International Master Could Be Lurking in Cyberspace

An International Master could be lying in wait for Shrewsbury as the club’s three online teams are all in action this week.

On Tuesday Shrewsbury B and C will take part in a town derby double header against Telepost D and Telepost C respectively in Shropshire Online Chess League division two.

Then on Thursday, Shrewsbury A will “host” Oswestry B in division one. Despite being the club’s nominated B team, Oswestry fielded IM Paul Littlewood on top board in their opening 2.5-1.5 win over Telepost A last month.

As all players play the online games remotely at their own homes, it is possible for teams to field players with no immediate local connection. It also gives local players the occasional chance to pit their wits against titled players.

Shrewsbury A lost their online opener 3.5-0.5 to Oswestry’s A team and will be looking to bounce back to avoid a repeat of last season’s harrowing campaign, which saw them pick up a solitary point.

As the club is currently only fielding one over-the-board team, the online league represents an opportunity for the club’s traditional B and C team players to get some much-needed game time.

Shrewsbury B won their opening online division two fixture 2-1 against Telepost C, while Shrewsbury C lost 2-1 to Telepost B.

The squads for the three matches are still being finalised, but it is hoped new member Richard Vernon will make his competitive debut for the club in one of the division two matches.

Matches are played on Lichess with a time control of all moves in 45 with a 15 second increment per move.