Newmarket Chess Club has records going since at least the mid-sixties. It continued to be a strong club throughout the seventies surrounded by the goliaths of Cambridge and Bury Clubs.
In the early noughties it had two teams in the second division of two in the Bury Area Chess League. On the closure of the old Bury Club they were joined by the future IM Alan Merry. (IM standing for International Master – a chess title awarded by the International Chess Federation to recognise significant achievement and ranking below the Grandmaster (GM) title).
They have a team in Division 2 as the league expanded to 3 divisions. However, Alan’s rapidly improving game and their lack of strength in depth saw him leave for the main Bury Club.
The 2010s saw the passing of many of the senior players from the sixties and seventies and this together with other players leaving the area saw a decline to just two players just before COVID.
Post COVID there was a resurgence and return to the league. They introduced a second team last season, and this season are introducing a third with high hopes of promotions.
Names wise, the top team are aptly called the Thoroughbreds and hope their play reflects the name. The Dark Horses aim to surprise their opponents and are looking to clean up Division 3 against higher rated opponents. In the side Divisions they have the Knightmares who are varied enough (in terms of team members) to cause opponents consternation if they try to put players out tactically. The final Team in the Roger Goldsmith Division Two are the Stallions made up of older players whose grading have been eroded over time but can still play a mean game.
If you are interested in finding out more or are considering joining then newcomers are welcome at the regular club nights on Mondays at Exning Club at 7.30 pm.
The Club is delighted to be supporting the Chess Sculpture Trail launching at the National Horseracing Museum on 19th July, 10am to 1pm. Members will be in attendance with a large chess board to explain the games strategy and encourage newcomers as well as pros to join them for a game in the tranquil surroundings of Palace House Gardens. Thereafter, sessions will run every Saturday afternoon, 1-3pm as part of Newmarket in Play. A series of free, summer activities based around Games, in support of the Museum’s current Horseplay Exhibition.
