The Irish Chess Union

John Rollins (Adult) 1644 [FIDE classic] Only Sunday and Tuesday

Josh Whearty (age 18) 1619 [FIDE classic]

David McCracken (Adult) 1593 [FIDE classic] Only Sunday and Monday

Alex McKeown (age 10) 1529 [FIDE rapid]

Rory Miller (age 14) 1510 [FIDE rapid]

Paul O'Connor (Adult) 1479 [FIDE classic]

Luca Jordan (age 13) 1459 [FIDE blitz]

Seren Winstanley (age 14) 1454 [FIDE rapid]

James Lockhart (age 13) 1450p

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Entry list correct as at 15:27 on February 1, 2026

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Details: 3 day Jamison Chess Academy: Sunday 8 to Tuesday 10 February 2026

During school mid-term break. Open to adults and children. This U1800 chess academy is ideal for players rated between 1450 to 1750. This course is not suitable for beginners, it is aimed at intermediate level. Entrants should already hold a FIDE classic, rapid or blitz rating in the 1400s to 1700s range. Level 1 is titled The Golden Pawn and successful graduates will receive a golden pawn trophy (see flyer).

Pupils attending this course will enjoy a small group teaching format with 2 demo board sessions per day by Club Masters, opening trouble-shooting, in-depth post-game analysis and 6 classic rated games (2 per day at 1 hour each per player)

Limited to a maximum of 10 players

Book and prepay early to secure a place.

Venue: Maxwell Hall, Groomsport + analysis space: Avril Morley Room

Course fees = 100 Euro or 90 GBP (discounted to 45 GBP for members of Bangor Chess Club)

The course fees will cover the venue hire for the 3 days. Please note, we are not using Bangor Chess Club funds for this 3 day chess academy as participation is extremely limited.

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Course Schedule

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DAY 1 of 3: Sunday 8 February

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Morning session:

11:15 to 11:45 Morning Lecture: Beating a Grandmaster

Demo board talk exploring Reti opening theory, including a GM victory from May 2025. The talks are designed to be interactive so pupils will be asked to present good moves at different points of the lines discussed.

11:45 to 12:00 - break

It is recommended players take a walk outside to get some fresh air for a few minutes.

12:00 to 14:00 - Classic game 1

Players will compete in a FIDE rated classic game at a time control of 60+0.

When the game is finished, pupils will move to the Avril Morley Room for post-game analysis.

14:00 to 14:45 - break

Lunch break: pupils are encouraged to bring a pack-lunch with them. Food can be eaten in the Avril Morley Room at any time throughout the 3 days

Afternoon session:

14:45 to 15:15 - demo board game analysis

Brendan will play through one of the games from the morning classic (selected from viewing the live games in progress during the morning session).

15:15 to 15:30 - break

It is recommended players take a walk outside to get some fresh air for a few minutes.

15:30 to 17:30 - Classic game 2

Players will compete in a FIDE rated classic game at a time control of 60+0 When the game is finished, pupils will move to the Avril Morley Room for post-game analysis.

Ends 17:30

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DAY 2 of 3 Monday 9 February

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Morning session:

10:15 to 10:45 Morning Lecture: Beating a Grandmaster

Brendan will deliver a demo board talk, playing through his February 2016 victory over English GM Simon Williams from a simul in Belfast.

10:45 to 11:00 - break

It is recommended players take a walk outside to get some fresh air for a few minutes.

11:00 to 13:00 - Classic game 3

Players will compete in a FIDE rated classic game at a time control of 60+0 When the game is finished, pupils will move to the Avril Morley Room for post-game analysis.

13:00 to 13:45 - break

Lunch break: pupils are encouraged to bring a pack-lunch with them Food can be eaten in the Avril Morley Room at any time throughout the 3 days.

Afternoon session:

13:45 to 14:30 - demo board game analysis

Brendan will play through one of the games from the morning classic (selected from viewing the live games in progress during the morning session).

14:30 to 14:45 - break

It is recommended players take a walk outside to get some fresh air for a few minutes.

14:45 to 16:45 - Classic game 4

Players will compete in a FIDE rated classic game at a time control of 60+0

16:45 to 17:15 - game analysis

When the classic game is finished, pupils will move to the Avril Morley Room for post-game analysis.

Ends 17:15

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DAY 3 of 3 Tuesday 10 February

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Morning session:

10:15 to 10:45 Morning Demo Board Lecture: Trouble-shooting openings

Details: Q&A session where Brendan will present solutions to opening difficulties.

10:45 to 11:00 - break

It is recommended players take a walk outside to get some fresh air for a few minutes.

11:00 to 13:00 - Classic game 5

Players will compete in a FIDE rated classic game at a time control of 60+0 When the game is finished, pupils will move to the Avril Morley Room for post-game analysis.

13:00 to 13:45 – break

Lunch break: pupils are encouraged to bring a pack-lunch with them. Food can be eaten in the Avril Morley Room at any time throughout the 3 days

Afternoon session:

13:45 to 14:30 - demo board game analysis

Brendan will play through one of the games from the morning classic (selected from viewing the live games in progress during the morning session).

14:30 to 14:45 - break

It is recommended players take a walk outside to get some fresh air for a few minutes.

14:45 to 16:45 - Classic game 6

Players will compete in a FIDE rated classic game at a time control of 60+0 When the game is finished, pupils will move to the Avril Morley Room for post-game analysis.

16:45 to 17:15 Demo Board Lecture: Summary of what we have learned across the 3 days.

Ends 17:15