The latest event in Kingston Chess Club’s summer series was a 5 round rapid tournament, 10 minutes for all moves with 5 second increments. 32 players took part, among which we were happy to welcome 12 visitors, including a few new faces as well as returning friends such as Alex Park.

It was a very international affair, with a few conversations in Russian in the foyer. Some of our newcomers visited the analysis room when their games finished early to enjoy fragments of the three-handed marathon between Messrs Lalic, Li and Maycock – stellar stuff for a suburban club night. There were several juniors, several with alarmingly quick reflexes to these old eyes. All part of the chess buzz in Kingston on a Monday.

The winner was Julian Ward, who won his first four games, including a critical clash with Jasper Tambini in round 3, and then halved with black against Alex Park. Alex and Jasper tied on 4, with Alex nicking second on tie break. Julian and Jasper may be building up chocolate inventories after successes in earlier weeks. Ethan Bogerd was the other player to reach 4, and took the junior prize, wisely escaping with his chocolate, probably to prepare for school but possibly to escape being inflicted with a book prize. Yuriy Isaev, who is staying locally for the summer and had found us via the website, was an early leader and finished on 3.5 with the seasoned veterans Foley and Roche and last week’s winner Martyn Jones. Masters (well, in a few years) Bunbich, Tang and Palmer Curiel from the youngest generation were among those on 3.

Many thanks to Genc Tasbasi, who organised the event and thereby allowed Ed Mospan an evening of play.

We’re becoming more organised.