Chess

Chess Club Check Mates Term 2

The chess club finishes term 2 on a high as players completed three games against other regional schools.

Straight after returning to school after the King’s Birthday Holiday, players travelled to Calrossy Anglican school to play against their players in a series of friendly games. These “friendly” matches are a way to continue to develop player skills and continue to foster interest in the game. Chess was clearly the winner, with players from both schools getting a lot out of the games. Both Calrossy and McCarthy Chess clubs will continue with these friendly matches next term.

After the Calrossy Game, the players travelled to Farrar to play Round 3 of the NSW Secondary School Regional Chess Competition. These are knockout games and this went down to the wire. With a strong performance by Thomas Errington and Tom Voung, the McCarthy Chess team prevailed. The club Social players also accompanied the team to play against the Farrar social players. The day was a success and next term both schools will play two social games as a way to continue to improve their chess skills. As with Calrossy, this will become a regular event.

The Chess club finished the term travelling to NEGS in Armidale to play friendly games against NEGS and O’Connor Catholic College. Over the two hours, players had a great time meeting new players and perfecting their skills. We would like to thank Mr Pearson for hosting the games at NEGS. This was such a successful day, that both NEGS and O’Connor have agreed to play again next Term. The Armidale Secondary College and TAS have also expressed interest in taking part.

The chess club runs every Friday, second break in the Library. All are welcome to join the club. Term 3 looks busy, as the club continues towards the finals in the NSW Secondary School Regional Chess Competition. There are games planned for St Mary’s, in Gunnedah, Oxley High School, Farrar, Calrossy and the end of term friendly in Armidale.

Interesting chess fact: The longest official game of chess took place in 1989 that went on for 20 hours and included 269 moves.

Shaun Nichols

Teacher