In memory of George Hollands

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of George Hollands, one of our club members, at the young age of 39.

George was a true role model to everyone at our club; not only was he relentlessly enthusiastic about the game, but he also worked hard at improving his standard of play through reading, solving puzzles, and receiving coaching from FM Steve Giddins. His dedication to improvement saw his ECF grade increase from 115 to 167 in a period of just four years.

George was always generous with his time, not only driving long distances to our games from his home, but he often gave his time to help other players analyse their games.

George was Club Champion on no less than nine occasions (2012-2019, and 2022), and the Challenge Cup winner eight times (2011-2015, and 2017-2019). He played almost 100 games for the club in KCCA competitions, including as the Captain of the Harvey Cup winning team in 2015. George was also Club Chairman from 2017-2019.

George receiving yet another (!) trophy from Chairman Rob Thompson.

George was an avid collector of chess books and periodicals, and used Chessbase to develop incredibly effective opening preparation.

George was not only a strong chess player but also a kind and caring man, and his love for his partner Chrissie and daughter Alice was obvious to everyone. We will miss him a great deal.

The Times They Are a-Changin’

The Len Hammond memorial shield, contested annually by Snodland and Maidstone, saw Snodland lift the trophy last night (Weds 25 September 19) for the first time in its 11 year history.

The match was contested over 5 boards and was a non-graded “Friendly Match” – some players are members of both clubs, as Len was himself.

Snodland won the toss and had the white pieces on odd boards.

LH1920

Club Championship 2016-17

Approximately at the mid-point of the tournament, it’s very close at the top.

George Hollands leads by one point although Robert Thompson in second place has a round in hand.

Both players are yet to meet in the competition and one feels the outcome of their two games will have a big impact on this year’s event, which runs over 18 rounds! (George has played 10 rounds so far).

cc-update-1612

No Surprise….

On page 6 of “The Chess Beat” by Larry Evans:

To the surprise of nobody, young Karpov romped over his countryman Lev Polugayevsky  5 1/2 – 2 1/2 [In the 1974 Candidates’ quarter-final.]

A rather peculiar thing to claim, particularly since on the very next page Evans writes “[Bobby] Fischer told friends he was surprised that Karpov beat Polugayevsky”.

Study Time – Jan 2016

Endgame studies are an excellent way to train one’s calculation.

Set the following position up on a board and try to solve by yourself, without any engine assistance.  It’s a short little study, the solution is four moves long.

Afansiev, Duizov, 1967 – White to play and win

ST-Jan16-Q

Solution to follow shortly…