Golders Green Rapidplay Chess Tournaments

Hello! A list of the latest entries is HERE...

2008-08-12T17:19:00.104Z

You have one of the best chess websites I have seen. It is very friendly and clever. As the chess administrator for the family, I am seriously impressed by the on-line booking. A Chess Parent

You're probably here because a) you play chess and you're looking to take part in competitions and b) you read that I run (with lots of help from friendly volunteers) the monthly Golders Green Rapidplays in Leonard Barden's excellent Evening Standard column, Chess Monthly or possibly online on the ECF (English Chess Federation) tournament calendar.

Well, you found the right website! Thanks for visiting. Don't forget to enter online in time for the next event. Join our regular mailing list: send a blank email to my Topica account and then register when you get the return email.

All the games are graded by the ECF and part of the ECF Grand Prix. Since February 2012 the Open and Major sections are also rated by FIDE in their rapidplay list, and you have to be a member of the ECF to take part in either section. Ring 01424 775222 to join or visit http://www.englishchess.org.uk/

Here are the dates for 2012. * = a change of date - February 2012 has changed to avoid the excellent Kidlington Congress.

2012 DATES
January 7	*February11	March 3	April 14
May 12	June 9	July 14	August 11
September 8	October 13	November 10	December 1

Results from previous tournaments

2006-02-12T15:48:00.012Z

2011 SCORES
January 8	February 12	March 5	April 16
May 14	June 11	July 9	August 6
September 10	October 8	November 12	December --

2010 SCORES
January 9	February 13	March 6	April 17
May 8	June 12	July 10	August 7
September 11	October 9	November 13	December 4

2009 SCORES
January 10	February 14	March 7	April 18
May 9	June 13	July 11	August 1
September 12	October 10	November 14	December 5

2008 SCORES
January 5	February 9	March 8	April 12
May 10	June 7	July 12	August 9
September 6	October 11	November 15	December 6

2007 SCORES
January 6	February 10	March 10	April 14
May 12	June 9	July 14	August 11
September 8	October 13	November 10	December 8

2006 SCORES
January 7	February 11	March 11	April 8
May 13	June 10	July 15	August 12
September 9	October 14	November 11	December 9

2005 SCORES
January 8	February 12	March 19	April 16
May 14	June 11	July 16	August 13
September 10	October 15	November 12	December 10

2004 SCORES
May 14	June 11	July 16	August 13
September 10	October 16	November 13	December 11

NOTE:
If a player does not have a grade then a grade has been calculated retrospectively from their results in the tournament and included in the tables above.
These grades are unofficial and prefixed 'e'.
Thanks to Howard Grist for compiling and supplying these crosstables for many years! Thanks also to Alan Ruffle, who took over the grading from November 2010.

Frequently Asked Questions

2006-02-12T14:40:00.006Z

The most frequently asked question I get (apart from 'when is the next round?' or 'do you have any toilet paper?') is 'how can I improve my game?'. The answer is no mystery; it is the same tried and tested method that worked for World Champions Garry Kasparov and Bobby Fischer, and it will work for you. See below.

However, if you can't get to tournaments then here is another idea. Firstly, it's always good to have some feedback on your games from stronger players. However, getting coaching is expensive, and a bit hit and miss. Some coaches are very good... some are not. I faced the same problem myself; I had been a 180-190 player, but was very rusty and in need of practice games. I tried playing blitz on the internet, but that made things worse!

I found a solution that suited me, and after a few weeks my playing strength quickly felt like it was returning to the level it was a few years ago... I wanted to play games with another member of the club, who needed some coaching and yet I hardly ever attended the club. So we both signed up for gameknot.com and letsplaychess.com and started playing email games there - not blitz, and not postal chess, but something better; You can make comments on the games as you go, which is quite useful, and not just for insulting the opponent! Soon I realised I could play serious games with my clubmates and people I met over the board using those sites, my play improved; I started studying and playing more ambitious openings and I got to practice more endgames. Believe me, I needed that!

So, if you want to play a few games of email chess with me (or with any other player) you can do so via websites like gameknot.com (I am 'adamraoof') and letsplaychess.com ('greenman') for free!

How do I improve my chess?

Seriously, the best way to improve is to combine playing slow games in tournaments with study. Study involves reading chess books appropriate for your level of play, and then applying what you learn in serious games. Computer programs and letsplaychess.com are useful for practice games, but nothing has the serious emotional commitment necessary to get the best out of you than a tournament game. Write your games down using a scoresheet or scorebook and then record them on Chessbase (see below) and analyse the crucial positions. Always play stronger opposition if you can get the chance - you will learn more from those games even if you lose; get your opponent to go through the game with you afterwards (called a 'post-mortem'!) and explain their thoughts.

