Bank Holiday Rapid Play Chess Tournament

The 2nd Brentwood School Bank Holiday Rapid Play Chess Tournament took place in the Wessex Auditorium on Saturday 26th August.

The tournament was open to adults and juniors alike, split into two sections (Open and Minor) based on English Chess Federation rating. 

90 players of all ages took part across the two sections including 15 students from Brentwood Senior and Prep School. 

It was organised by International Master Richard Pert (Brentwood School’s Director of Chess) and Robin Slade (Brentwood School’s Head of Chess) in partnership with Brentwood School and the Essex Junior Chess Association. 

Mr Slade said: "One of the joys of competitive chess is that it transcends normal boundaries. Adults and juniors of all ages can compete on an equal footing. There is no age or language or physical or gender barrier and 70 years separated the oldest and youngest players (who both won prizes)."

Competitors played 6 rounds across the day against opponents in their section with the same score as themselves. This meant that those who kept winning were paired against each other (and vice versa).

Brentwood School student Max P shared 2nd-place in the Open Section on 5 points. The Minor Section (for players rated below ECF1200) was won by Brentwood School student Maadesh on 5.5 points. Aarav G (Year 4) was runner-up.

Maadesh said “I was super happy that I got some money and a trophy but more importantly, I had lots of fun”. 

Mr Slade added: "As Head of Chess, it is always good to see students like Maadesh, who apply themselves at the board and want to learn lessons from each game that they play, do well. Earlier in the summer I joined Maadesh (along with Jaden, Aryan and Chiza) at the Southern Gigafinal at Sandown Park Racecourse. They had qualified for this major event (600 children across 2 days) through the Essex Megafinal held in Colchester Town Hall."

Maadesh also competed in a one-day section at the British Championships earlier in August. 

Nina P got a wildcard place and made her debut alongside her dad in the main British Championship where she scored a very creditable 4/9. Max P played in multiple sections for adults and juniors, finishing half a point short of becoming British U16 Champion.