News from 2023-24 for Oxfordshire Chess

Severe traffic problems at Botley Interchange near Cumnor CC

Please avoid The Botley Interchange, A420, A34, when visiting Cumnor Chess Club this season. The roundabout is undergoing major roadworks and is causing severe delays to traffic. The roadworks are likely to continue well into 2024. I will of course remind visiting captains of this problem prior to fixtures at Cumnor.

Chess and Cheers at the Covered Market

Some chess evenings coming to Oxford: Chess and Cheers, at the covered 
market.

The inaugural monthly chess night at Market Tap, in the heart of 
Oxford's Covered Market, from 7pm till late, on September 28th 2023 
(with future dates of November 2nd 2023 and December 7th 2023)

(h/t Ian Bush)

From their website:

Whether you're a solo strategist or with a fellow chess enthusiast in 
tow, everyone is welcome at the table. Use our classic chess boards and 
pieces for a redeemable £5 ticket per person (or feel free to bring your 
own for complimentary entry):

Your ticket is a passport to savings! Redeem it for a £5 Hoyle's gift 
voucher, valid in-store or online  forever. (And for those planning to 
come regularly, rest assured you can redeem more than one gift card at a 
time too.)

Enjoy 10% off your favourite drinks at Market Tap during the event.
See you on the board!

(Note: Details on redeeming the £5 gift voucher will be provided at 
checkout and in a follow-up email. Please contact us with any 
questions.)
				

Issue 2 of ODCL Fixture Lists 2023-24

The authorised fixture lists have been updated to reflect the withdrawal of the MCS teams from division 1 and division 3. See diary format and grid format.

There are two further changes (University 1 v City 1 fixtures inverted).

Magdalen College School withdraw from League

I received word today (20th September) from the organiser at Magdalen 
College School that, on reflection, they will not be able to compete in 
the Oxfordshire league this coming season. A number of issues were 
raised and I will look to support them should they wish to reapply for 
entry to the league in future.

This affects both Division 1 (which will drop to 8 teams) and Division 3 
(which also drops to 8 teams).

Thankfully the season had not quite begun so they had not played a 
match, therefore they will be deleted from the leagues in due course and 
those match nights are now no longer to be fulfilled.

Finally, should their club wish to reapply for membership next year, 
that will be dealt with by the committee and full AGM in due course.

Thanks for your understanding in this matter and apologies to those 
preparing for a match this week (Banbury).

Best,
John
(League Secretary)
				

Oxford FIDE & ECF rated Rapidplay 18 November

Update U2300 now an Open section One day 5-Round Swiss RapidPlay Tournament at Cheney school Headington. FIDE & ECF Rated across 3 Sections: Open, u1900 & u1500; time control 25 minutes + 10 sec increment ecf calendar and link to entry attached.

League composition and fixture lists

Last night's AGM approved the proposed league structure. The authorised fixture lists have now been published, in diary format and grid format.

There are two changes from draft 2 (11 August): City 3 v City 4 and Cowley 4 v City 3, both clubs aware.

2023 OCA AGM

The OCA AGM will be held at Rose Hill Methodist Church on Thursday 14th September beginning at 7.30pm. The agenda, proposed rule changes and other motions have been uploaded to the documents section of the website.