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The club meets every Wednesday in the back room of the Coronation Club on Bannermann Road, Kirkby-in-Ashfield from around 19:30. Anyone interested in joining the club should contact the Club Secretary or simply turn up at the club. You can play casual games in a friendly atmosphere or join one of our teams in the Nottinghamshire League. Members who play in league matches are required to be (at least) Bronze members of the English Chess Federation |
| The club was formed in 1965 and is still going strong, we are members of the Nottinghamshire Chess Association and currently have four teams playing in the NCA League. We also hold other events such as Club Championship and rapid-play tournaments. Directions can be found on the Find Us page. We have excellent seating and tables and enjoy the full benefits of the facilities at the Venue. | |
| Upcoming Fixtures & Events. View All Fixtures. | |
| Mon 20/10/25- Radcliffe & Bingham 5 v Ashfield 5 | Tue 21/10/25- Online 4NCL Div 1, Round 4 |
| Tue 21/10/25- Online 4NCL Div 2, Round 4 | Wed 22/10/25- Ashfield 1 v Gambit 1 |
| Wed 22/10/25- Ashfield 3 v Nomads 2 | Tue 28/10/25- Central 1 v Ashfield 4 |
Latest Club News
| 16/10/25. Notts League Division 4 Result
Trevor and Andrew's victories on boards two and three, as well as Malcolm's draw, were crucial to Ashfield's victory. View Scorecard :- Grantham '4' 1½ - 2½ Ashfield '4' |
| 09/10/25. Main 4NCL 2025-26 Pairings for Division Three Knights
The 4NCL 2025-26 Division Three Knights fixtures have been added to Main 4NCL Fixtures & Calendar. Click for Venues & Accommodation Booking Links. Round 1 of Weekend 1 is scheduled for Saturday, October 18. The MASCeteers vs. Ashfield 1 On Sunday, October 19. Ashfield 1 will face Rhyfelwyr Essyllwg in Round 2. |
| 09/10/25. Report by Phil Morgan
After 3 games, our third team remain our only unbeaten side. They scored a very good draw against a strong visiting team. John and Andrew, with the Black pieces, secured draws against much higher -rated opponents. Newark took the lead through Jim Wellington. A battle royal between Rob and Nigel followed. Nigel, formerly of Ashfield, who was down on time, uncorked a dangerous, surprise piece sacrifice. He followed this up powerfully, and Rob's defence needed to be very accurate to withstand this. With little time left, Nigel, may have missed a winning breakthrough. Rob seemed to have fended off the attack and be in a winning position when Nigel's flag fell. An exciting finale to the match, on a board surrounded by spectators, with mixed feelings on the outcome! View Scorecard :- Ashfield '3' 2 - 2 Newark '2' |
| 08/10/25. Report by Phil Morgan
This match saw the welcome return to League action of Glenn, whose last appearance came in February 2024. He delivered a commanding, early win, which was to be our high point. Phil was held to a draw and Gambit surged to victory on their two White boards. There was no stopping Nikolai's army of advancing Queenside pawns, or Steve Hunter's vintage, crushing, combinative attacking piece play. View Scorecard :- Gambit '2' 2½ - 1½ Ashfield '2' |
| 07/10/25. 12th 4NCL Online Round 3 (Updated-Result)
Round 3 of the 12th Online 4ncl will take place tonight from 7.30pm, anyone interested in following the action/results please visit 12th 4NCL Online Results & Pairings Scheduled Fixtures are as follows- Division 1- Hebden Bridge '1' 1½ - 2½ Ashfield Anonymous 'A' Division 2- East Kilbride 1½ - 2½ Ashfield Anonymous 'B' |
| 05/10/25. Report by Neil Graham
Beeston 3 were substantially stronger than might have been anticipated. Ben opened the scoring for Ashfield with Beeston replying on Board Four. The last two games went the distance and the tables were being put away at West Nottingham, the venue for Beeston matches, by the time a result was declared. Unfortunately, Adam was clearly lost which allowed the top board to accept a draw with both players having less than a minute left, although Beeston also held an advantage on this board. View Scorecard :- Beeston '3' 2½ - 1½ Ashfield '5' |
| 02/10/25. Report by Phil Morgan
