Chessventures

I arrived back on Thursday after nearly 2 weeks away in Sri Lanka as an official New Zealand representitive at the Commonwealth Chess Championships in Waskaduwa.

My chess preparations were somewhat curtailed as I was invited to a number of meetings and functions with national chess federation presidents, Commonwealth chess officials and the FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich!

Chesswise then, a little below my expectations, after losing to an Indian Grandmaster on Board 5 in Round 1 (I did last 3 hours!) I had 3 wins, 3 losses and 2 draws for the rest of the Classical event for a final score of 4/9.

I scored 3/7 in both the rapid and blitz chess events.

All in all, a good learning experience even for someone as experienced as I am and always nice to play new people and make new friends.

Aside from chess, managed to squeeze in a few tours - saw fruit bats, monitor lizards, held a baby crocodile (on my head!!) and a baby turtle in my hands. Visited 2 temples, some mask makers, a small tea plantation, a small rubber plantation, went to Independence Square in Colombo, accepted a commemorative clock in behalf of the New Zealand Chess federation at prizegiving and rode in a Tuk Tuk - and a few other things I am forgetting as I type I am sure!

Overall a fantastic experience, one I will never forget.

Plenty of photos, this is a selection.

I had a 2 chess tournaments (one junior, 1 adult) scheduled for this Sunday the 31st in Invercargill.

I've just returned from the Commonwealth Chess Championships in Sri Lanka and having been on at the chess board or in airports for the past 2 weeks, I am pretty jetlagged and tired so with apologies (as I have not actively promoted the events and have not had any entries!) I will be canceling these 2 tournaments.

Things should return to normal soon and I'll post details of the June tournaments soon.

Richie is in Sri Lanka for the 2026 Commonwealth Chess Championshops!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1WKQJFtkdw/

The Rapid Chess tournaments scheduled for this Sunday the 26th April are now postponed - new date to be advised.

Apologies for any inconvenience.

The next confirmed rapid tournament (junior and adult) is at XO Kids on Sunday 31 May 2026.

Cheers
Richie

I have a few slots available for new students for chess lessons.

Lessons are in person if you live in Invercargill, or via Zoom & Lichess/chess.com if you are elsewhere.

I do coach small groups, but prefer 1 to 1 coaching as I can tailor each lesson to a specific student's needs.

* Experienced Coach & Player
* FIDE Instructor (accredited and licensed)
* School Instructor (accredited and licensed)
* New Zealand Chess Federation Director of Training

Email me [email protected] to find out more.

Or visit www.chessventures.co.nz

Also happy to chat 021 111 5662

Another title in the bag!

I was awarded the Associate Organizer title by FIDE at the recent FIDE Council meeting.

Many thanks to those who have helped me on my journey.

chessventures. Keeping kids (and adults!) dry in the rain since 2020!

If you are in Invercargill and fancy staying dry today, come along to XO Kids - and play in a chess tournament - adults and kids (sections).

1:30pm for a 2pm start. $15 entry fee.

For more info or to enter contact Richie [email protected]

Just a reminder that I do sell chess books (published by Gambit Publications Ltd) - 'Used like New'.

Prices range from $10 to $25 plus delivery within NZ (photos have prices) - all prices in NZD.

Message me or email [email protected] if you would like to purchase anything or if you would like to know more about any of these titles.

Cheers
Richie

February Rapid 2026

2 events were held on 22 February 2026 at XO Kids in Invercargill - the usual junior tournament, and for the first time, a tournament for adults/stronger juniors. Results: Junior: 1st Seth 2nd Andrei 3rd Samantha 1st Years 1-6 Nicholas & Lucas 1st Years 7 & 8 Vicky 1st Years 9-13 Seth Senior: 1st Phil Coleman 2nd Ashwin Gogate 3rd Gary McLean…...

February Rapid 2026 2 events were held on 22 February 2026 at XO Kids in Invercargill – the usual junior tournament, and for the first time, a tournament for adults/stronger juniors. Results: Junior: 1st Seth 2n…

A final reminder about tomorrow's tournament(s)!

A final reminder that Richie from chessventures is running a tournament tomorrow afternoon at the club's venue at XO Kids.

Alongside the usual junior event, there will be an tournament for adults (or maybe even stronger juniors!).

Richie and the club hope that these events will not only provide another oportunity for club players to play chess, but also cater for those who can't make the usual Friday night sessions.

Doors open 1:30pm, games start 2pm sharp!

For more info or to enter, contact Richie [email protected] or 0211115662