We’re back up and running with the new season now fully underway!
On 8th October, we hosted the first round of the North East Chess League, welcoming six teams and 24 players for an excellent night of competitive chess. It wasn’t quite our night on the scoreboard — all three Stonehaven teams suffered defeats — but there were still positives to take. Stonehaven Dunnottar was the only team to score on the boards, with Keith securing a solid draw and myself managing a win. Despite the results, it was a great evening of chess, and we’re already looking forward to the next rounds.
Dundee Congress Highlights
Over the weekend, three of our members took part in the Dundee Chess Congress. I finished on 2 out of 5, which included one memorable win from a position two minor pieces down, a well-fought positional draw, and a tough loss after missing a tactic on move 34. Every game brings lessons, and experiences like these are how we all improve.
Club Championship Kicks Off
Last night saw the first round of our Club Championship, with eight members facing off across the boards. There were some excellent games and plenty of sharp play.
My own match started well — I was two pawns up out of the opening — but a tactical misstep and a misguided castle turned the tables quickly, shifting my position from a comfortable –1.5 to +6 for White! A painful reminder of just how quickly fortunes can change in sharp positions, especially against stronger opposition. Graham McKay, rated 1670 and over 200 points higher than me, played superbly and will undoubtedly be a major asset to our club going forward.
Player Highlights
Graham Stirling, one of our newest members, made a strong impression in his debut North East League match. Returning to chess after nearly four decades away, he held steady for much of the game and clearly understood where things went wrong in the endgame. That level of insight and reflection speaks volumes — he’s going to make big strides this season.
David Watkin, another recent addition to the club, scored a dramatic win over Bruce Harrold in the first round of the Club Championship. It was a tough game that swung in both directions before Bruce, one of our most experienced and historically strongest players, blundered his queen in a mating sequence. A lucky break perhaps, but a win’s a win — and well deserved for David, who continues to show promise.
The Spirit of Stonehaven
The camaraderie and team spirit within the club are truly fantastic. We’re a relatively new and fast-growing club, with many new and returning players learning, improving, and forming friendships both on and off the board.
Chess is more than just a game — it’s a community. And here in Stonehaven, that community is thriving.
Get Involved
If you’ve been sitting on the fence or just playing online on Chess.com or Lichess, why not come along and experience over-the-board chess for yourself? Sharpen your mind, challenge yourself, and join a welcoming group of players who love the game.
Whether you fancy yourself a budding Carlsen, Kasparov, Polgár, or Hou Yifan, there’s a place for you here.
Below you’ll find a selection of recent games from our league and club events — have a look, study them, and enjoy! StonehavenChessClub
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