Cheshire

Started by Brian Timmins in Crewe in January 1984, from 1987 it was held later in the year because of the British Go Congress in Crewe in 1986. Brian then moved his tournament to Shrewsbury and the Cheshire lapsed for 15 years.

It restarted in February 2001 with an Open section (top 8 players) and a Handicap section (rest).

The Crewe factory canteen of Rolls-Royce proved a good venue, though the Go players had to be a lot quieter than they were used to and bring heaters if cold. In 2005 Bentley, as they were by then, were not able to make the canteen available, so an emergency venue for the Go was found at Ashdene Primary School in Wilmslow, thanks to a Go player who lived next door who was friends with the headmaster and whose Go-playing son attended.

In 2006 the Chess found a new venue at the Community Centre in Frodsham, thanks to local player Pat Ridley. Go joined them in a side room, which was better as we didn't have to be so quiet, and has been there ever since.

In 2009 the British Go Congress was being held in Chester, so the tournament was replaced by a teaching day, the Cheshire titles being awarded based on results at the Congress.

The current trophy is a replacement for the Cheshire Open Plaque.