Chess & Bridge: London Chess Centre

04/08/2026

James Sherwin: The Life & Games of a Self-Taught Warrior

An autobiography by James Sherwin, games annotated by John Donaldson, Foreword by Andy Soltis

Return with Us Now to Those Thrilling Days of Yesteryear!

The 1950s and ‘60s were exciting times in American Chess. There were emerging stars whose influence would impact chess in the U.S. for decades. Among them were Larry Evans and Sam Reshevsky. And of course there was Bobby.

Among this eclectic group was James Sherwin. He was successful – very successful – in a way that almost certainly could not happen today. By day, plying his trade in the elite world of corporate finance and law. By night, doing battle in the 64-square trenches against some of America’s best players.

The author recounts his trial and tribulations on his journey through life, business and of course chess. There are 57 games annotated by IM John Donaldson who helps put Jim’s career in perspective. Photos and crosstables fill out this remarkable book. Indeed, return to those thrilling days of yesteryear with Jim Sherwin!

About the Author
International Master James Sherwin played in several U.S. Championships. In 1951, he was Intercollegiate Champion and New York State Champion and won the US Speed Championship in 1956-57 and 1959-60. Sherwin finished third and tied for third in four U.S. Championships. He played in the Portorož Interzonal in 1958. In 2021 he was inducted into the US Chess Hall of Fame. And, the first game in Fischer’s legendary My 60 Memorable Games was against Sherwin.

ISBN: 9781963885309, Hardback, 272 pages, Russell Enterprises

Available here with worldwide shipping:
https://chess.co.uk/collections/new-chess-products/products/james-sherwin-the-life-games-of-a-self-taught-warrior

03/08/2026

NEW SHOP LOCATION CONFIRMED!

The Chess & Bridge Retail Shop
38 Great Portland Street, London, W1W 8QY

We're sorry our shop relocation has taken longer than originally planned but we are now pleased to announce that we will be reopening as soon as possible at 38 Great Portland Street in central London.

The store isn't quite ready so please don't visit us just yet!

We'll be working extra hard to make the new shop as nice as possible and it'll take us some time to stock it with the 1000s of books, many sets and other board games we offer.

Watch this space for news on the opening date!

24/07/2026

The Parker Chess Set
Parker Burnt Pieces, Luxury Walnut & Sycamore Board & Tournament Box

These pieces are truly a unique design, the Parker Chessmen features highly varnished burnt boxwood pieces for both sides, with unburnt details on burnt wood for the Dark side, and burnt details on unburnt pieces for the White side. Highly distinctive, yet with a traditional Staunton pattern, these eye-catching pieces will stand out among any players' collection. The 3.75 inch king height is the standard tournament size which provides excellent visibility and a satisfying feel in hand. This set includes 2 extra queens for pawn promotion.

These beautiful pieces are paired with our Luxury Walnut and Sycamore Moulded Chess Board. One of the finest wooden boards in our range, made with high quality Walnut and Sycamore veneers, finished with a beveled walnut edging. The warm brown colour and light grain match particularly well with Acacia pieces for those who prefer less contrast between board and pieces. Rechapados Ferrer chess boards are used in the world chess championships organised by FIDE, World Chess, European Chess and US Chess Federation.

To complete this exquisite chess combination, our Tournament Wooden Chess Box is included to not only aesthetically coordinate with the pieces & board but to offer a practical storage solution. Your valuable pieces will never go missing being kept a felted storage box with a central divider so your Light & Dark pieces are always organised and ready to play.

available here with worldwide shipping:
https://chess.co.uk/collections/new-chess-products/products/the-parker-chess-set

24/07/2026

Alexander Alekhine – The Russian Sphinx: Volume II (1921-1934)
by Sergey Voronkov

The second volume of Sergey Voronkov’s epic psychological biography of the fourth world champion covers the period in which Alekhine played his strongest chess and was at his most dominant. The author draws on contemporary publications from countries throughout the world to craft a living history of Alekhine’s thoughts, feelings, activities and career, as though viewed in a film.

