Our club is always looking for new players! So if you are looking for a chess club and opportunities to practise, look no further!

We have a lively programme of events, including:

• Club tournament
  Members are paired against each other in the club tournament which runs throughout the year. The form of the game is either Rapidplay (one hour for the whole game) or League Finish (one hour each for the first 30 moves followed by the rest of the game in 15 minutes). The players agree which of these time formats to play, with the Rapidplay being the default.

• Surrey League
  We play teams from around the county at home or away. We run Kingston teams in the Beaumont Cup (i.e. Second Division) and the Centenary Trophy (i.e. Fourth Division) as well as the Alexander Cup knock-out competition. Matches take place from the start of October to the end of March. Opposing teams are from Ashtead, Battersea, Crystal Palace, Dorking, Guildford, Redhill, Wallington and Wimbledon.

The default time control is 35 moves in 1 hour 15 minutes. Thereafter the time control is 7 moves per 15 minutes for adjudicating games or 28 moves in 1 hour and then 7 moves per 15 minutes for adjourning games. Quickplay finishes are 30 moves in 1 hour with the rest of the game in 20 minutes. The visiting player shall offer before his first move at least two alternatives of game finish method from adjudication, adjournment or quickplay. The home player shall before his next move select from those offered. Surrey Yearbook

• Thames Valley League
  We run a Kingston team in this league which also has a knockout cup. Matches take place in the Thames Valley area from the start of October to early May. Opposing teams are from Ealing, Hammersmith, Harrow, Hayes, Hounslow, Maidenhead, Richmond, Staines, Surbiton and Wimbledon.

The default time control is 30 moves in 1 hour 15 minutes. Alternatively, the players may agree to a quickplay finish of either the whole game in 1 hour 15 minutes or else 30 moves in 1 hour followed by the rest of the game in 15 minutes. Thames Valley rules

A lift can usually be organised to any of these matches. The usual pick-up point is at the corner of Eden Street and Lady Booth Road at 6.40pm unless another time is agreed.

Visiting the club

We always welcome new players. Check to make sure it is one of the evenings when we are playing at home. We don’t charge anyone who comes along to visit the club until you decide to join. Approach one of our members and they will arrange a friendly game of chess. If you are interested, they will also assess your ability to get into one of our teams. Only club members can play for one of the teams.

Membership Fees for 2009-10

• Full annual subscription: £60
  This level is suitable for stronger players and regular match team members.
  There is a £5 discount if you pay your fee before 31st October!
  

• Standard annual subscription: £30
  This level only applies to players rated below 130 ECF.
  There is a £2.50 discount if you pay your fee before 31st October!
  

The unwaged may also benefit from a 50% discount on the above. Those with special circumstances should contact the Treasurer directly. Donations to the club are always welcome.

Club Presidency

President: K.F.H. (“Ken”) Inwood

Vice-President: C.R.A. (“Chris”) Clegg

Honorary Life Vice-President W. E. (“Bill”) Waterton
President of Surrey County Chess Association 1990-2000

Honorary Life Vice-President: J.D.M. (“John”) Nunn
Grandmaster

Honorary Life Member: Professor Derek Coope