The Jonathan Rowson Award

A new awards scheme has been set up for pupils attending Aberdeen schools by Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeen Chess Academy.

It is the Jonathan Rowson Award, a celebration of Aberdeen born (and educated) Jonathan Rowson’s memorable achievement in winning the British Chess Championship three times-in-a-row.

Jonathan has endorsed the award, which is designed to encourage young people to learn chess, and to reward commitment to the learning process rather than expertise.

Each pupil taking part is set eight knowledge and understanding tasks to work on, or study. It is module three of Aberdeen Chess Academy’s chess learning course, and is based on the fundamentals of chess. There is no limit on the number of pupils taking part in the scheme, or limit on the number of attempts made, and it is free to enter.

All pupils successfully completing the 8 tasks are awarded the Jonathan Rowson medal and signed certificate.

Aberdeen Chess Academy will organise and run this scheme. At certain times during the season, pupils will be invited to attempt the award on selected Tuesday or Thursday evenings, or Saturday mornings. Here is what you have to demonstrate before being presented with The Jonathan Rowson Award: -

1. On the chess board, place the Black king on its starting square, e8, the White king on its starting square, e1, and a White pawn on e2. Show how White, to move, wins. You will first have to promote the pawn to a Rook or Queen, and then checkmate the Black king. Tip: the White king must quickly get in front of the pawn – and stay in front of the pawn!
2. Set up the chessboard with all the pieces on their starting squares. Move pieces (one colour only) to show castling kingside.
3. Set up the chessboard with all the pieces on their starting squares. Move pieces (one colour only) to show castling queenside.
4. Set up the chessboard with all the pieces on their starting squares. Record eight moves of your choice, for both White and Black, in algebraic notation.
5. Set up a position showing a pinned piece.
6. Explain what is meant by the chess term ‘a fork’. Set one up on the chessboard.
7. Explain the En-Passant rule. Set up some pieces and show an example.
8. On the chess board, place the Black king on d5, the White king on e1, and a White rook on e2. Show how White, to move, wins. If, on question no1 you promoted to a rook, then swap the rook for a queen for this task.

Anyone wishing to attempt the award should check to see if their school is participating in the scheme, or email davidcleslie@rmplc.co.uk  or text 0777 206 1564

If you do not know some of the answers (or understand some of the questions) you can still do the parts you do know, and get an explanation of what you are unsure about. We want to help you learn these important chess fundamentals, and aspire to win this award!