In March, two Aberdeen primary teams competed in the Regensburg Schools Chess Championships. The visit was part of the 50^th anniversary of twinning between the two cities.

 

                                                                           

Despite a relatively small population, the town boasts seven major chess clubs and many strong players of Fide Master and International Master Rank. So it was not surprising to find that there are some quality juniors there too.

 

                                                         
                                                                           

The event is played as an allegro, 15min per player for all moves. The Quarryhill team fared best, finishing a very creditable 4^th overall. The Smithfield Select team also played well to finish 8^th. One of the German organisers, Dr Dieter Braun, was very impressed with our players. He told me that all of the first three team members were two years older than our teams, and were coached at senior local clubs.

 

 

 

                          

 

 

Before departure, an invitation from Aberdeen Lord Provost John Reynolds was passed to Regensburg chess clubs to send a team of six players (four senior and two junior) to visit Aberdeen in June. The invitation was accepted, and the team are due to arrive in Aberdeen on 18^th June.