October 04, 2020

Members of the UKAFCC have been invited to play in online NATO chess events. The events are played on the popular (and free) LiChess site. Anyone interested should click the button below to becomes members of the group. The organisers state: "Everybody is free to join this team on the condition that they identify themselves by name, first name and country. After approval of the membership by an administrator of the IMCC-team, you can register for the tournaments.."

They plan two 'Arena' format tournaments where we can participate as members of a UK team on the 13th and 15th October at 1900 CET (1800 BST). Again, the details are on the 'Click Here' link to the group membership page.
 

September 13, 2020

The best Open File ever? This is very possible, with some great material from Kevin Thurlow, David Tucker and even Grandmaster Mathew Sadler writes for Open File! A 53 page bumper issue awaits you.

April 13, 2020

The Spring edition of Open File pays tribute to a fine NATO chess player, IM Lorenz Drabke, who tragically died in a road traffic accident in 2018. There is some Benko opening theory from Kevin Thurlow and plenty of other stuff to enjoy. As a bonus for members, the British Chess Magazine have generously allowed us to publish the March and April editions on this website.

So, if you are looking for something to read during the lockdown, head over to the 'Downloads' section of the website.

March 10, 2020

A Message from our Chairman:

All,

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It is with great sadness that I must cancel this year’s AFCC.  You will all be aware of what is going on with Covid-19 and having discussed it with the committee and the organising team I think we have no option other than cancellation. 

There is a possibility that we may be able to hold it later in the year should the situation ease, I will let you know as soon as any decision is made.  With regard to planning for the NATO Chess Championship, it is my intent to submit the initial acceptance to Belgium and then hold off making the final acceptance until the last minute.  Team selection, should we decide to play, will be a topic for another email.

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For those of you that have sent cheques I will rip them up and discard them.

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Thank you for your continued support, I hope you appreciate that this decision has not been taken lightly.

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Yours Aye

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Dave Ross, Chairman

October 07, 2019

I have decided to add a page dedicated to books authored by our members. Click the link below (or via the 'News' sub menu) and purchase one of these fine books from Amazon..

August 31, 2019

Here is the Autumn 2019 edition of Open File - head off to the Downloads section to read about the UKAFCC at RAF Scampton (the official report from Dave Ross is an individual download), meanwhile the main magazine has annotated games from Mike Fielding, Dave Tucker and Allan Neder. Our resident editor has a one-on-on interview with famous Grandmaster Vassily Ivanchuck, while Steve O'Neill revisits the NATO Chess Championships in Turkey, 2007. 

March 27, 2019

This edition has a wonderful picture of Jerry Hendy (with hat!) on the cover, an interview with our new President (Chas Chapman) and some great material from Kevin Thurlow, Miles Patterson while the 'Nibbler' himself returns, Allan Nelder!

The new edition of Open File is available in the Downloads area. Note, this page is now password protected. Please contact the Webmaster if you have not received the password via Email.

September 26, 2018

The new edition of Open File is available in the Downloads area. Note, this page is now password protected. Please contact the Webmaster if you have not received the password via Email.

March 23, 2018

The new edition of Open File is available in the Downloads area. Note, this page is now password protected. Please contact the Webmaster if you have not received the password via Email.

February 02, 2018

It is with deep reget I have to inform member of the Combined Services Chess Association that Stan Cranmer passed away in January 2018. Stan played in many Combined Services and will be remembered as a cheerful, friendly but tough opponent. I'd like to thank Notts Chess League for the Obituary I reprint below. 

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November 12, 2017

If you go to the 'Downloads' Tab, then 'Open File Archives', you will find the beginnings of a project to offer as many past editions of Open File to download as possible. We have update the Archive and added more newsletters and Open Files from 1976.

September 02, 2017

OBITUARY FOR COMMODORE LAURENCE (LAURIE) PHILLIP BROKENSHIRE CBE RN

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August 27, 2016

The NATO 2016 has ended at the Defence Academy in Shrivenham.

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Well done to the UK team, coming in a well deserved 8th place on 15.5 (Dave Onley, David Tucker and Danny Wells all scoring solid 4 point performances and Sherpa Nagadi on 3.5). The tournament was won by the Polish Team on a tie-break from the German team on 20.5 points.

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Congratulations to Dave Ross and the team for running an excellent tournament. Please go to the NATO 2016 tab to see more details about the event.

October 10, 2015

Our esteemed Magazine editor has won the ECF's President's Award for 2015!