Bridge is International

I am delighted to report that we had a most successful Chicago bridge evening in the spring, when members and their guests enjoyed a delicious supper, and some very interesting cards!

I am greatly indebted to Monica Davis, who reported back from her recent visit to the Weld Club in Perth, Western Australia. In addition to enjoying this club’s hospitality, Monica was able to persuade them to treat her as an honorary man (as she was partnering Brinsley Nicholson) in their regular bridge sessions! You can read about her experience here.

We are always pleased to consider new fixtures with reciprocal clubs (you pay for your own travel!). At the moment, we are looking at a possible fixture with The New Club in Edinburgh, as well as reviving one with our Paris friends, and possibly one in Rome.

We have recently been fielding winning teams in our bridge matches. To encourage and broaden our team selection, we have introduced a computer-based application system which looks very promising.

In line with Hurlingham policy, I shall be retiring in a few months. Thank you to all those who have served on our committee, and to all members who have joined us in bridge events over the last three years. It has been fun for all of us and a privilege for me.

ROGER LAWSON, CHAIR, BRIDGE

CHESS

Variations on a Theme

Despite the almost limitless possibilities for the moves in a game of chess, there regularly arises the suggestion that chess is ‘played out’ at the top level (witness the 12 consecutive draws in the 2018 World Championship) and needs refreshment. Historically, developments in style and strategic approach have usually given the lie to such pessimism, but this has not prevented the creation of numerous variants of chess. Changes in the time control represent an obvious way to mix things up, while retaining all the essentials of classical chess – but there are plenty of others.

In Fischer Random Chess, the pieces on each side’s first rank are placed in a random order. The effect of this is to remove the whole mass of accumulated theory in the openings of classical chess. This variant has been recognised by FIDE (the international governing body of chess) and has its own World Championship.

There are a number of variants involving the introduction of new pieces (commonly known as ‘fairy pieces’), and some which use boards of differing size or shape.

In Bughouse Chess, teams of two face each other on two boards, one team member playing with the white pieces and one with black. When a capture is made, the captor gives the piece to his partner. These examples just scratch the surface of the vast range of chess variants.

A different approach is illustrated by Chess Boxing. Alternate rounds of blitz chess and boxing take place, with wins decided by checkmate or knockout. Something for Hurlingham to try? Perhaps not!

STEPHEN QUARTERMAINE, CHAIR, CHESS