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Spring Lightning

Start time: Monday 14 April 2025, 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 (16)

Charles Gunn-Russell
Allan McDiarmid
Crawford Macnab
Euan McDiarmid
Eric Smith
William Lindved
Stuart McKinney
Patrick Miller
Sam Clucas
Douglas Heatlie
Nick West
Isaac Boyd
Mathew Boyd
Gerry Brown
Derek McCann
Ed Neilson