How do I get a English Chess Federation grade?

The simple answer is; play in graded events. These could be weekend tournaments, county matches, leagues or club championships. There is a separate column in the grading list for rapidplay games (those in which players only get around 30 minutes each for the whole game). If you want to know how the grading system works, look at The English Chess Federation's website. The ECF only prints a list once a year, in August, with an online update in January. Until your grade appears on that list you are an ungraded player.

What chess software do I need to buy?

You don't need to buy any software, because everything you need is freely available on the internet. As a minimum, you need a chess database to store your games and an analysis module to help you examine those games for errors. Luckily, Chessbase comes in a free, cut-down version of the world's best chess database, which is still good enough for 90% of all your needs - and it comes with a strong chess analysis module for free!

What is the Swiss System?

If you have a hundred players in a tournament, how do you find a winner in just six rounds? An all-play-all would be impractical. The answer is the Swiss System.For a short history, see this link. Basically, in round one, participating players are ranked in order of grading, numbered, and the top half of the 'draw' is paired against the bottom half of the 'draw'. So in a twenty player event, Number 1 would play Number 11, Number 2 play Number 12, and so on. You get one point for a win, half a point for a draw, nothing for losing. Then in round two all the players with one point are ranked in order of grading, and the top half is paired against the bottom half. Ditto players on half and zero. Repeat for rounds three to five. In round six, ideally, you should find that there are just two players left on five points from five games, and they will have to play each other for the first place.

What is the two minute rule?

At Golders Green I have to make these decisions all the time. In rapid chess, if you have less than two minutes on your clock for the rest of the game and you believe that it is impossible for your opponent to win except on time, or if you make a horrendous blunder, you should offer your opponent a draw.

If they refuse, you can play on (the draw offer no longer counts, and you may even win) or you may stop the clocks and claim a draw under the 'two minute rule'. You cannot withdraw this draw claim. If the arbiter thinks you are making a pointless claim, he may award your opponent extra time. If the position is a dead draw they may rule it drawn immediately. Otherwise, the arbiter will observe the game - most often arbiters ask the players to play on until someone's flag falls.

The arbiter can then rule the game drawn, or award a win on time. The point to make is that you should ONLY claim if you think it is not possible for your opponent to win by normal means (in which case you have to prove it) or that they are not trying to win by normal means.

There are several articles on the Chess Cafe website in a section called 'Arbiter's Notebook' - and there is a mention of the two-minute rule on pp2-3 of the following.

Where do I find information about chess tournaments?

Golders Green Rapidplay dates are here. The best place to find information about tournaments in the UK is The British Chess Federation's calendar of events. For international tournaments, look at Grandmaster Harmen Jonkman's calendar.

How do I offer my opponent a draw?

After making your move and before starting your opponent's clock. You shouldn't talk to your opponent except to offer a draw in the correct manner, and offering them a draw during their thinking time is a bad idea. Your opponent can then accept the draw at any time before replying to your move. They can refuse the draw offer verbally or by replying to your move.

Where can I find a chess club where I live?

The British Chess Federation compiles a list of clubs which should prove useful; but typing '[place] chess club' into Google usually does just as well!

What does [insert chess term here] mean?

bye: if you ask for a 'bye' in a tournament, it is normally because you want to arrive later than the start time, or because you need to go home early, or just because you need a break! You normally get half a point in lieu of the game. However, if you are getting a bye because you are on zero points and in a swiss tournament with an odd number of participants, you usually get a full point because you didn't get a game with someone in your section. The organiser would normally find someone for you to play a graded game with if possible.

rapidplay OR quickplay: Either a. each player must have a minimum of 15 minutes and a maximum of 60 minutes for all of his moves. This includes both the initial time control and any subsequent time controls or quickplay finish. OR b. when Fischer (time added per move, only used with digital chess clocks) mode is used then, using the assumption that the duration of the game is 60 moves, each player must have a minimum of 15 minutes and a maximum of 60 minutes. Anything else is Standard Play.

swiss: see above

knockout: a tournament where, if you lose, you exit the competition immediately. Like Wimbledon. In chess, there aren't so many knockout events except at Grandmaster level.

senior: as defined by the BCF, a senior is a player over 60, born before 1 September 19XX.

junior: as defined by the BCF, a junior is a player UNDER 18, born after 31/08/XX.

