In 2019, Hammersmith introduced two new internal tournaments, with a handicap scoring system, allowing players from all levels to compete and have fun playing ECF graded over-the-board games. At least, that was the original idea until COVID-19 struck the world, and it became challenging to play OTB chess.
At that point the tournament rules were relaxed to allow online games to count for the tournament while not being ECF graded. This has enabled Hammers to continue playing in those tournaments during the lock-down period.
On June 30th 2020, the 2019 season was officially closed and we can now announce the winners.
Sledgehammer Cup 2019 results (Standard Play)
Winner: Christof Brixel (97.5 points)
Runner-up: David Lambert (83.5 points)
Third: Nadim Osseiran (49.5 points)
Rockhammer Cup 2019 results (Rapidplay)
Winner: Nadim Osseiran (49.5 points)
Runner-up: Christof Brixel (45 points)
Third: David Lambert (43 points)
All the details for the 2019 season (games & standings) can be found on this link to the tournament record sheet.
The 2019 cups will be distributed to the winners as soon as the social distancing situation permits, hopefully soon!
Launch of the 2020 Hammer Tournaments Season
This year we will have 3 different Cups:
- The Sledgehammer Cup for Standard Play
- The Rockhammer Cup for Rapid Play
- The Jackhammer960 for 960 chess variant in Rapid Play time control
Those tournaments are open to all Hammersmith Chess Club members. All you need to do is to contact fellow members and submit the game result via this link to the game submission form.
Some changes have been made to the rules as follows:
- Online games will now count towards the ECF online grading (except for 960 chess)
- Only games that are rated on the online platforms will be accepted, casual online games will not be accepted
- Players are encouraged to have a live video connection during online games
- Game results will only be accepted via the provided game submission form, results by email will not be accepted.
For complete information and rules, please have a look at the Hammer Tournaments 2020 Documentation
Good luck for the 2020 Hammer Tournaments Season!
The Internal Tournaments Team