Oxford University Chess Club

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The Oxford University Chess Club (OUCC) was founded in 1869 and is the oldest university chess club in the UK. Its main activity is the annual Varsity Match against Cambridge. Other events include the Freshers' Varsity, Seconds' Varsity and Insurance matches. In addition, it organizes an annual rapid chess tournament and weekend congress, and fields fours teams in the Oxfordshire Chess League. Oxford University 1 (the first team) won the 2004/5 Oxfordshire League and David Shaw (1st board) was awarded the prize for best player.

The Club meets each Tuesday evening during University term time, from 7.30pm at University College.

[edit] History

On the day of the foundation of OUCC, the minutes book (preserved 1869-1885 in 'The History of the Oxford University Chess Club' by James Manders Walker) recorded:

April 30th, [1869] – This day is memorable as being the date of the foundation of the Club, which was started under the auspices of the Reverend C.E. Ranken, of Wadham College, who was chosen as the first President. E.F. Linton, University, was elected Treasurer, and W. Braithwaite, Wadham, Secretary. A code of rules was drawn up, and the Club, having received its constitution, entered upon what we trust will prove to be a long and glorious career. No less than one hundred and three names were entered upon the first list of members. Amongst others were those of Lord Randolph Churchill, Merton, E. Anthony, Christ Church ("one of the best pupils Steinitz turned out"), E.W.B. Nicholson, Trinity, the present Bodleian Librarian, Lord Garvagh, Canon Grey, Christ Church &c., &c. The meetings were held weekly on Wednesdays, and the early members appear to have been more desirous of playing one another than of engaging in foreign matches.

Prince Leopold, later Duke of Albany (1853–1884) (and son of Queen Victoria) was President of OUCC in 1875.