An interesting evening on and off the board at Nottingham Student Union. As my opponent helped me to a very quick win, I headed for the Union bar at 8.50 for a celebratory drink. Thwarted, the bar does not do cash sales!… We moved to a 2-0 lead, when Dan won on time, helped at the death by his opponent, having made his move, omitting to press the clock. Steve found a clever perpetual check resource to secure at least a team draw. The opponents of Neil and Jerry made the most of their chances. Neil was bullied into defeat in time trouble. The final match in play was very double-edged. Ana played very resourcefully and quickly to nail the win. Our toughest task remained- to find our way out of the building. After going up and down various lifts and staircases, we found the exit door and button. Modern life has its challenges. View Scorecard :- University '1' 2½ - 2½ Ashfield '1' |
| 30/09/25. 2025 Leicestershire H E Atkins Congress
The Leicester ‘Atkins’ Congress will take place from the 17th to the 19th of October 2025 at The Cedars Academy in Birstall, Leicester. this 5-round ECF-rated Swiss tournament offers competitive sections for all skill levels, Each round is 80 minutes plus 30 seconds increment per move. Enter online |
| 26/09/25. Report by Neil Graham
Mansfield have won the Notts League for the last four seasons, but in 2024/5 were almost pipped by University. Can they maintain their run? They were pressed by Ashfield 1 on their return to Division One. The home side took an early lead after Steve blundered a piece, and soon after a draw was agreed on Board Four. The remaining boards were closely contested with the fifth board drawn with neither side gaining any tangible advantage. Shortly after Terry, making his debut, broke through the kings side to even the score. Andy, returning after a long break away from Ashfield, was involved in a time scramble and unfortunately was unable to hold the game so we lost by the narrowest margin. View Scorecard :- Mansfield '1' 3 - 2 Ashfield '1' |
| 25/09/25. Report by Phil Morgan
We slipped to a close defeat in our opening game of the season. Bob had an early mishap, dropping his Queen. Phil equalised. His opponent snatched a pawn in the opening, at a cost of leaving his King in the centre, which invited a winning attack. Nigel earned a very solid draw. Down to Jerry's game and his usual Blitz finish. He's often seen the team through in such situations. For once, he seemed to overpress in search of a win and was made to pay for this. View Scorecard :- Ashfield '2' 1½ - 2½ Grantham '2' |
| 24/09/25. Notts League Division 3 Result
It was left to the top boards last night after both Andrew and Alan succumbed to stronger opponents. Meanwhile, Rob playing on board 2 managed to steer a complicated position to victory, This left John in the position of needing to win. After forcing the exchange of queens, 2 pawns up, with over 80 moves played and minutes on the clock with the prospect of a pawn promotion, the win was secured and a share of the spoils. View Scorecard :- Gambit '5' 2 - 2 Ashfield '3' |
| 24/09/25. 12th 4NCL Online Round 2 (Updated-Result)
Round 2 of the 12th Online 4ncl Division 1- Ashfield Anonymous 'A' 0 - 4 Dundee City 'A' Division 2- Ashfield Anonymous 'B' 1½ - 2½ Wessex 'C' |
| 18/09/25. Report by Phil Morgan
A3 v Beeston 2 The team skippered by Alan have now achieved promotions in the last two seasons as Ashfield 4. Their prize for this has been to find themselves re-christened as Ashfield 3. They hit the ground running in Division 3 with a well-earned team win. Rob scored a dominant win. John secured a safe draw on Board 1. Alan's opponent found a clever mating attack. Board 3 would decide. Despite facing a strong attack, Andrew calmly and confidently saw through the complications against a higher rated opponent, to clinch the match win. A5 v West Nottingham 3. Our new fifth team faced tough opponents in their opening game. Three of our team were making Notts League debuts. Ben and Adam had played in the Minor League last season. Our team was stiffened by the introduction of Ray, probably the League's oldest current player. Our players fought hard but were gradually outplayed and lost on three boards. Ray did very well to save his endgame and earn a draw under considerable time pressure. View Scorecard :- Ashfield '3' 2½ - 1½ Beeston '2' View Scorecard :- Ashfield '5' ½ - 3½ West Nottingham '3' |
| 16/09/25. 2025-6 Notts League Season Begins
Ashfield chess club played its first over-the-board match of the 2025–6 Notts League last night. kicking off the new season with a win, thanks to victories from Richard, Malcolm, and Nigel. View Scorecard :- Nomads '3' 1 - 3 Ashfield '4' |