The journey now takes us to his first years of exile in France, major international tournaments on both sides of the Atlantic, his rivalries with Rubinstein and Nimzowitsch, his training match with Euwe, the drama and tension of three world championship matches with Capablanca and Bogoljubov, and a host of simultaneous displays in the Americas, Europe and Asia.

One area explored in particular detail is Alekhine’s psychological approach to the match with Capablanca and how he adapted his style to win it.

84 games and fragments are presented, including 46 never before published in books, using contemporary commentary from the protagonists themselves and other well-known players, writers and journalists of the period. Extended commentary by Euwe, Nimzowitsch and Kmoch is prominent. The annotations are supported by modern engine analysis from International Master Dmitry Plisetsky.

This work is supplemented by over 100 photographs and drawings, many of which are also published in a book for the first time

ISBN Paperback 78-1-916839-13-7 / Hardback 978-1-916839-14-4, 502 pages, Elk & Ruby

Available here:
https://chess.co.uk/collections/new-chess-products/products/alexander-alekhine-the-russian-sphinx-volume-ii-1921-1934-sergey-voronkov

21/07/2026

Chess Informant 168 - Signal Light

In this issue:

IN MEMORIAM JAN TIMMAN (1951 – 2026) by Vitomir Božić and IM Goran Arsović
FIDE MEN'S CANDIDATES TOURNAMENT PEYIA 2026 by FM Ivan Martić
FIDE WOMEN'S CANDIDATES TOURNAMENT PEYIA 2026 by WGM Sabina Foişor
PRAGUE INTERNATIONAL CHESS FESTIVAL 2026 by IM Yochannan Afek
SAINT LOUIS MASTERS 2026 by GM Miloš Perunović
REYKJAVIK OPEN 2026 by FM Csaba Zoltan Varga
A LOOK AT ROOK ENDGAMES by FM Milan Jocev & FM B. Djurasevic
ROGERS' REMINISCENCES by GM Ian Rogers

Traditional sections:

* The best game and most important theoretical novelty from the previous Volume
* Endgames
* Combinations
* 200 games + fragments according to ECO Codes.

The periodical that pros use with pleasure is at the same time a must have publication for all serious chess students!

Chess Informant no. 168, softcover, 264 pages

Available here with worldwide shipping:
https://chess.co.uk/collections/new-chess-products/products/chess-informant-168-signal-light

21/07/2026

17/07/2026

5 brand new weighted chess sets + sturdy food up boards and drawstring bags for the chess club. Each set comes with two extra Queens, just in case anyone is feeling ambitious 💪

I've been through everything to make sure that nothing is missing, and can confirm that we're good to go!

Thanks Chess & Bridge: London Chess Centre

I realised that the roll up chess mats are too big and flimsy for the tables at Fulfordgate Wmc but these fold up boards are perfect!

16/07/2026

SAVE 20% NOW ONLY £19.95!
Tournament Square-Box Chess Set
Plastic Gambit Chess Pieces, 4-way Folding Chess Board in a Magnetic Clasp Storage Box

The Gambit Chess Pieces are by far the most popular plastic chess set in the world, made from a very durable plastic - this is the standard set you'll find used in chess clubs, schools and tournaments worldwide. The King measures 95mm / 3.75" which is a standard tournament size. Each set comes with a complete set of chess pieces - 17 white pieces and 17 black pieces which includes 2 Extra Queens. (Available with Standard or Weighted Chess Pieces)

The pieces are paired with one of the most popular types of chess boards for clubs, schools and many chess events. Made of rigid plastic which can be easily cleaned with cream and dark green coloured squares. This rigid 4-way folding chess board makes it super easy to store away. Algebraic notation is printed in clear large font on all 4 sides to aid with learning and improvement. Each square measures 55mm. Overall size is 51cm square.

The magnetic clasp box included fits the 4-way folding board perfectly along with the chess pieces to ensure nothing is lost. They are colourful and clearly marked so you know exactly what they are - there's even some blank space on the side to stick your own labels or write with a sharpie your name, group or organisation they belong to.

Box Dimensions: 274mm x 268mm x 66mm

Available with Standard or Weighted Chess Pieces (+£3)
https://chess.co.uk/collections/plastic-sets-boards/products/lcc-tournament-chess-box-set

15/07/2026