Cumbernauld Chess Club

Ian · Joined: 07 May 2006 Posts: 204

Hi y'all,

With the new season approaching, I thought I'd don my presidential hat and broach the subject of tournament activity.

At an event last season, one of the other players came up to me and joked, "You're the only Cumbernauld player who ever plays in tournaments". Now, this isn't 100% accurate, since other club members take part in the odd event, but I saw what he meant. Quite simply, very few of our membership play in weekenders. We are conspicuous by our absence. I am wondering why.

Obviously, individual circumstances and responsibilities - family, work, whatever - affect how many weekends are at our disposal, and I fully understand this. It goes without saying that I respect religious beliefs which preclude playing on one's Sabbath, be it Saturday or Sunday. Thing is, though, many of our colleagues in the Central League, Lanarkshire and Glasgow, who, I assume, share the same types of circumstances and responsibilities, seem able to play regularly in weekenders, even if, like us, their clubs have a smallish membership. I can't think of any prima facie reason why this should be.

It's certainly not distance. Most weekenders are within easy driving distance of Cumbernauld; in fact, it would be hard to think of a more convenient location for getting to most parts of the country, certainly the the central belt. Glasgow, Edinburgh, Grangemouth and the E & W Chs are all within easy reach. Perth and Glenrothes are barely an hour away.

The drift of this post is to encourage members to take part in tournaments. There are sections for all levels of ability, playing tournaments keeps up the competitive edge and keeps you match fit; that alone is reason enough to play. But above all, this is the sport we love, so why not take the chance to indulge more often?