| 09/09/25. 12th 4NCL Online Round 1
Online Results, Pairings & Tables 12th 4NCL Online Round 1 Results- Division 1- Guildford '1' ½ - 3½ Ashfield Anonymous 'A' Division 2- Barnet Knights 'A' 2 - 2 Ashfield Anonymous 'B' |
| 09/09/25. David Levens 1939 - 2025
Sad announcement from Neil Graham, “I understand that David passed 6th September, at Kings Mill Hospital, Sutton-in-Ashfield.” A more comprehensive obituary to follow. |
| 07/09/24. 4NCL Online Fixtures added
Dates for the 12th Online 4NCL Season have been added to the website, and can reached via the 4NCL Online Fixtures Link on Left menu. Round 1 fixtures- Tue 09/09/25- Division 1 Guildford 1 v Ashfield Anonymous A Tue 09/09/25- Division 2 Barnet Knights A v Ashfield Anonymous B |
| 02/09/25. Nottinghamshire Chess Association Fixtures Added
The Club Calendar and Fixtures webpages now show our fixtures for NCA 2025/26 season, the links on the left sidebar have also been updated. Our first fixture for Ashfield chess club will be on Monday 15th September kicking off with Ashfield 4 away to Nomads 3. We have 5 teams represented in all Divisions 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the Nottinghamshire Chess Association League, catering for players of all standards. We are a friendly club and welcome players of all abilities, so if you are interested in over the board chess, please get in touch and come to the club. |
| 01/09/25. Club Inhouse Rapid-Play
This year's In-house Rapid-Play will take place Sunday 14/09/2025 at the Coronation Club starting at 11.00 am, Anyone requiring a dinner will need to let the club know by 07/09/2025.- There is usually a choice of beef, pork, or chicken. The format is likely to be similar to last year- 5 Round RP, with increments. E mail. Richard Dyce. |
| 01/09/25. UK Open Blitz Championship Qualifier – Nottingham
This is to alert you, in case you were not aware, that a blitz tournament - that acts as a qualifier for the UK blitz championship - is taking place next Sunday 7th September at the High School Nottingham. This is an exceptional opportunity to play in a prestige ECF event on your metaphorical doorstep. Local NCA organisers are supporting this, and so is the Notts Chess Foundation. It would be great to see a big Nottinghamshire entry so if you are free next Sunday, please consider entering. Details available here: - Regards Nick London. |
| 01/09/25. Collection of 27 chess books donated to Ashfield Chess club
We have received this morning a collection of 27 chess books from the family of Michael Deakin of Brinsley. These include-The Magic Tactics of Tal, Crushing White-The Sniper, Fighting Chess With Hikaru Nakamura, Soviet Chess 1917 -1991. Mr Deakin was a keen scholar of Chess, Japan and Buddhism. I'll bring these for sale to our pre-season Club Rapid play. All proceeds will go to club funds. Our heartfelt gratitude and condolences are extended to the family of Michael Deakin. Phil Morgan |
| 13/08/25. Nottinghamshire Blitz Championships 2025
6 Club members were among the 60 entrants in the very well-run Nottinghamshire Blitz Championship at Radcliffe on 11.8.25. I had one enjoyable game against club mate, Andrew Thompson. I couldn't quite match his summer attire, despite sporting my new Adidas trainers. Andrew had the edge in the game, but somewhere I restored equality. Andrew sportingly offered a draw, despite being ahead on the clock. Andrew finished as our top scorer with 3/5, closely followed by Jerry on 2.5. Rob and Ben scored 2, Malcolm and I lagged behind on 1.5, losing out to younger, quicker, sharper minds. Phil Morgan |
| 10/08/25. 2025 British Chess Championships
Congratulations to Michael Adams, now nine-time British Chess Champion ! Adams was one of three players who finished on 7/9. Now aged 53, he clinched the title with a play-off win over 58 year-old Stuart Conquest. Adams' highest ranking is world No. 4, achieved several times from October 2000 to October 2002. His peak ELO rating is 2761, the highest achieved by an English chess player. How many more wins can he achieve before 1 of our very promising generation of young players can overturn his dominance of British chess? It was a very good tournament too for Nottinghamshire's young star Jonah Willow, who finished on 6.5/9, ahead of nine British grandmasters. Phil Morgan |
| 01/08/25. Congratulations on the birth of your new arrival!
