Month: December 2025

…it’s time for the winter break.

The club will be closed from 25 December to 1 January inclusive.

As the year draws to a close, we’d like to thank everyone who has been part of Hammersmith Chess Club in 2025 — whether you played your first game, your fiftieth match, captained a team, coached a junior, or simply pulled up a chair and enjoyed the atmosphere.

We wish all our members a peaceful festive season, a chance to recharge, and plenty to look forward to in the year ahead.

Warmest wishes,

Hammersmith Chess Club

Beginners & Improvers Chess Course — Starting 15 January

Adam Cranston’s popular Beginners & Improvers Chess Course at the MindSports Centre returns in January.

This friendly, structured course is ideal for complete beginners, returning players, and anyone who wants to build confidence and understanding beyond casual play.

Start date: Thursday 15 January 2026

Time: 5:30pm

Duration: 8 sessions (with one week off for February half-term)

Price: £100 (50% discount for Hammersmith members)

Sessions focus on fundamentals, practical play, and building good habits, all in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Several people have asked about gifting the course to a partner or family member. If you’re looking for something a little more original than the usual festive fare, this is a great way to give time, learning, and enjoyment that lasts well beyond Christmas.

Every Thursday evening, the Mindsports Centre becomes the beating heart of Hammersmith Chess Club. Whether you’re brand new to the club, returning after a break, or already a Hammer, Thursday nights are the friendliest and easiest way to get involved.

We run a blend of social chess, rated classical games (Sledgehammer), and rated rapid games (Rockhammer). You choose what you want to play each week — or simply come along to enjoy the atmosphere.

What Are Sledgehammer and Rockhammer?

Sledgehammer

ECF-rated classical games

Time control: 75 minutes + 15 seconds increment

Rockhammer

ECF-rated rapid games

Time control: 2 (or 3) games of 25 minutes + 10 seconds increment

To play rated games, you’ll need ECF Bronze membership or above.
To play social (unrated) games, you simply need to be an HCC member.

How Sign-Up Works

Each Wednesday, Adam posts a short poll in the “Hammer Thursday Club Nights” WhatsApp group.  Just:

1. Select what you’d like to play that week
2. Wait for pairings, published Thursday lunchtime
3. Turn up for your game

By signing up, you’re committing to attend — just as you would for a league match.  If something unavoidable happens, please contact your opponent as early as possible.

Submitting Results

All Sledgehammer and Rockhammer results are submitted via the online form:

👉 Results Form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeUm6yaOxRZoTU9xa-38NBVBFMqQEhM04ZALYX-h11mbr03HGg/viewform

Please note:

• Sledgehammer (classical) games must be notated, and you’ll need to upload a PGN.
• Rockhammer (rapid) games do not require notation.

Match Details

Start Time:  7:00pm, unless you agree otherwise with your opponent.

Colours:  Randomly determined on the night (coin toss, app, or any fair method).

Time Controls:  You may flex the time controls if both players agree, provided they remain within the ECF definitions of standardplay or rapidplay.

Casual Chess

If you prefer unrated or more relaxed games, we’ll happily pair you with another casual player — or you can simply play freely in the main area.  Casual and rated chess sit side by side every Thursday.

Why Thursday Nights Matter

For many new members, Thursday evenings are your first real taste of the club. They offer:

• A consistent weekly routine
• A welcoming environment to meet players of all strengths
• Easy access to rated chess
• A pathway into league teams
• A social hub in the MSC café and bar

If you’re new to Hammersmith, start here.
If you’re returning, this is where you reconnect.

Jenny Mulholland, Thursday Admin

 

 

The year may be drawing to a close, but our teams are far from winding down.

We’ve got a packed schedule over the next two weeks before the Christmas break, and you can explore everything that’s coming up via our live calendar below:

👉 https://hammerchess.co.uk/calendar/category/league-matches/

We’ll shortly be sharing a round-up of how all our teams have been performing across the leagues and divisions. And if you haven’t played for Hammer yet this season, now is a perfect time to get involved.

There’s a place for every level of strength and experience.

If any fixture on the calendar catches your eye, simply click the listing to see full details—venue, start time, and captain. Then drop the captain a note to register your interest. If you’re unsure where to begin, just message me directly and I’ll point you in the right direction.

A quick reminder: to play in official matches you’ll need to be both a Hammer member and an ECF member for the 2025/26 season.

Let’s finish the year strongly—see you over the board!

Gaston Franco

Club Captain, Hammersmith Chess Club