Checkmate During Lockdown

Every Thursday night during Lockdown 3:0 a growing community of Shiplake chess players took part in a weekly chess tournament.

Organised by Head of Business, Mr Ed Olhausen, the aim was to encourage experienced and new players alike to join up and play some competitive virtual matches, while having fun at the same time.

Mr Olhausen said: “As Assistant Housemaster of Orchard House, I was looking at things we could do during lockdown. In the Autumn Term I bought some chess sets for Orchard House as we knew there were some Year 9s who were interested, however as soon as word was out, it was the Year 11s who got really into the game.

“I had a conversation with Dr D’Rozario who was on Chess.com so we created a Shiplake College Club that allowed any current pupils or staff at Shiplake to join up. This then led to a weekly live tournament.

“Mr Ralfs (the Bursar) is the strongest player so far. Our strongest pupils are Freddie Middleton and Will Diver - both played quite regularly in the lockdown tournaments. Toby Broadbent was a real regular, turning up every week, and his commitment is paying dividends, his skill level is increasing week on week - so well done Toby! 

“However, watch out for the new kid on the block, Dom Thomas!”

These tournaments have continued since pupils have returned to school. The Shiplake Club now has a community of 30 players on Chess.com, with around eight players taking part each week.

Because of the success of the club, the College is now introducing Chess as a co-curricular activity for Sixth Formers on a Friday afternoon during the Summer Term.

If any current pupils or staff would like to join the Shiplake Chess Club, create a user account with Chess.com and then send an email to Mr Olhausen with your username. He will then invite you to the club and add you to the mailing list inviting you to join a live tournament each Thursday night.

Each week there are five games of five minutes long and you randomly get selected opponents. The top three make it on the podium each week.

Mr Olhausen added:“I am delighted that so many staff and students are already involved in the club but I know there are plenty more chess players in the community - so why not get involved?”