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We have moved to The Customs House and no longer are playing at the New Ship.

Club Championship
Friends Bowl
FIDE Rated Blitz at The Word

South Shields Chess Club hosts a variety of competitions designed to engage players of all abilities and styles.

At the heart of our calendar is the Club Championship — a season-long, skill-testing tournament that combines group stages and knockout rounds, giving every member a chance to shine in a friendly but competitive environment. Alongside this, the Friends Bowl offers a unique handicapped format that levels the playing field, making it possible for everyone to compete for honours and club history. Recently revived, it’s a favourite for fostering camaraderie and spirited play.

For those who thrive in fast, team-based action, the Ron Evers Memorial Shield provides an exciting quick-play competition among clubs in the Durham Chess Association. Honouring a cherished member of our chess community, this event blends competitive spirit with a rich sense of tradition and teamwork. Together, these competitions create a dynamic and inclusive chess experience for all our members.

Club Championship

The South Shields Chess Club Championship is our premier internal competition, designed to bring together club members of all levels for a season-long battle of strategy, skill, and determination. Whether you’re a seasoned player or looking to test your abilities in a competitive setting, this event is a fantastic opportunity to play serious chess in a friendly atmosphere.

Tournament Format

Players will be divided into four seeded groups, following a format similar to the football World Cup. Each participant will play one game against every other player in their group. Colour assignment for each game will be decided by a coin toss prior to the match.

The top two players from each group will qualify for the knockout stages. From this point onward, the tournament becomes a direct elimination format. The draw for each knockout round—including colour assignment—will be made by the competition organiser. In the event of a draw, the game will be replayed with colours reversed. This process will repeat until a decisive result is achieved.

Time Control

All games will use the same time control as that employed by the club in the Northumberland Chess Association league  which is currently  75 minutes for all moves, with a 10-second increment per move from move one.

Grading and Rules

All games will be submitted for standard grading. Players are required to record their moves until either player has less than 5 minutes remaining on their clock. After this point, notation is optional—even if the clock goes back above 5 minutes.

Scheduling

All group stage matches must be completed by the end of February. Players are encouraged to schedule games promptly to ensure the tournament stays on track.

Friends Bowl

A much-loved tradition makes its comeback — the Friends Bowl is once again the centrepiece of friendly competition at our club. Cleverly designed to level the playing field, it gives every member a real shot at glory.

The Friends Bowl was originally introduced as an inclusive, handicapped competition open to all club members. Its aim was simple: make winning possible for everyone, regardless of skill level, and celebrate the spirit of camaraderie that defines our club. Over the years, it became a cherished annual event, with winners proudly etching their names into club history.

While the Bowl wasn’t awarded in 1968 and 1971 — a mystery we’re currently investigating — the tradition stood strong for many years before going dormant. Now, thanks to a resurgence in both chess enthusiasm and club membership, the Friends Bowl has been revived. The competition is once again thriving, fiercely contested by players of all levels and backgrounds.

FIDE Rated Blitz at The Word

Every year, South Shields Chess Club hosts a FIDE-rated Blitz competition at The Word, the town’s striking cultural centre and library.

The event attracts a strong field of players from across the region and beyond, offering fast-paced, high-energy chess in a welcoming and modern venue. With games played at lightning speed and rated by the world chess federation (FIDE), it’s a fantastic opportunity for players to test their skills, improve their blitz ratings, and experience the thrill of competitive chess in a vibrant setting.

The tournament typically features a series of short rounds throughout the day, giving players the chance to face a variety of opponents in a fun yet competitive atmosphere. Whether you’re an experienced club player or a newcomer keen to gain rating experience, the event is open to all and well-regarded for its smooth organisation and inclusive spirit. Spectators are also welcome, and the open layout of The Word makes it a great place for the public to engage with chess and support local talent.

FAQ

Got questions? We’ve put together quick answers to help you get the most out of your time with the club and our competitions.

All club members are welcome to participate, regardless of experience or rating. Our competitions are designed to be inclusive and fun for everyone.

Simply sign up at the club or contact the competition organiser before the entry deadline. Details are usually posted on our notice board and website.

Most club competitions follow the Northumberland Chess Association’s standard, currently 75 minutes per player with a 10-second increment per move.

Handicaps are calculated based on players’ strengths to balance the competition and give all members a fair chance at winning.

Currently, most matches are played in person at the club, but online games may be arranged by agreement between players and organisers.

The game is replayed with colours reversed, and this continues until a decisive result is reached.

Yes, all official competition games are submitted for standard grading to track players’ progress and ratings.

Whether you're a total beginner or a seasoned player, there's a place for you at South Shields Chess Club. Come along for a few games, meet friendly faces, and discover a community that loves the game as much as you do.

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