Hi Guys,

I know this seems very early but I am going to Prague on the 15th so won't be at SNCL.

Barring catastrophic storms, WW3 or other Acts of God or even Trump's crazy ideas, SNCL does plan to go ahead.

If there are any problems please contact either Rhuaridh Mackay or Andy Howie. Although Andy is Chief Arbiter, for various personal reasons he may not reply quickly enough for you so I suggest you try Rhuaridh first.

Enjoy your day, be nice to my arbiters and college staff. Leave the place as you found it -- neat and tidy and please do not explore the higher levels of the venue.

I see on the news page that a statement has been made which implied that council is not functioning and that the Management Board will discuss the accounts.

Quote:In the absence of a functioning Council, Management Board will meet to discuss the best way to allow the membership to question and ultimately approve the accounts.

Quote:AM I agree we cannot accept the accounts but we can pass the rest of the Management Board report

JW Suggested a short meeting once certified

AM Council meeting would be more appropriate

Chess Scotland wishes a Happy New Year to all chess players and their families.

Let's make 2025 a year to remember.

Already we are awaiting confirmation that Scotland has a new FM.  Hopefully we will have more titles to report during the next 12 months.

All the best to everyone.

Passed to me by Thor:

Aaron Nobile at Hamilton Chess Club passed away on December 22nd 2024.

Aaron started at the club in 2018, here he also played in the East Kilbride 50th Anniversary tournament that year. He has played in the Hamilton Open and this year, he had a stunning tournament and won the Hamilton Summer Congress.

Aaron always had a smile on his face and was keen to play for the club. He enjoyed the games he played. He was very fond of the French Defence. Aaron was always willing to analyse the games of other players and help them. 

Aaron wil be missed at the club. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.

Hi everybody,

The Hamilton Open entries have been coming in thick and fast and we are almost full. Perfect time to play some chess after Hogmanay festivities.

If you are too late to enter the Hamilton Open, not to worry. There are plenty of tournaments being planned in Scotland for the first half of next year.

Ruairidh

Dave McGilvary sadly passed away on the morning of the 9th December.

He was an integral part of Badgers Brook and before that played for Livingston. He often welcomed new players to make the feel at home in the club and also captained many teams over the years. He'll be sorely missed by everyone that knew him.

When I get funeral details I'll post them here.

On the Steam web shop Chessbase 17 for £55 and Fritz 18 for £32, Best used with the £5 per month Chessbase subscription to remove greyed out options.

An allegro for you in Livingston, See the details from the calendar.

3 places left at time of writing; late fees apply from now on.

Links to the usual results and pairings sites are here and here.

Although it is very cold, at the moment SNCL is still on this weekend.

We will just have to wait and see what happens at the weekend but, I am hoping, this storm is not going to be as bad as last year. it is supposed to get warmer and change to rain and wind

I am expecting all teams to turn up but if there are any problems please contact me.

If you don't turn up with no prior warning then the relegation rule will stand.