September saw 17 blitz battlers descend on Wiltshire to push the limits of the harshest of chess variants – zero increment. That’s right, 5 minutes for the whole game, no extra time for each move. You lose on the clock then you lose the game.
Players from all over the south west from ages 8 to over 88 played in one big group, split into senior and junior for the purposes of prize-giving.
The 7 rounds flew by as players advanced, fell and bounced back through the Swiss pairing and heightened nerves took their toll. By the final few rounds there were three front-runners who had all taken 1 point off each other – Jim Sherwin, Anthony Coffey and Mike Harris. The chasing pack took turns to oust them, including many also vying for the junior prize.
Philip North (4/7) pipped Lirush Chandrakumar (3.5/7) to the top junior spot with an impressive run – well done to both, and a great scoop for their club ChessMax Swindon.
Meanwhile the three leaders didn’t let up and all secured 6 points – agreeing to share the prizes between them. Special mention to International Master Jim Sherwin who continues to dominate the board!
Full results can be found here: https://s2.chess-results.com/tnr1250486.aspx?lan=1&art=4&SNode=S0
Why not join us next year? The provisional date is the 7th of September 2026 – at the same venue, Langley Burrell Village Hall in Chippenham.
There’s plenty more space and with some more players it can become a mainstay in the calendar. The format of playing in one group and offering a separate junior prize worked very well, and the event would also love to offer a ladies prize next year, so get it in your calendars!
Are you looking to play chess in Chippenham? See details below and start today!
- Call 01225 744107 or 01249 81439
- Visit chippenhamchessclub.org.uk