Hendon Chess Club and Blitz

2006-02-12T11:10:00.005Z

I belong to Hendon Chess Club which meets at Golders Green Church Hall every Thursday at 7.30pm and new members are always welcome.

Please note that the club has a child protection policy which all members and visitors are expected to observe. You can download a copy here.

For more details, download OUR SUBSCRIPTION FORM, ring Club Secretary Chris Rogal (he's the one thinking hard in the foreground of the picture on your right!) for on (020) 7794 4374 (home) or 07711 960 623 (mobile) or come along to any club night or Golders Green Rapidplay.

'First Thursday' Hendon Blitz Chess Tournament

Held on the first Thursday of every month.
Venue: St Albans Church Hall, West Heath Drive, Golders Green, London NW11.
Starts at 7.30pm promptly, finishes 10pm.
£5.00 to enter, £3.00 if you are a member of Hendon Chess Club. Cash only. There will be a first prize, a prize for the highest Hendon Chess Club member and other prizes depending on entries. Each player will have ten minutes for the game.
Ten minutes per player per game (in other words each game lasts a maximum of twenty minutes)
FIDE Blitz Rules apply; it is always touch and move, completed illegal moves lose etc.
If this is too fast for you, try the Golders Green Rapidplays (half an hour per player per game!)
You don't have to have a grade or belong to the club to play.
The controller's decision is final in all matters.

Time limit, rules etc

2006-02-12T11:08:00.002Z

Each player starts the game with 30 minutes to complete all their moves. A Rapidplay is defined by FIDE (the World Chess Federation) as any tournament where each player gets a minimum of 15 and maximum 60 minutes to make all their moves.

Since February 2012 the Open and Major sections are also rated by FIDE in their rapidplay list, and you have to be a member of the ECF to take part in either section. Ring 01424 775222 to join or visit http://www.englishchess.org.uk/

No player deemed to be ungraded may win more than 40% of a cash prize except in the Open section. FIDE Rapidplay Rules apply. The balance of the cash prizes will be awarded to the highest placed graded player or players.

If you have a FIDE (International) Rating or National (e.g. Irish Chess Union or Swedish ELO) Rating then you should quote this when entering. To work out what section you are eligible for use the conversion tables on this page.
We may accept non-UK, FIDE or other gradings, but the onus is on you to supply the proof (i.e. a link to your grading on a Federation website or a photocopy of a rating list) with your entry.

It is a condition of entry that players agree to their grading information being published on the BCF Website.

Enter by post and online

2006-02-12T11:07:00.016Z

**You have to be a member of the English Chess Federation to play in the Open or Major at Golders Green, and indeed any FIDE rated event in England. Ring 01424 775222 to join or visit http://www.englishchess.org.uk/**

A. Enter Online.

If you enter online you can avoid the queues to pay and register on the day. You will be paired for round one and can begin your first round at 10.30am sharp.

PLEASE NOTE: You must use the online entry form at the following page (check your grade online NOW at the English Chess Federation website), and give us your date of birth and tell us whether you belong to a chess Club. If you have problems with the online form, simply click here to email your entry to me.

B. Enter By Post.

The entry fee is £15.00 (£14 for Juniors UNDER 16 or members of Hendon Chess Club) if you enter in advance by post. Please make cheques payable to QUICKPLAY. Fill in an entry form and post it in good time to Adam Raoof, 328 Watford Way, Hendon, London NW4 4UY.

You can download the entry form here. If you want me to send you some forms for your club then I would be grateful for a stamped, self-addressed envelope!

C. Enter on the day of the event.

Just turn up before 10.30am if you want to play all six rounds, or before 11.30am if you are taking a half point bye in round one.

If you are a late entry you will have to fill in an entry card and queue to pay before you can play your first game. There may be a slight delay before you are paired for round one.

Entry costs £20.00 if you enter and pay on the day of the tournament. There are no late entry fees for members of Hendon Chess Club or Juniors under 16 years old on the day of the event. Cheques only accepted with a valid guarantee card.

Prizes

2006-02-12T11:07:00.008Z

In each section there is a guaranteed £60 first prize and £30 second prize.

There is also a grading prize per section for the highest player graded under 180, 155, 130 and 105 respectively.

The prize is usually based on the number of entries in that section.

Cash prizes are always split between tied players (i.e. two players tied for first place would win £45 each).

Ungraded players please see the menu for special rules.

What sections are there?

2006-02-12T11:06:00.005Z

There are four sections based on English Chess Federation Rapidplay grades;

Open to All (the strongest section)
Under 170 Major
Under 145 Minor
Under 120 Amateur

All ages and abilities take part. If this is your first ever tournament then play in the Amateur. If you have ever had a grade over 100 ECF please play in the Minor or above.

