Monthly Archives: October 2013

125 years of the Armstrong Cup

Posted on October 20, 2013 by Sean Coffey

Today (20th October) marks the 125th anniversary of the first ever Armstrong Cup match. The cup was donated by William Armstrong B.L. as a challenge cup “for annual competition by the chess clubs of Dublin”. Its first season was 1888-89, … Continue reading →

Posted in Armstrong Cup, News, Tournaments | 2 Comments

‘A Famous Old Line’

Posted on October 19, 2013 by Sean Coffey

This month marks 60 years since the tournament at Venice 1953, and the game Paoli-Schmid, in a then-critical variation of the Winawer. Schmid uncorked a startling innovation, forcing White to sacrifice an exchange, reaching the diagrammed position. Black, to move, … Continue reading →

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Francis Burden

Posted on October 12, 2013 by Sean Coffey

From a player profile on David McAlister’s Ulster Chess History website, citing the Weekly Northern Whig, 11 June 1914: An Eminent Belfast Chess Player Among the foremost British chess players of the sixties was Francis Burden, who was born in … Continue reading →

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Who?

Posted on October 9, 2013 by Sean Coffey

No Irish player has ever beaten a reigning world champion. (In a regular game, that is, leaving aside simuls.) Even victories over future or past world champions have been very rare: half a dozen or so in all. One such … Continue reading →

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Jackson-Bourached, City of Dublin Masters 2013

Posted on October 7, 2013 by Sean Coffey

Another interesting game from this year’s City of Dublin was the round 3 clash between Carl Jackson and Anthony Bourached. [Click to replay.] Black had a simply overwhelming position throughout and it seemed only a question of choosing which way … Continue reading →

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City of Dublin championships 2013

Posted on October 5, 2013 by Sean Coffey

The City of Dublin is an event that, while formerly a major draw, has struggled a bit in recent years. But this year’s version had an excellent turnout: 160+ over four sections, well up on last year. The turnout of … Continue reading →

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Monthly update, September 2013

Posted on October 1, 2013 by Sean Coffey

A total of 52 games have been added to the archive this month: the full monthly list is available, as usual, by entering “-month2013-09” in the search box. This month sees the return to the game of another veteran, Brian … Continue reading →

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