One of Yorkshire’s strongest chess players, Richard Palliser, took on 27 juniors from all over the county in a simultaneous display at York Railway Institute (RI) on Tuesday evening. After nearly three hours of intense concentration, Richard finally defeated the last-standing junior. Some games were hard-fought, but only one junior managed a draw and Richard won the rest. The final score was Richard Palliser 27½ (one junior played two games) and the juniors a half a point. “There’s a lot of young talent in York and we’re going to see them moving into the adult teams over the next few years,” Richard said afterwards.

Richard is an International Chess Master based in York. A renowned expert on opening theory, he edits Chess magazine and coaches the Sheffield-based Chess Grandmaster Gawain Jones. Jones, one of the world’s best players, grew up near York and began playing in local leagues as a youngster.

The juniors pitted against Richard ranged in age from eight to 18. The majority were from York, which has a thriving junior chess club based at the RI. The one player to achieve a draw was Jael de Sousa Muachikape, from Leeds. Other prizes for well-played games went to Daniel Hill, from Hull, Joshini Jeyaprakash from Huddersfield and Beth Ravilious from York.

The players sat in silence as Richard circled the room, evidently thrilled to be pitting their wits against a strong chess master. Each time Richard arrived in front of a junior, they had to make a move. Junior players were allowed three “passes”, but then it became compulsory to move as soon as Richard appeared. Once a game ended, Richard provided a few tips on chess strategy.

York Junior Chess Club takes place in Room One at the Railway Institute every Tuesday during term time at 5.30pm. All juniors are welcome. Or contact Noel Stewart for more information: noel338@btinternet.com

(/\ Report kindly supplied by Ben Rich /\) (\/ Photos kindly provided by David Mills \/)