Hi, this is the first time i've posted something, and it concerns the first tournament i've ever run.
Meeting at Massey's each Tuesday for chess seemed ok, but I thought i'd change the format, add a bit of competitive enjoyment and encourage more interaction amonst the members. For a start, I didn't know the names of some of the members playing in the 2nd and 3rd divisions, and they probably didn't know mine. Most Tuesdays, various players seemed to be playing the same opponents repeatedly, so I thought i'd arrange a 5 minute tournament, which ran on the 14th June.
It proved enjoyable for most, with 8 out of 10 of the entrants completing all the rounds. There were a couple of withdrawals midway through, however. Clive seemed to struggle with the format, but I think 5 minute chess can be unsettling for those not used to it. Mike Johnson also left early, albeit still in realistic contention. Wesley enjoyed the tournament, finishing second and winning one of his games against me. The ever solid Howard Jones and club newcomer Bava finished joint third, with another newcomer, John Loughnane, accruing 10 points.. Paul Sweatman got 9 points, securing a 50% score. Two players new to 5 minute chess were Perry and yet another new player to join our club, Dave Howlin. Perry enjoyed the quick pace and scored 6 points, whilst Dave finished on 4 + 1/2.. Although Dave finished nearer the foot of the table, he did gain a win over myself in one of his games.
With the format being all play all twice, once with either colour, 18 games were played by each player that played the full schedule.
The full results were :
Dave Ireland 15 + 1/2
Wesley Beesley 12
Bava S 11 + 1/2
Howard Jones 11 + 1/2
John Loughnane 10
Paul Sweatman 9
Perry Blunden 6
Dave Howlin 4 + 1/2
Clive Osman and Mike Johnson did not complete all scheduled games.
