduced rate!
Richard is currently publishing a series of books for novice and intermediate players on Amazon under the title Chess Heroes. The introductory volume is available here. The checkmates book is available here, the tactics book here, the openings book here and the endings book here. Further books in the series will be published later this year. These books are highly recommended for anyone between 500 and 1500 strength, as well as for anyone who teaches at that level. Purchases and 5* reviews will be very much appreciated!
Richard’s book, Chess for Schools, was published last August. You can find out more here. Richard is always happy to talk to parents and teachers about any aspect of junior chess.
Richard’s latest book review, of Kingwalks: Paths of Glory by Yasser Seirawan and Bruce Harper has recently been published here.
Richard’s latest chess history post explores chess at the Star and Garter Home in Richmond between 1926 and 1939, through the lives of two of their strongest players. Richard has also recently published the fourth part of the history of Richmond Junior Chess Club 1975-2006, covering the period from 1993 to 1999, including the Richmond Chess Initiative and the two Richmond Internationals, complete with a selection of games. Find out more about the glory years of Richmond Junior Chess Club here.
Congratulations to Raghu Kamath, who shared 2nd place in the U2000 section of the recent London FIDE rapidplay. It was also good to see several of our members taking part in the Mike Basman Memorial Tournament.
There are tournaments, either standardplay or rapidplay, most weekends in our area. Even if you haven’t played in a tournament before you’ll be very welcome to take part.
Forthcoming events:
2-4 June London Chess League Weekend Congress (Hammersmith) Details
3 June London FIDE Rapidplay (Ealing) Details
9 June Hammersmith Friday Evening Rapidplay Details
17 June Golders Green FIDE Rapidplay Details
17-18 June Ealing FIDE Congress Details
Visit the ECF Calendar for full information on forthcoming events.