Here we ask some of the club members the same 6 questions to give a small insight into why they are members of the club.
Club President – Jon Gilbert. – Editors Note : Jon is a very strong club player that has forgotten more about chess than most of the other club members know. However , you would never know just how good he is until you have the pleasure to play him. He always has the time and patience to help anyone who asks and has somehow kept his passion for chess all these years. Played for the club in the 80s and restarted the club more recently.
- Who are you and what’s your chess background ?
I learned the pieces and game at age 3 from my father who was the 1967 Welsh Champion. But my first real memories of chess were age 6, going to see the Nice 1974 Chess Olympiad and the large White Rook on display!
I Played in Croesyceiliog school team from 11-18 and joined Cwmbran Chess Club at 13 winning the Welsh Under 18 Schools Chess Champion in 1986 and played in the Welsh Under 18 team in the Glorney cup in 1985 &1986.
I have been Welsh Rapid play champion 3 times (last one 2018) and 9 times Gwent Chess Champion (last one 2025) and have come 3rd in 1993 Welsh Championship with 5/7.
My highest rating win was against J.G.Cooper (2370)
I have been the WCU Home Director, organising the internal competitions (Welsh championship, Welsh KO cups, Rapid plays etc) in Wales from 1994-2004.
Then have held numerous Chess admin positions in various Clubs/Zones (Exeter University, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cwmbran. Gwent) over the years including, Secretary, Treasurer, Captain etc.
2. If you could give advice to a beginner and an intermediate player what would it be?
Learn one improvement from each game (win, draw or loss). Then reset your mind completely for your next game.
3.Black or white?
Black as I like a challenge!
4.What’s your favourite opening(s)?
Modern Benoni and Sicilian Najdorf as Black.
5.Favourite famous game ?
Magnus Carlsen v Ian Nepomniachtchi in Game 6 of the 2021 World Chess Championship.
It was the longest game at 136 moves in World Championship history lasting 7 hours and 45 minutes, and Carlsen won in the endgame with a rook, knight, and two pawns against Nepomniachtchi’s queen.
6.Why do you play chess ?
I play chess to enjoy the mind sport challenges it gives.