Thomson Chess Club is open to all players from age 7 and beyond, however we have seen declining numbers from adult players over the last 6 months. As convenor, I would have to make some hard decisions over the future of the club sessions.
With the convenience of playing over the Internet, it is not a surprise that most adults are beginning to shy away from over-the-board chess. So far the main interested group of chessplayers is the Bulldog team made up of mainly Filipino expats. I laud them for their enthusiasm in wanting to play wherever they can, whenever they can. Such passion existed amongst our local players years ago but sadly with the shift in emphasis on age-group events, the adult scene has been neglected.
Though we as organisers try hard to entice the adults to return to club sessions by providing decent playing conditions, it is hard to content with busy schedules, priorities on other interests and lack of motivation on one's part to play chess for its sake.
Therefore I am contemplating limiting the club sessions to only 30 Friday nights next year. These sessions shall be extended 1030pm latest (pending the CC Management Committee's approval) in order to allow the players time to finish the league games if we start at 8pm sharp. I shall be broadcasting details of the new league next year during the Club Championship on January 25th 2015. If there is still little interest then, I may continue for 2015 but cease the club sessions altogether come 2016 unless there are interested parties willing to take over the running of the club.
With the convenience of playing over the Internet, it is not a surprise that most adults are beginning to shy away from over-the-board chess. So far the main interested group of chessplayers is the Bulldog team made up of mainly Filipino expats. I laud them for their enthusiasm in wanting to play wherever they can, whenever they can. Such passion existed amongst our local players years ago but sadly with the shift in emphasis on age-group events, the adult scene has been neglected.
Though we as organisers try hard to entice the adults to return to club sessions by providing decent playing conditions, it is hard to content with busy schedules, priorities on other interests and lack of motivation on one's part to play chess for its sake.
Therefore I am contemplating limiting the club sessions to only 30 Friday nights next year. These sessions shall be extended 1030pm latest (pending the CC Management Committee's approval) in order to allow the players time to finish the league games if we start at 8pm sharp. I shall be broadcasting details of the new league next year during the Club Championship on January 25th 2015. If there is still little interest then, I may continue for 2015 but cease the club sessions altogether come 2016 unless there are interested parties willing to take over the running of the club.
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