Recent weeks have given us a strong mix of competitive chess across the Club Championship, the North East League, and the SNCL. The club continues to demonstrate depth, ambition, and a willingness from players at every level to challenge themselves. Several matches stand out as excellent viewing — not because they were perfect, but because they show the growth and calibre within the club. A selection of the games is featured below.
Club Championship – Round 2: A Battle of Preparation and Nerves
Round 2 delivered a series of hard-fought games, but one of the most instructive was the encounter between Lewis Matheson and Tate Randle.
Tate came with clear preparation, targeting the Vienna Gambit directly. His opening play was accurate, and he handled the resulting middlegame with confidence. For most of the game, he held the advantage and maintained the pressure. In the final stages, he offered a draw from what was still a favourable — and arguably winning — position. It was a sporting gesture, likely influenced by the rating difference, and a reminder that the Club Championship is producing serious competitive moments alongside strong sportsmanship.
The draw between David Watkins and David Bridges added further intrigue to the standings, creating a much more open race as we head into the later rounds.
North East League: A Tough Lesson After a Strong Start
In the NE League match against Bon Accord, Lewis’s game was another highlight — and a reminder of how thin the margins can be in rapid development positions.
Out of the opening, Lewis emerged a piece up, converting preparation and early tactical awareness into a clear advantage. That lead held for around 30 moves, but sustained pressure eventually told. A single missed tactic swung the game, and from there the momentum shifted decisively. It was a hard result to take, but the game itself is worth reviewing for anyone wanting to understand the importance of composure when defending a lead.
The NE League continues to deliver exactly what it was designed to provide: meaningful, competitive games that develop players through real match situations.
SNCL: Competitive Matches and Steady Progress
The latest SNCL fixtures offered several battles where Stonehaven players showed determination, improved structure, and better time management. While we won’t dive into individual game analysis here, the overall standard across the boards continues to rise.
What stands out is the consistency of fighting spirit: players are holding difficult positions longer, pushing advantages more effectively, and gaining valuable experience against strong opposition. The Round 4 win demonstrated exactly what this team is capable of when everything aligns.
A Club Growing in Strength and Opportunity
Across all competitions, one message is clear: Stonehaven Chess Club is building something strong.
We encourage players of all abilities — from complete beginners to seasoned competitors — to get involved. You’ll have opportunities to play, learn, challenge yourself, and experience competitive chess in a supportive environment.
The season is already producing memorable moments. There is much more to come.