GEORGE NEWS - With the winter season of games almost finished, the George Chess Club is looking forward to its spring and summer tournaments. 

These include regular internal competitions between club members as well as inter-club contests involving various other clubs along the Garden Route.

Having been in existence for almost twenty years, the club is well established and bosts some true heavyweights of the game. 

Albert Visagie, chairman, Terry Quirk, captain of play, and Werner Ottervanger (rated 1, 2 and 3 in the club) are all Chess SA registered trainers and/or officiators. All three offer chess coaching for those wishing to improve their game at any level. 

The club is especially lucky to have Terry Quirk. Before joining the George club in 2009 he was captain of play for nine years at the prestigious Randburg Chess Club, where he also coached many of its members. In addition to now being captain of play in George, he is also the Eden Chess League director, and organises the annual Club League, which is the main inter-club tournament. This has grown steadily over the years, and in 2016 had six teams in the premier league, six in the first division and ten in the second division.

"The club is always looking to gain new members," says Terry. "We have an excellent facility here with plenty of boards, digital chess clocks, even outside chess tables and a braai area for the summer evenings."

The club offers a great chess environment and a friendly atmosphere to all new members. All are welcome - male and female, no matter what age, whether novice or expert, to come and learn the game, practice or improve. Chess is an excellent way of keeping one's mind active.

The club meets every Thursday at 18:00. Anyone interested is welcome to contact Albert Visagie on 072 190 1790.

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