Ilfracombe Chess Club

30/05/2026

This week's puzzle is more difficult than it looks. White to move, mate in two. Can you solve it - it certainly got us scratching our noggins!

27/05/2026

Phew. It's hot, ain't it? Perhaps best to stay indoors and play chess instead, and that's what some of our members will be doing in Combe Martin this afternoon!

26/05/2026

Remember when prize loon chess genius Bobby Fischer claimed that women shouldn't play chess because their brains ain't strong enough? LOL. Well, if he were still alive today how would he explain Magnus Carlsen's shocking loss?

Magnus Carlsen was candid as he explained his shocking loss to Alireza Firouzja in the first round of Norway Chess 2026, where he is the favourite to win the title again.

25/05/2026

Sunshine? A bonus day off work? What could be better than that?? Well, playing chess at The Wellington Arms, Ilfracombe of course! Hope to see you a bit red and sweaty (because of the sun ... not because you're waiting for Paul to make a move) later!

24/05/2026

Did you get it? Qh4 threatening Qxh2, followed by Qc4 winning the trapped rook in exchange for the knight for an advantage. Well done if you spotted it!

23/05/2026

It's Saturday, so it's time for a puzzle. Black to move, and white has played b4, threatening the knight on c5. Do you just move your knight, or is there something better? Answer tomorrow :)

22/05/2026

Friday funny time, and quite a subtle one at that. Have a great bank holiday weekend!

20/05/2026

The sun's finally out, so we might be playing chess alfresco today in Combe Martin at The Castle Inn. Come have fun in the sun (maybe) ...

19/05/2026

Oo ... chess in bed! Does life get any better? :D

Alireza Firouzja was quite literally forced to make moves without moving on Monday.In one of the most bizarre scenes seen in elite chess, the French GM played his fifth-round game at the Superbet Chess Classic Romania from a hotel bed after suffering an ankle injury earlier in the tournament.After s...

18/05/2026

Congratulations to Damon for winning yesterday's chess tournament at The Grampus Inn. Sadly, our the sole ICC representative could only make it to the third round :( He'll need to come tonight to improve his future performances, obvs! We're back at the fab The Wellington Arms, Ilfracombe tonight from 7pm! Hope to see you there ...

17/05/2026

The answer is ... Qa1! Black only has two legal moves ... Ke3 in which case Qg1 wins the queen, or Qc3 which is answered (again) by Qg1++! How did you do?