I see this event advertised as taking place on Sep 6th but there is no option to download an entry form. Has say entry forms already been circulated to schools?

I have been having discussion on what the deal is with CM + NM titles on another forum. Can anyone clarify for me?

Someone is insisting CM = 2200 and NM = 2100, and along with FM, the CM + NM titles don't require norms. Is this correct?

Apparently your FIDE rating also only has to hit 2200 or 2100 at any point in the tournament and you get the CM or NM (even if your rating falls below required level by end of tournament). This is so long as you or your federation pay whatever fees are involved. Is this correct?

We have 1xCM in Scotland and 0xNM as far as I am aware. Surely we would have more of both if the above were the requirements? Also NM in general seems pretty rare, although I see a lot of them on Chess.Com - is NM possibly a country specific title?

Looking to improve my endgames (the part of chess I enjoy the most!) anyone recommend a book that gives good explanation of fortresses?

Am going to fly over at play at Hastings this year, and wondering if any of you guys are going?

Copy of invitation, in case anyone who might be interested has not been included on the mailing list.

Dear Friends

You are cordially invited to the Inaugural Annual General Meeting of Lothian Junior Chess.

Hitherto the running of Schools Chess in the Lothians has been undertakent by an informal group of parents and other interested parties. To continue activities and build on them it is now seen to be appropriate to lend a little more formality/democracy to proceedings by putting them in the charge of a Committee elected by those participating in the various competitions. A Constitution has been drawn up and the main purposes of the forthcoming meeting will be to approve the draft attached and elect the Committee members and Office Bearers to conduct affairs for the 2014/5 season.

The members of the existing Committee have agreed to stand for election as members/officers for the new Committee; other members of the local chess community have also agreed to put themselves forward for election..

The current Committee believe the programmes that have operated in the past have made a valuable contribution to the chess-playing skills and social development of many Lothian children. I exhort you to come along to the meeting to show your support and feed in your ideas for the future (and even to put yourself forward for Committee membership or some lesser role) to ensure the continuance and furtherance of schools chess in the area.

Tea/coffee and biscuits will be available prior to the meeting from 7 p.m.

Hoping to see you on the 28th

Bill Platts Chairman on behalf of the current Committee.


LOTHIAN JUNIOR CHESS

AGENDA FOR THE INAUGURAL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

TO BE HELD AT 7.30 ON THURS 28/8/14 AT EDINBURGH CHESS CLUB (1 ALVA ST)

1.. Welcome/apologies

2. Chairman' s remarks/ Committee activities

3. Competition report 2013/4

4. Financial report 2013/4 - see attached

5. Programme for 2014/5

6. Adoption of Constitution - see attached

7. Election of Committee/Officers.

8. AOB

Glasgow's iconic, Charles Rennie Mackintosh designed Scotland Street Primary School, now one of Glasgow's premier museums, has given Chess Scotland the go-ahead to platform a celebration of the Commonwealth Chess Championships, held early in July.

Centre stage will be a "master class" for 4-6 (different) youngsters each day (ideally primary school age and with at least one girl), on August 30/31, against a background of celebratory text and photos from the Commonwealth Championships on the theme "How the Commonwealth gave us the modern game". Chess, of course, originated in India, in the form of the ancient Indian game, Chaturanga. As we know, the Indian contingent took virtually all of the main prizes in Glasgow .... a historical wheel turned full circle.

The "master-class" will take place in the game-playing area of the Museum's current (excellent), long-running "Games" exhibition. The history of chess and various chess-related exhibits already feature prominently within that exhibition. The chess-players will enjoy a 'properly' instructive hour or two and have a chance to be shown round the museum (very well worth doing). We'll also have the opportunity to play and talk informally to members of the visiting public ... the overall emphasis will be to have fun all round.

I'll keep the noticeboard informed as further details are settled. Calum McQueen (IJD) is co-ordinating names / numbers of participating youngsters. I am dealing directly with the museum, and will lead the master-class, with help from Alex MacFarlane and Hamish Glen (and possibly others). Alex plans to base a 'travelling' exhibition to take around Scottish congresses on the celebratory text / photos used at the exhibition. This idea was an important element in CS's successful bid for £10K lottery funding for the Commonwealth Championships.

Put the dates in your diary, and if you can, do come along. You will enjoy it! Watch this space!

Norwegian news is reporting that a player from the Seychelles collapsed and died today during the games. There is speculation about who it is but until confirmed I will not mention names.

Sad news and a sad ending to a brilliant Olympiad

Whats the norm with the planning for the Scottish. Is the starting point usualy a bit of discussion on the subject at the upcoming AGM? Maybe there has even been some discussion already and there are draught plans, particularly with regards to location?

1. Given it may have to tie in with family holidays and require future planning and accomodation booking, when is a date likely to materialise?
2. Could we please ensure (if possible) that the next Scottish is well within the school holiday period?
3. As the last 2 Scottish's have been in the West, is it likely the next one will be in the East, or even the North (to spread the joy etc)?

I don't wish to get ahead of ourselves or give any of our great organising volunteers grief and stress. It just seemed a good time to raise these questions with an AGM around the corner.

Is it possible to get reports from the remaining directors published on the main site prior to the AGM? It would be good to know what everyone has been up to in the past year and what their plans are for the next 12 months.

We have been granted use of the City Quay apartments again this year - cheap but good quality accommodation in a quiet area close to Dundee City Centre. The ground floor room has been taken but three double-bedded rooms are still available. Full details at http://www.dundee-congress.co.uk/cityQuay.htm.. Please email me - <!-- e --><a href="mailto:director@dundee-congress.co.uk">director@dundee-congress.co.uk</a><!-- e --> - if interested.

Just to be clear, the prices are not per night but for the two nights of Friday and Saturday.