Updated 29.6.2011
A report is now available on the Second Mike Closs Memorial Tournament.
Updated 9.5.2011
9 May marks one full year since Mike passed away. He may have gone but he will definitely not be forgotten.
'Game of the Month' has just been updated, featuring Mike's favourite variation of the Modern Defence. Peter Lalic has once produced a super video presentation for us all to enjoy.
It can be found here:
It is time to reveal some details about the next Memorial Event. June will see a unique event featuring an all-star cast and a buffet, Blitz tournament, lectures and a quiz. I have amalgamated events 4 and 6 from our previous list to make the most of some very special guests who will be travelling some distance to be with us.
I think it could be THE event of 2011. As with all of the other events in our memorial season, this one is by invitation only. The entries are in the process of being finalised and I guarantee it's going to be a superb line up. Stay tuned for further announcements....
Updated 20.1.2011
Memories of Mike: Part 2 is now availalable here:
Updated 1.1.2011
Plans for Events 4-6
The final three memorial events are in the planning stages and details will follow as soon as they are confirmed. Here's a sneak preview of what I'm going to do:
Event 4: 'Chesstermind/Lectures' Combining a number of lectures based on Mike's games with a Chesstermind contest. Which of the specially chosen chess experts will triumph when they pit their wits over one round of specialist chess knowledge and one round of general chess knowledge? Target date: April
Event 5: 'Evening meal' Target date: May
Event 6: '5-minute tournament' Who can handle the pressure and prove themselves as King of the Blitz? Target date: June
All events are by invitation only.
January's Game of the Month is now available for your enjoyment:
http://www.mikeclossmemorial.btck.co.uk/Game%20of%20the%20Month
Updated 30.11.2010
Game of the Month has just been updated with another
excellent presentation from our friend Peter Lalic.
See here for details:
http://www.mikeclossmemorial.btck.co.uk/Game%20of%20the%20Month
Updated 26.11.2010
'Events' and 'Memories of Mike' have both been updated today.
Two exciting games from the Memorial Tournament can be seen here:
Themed Tournament
25 minutes on each clock for the whole game
16 players, arranged in four groups of four
The winner of each group will qualify for the semi-finals
Semi-final winners will meet in the final
These are the openings you will be using:
1) Danish Gambit
1 e4 e5 2 d4 exd4 3 c3 dxc3 4 Bc4
2) Sicilian Dragon
1 e4 c5 2 Nf3 d6 3 d4 cxd4 4 Nxd4 Nf6 5 Nc3 g6
3) Modern Defence
1 e4 g6 2 d4 Bg7 3 Nc3 d6 4 Nf3 c6 5 Be2 Nd7
(Mike liked to follow up with …Ng8-h6, …f7-f6 and …Nh6-f7)
4) Sicilian Wing Gambit
1 e4 c5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 b4
5) French Wing Gambit
1 e4 e6 2 Nf3 d5 3 e5 c5 4 b4
6) Milner Barry Gambit
1 e4 e6 2 d4 d5 3 e5 c5 4 c3 Nc6 5 Nf3 Qb6 6 Bd3
Group stages - three openings, randomly drawn, initially from full set
Semi-finals - one opening, randomly drawn
Final - one opening, randomly drawn from whole set
Players beware! You could find yourselves on either side of these openings,
depending on how the groups are drawn!
Updated 7.9.2010
September's 'Game of the Month' is now available for your enjoyment:
Updated: 3.9.2010
I have added a page to feature reports on all of our events:
Updated: 27/8/2010
Events
I have plans in place for six events during this tribute season. Due to space restrictions and planning
considerations, participation in each event will be strictly by invitation only.
An evening meal at Joe Rigatoni's Italian Restaurant in Yarm on Wednesday 1 September.
Event 2:
A themed tournament at La Fez Mexican Restaurant in Marske-by-Sea on Saturday 16 October.
16 players will battle it out using Mike's favourite chess openings. Expect to see the Danish Gambit,
Sicilian Dragon and various Wing Gambits either side of our Mexican meal).
Details of Events 3-6 will be announced in due course.
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Updated: 13/8/2010
The 'Memories of Mike' section has now been updated, with
several very nice comments and a wonderful photograph.
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I am in the planning stages of a number of special events.
Further details will be announced here soon.