January and February are bleak months, but we’ve got something to warm you up this winter.
Two titans of Battersea Chess Club, Chris Beckett and Ali Hill have agreed to put their reputations on the line in a fascinating match-up entitled Beckett Hill.
The prize
Chris and Ali will not only sort out who gets bragging rights in a six-game classical chess match, they will also being playing with and for a wonderful prize, just to make sure they are taking this very, very seriously.
Up for grabs is a unique, hand-made triple-weighted chess set made from Boxwood and Ceylon ebony – one of the world’s most rare and expensive woods. Not only that, a board as well.
Both Ali and Chris are of course former club champions hovering around the 200 ECF mark. Chris is captain of the first team, and Ali is his deputy and frequently used on board 1.
How to watch it
The first face-off will be at 7.30pm on Tuesday, January 30. The game will be played at our venue on the stage. I am even told there may be flags.
Time controls will be slow – 75m + 30s – so the two can play their best chess.
Moves will be relayed via iPads to the big screen so you will be able watch the action unfold.
Chris and Ali will provide analysis afterwards, and perhaps we may persuade them to give a talk on it.
This is the first time the club has attempted to put on something like this.
We hope Beckett Hill will be a fascinating contest which will help club members improve as Chris and Ali go over their thought processes.
It should be something you can really get your teeth into this winter.
Don’t forget, the following week on February 6 we also have our Latvian Night – a unique blitz tournament where a bottle of vodka is up for grabs Click here for more details.
