Over the last 16 months, the global pandemic has played havoc with our lives. Some have been affected more than others, but one thing is the same for all of us: over-the-board chess has been off the menu.
To some extent we are lucky that chess can be played online, but there’s no doubting it isn’t quite the same. Gone is the buzz of moving physical pieces, hitting the clock, and enjoying our rival’s reaction as their position slowly crumbles! So it is with a huge amount of joy that we can finally announce that OTB chess is returning to Planet Hammer!
Sadly the pressures of the pandemic have meant that our old Goldhawk Road venue has changed ownership. However, we soon hope to announce an even better venue for the club, into which we’ll be moving early-September.
Until then, we intend to set up camp in the Prince of Wales Townhouse, right next to Ravenscourt Park station. It really is a hidden gem, with excellent food, fantastic beers, and a great atmosphere in which to play chess. Some members have been meeting there unofficially over the summer to get in a little OTB practice under strict Covid restrictions.
With lockdown easing from next week, the club intends to host a welcome back blitz tournament on Monday!
- Date: Monday 19th July
- Registration: 7pm
- Start: 7:30pm
The tournament will be time-handicapped. Both players will receive 10 minutes between them, but the weaker player will receive a greater share of this time, depending on the difference in their ratings. Every player can expect to play around 7 games, the exact format to be decided based on the number of entries. There may be a small prize for the winner.
Please fill out this form if you intend to take part. If the event proves popular it may not be possible to accept additional entries on the night. Priority will be given to Hammersmith members.
Hope to see lots of you there!
Adam