Play Chess in Sevenoaks, Kent

  • Boris Spassky

    Boris Spassky, the renowned Russian chess grandmaster and former world champion, passed away on February 27, 2025, in Moscow at the age of 88. 

    apnews.com

    Born on January 30, 1937, in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), Spassky’s legacy in the chess world is both profound and enduring.

    Spassky’s ascent in the chess arena was marked by his exceptional talent and adaptability. He clinched the World Chess Championship title in 1969 after defeating Tigran Petrosian. However, it was his 1972 championship match against American challenger Bobby Fischer in Reykjavík, Iceland, that cemented his place in history. Dubbed the “Match of the Century,” this confrontation transcended the 64 squares, symbolizing the intense Cold War rivalry between the Soviet Union and the United States. Despite Spassky’s loss, his sportsmanship and grace under pressure earned him global admiration. 

    apnews.com

    Beyond the 1972 match, Spassky’s contributions to chess were vast. He was celebrated for his versatile playing style, seamlessly blending tactical prowess with strategic depth. His games are still studied for their creativity and depth, inspiring countless players worldwide.

    In 1976, Spassky relocated to France, where he continued to influence the chess community, representing his new home in various international competitions. Despite facing health challenges in his later years, his passion for the game remained undiminished. 

    apnews.com

    The chess world mourns the loss of Boris Spassky, remembering him not only for his remarkable achievements but also for his unwavering dedication to the sport. His legacy serves as an enduring inspiration, reminding us of the profound beauty and complexity of chess.

    Boris Spassky: Remembering a Chess Legend

    apnews.com

    Boris Spassky, Soviet chess player

  • East Kent FIDE Congress

    Saturday 8th to Sunday 9th March – Folkestone

    5 round Swiss style tournament 60 mins plus 30 seconds per move.

    More details at https://www.congress.org.uk/congress/526/home

  • Competition Results

    Sunday 24th Feb – Sevenoaks

    Chess tournament Stag Theatre 15 rounds of 3 + 2

    The club was represented by a few of our players, competition looked tough.

    Highest ranked was Tony Langley and Nandan Tirumala. Congratulations to all that participated.

    Full results here

    Feb 2025

  • Next Rapid Tournament – March 2025

    Our next tournament will be 24th March 2025.

    This will be Rapid, so less frantic than the previous blitz one… you’ll get 10 minutes on the clock plus an increment of 5 second for every move you make – so if you make 30 moves, that’s an extra 2.5 minutes on the clock. There is time to think, but not much!


    As the games will take longer, there will be fewer of them. Instead of all-play-all, it will be a Swiss style tournament. The way this works is that we keep track of everyone’s scores and in each round you will be playing someone who you have not played before and has a score similar to yours. So if there are four players who win in round 1 and in round 2, they are going to get drawn against each other. This system helps make the games more balanced, as you will be playing someone who has had similar results to you.

    No prizes, just kudos.

    Please register with DH via WhatsApp or if you recently joined or are new then tell us via the contact page.

  • Greater London chess competition

    2nd Greater London FIDE Congress

    Two days over Saturday 25th and Sunday January 26th: 10am to 5pm

    Sanderson Hall, Mickleham Road, Orpington. BR5 2RW

    Full details at: https://www.englishchess.org.uk/event/greater-london-fide-congress/

    The results for the under 1450 rankings are now in. Congratulations to David Hampton for his victory in this section.

    Full breakdown of results are here: https://chess-results.com/tnr1104631.aspx?lan=1&art=1&rd=5&turdet=YES&flag=30

    In the under 1750 section Tony Langley won 2 drew 1 and lost 2 to come in at a respectable 10th.

  • New Year’s Day 2025

    Congratulations to all those who took part in the competition at the Stag Sevenoaks on New Year’s Day

    The results can be found on the Chess-Results.com website

  • Blitz Tournament – November 2024

    All v All 5 minute blitz chess

    Our first Blitz game of the season

    12 players registered for our all play all 5 minute blitz competition – no time increments. A demanding but great fun event where skill, speed and dexterity was shown by all. Congratultions to Tony Langley with a impressive score of 9.5/11 narrowly ahead of Christian (9/11). David Hampton impeccably organised the tournament and kept things running to a tight schedule.

    Tony Langley – the winner

    Blitz in action