In an effort to provide more information, attract new members, share experiences, perhaps entertain and, who knows, even to learn more about the game, I will update the blog more regularly while Anthony Giles will be posting on Facebook. I like writing so if there's a game you'd like to share or anything else which may be of interest, I'd be happy to help putting it up here.
The MSCL (Mid-Sussex Chess League) kicks off in October, with the 3rd team taking on the 4th team on the 18th and the 1st team taking on the 2nd on 25th. This season there are 3 divisions instead of 4 because the number of teams has fallen from 34 to 33 (despite Brighton now adding a fifth team), meaning that each team will play 10 matches instead of 7 or 8.
A change in the time control is the other main change, with 65mins + 30secs increment now being the default, instead of the previous 80mins + 10secs. 14 of the 26 MSCL AGM delegates voted for this in order to increase the number of completed match games. It also means that players are obliged to keep score throughout, helping to avoid disputes and validate draw claims (repeated positions).
The disadvantage is that games can go on for longer and therefore clubs can impose a 60 move limit to avoid late finishes. Alternative time controls are possible if both players agree and note also that the time control now has to be added onto match scoresheets, which are downloadable from MSCL site download here
MSCL provides the following table to indicate game length times:
All the best for the new season!
