The Braille Chess Association (BCA) is the sole provider of chess services to blind and partially sighted people in the UK, catering for all ages. It is affiliated to the International Braille Chess Association and has links with many countries throughout the world.
To support and encourage the playing of chess by blind and partially sighted people and to give them the self-confidence to join clubs and enter tournaments not confined to the visually impaired.
The BCA offers a wide range of activities including:
1 Over-the-board tournaments for players of all strengths.
2 Participation in major international events.
3 Chess holidays to be enjoyed by novices and stars alike.
4 Postal tournaments in which players send their moves in Braille, on tape or by e-mail.
The BCA runs a youth development programme aimed at encouraging young people to take up the game of chess and enjoy the stimulative and social benefits to be gained from a highly competitive game, which can be played on equal terms with the sighted.
Please See Membership And Subscriptions For Details Of Youth Membership.
1 A library of chess instructional material recorded onto tape.
2 Selections from chess periodicals recorded onto tape.
3 An advice service on all matters concerning chess including chess computers and software suitable for use by blind people.
4 BCA keeps members informed by its quarterly newsletter the "BCA Gazette" which is available in Braille, large print, on tape or by e-mail.
Membership is open to all visually impaired people.
Associate membership is open to sighted friends and supporters.
Annual subscription £7.
Life membership £70.
Visually impaired people under the age of 21, ordinarily resident in the UK, receive free membership, free entry into events run by the BCA and other concessions.
There is a busy schedule of chess events ranging from international tournaments to chess holidays! Please see our website www.braillechess.org.uk for full details.
Successful season for Braille Chess
In the third year of playing in the Four Nations’ Chess League, Braille Chess again improved its performance. With Tyson Mordue, an associate member, on top board, the team usually fielded five full members of the association. Chris Ross, current British Champion, and Steve Hilton, Scotland’s strongest visually impaired player were regular team members. They helped Braille Chess reach a score of 32.5 from our 66 games. Bill Armstrong, who played in all 11 matches and scored 5.5 personally was full of praise for the top boards who took on the strongest opposition and achieved great results. Braille Chess finished 19th.
“Only one more point would have taken us to 14th place in the 32 team division. On the lower boards we were usually outgraded and Steve Burnell, Steve Thacker, John Gallagher, Alastair Irving and Norman Wragg fought hard for every point. Next year we aim to sustain this level. Improving for the third year running will be a demanding target”
Stephen Eastwick-Field Memorial Tournament.
In this event designed for players of lesser strength there was a good turn out at Paignton in May. Combining competitive chess with social activities and some relaxed coaching sessions the event was thoroughly enjoyed by the players. The final results were
Upper Section
Stan Lovell 5 pts, Dacid Hodgkins 4.5 pts. John Gallagher and Brian Perham 3 pts.
Lower Section
Chris Brown 6 pts Geoff Patching 5 pts Grading prize Dorothy Hodges 3.5 pts.
Any visually impaired person interested in further details should contact Bill Armstrong by email wgarmstrong@aol.com.
Norman Wragg OBE
Secretary, BCA
2 Chorley Avenue ,
Fulwood,
Sheffield,
S10 3RP
Tel No: 0114 2305995
www.braillechess.org.uk
Registered charity no. 263049
