RJ Shield Tournament The RJ Shield is named after International Master Robert Jamieson. He was probably the most influential player and organiser in the late 70’s and 80’s.

Not only was Robert a great organiser and player (in fact still the 3rd highest rated player in Australia), he was also an inspirational coach.

Robert coached many of today’s top
players and to honour his work through
the years the RJ Shield was started in
November 1995.

Since then this tournament has become
perhaps the single most successful event
ever to be held in Australia. Regular
attendance has been between 100 and 170
players.

During the past year attendance has
dropped down to just over 100 players. It
is just that there are many more junior
tournaments being held these days, (and
notice the format of all these is based on
that of the RJ Shields. What higher form
of flattery than being copied!)

I am reaching out to you, the reader, and
asking you to help make sure that this
tournament continues to grow as the best
tournament in the country.

RJ Shields have earned the reputation of
being well organised, challenging and
above all a great social event. Many
people have made friends through this
tournament and attend not only for the
chess, but to see these new friends.

With trophies in every age-group from
Under 7 upwards everyone has a chance
to win something.

The winners of previous RJ age groups
are moved into higher age-groups to give
the better players more of a challenge and
even out the tournaments. Some young
players have been known to work their
way up from the Under 8’s to the Under
14’s! This should be seen as a real honour
if you are one of the promising players to
be selected to move up an age group.

It is too hard to mention the names of all the parents who help at the RJ Shield tournaments, but without their help in organising entries, shifting furniture and arbiting various age  groups the RJ Shield would never be so successful. Parents interested in helping should approach David.