Brentwood School Hosts Successful Two-Day Chess Tournament in Partnership with Essex Junior Chess Association
Brentwood School recently hosted and organised a two-day Standard Play chess tournament held in partnership with the Essex Junior Chess Association.
The event attracted over 80 competitors of all ages across the two days. Players could opt to compete on one or both days in either the Open Section, designed for stronger competitors, or the Minor Section for less experienced players. The tournament even drew international participation, welcoming three junior players from Turkey who competed while on holiday in England.
Standard Play rules require players to record every move, a new and valuable challenge for many of the younger participants. With games lasting up to two hours each across three daily rounds, the tournament tested both endurance and strategic skill.
The event was organised by Brentwood School Head of Chess, Mr Robin Slade, who managed operations outside the playing hall, analysed the games, and played chess with the younger competitors.
The tournament itself was run by International Arbiter and Brentwood staff member, Mr John Bowley, alongside National Arbiter and Brentwood School Year 12 student, Riley. Following his work officiating the event, Riley officially qualified as a Level 2 National Arbiter.
Brentwood School Year 10 student Akaash, who assisted with the event set up, won a rating prize in the Open Section, while incoming Brentwood Year 7 student Shervin finished as joint winner of the Minor Section. Akaash and Shervin – like many of the juniors – were playing in their first standard play event.
Mr Slade said: “Although the tournament was open to all chess players, the primary objective was to give juniors a taste of this longer form of competitive chess. It was good to see how the less experienced players helped each other record the moves and handle the chess clock. The whole event was played in great spirit with perfect weather to match.”
Brentwood School will host its next event, the 5th Brentwood Bank Holiday Rapid Play, on Saturday 29th August. For entry details and further information, please contact Mr Robin Slade at slader@brentwood.essex.sch.uk
*Photos courtesy of Brendan O’Gorman.
