Here is a message from Andrew Zigmond (andrewzig@hotmail.com), the Yorkshire CA League Controller, addressed to Yorkshire clubs and members. The email has been condensed somewhat to keep the focus on the main points.
“Dear All
“A few weeks ago, I began a consultation with Yorkshire clubs about whether the Yorkshire League could resume in Autumn. That consultation has now concluded.
“THE OVERWHELMING FEEL OF THE CONSULTATION WAS THAT IT WAS NOT PRACTICAL FOR THE YORKSHIRE LEAGUE TO RESUME. THEREFORE THE LEAGUE REMAINS SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE WITH THE NEXT REVIEW DUE AT THE END OF THE YEAR.
“[However] I feel a duty as YCA league controller to create as many opportunities to play as possible.
AUTUMN MINI LEAGUE
“Therefore I would like to invite expressions of interest for a mini league to fill the Autumn months. If I could invite prospective entries before MONDAY 24th AUGUST and I will then hold a consultation with interested teams as to how it could work. It may just end up being a series of graded matches. My suggestion would be to limit teams to six players so that social distancing at venues is easier to observe. I would like to stress this is not intended to replace the main Yorkshire league but intended as a stop gap with no obligation to play (many players will not wish to play at this time and they should not be forced to).
LICHESS INDIVIDUAL
“I wondered if there was an interest in an individual Yorkshire tournament played over Lichess – open to players of all standards. The exact format will depend on the number of entries but I’m feeling something reasonably informal with games played by mutual agreement within a fixed timescale.
“For those who aren’t familiar with Lichess this is a platform where two players can play a game in real time over the internet. I was initially a bit hesitant about it myself but took part in a local event using the site and found it a very enjoyable experience. If I could ask for initial entries no later than MONDAY 31st AUGUST then I can work out the exact format. There may be a small entry fee to cover the costs of a suitable prize.
NATIONAL 100
“One interesting external event is the National 100 which is an inter union online event for players graded under 100. Full details here https://www.englishchess.org.uk/the-national-100-launches/. The North team is being organised by Mick Riding of Northumberland, a well known NCCU player, and I can forward any queries to Mick. Please could you ensure all local players graded under 100 have sight of this.
Andrew”
Limewood website editor’s note: The National 100 appears to have been launched with only a few days’ notice and the first of the 3 dates had passed even before Andrew had sent his email. (The North team lost by 7½ to 8½ to the “East Saxons” in a 16-board online match.) However , it sounds as though further additions to the team are possible for the outstanding matches set for 15 and 22 August. Please send expressions of interest to Andrew Zigmond (andrewzig@hotmail.com) for him to pass on to the North team organiser, Mick Riding.