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Pre season there was much discussion as to whether Lichfield had the resources to even run  a team in the Birmingham second division. Problems related primarily to the non availability of players, particularly in the second half of the season. However, by successfully arranging most of the fixtures in the first half of the season … Continue reading Unexpected success

It is always nice when a newcomer starts to make an impression after a bad start. Ray Sawyer had played a lot of computer chess when he joined this season and it showed when he played his first game and rattled off 60 moves in an hour- and duly lost. Once he realised he needed … Continue reading Surprise leader

Nigel Short's anti corruption campaign has led to him being appointed a vice president of FIDE and a seat on the executive council. Nigel, son of Lichfield secretary David Short, was one of three candidates for the presidency, but after making a strong speech at the FIDE Congress he withdraw his nomination and instead backed … Continue reading Short appointed Vice President

 SEPTEMBER Tuesday, 4th Sept, Birmingham Div 3, Mercia, AWAY, Lost 4.5-1.5 Wed, 5th Sept, Pittaway Cup v Stourbridge AWAY. Lost 5-3 (two games defaulted by Lichfield) Winner B Homewood Wolverhampton Div 4, Stourbridge AWAY,. Lost 3.5-1.5 Thursday, 6th Sept, Birmingham 2, Mutual Circle, HOME,  Won 4-2. Winner B; Winners C v d Westhuizen, P Willett, … Continue reading Results and winners

Most of the lower divisions of the Birmingham Chess League contain players considerably stronger than one might expect. This is particularly true in divisions three to six which may contain smaller clubs who run only a couple of teams, but have two or three strong players. It is a factor which is thought to have … Continue reading A more even tournament

Lichfield treasurer, John Fryer, was the top player with the black pieces in the Wolverhampton League last season. He won four matches, drew three and lost only one game. Overall he was the 12th most successful player in the league with both black and white. Three Lions 1, Lichfield CC 0 The euphoria surrounding England … Continue reading Snippets

With one match remaining, Lichfield's chances of retaining Staffordshire's Jackson Cup looked remote. Many lesser determined players than Mike Hoare would have resigned on the spot, particularly as time was running out. A Knight and King endgame, a draw was needed for a Lichfield win over Meir, but Mike was down three pawns to five, … Continue reading An epic finish

It is usually with a little trepidation that club treasurers propose an increase in subscriptions at an annual general meeting That was the case when John Fryer presented his annual treasurer's report to Lichfield Chess Club members,  showing a loss of 200 pounds on the year and proposing an increase of three pounds. To his … Continue reading A shock for treasurer