Since February 2012 the Open and Major sections are also rated by FIDE in their rapidplay list, and you have to be a member of the ECF to take part in either section. Ring 01424 775222 to join or visit http://www.englishchess.org.uk/

There are six rounds and all players (usually 80-100 participants) play in all rounds. It is not a knock-out.

If you turn up before 11.30am you can still enter, and claim a half point bye for the game you missed. There are refreshments all day.

How do I get there?

2006-02-12T11:05:00.019Z

We are very easy to get to! We are opposite the bus station and (what was) the historic Golders Green Hippodrome (now the El Shaddai International Christian Centre). Look at the local area map or this street map of the Golders Green area.

PARKING: You can park for free on residents bays on the uphill A502 North End Road (above West Heath Avenue) and on Park Drive and Park Avenue. The restrictions in these roads operate Monday to Friday only, but read the notices with care. Forget trying West Heath Drive and West Heath Avenue - residents only all weekend! Do not park in the Vicarage car park, or you will risk being clamped and then banned permanently from the tournament.

UNDERGROUND: Northern Line Underground - Golders Green Underground Station is just two minutes from the venue; come out of the underground and cross the bus forecourt, bearing left, then cross North end Road via the pedestrian crossing. There is an excellent Italian restaurant called Charlie's on the right hand corner of North End Road and West Heath Drive. Our church hall is on the left just a little further on.

BUS: We're opposite the bus station. Services 13, 83, 102, 183, 210, 226, 240, 245, 268, 328, H2 stop at Golders Green. Transport For London has a great map of the bus services here

COACH: there is a National Express coach station at Golders Green and several players use the Oxford Tube or Oxford Espress service.

RAIL:the First Capital Connect service stops at Hendon, and you can take an 83 or 183 to Golders Green, where the bus terminates. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes.

The tournament is held in a lovely area of London close to Golders Hill Park and Hampstead Heath where there are many restaurants and bars. We serve refreshments (tea, coffee, soft drinks, sandwiches) all day.

Where can I stay overnight?

2006-02-12T11:05:00.009Z

Some players like to combine a visit to Golders Green Rapidplay with another one-day tournament such as Richmond Rapidplay, or simply stay Friday night (and get a rest before the competition) or Saturday night (and be a tourist on Sunday).

There are many hotels and guesthouses in Golders Green. The cheapest (£18.50 to £21.00 per night) places to stay in London are probably Youth Hostels ; you will need to be a member of the YHA to stay, but that will cost you just £14.00 for one year.

The nearest hotel is the lovely Anchor House Hotel,10 West Heath Drive, (020) 8458 8764 from £28.00 per night), right opposite the venue!

Where are they held?

2006-02-12T10:39:00.001Z

For SatNav users! Put NW11 7QG in your Garmin. The full address is a mouthful; Parish Church of St Alban the Martyr with St Michael and St Barnabas, West Heath Drive (off North End Road), Golders Green, London NW11 7QG.

Here's a picture of the hall taken from the road.

What time are the rounds?

2006-02-12T10:37:00.003Z

10.30am start, play finished by 5.45pm. Prizes awarded at 6.00pm. N.B. Players arriving before 11.30am may receive a half-point bye and will be paired normally after that.

Round 1. 10.30am to 11.30am	Round 2. 11.45am to 12.45pm	Round 3. 1.00pm to 2.00pm
Round 4. 2.15pm to 3.15pm	Round 5. 3.30pm to 4.30pm	Round 6. 4.45pm to 5.45pm

When are they held?

2006-02-12T00:27:00.018Z

For results of previous tournaments, click here.

Here are the dates for 2012.

2012 DATES
January 7	February 11	March 3	April 14
May 12	June 9	July 14	August 11
September 8	October 13	November 10	December 1

NEW! the 1st KOREA CHESS OPEN 2008

2005-08-10T08:16:00.000Z

1st KOREA CHESS OPEN 29 Nov to 6 Dec 2008

Please find the brochure here or EMAIL ME!.

Adam Raoof
FIDE International Organiser & Arbiter
328 Watford Way
Hendon, London NW4 4UY

2nd Brighton Rapidplay, 21st April 2007

2005-03-05T16:59:00.000Z

This year the tournament grew to four sections, catering for all abilities.

Here are the full results of this year's event.

You can browse through photographs from last year's event by clicking on the pic below. I highly recommend this wonderful venue!

Here are the full results of last year's event, held 22nd April at the University of Sussex, Falmer.