THOMSON CC CHESS CLUB 2011

Another new year beckons. We intend to have a good program of tournaments and league games spread throughout the months for all our members, young and young at heart.

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

The Thomson CC Club Championship would tentatively be held at Thomson CC Hall , 194 Upper Thomson Road on Sunday 23 January 10am. Entry forms shall be released on this blog and on the SCF Website upon approval. You join the club by paying for a full year membership and play the tournament for free! Prizes are awarded. Lunch provided too.

THOMSON CUP INTERNATIONAL

The 5th THOMSON CUP International shall be tentatively be held on 28-29 May, traditionally the last weekend of May. Format remains at 1 hr per side, 7 rounds Swiss.

WEEKLY ENDGAME LEAGUE JANUARY - APRIL

We shall be starting our Junior Endgame League where they get to replay famous endgames of the masters, specially chosen such that the position is only slightly superior for the winning side. Those taking the inferior side shall score 1.5 pts if they win and 0.5 pts if they lose. The stronger side scores 1 pt for a win and 0 pt for a loss. Each player gets to play the same endgame twice, as White and Black.

The time control for each game is 25 minutes a side. This takes place every Friday evening during our session and starts 8pm, ending about 940pm. What better way to learn about the endgame but to recreate the winning plans of the masters and improve your endgame strength?

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HOW TO PARK AND GET TO TAMPINES HUB

To get to Tampines Hub the best way from the Central and West, take the PIE and exit at 3B and drive towards Tampines Ave 2. You can go via Tampines Ave 7 and join Tampines Ave 4, then turn right at the junction of Ave 5. There is less traffic on this route than if you are to come from the Simei Exit and up Tampines Ave 5. The EW(2) line station is also quite close. DT32 is not ready yet. As for parking, there is an open car park just after the Hub. Drive past the Hub, turn round the corner and you'll see the entrance on the Ave 5 curve. This is a coupon parking carpark and open-air (60cts 1/2 hr) and has about 200+ lots. The other place to park is across from the Tampines Hub at Block 858-864 which is open to public 7am to 7pm coupon parking. You can enter this carpark from St 83 Block 864 and navigate towards Block 859. If you go round till you see a green sign on your left, the road leads to the Drop Off and North Plaza Carpark entrance. Proceed straight in to park at B2 onw

STUDENTS AT THE 74th NATIONAL SCHOOLS INDIVIDUALS

Once again, another year and another NSI takes place over the board this time at Overseas Family School. 1364 players signed in for the event making it a record turnout. It is massive and my congratulations and thanks go to the organising team of arbiters and helpers who worked hard to ensure minimal delays to get each round going. The playing conditions were good with the only regret that the zonal prizes could not be given out at the prize-giving. A few of my private students took part and I share their results : In the Secondary section, Ray Ee (my oldest student) managed 6/9 pts and came in 23rd (just outside the top 20) in the U16 while Daniel (who just started a week ago) did well at 18th on 6/9. Wen Chen was placed 43rd on 5.5/9. Ryan played right after returning from a school camp and fatigue set in the first day, but fortunately he picked himself up to finish 5.5 pts in 45th position. Damien went on vacation and did not take part. Renee was placed 17th overall in the U12 Girl

TIME TO SAY GOODBYE

December draws to a close, ending 2023 and some of my students' journey with me as coach. I had the pleasure to be involved in training Daniel Chan, Er Wen Chen, Timothy Lam, Asher Neo, Wang Yuhan, Toby Herman, Magnus Lim, Eden Harris Yong, Leonard Loh, Emma Lo, Kevin Ng, Damian Tay and lastly Ho Ray Ee, my longest student to stay with me for 6 years. Yes, this may be the largest group of students that left in my years of teaching. Some decided to move on to other trainers (a good sign, as they are seeking other paths to chess improvement) while most I had to end the relationship as coach due to low interest in the game after some months. As for Ray Ee who joined me in 2017, I am of course saddened that he is graduating from my fold but yet proud of what he has achieved. His results were consistent, often finishing well (NAG 7th in 2022, 9th in 2019, 4th in NSI 2018). He has also played in the Selangor Open this year , gaining 77 rating points while getting another 31 pts from t

THOUGHTS OF A CHESS ADDICT

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