The Mid-Sussex Chess League is a flourishing organization, with a current membership of 16 clubs fielding 37 teams. Membership is open to chess clubs throughout Sussex, though as its name suggests, its origins were in the geographical centre of the old county (officially divided into East and West Sussex in 1974), and that is where most of its member clubs are located. Since Sussex is a broad, narrow coastal region (approximately 70 miles east to west by 25 miles north to south – here is a map if you'd like to visualize it), clubs from the extreme western and eastern reaches are generally admitted on condition that they travel to matches or play at a half-way-house venue.
The league operates four divisions, with promotion and relegation at the end of each season. Matches are played in the evenings, with no adjournments. Unfinished games are decided by adjudication. The league also runs a knock-out competition on a handicap basis; these games are decided by a quickplay finish.
The MSCL is affiliated to the Sussex County Chess Association.
For further information about the league, contact one of the officers.
Copyright © 2005, David Roberts, on behalf of the Mid-Sussex Chess League