We are all aware of on-line chess, at least dimly, and some even participate themselves. Congress organisers receive entries from strangers to the non-virtual chessboard, quoting 4-digit-ratings of highly uncertain significance. (Incidentally, the ECF has published its first list of grades for on-line chess; see https://www.englishchess.org.uk/march-online-grades-are-out/.)

There are of course various on-line chess-playing sites out there, but enterprising individuals, all young ones it is good to see, are launching on-line chess, one way or another, on behalf of their clubs. Martin McGowan has launched something for Doncaster on Lichess, and Oliver Brennan has launched something in Rotherham (extended to Sheffield & DCA generally). It remains to be seen what take-up there is.

The ECF has issued revised guidance, following tighter rules issued by government on 23/03/2020, (https://www.englishchess.org.uk/coronavirus-an-update/) and there links to a webpage offering advice to clubs and other organisations wishing to set up their own on-line chess clubs (https://www.englishchess.org.uk/ecf-support-for-moving-chess-online/).