The NLC Chess Circle has a number of internal Club competitions throughout the year, as well as fielding a team in the inter-Club chess competition – the Hamilton-Russell Cup. Additionally, throughout the year, the NLC enjoys playing friendly matches against other Clubs.
The Gladstone Trophy (long play)
This Gladstone Trophy is awarded to the NLC Club Champion. The championship is held each year during the summer months, with the winner decided at end of August.
NLC Champions:
- 2016 – Mister Widdicombe
- 2017 – Doctor Kirby
- 2018 – Mister Chamberlain and Doctor Kirby shared top spot in 2018
- 2019 – Mister Chamberlain
- 2020 – not held
- 2021 – not held
- 2022 – Doctor Kirby
- 2023 – Miss Widger
The Kennedy Cup (blitz)
This is a summer blitz chess tournament, open to all NLC members. It takes place over the course of an evening, with players playing a series of 5 minute games.
NLC Blitz Champions
- 2016 – Doctor Kirby
- 2017 – Doctor Kirby
- 2018 – Doctor Kirby
- 2019 – Doctor Kirby
- 2020 – not held
- 2021 – not held
- 2022 – Doctor Kirby
- 2023 – Mister Barton
The Ming Vase (lightning)
This is the winter lightning chess tournament (with moves played in time with a 10 second metronome buzzer). This competition is an open competition, with chess players from all other London Clubs invited to compete.
NLC Lightning Tournament
- 2017 – Richard Hughes (RAC)
- 2018 – Richard Hughes (RAC)
- 2019 – Julio Brau (O&C)
- 2020 – Doctor Kirby (NLC)
- 2021 – not held
- 2022 – Richard Farleigh (RAC)
- 2023 – Edward Ko (EI/O)
The Hamilton-Russell Cup
The Hamilton-Russell Chess Tournament is the inter-Club chess tournament. The NLC were founding members of the Hamilton-Russell Cup and have won it an impressive 13 times. After a brief absence from the competition, the NLC is now back, and chasing down the 14th victory.
Details of the Hamilton-Russell competition can be found at the excellent Hamilton-Russell website.