Congratulations to Nigel and his partner on the birth of baby George, born earlier this month. |
| 30/07/25. 2025 British Chess Championships
The 2025 British Chess Championships in Liverpool will be available to watch online, with live commentary, on various platforms. The main championship games, from August 2nd to August 10th, will be broadcast with commentary by GMs Nick Pert and Daniel Gormally on the English Chess Federation's YouTube channel. Additionally, many games will be broadcast on Chess.com, Lichess.org, and potentially other platforms, with details to be announced on the British Chess Championships website. |
| 21/07/25. Report by Phil Morgan (1st Glossop Chess Weekend)
Andrew Thompson scored very well in the Glossop Major event. All of his games were against higher-rated opponents. From 35 entrants he finished in joint fourth place on 3.5/5, winning in the last 3 rounds. Alan Shaw played in the first 3 rounds. He had 1 loss and earned two very good draws as Black against much higher rated players. * Additional information added 24/07/25.:- Andrew won his section and a £50 grading prize. Alan withdrew from the last 2 rounds for family reasons. Full details :- Chess-Results.com |
| 17/07/25. 4NCL Weekend 5: Rounds 9-11 Ashfield '1' Report added
Neil Graham's Ashfield '1' report on Weekend 5: Division Three Bishops, which took place from May 3rd to May 5th, 2025, has been added to the 4NCL Fixtures webpage. View Report & Results. |
| 17/07/25. Report by Phil Morgan
The final games of the Summer League were played last night. Our senior team narrowly failed to grab the win needed to overtake Nomads in the League. Our top two boards, who included Terry on his club debut, managed to achieve equality and Dan on Board 3 won both his games. Sean Smithson matched this feat for the visitors, securing the team draw needed for Nomads to win the event. Congratulations to Nomads. Our Crazy Horses team notched their first win of the campaign. Each player contributed, with John and Andrew leading the way. It's been an enjoyable event, offering competitive play to players of limited experience. Thanks to Neil for organising teams and regularly transporting two teams to away games. For some of us, it's offered the chance to exorcise the demons left by the end of the regular League season. View Scorecard :- Ashfield Avengers 4 - 4 Nomads View Scorecard :- Ashfield Crazy Horses 5 - 3 Library Dark Horses |
| 15/07/25. Nottinghamshire Blitz Championship 2025
After a break of many years the County Blitz Championship has been revived. It takes place on Monday 11th August, at the British Legion Club, Main Road, Radcliffe-on-Trent NG12 2BB (Radcliffe & Bingham CC home venue) 1st round starting at 7:30pm (be there earlier). It is a 5-round swiss tournament (last round scheduled for 9:30 pm). Time limit - 7 minutes + 2 second increments. All ages and all standards are welcome to enter. Entry fee £5.00 payable on the night, but entries must be via the online congress website: Full details on the :- Congress website. |
| 15/07/25. Ashfield Allegro Blown Away
Last night Ashfield Allegro struggled to find their rhythm. You could tell there was a storm brewing after the first round of games ended in a draw, the second round culminated in a crushing defeat of 3½-½. Resulting in a final score of 5½-2½. View Scorecard :- Trent Tornadoes 5½-2½ Ashfield Allegro |
| 12/07/25. Mike Alcock 1942 - 2025
We are sorry to announce the passing of former club stalwart Mike Alcock. A short commemoration of Mike and a celebration of his life for family and friends will be held at The Olde House, Loundsley Green Road, Newbold S40 4RN at 12:30 on Monday 21st July. We extend our deepest sympathy to his family and friends, an obituary by Neil Graham can be viewed Here |
| 09/07/25. Summer Rapidplay League 2025
Our next scheduled fixtures for the Notts Summer Rapidplay are as follows- Mon 14/07/25- Trent Tornadoes v Ashfield Allegro (U1500) Wed 16/07/25- Ashfield Avengers v Nomads (U1800) Wed 16/07/25- Ashfield Crazy Horses v Library Dark Horses (U1500) |
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