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British Chess Federation

Centenary of the British Chess Federation

The BCF was founded 7 May 1904. It seemed desirable to have some sort of event on the actual day 100 years later.

Thus a challenge match was arranged between 102 ¾ year-old PHILIP GELMAN of Wood Green Chess Club and 5 ¾ year old JONATHAN PEIN, son of Malcolm Pein, himself also a member of the same club.

I had noted the Philip’s grade went up from 72 in 2002 to 75 in 2003. It was clear to me that Jonathan would be doing more than just posing for pictures. This was going to be a real encounter, although experience was sure to tell.

The event was held outside The Orange Tree Pub in Totteridge. This proved to be a good photo opportunity and three national and three local papers showed interest.

The event was also the start of an important match, The Match of the Generations. This is intended to take place over the whole country culminating in National Chess Month, which will run from 23 October to 21 November. This is between players under 20 and players 20 or over. Including games played on the Internet; I hope this will be the biggest team event ever to have taken place in any sport.

There are various objectives, but prime amongst them is to encourage local chess clubs to seek out potential new members from among the young. Many clubs are not welcoming to new faces, especially of children.

You can send in your result to the BCF, giving first the name of the young player or team and then the older one, type of event, the result, when and where the event took place and the name of the event. I must admit, although 7 May has been billed as the first, I sneaked in ahead myself.

Jonathan Pein v Philip Gelman, Giuoco Piano

1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bc4 Bc5 4 Ng5 Qxg5 5 d3 Qxg2 6 Rf1 Nd4 7 Bg5 Nf3ch 8 Qxf3 Qxf3 9 Nd2 Qg2 10 Bb5 Qxg5 11 Nf3 Qg2 12 Nxe5 Bxf2ch 13 Rxf2 Qg1ch 14 Rf1 Qe3ch 15 Kd1 c6 16 Re1 Qc5 17 Bc4 Qxe5 18 Rf1 Nh6 19 Bxf7ch Nxf7 20 Rc1 d6 21 Re1 Bg4ch 22 Kd2 Qxh2ch 23 Re2 Qxe2ch 24 Kc3 Ne5 25 d4 Qc4ch 26 Kd2 Qxd4ch 27 Ke1 Nf3ch 28 Kf1 Qd2 29 Rb1 Bh3 mate

Press Release

Chess Challenge at High Noon

The British Chess Federation was founded 7 May 1904. To celebrate its 100th birthday, a challenge match is being held at the Orange Tree Pub in Totteridge Lane starting at noon on Friday 7 May.

The match will be between 102 year-old PHILIP GELMAN of Wood Green Chess Club and 5 year-old JONATHAN PEIN, son of Malcolm Pein, himself also a member of Wood Green Club.

We are not aware of any other chess match ever having occurred anywhere between two players where one is 20 times as old as the other.

As far as is known, Philip is the only serious chess player older than the federation. He said, “I am looking forward to an exciting match and fully intend to win.” Malcolm was dubious whether Jonathan should take part, but was overruled by his wife, Philippa.

The match will be part of ‘The Match of the Generations’ between players under 20 and those 20 or over. This will take place all over England. It is hoped there will be 50,000 games played by the end of November.

President of the British Chess Federation, Gerry Walsh, said today, “This is our best hope of somebody in 2104 having a personal memory of the centenary celebrations. The match will demonstrate the attraction of chess for players of all ages. It highlights the many benefits of playing chess. I wish both players the best of luck, but have a sneaking hope the more mature player will win.”

Saturday 8 May marks the start of the Second Century of the BCF. The English Primary Schools’ Team Championship Final and English Counties Quarterfinals are both being held that day. Other events include The Frome Congress and Walsall Kipping Rapidplay. About 1000 chessplayers should be in action that day all over England.