Mind The Board

Poole Chess Club in association with Mind Dorset is proud to announce Mind The Board, a beginners chess tournament aimed at new players and players graded under 1400.

Cancelled – Due to unforeseeable circumstances this event will not be going ahead. We are looking to reschedule at the end of summer before the start of next season.

Chess is all in the mind, and a chess club is not only a way to keep your brain healthy, but it’s also a way to keep social and meet people. These are great ways to help your mental health so we’re teaming up with Dorset Mind to support mental health in the local area.

Dorset Mind is aiming to create a community where living with and talking about mental health becomes acceptable for everyone. They offer various services for groups or one-to-one. These important facilities are something we believe should be supported and awareness raised. This is why all proceeds of this tournament are going to Dorset Mind.

Prizes

All prizes are donated by the local businesses to support the event and Dorset Mind. Huge thank you to all those who have donated prizes (if you’re willing to add to the prize pool then please get in touch):

Thai Pantry – £50 voucher

If you would like to make a donation to Dorset Mind then please use the below link or the QR code: justgiving.com/page/mind-the-board For more information about Dorset Mind, see their website: https://dorsetmind.uk/

Format: Each game will last 10 minutes with 10 seconds added to the clock after every move. We are aiming for 5 rounds. There will be approximately 30 minutes between each round.

Venue: The event will be at Poole Centenary Hall & Club, 22 Wimborne Rd, Poole BH15 2BU. It is a beautiful venue opposite Barclay’s House, with lots of spaces for the games, some space for casual games, and a well stocked bar and bar area.

FAQ

I’m not sure it’s my thing

On Monday 5th January we don’t have any competitive matches so you’re welcome to come along any time from 7pm, meet us, see what we’re all about and have some casual games to see if it’s the sort of thing you’d like to enter. E-mailing me beforehand would be helpful but not essential. chair@poolechessclub.org.uk

Am I good enough to enter?

As a rough guide, you should enter if you can solve this puzzle in less than 5 seconds (white to move).
	And this puzzle with a little bit more thought (white to move).

Am I too good to enter?

If you don’t have an official ECF grade from September 2025 (you can check here: https://rating.englishchess.org.uk/players/list), or you do have a grade and as of September 2025 it was less than 1400 or ended with a P or L, then you’re eligible. If you think you’re too good, then prove it! Get in touch if you’re unsure.

For more information, or any questions, please e-mail: chair@poolechessclub.org.uk