♟ Club News & Updates

Sven’s reputation has now spread across the Helderberg Chess Club far and wide. The result? Active resistance. People weren’t just “busy.” They were strategically unavailable. Refusing to play him has become a coordinated survival tactic. And honestly, fair enough — playing Sven lately feels like stepping in front of a steamroller and hoping it runs…

With all the recent chess activity, it seems Gerrit’s wife gently but firmly decided he needed to rejoin society – and we were the lucky beneficiaries of that executive decision. Dennis arrived early. Very early. Early enough to responsibly evaluate the happy hour situation and be there before six. Beer: secured. Alibi: established. Unfortunately (or…

The District East Individual Trials took place on 7–8 February 2026 at Altena Primary School, bringing together schools from across the Helderberg basin and the broader Metro East region. Each school was limited in the number of players they could enter — yet the playing hall was still packed with approximately 420 young chess players…

The Cape of Good Hope tournament, hosted by the Cape Town Chess Federation from 31 January to 1 February 2026, was a major weekend on the Western Cape chess calendar — and Helderberg Chess Club was proud to play a significant role behind the scenes. From early-morning setup to assisting with logistics and ensuring rounds…

This past Tuesday came hot on the heels of proper rain – which, according to Charlie’s personal attendance policy, absolutely counts. So naturally, Charlie was there in all his glory. We were also graced by the presence of Alex Guo, one of Sven’s favourite students. Whenever Alex shows up, Sven transforms into a walking PGN…

This Tuesday at Triggerfish felt suspiciously like a victory lap. Fresh off the Cape of Good Hope Open, Sven arrived as the undisputed championship hero and was immediately treated like chess royalty. Handshakes. Hugs. Congratulations from every angle. Pride levels were high.  And yes – Charlie was there. There was rain in the air, heavy…

This past Tuesday was about as peaceful as it gets — not too windy, not too hot, not too cold. Absolute prime conditions for perfect outdoor chess.Which, naturally, meant Charlie was mysteriously missing, so chess was forced indoors like a bunch of well-behaved adults. Tragic. Early on, we attracted a curious spectator: a man with…

This past Triggerfish Tuesday was officially the windiest day of the week. Players arrived looking less like chess enthusiasts and more like they’d been released into the wild by the weather. None of this, however, deterred Charlie… who once again decided that chess is best played outside, exposed to the elements, as nature (and nicotine)…

A Record-Breaking Start to the Chess Year The Helderberg Chess Club Open, held on 17 January 2026, was a resounding success and a powerful way to kick off the new chess season. With almost 100 more players than last year, the event showed just how fast chess is growing in the Helderberg — especially at…

This past Triggerfish Tuesday felt like the official start of the season. Players arrived bright and early, suspiciously enthusiastic, and clearly pretending they weren’t all secretly sharpening their weapons for Saturday’s tournament. Very convincing. Absolutely foolproof. Ben casually mentioned that he was “a bit rusty,” which is a bold thing to say for someone who…