| September 1999 | Newsletter of the British Chess Federation | Online Edition |
SMITH & WILLIAMSON
BRITISH CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPSThis year's British championships were held in the pleasant and famous (for party conferences and Little Voice) location of the Spa, Scarborough. The walk down the cliffs, for those determined not to make use of the cliff lift like certain titled players, offered panoramic views across the South Bay over the town to the castle.
The venue was rather different from most recent sites. The Spa Complex was busy with non-chess-players taking advantage of the cafes, deckchairs and live music just above the beach. The main playing hall was of the weekend congress type, not a large sports hall. The Spa was only a short walk from the town centre, although a longer haul back. Previous Scarborough Congresses had taken place at the Corner Café and this may have put some off playing. The Analysis and Commentary Rooms were something of a trek away. On the other hand, there were refreshments in the playing hall, a café serving hot lunches and a bar with a pool table in which to socialise.
The Spa was host not only to the many serious events listed below, but also special events varying from the Crazy Lightning Chess which is so popular with the U-11s to Richard Furness' Quiz which was won once again by the Lodger brothers. There was a lack of sporting facilities nearby (what about the sea? - SR), but the many eateries and pubs in the town centre provided some compensation.
Perhaps Millfield School next year will be less attractive. There will be sporting facilities galore, but the absence of a town centre and being at a school, with consequent threats to the social lives of the contestants, may be off-putting.
The huge number of entrants was obviously encouraging, but it did create some problems. The junior events were held in a separate hall downstairs. On the other hand, parents could sit in comfort and observe their offspring in play. Senior contestants may have preferred not to be disturbed by the youngsters.
The entry for the Smith & Williamson British Championship was the largest-ever at 92. Perhaps this is too many. It seemed a large part of the top of the Major Open had progressed upwards, although this did not stop that event being its usual hard-fought contest. Surely Neil Graham must tighten things up. It is nice to be one of the fortunate weaker players to qualify, but perhaps the only under 2300 qualifiers should be those who gain a place directly from a congress. Also there should only be one such event from each region.
The playing tables were rather squeaky. The lack of air-conditioning was unimportant. It was disappointing only three boards could fit on the stage (This was because the lighting was inadequate for play to take place in front of the stage. Thus both games and demo boards were presented on the stage - SR).
Overall then, the congress was its usual self, full of tough chess and also an enjoyable social event.