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Spring Lightning

Start time: Monday 13 March 2023, 07:00 PM
Location: Slateford Bowling club, 28 Lanark Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1TH

We will run the Spring Lightning tournament of faster chess where there is a handicap system in place that gives higher graded players less time against lower graded opponents.

  • Historically each player gets 10 minutes each, with the higher graded player losing a minute for every 50 points in grading difference. Down to a minimum of 2 minutes.
  • The number of rounds and format we actually play will depend on the number of entrants.
    • We may decide to drop down to 8 minutes each depending on entries.
    • We may run two all play all qualifying sections with the two section winners contesting a single game play off to decide the winner.
  • If you can try to be at the club for 7pm for a 7.15pm start.
  • At the start of each round I will announce the pairings.
    • Who has white and the time for each player.
    • This will save time working out grading differences on the fly.

Lightning Rules

  • Standard Chess Scotland gradings will be used.
  • If a player runs out of time then they have lost.
    • Unless there is insufficient mating material.
  • Players must press the clock with the same hand used to move pieces.
  • If a player makes an illegal move then they have lost.
    • Assuming that the opponent notices the illegal move.
    • If the opponent makes a further move then the game is continued.
  • Trophy will be awarded to the highest placed club member.
  • Any ungraded players will be given a grading of 1500 for the purpose of time handicaps. At the discretion of the organiser this may be adjusted to reflect demonstrated playing strength. For ungraded players that have achieved a live grading this will be used.
  • Tie-break will be:
    • Result between two players. (if only two players in TB)
    • Player with most wins.
    • Sonneborn-Berger score.
  • If there is an odd number of players then a Bye will be required in each round. Players receiving a bye will be awarded one point.
  • The organiser may make adjustments to ensure the smooth running of this event.

Entrants (18)

  • Crawford Macnab (1760)

  • Allan McDiarmid (1732)

  • Charles Gunn-Russell (1718)

  • Nathaniel Forbes Inskip (1623)

  • Eric Smith (1601)

  • Euan McDiarmid (1519)

  • Stuart McKinney (1512)

  • Douglas Heatlie (1499)

  • Gerry Brown (1485)

  • João Reis (1426*)

  • Andrew Wright (1367)

  • Isaac Boyd (1353*)

  • Miguel Salas (1350*)

  • Richard Josey (1344*)

  • Derek McCann (1335)

  • Sam Clucas (1250*)

  • Mathew Boyd (1159*)

  • Charlie West (1149*)

  • Aneurin Howorth (1500*) tentative