Playing in the Chess Club

Most games in the club involve clocks. Typically players will give themselves from 5 minutes (sometimes called blitz chess) to 20 minutes each. What this means is that if the game is not finished on the board, whoever loses on time loses the game. It is recommended that you play longer games until you are used to club chess and the use of clocks. Some evenings, those players not involved in the UCU League games play all-play-all or knockout mini tournaments. Stronger club members somtimes teach a group of newer players some aspect of the game, or play a simultaneous (when they play two or more opponents simultaneously. A good way to learn is to try to play somebody as good as yourself (or slightly better), play with about 20 minutes each and afterwards discuss the game with your opponent. This is called post-mortem analysis. The best way to improve is to discuss and exchange ideas with somebody more exprienced than you. Once you learn chess notation you have a permanent record of the game and can analyse it at your leisure - this is a great way to improve, by learning form the mistakes and missed opportunities of both players