DrDave's blog

Tweets

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We now have a Twitter account for events news and discussion and coach travel updates.

News and discussion: http://twitter.com/devonjunchess

We used to echo Tweets here, but like everything else on Twitter these days, it doesn't work properly any more

5th Simon Bartlett Memorial Congress 2024

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Congratulations to Suhayl Abdalla who won the Minor section with 5/5!

Devon Juniors Daniel Smith, Vincent Dong and Pengxiao Zhu also took part, scoring at least half-marks in their respective sections.

 

County colours for Devon juniors

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In last Sunday's Devon County chess match for all ages, Devon juniors were selected: Caleb Caleshu, Jack Wills and Harvey Cooper.  Congratulations to all.

British Champs 2023

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I've been trying to find and follow the progress of Devon juniors in this year's Championships, but please email me if I've missed anyone.

I spotted Luke Honey and Reece Whittington having a go in the strong 9-round Major Open, scoring 5 and 3.5 respectively.  A tough week in the office!  (For context, the winner was an International Master who scored 7/9.)

Reece and Luke then took part in the U1900 Rapidplay, which was won by Luke with 5.5/6 -- very well done! 

Opening choices

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Thank you for filling in the opening questionnaires online, and I'm sorry we didn't get time to look at your responses on Saturday.  But here is what I might have said:

Systems for White

Scotch Game (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4)
My main recommendation for a first opening system, leading to an open game with chances to attack.  Good stuff, just the style you should use when you start playing chess.

Colle System (1.d4 with Nf3/e3 and without c4)
A good first opening system -- develop and attack!

Best puzzle books

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While we were talking to the U14/U18 squads, the ChessDojo folks were discussing the best puzzle books for improvement.  Their recommendations are:

The Dojo List!
1. Perfect Your Chess, Grabinsky/Volokitin https://amzn.to/43gqYI6
2. 5334 Problems, L Polgar https://amzn.to/43HyJH4
3. Think like a Super-GM, Adams/Hertado https://amzn.to/3qkFzDP
4. Mastering Chess Strategy Hellsten https://amzn.to/43jk9ph

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