The English Chess Federation's decision to publish biannual rating lists means that there are now January grades to delve into. There are over 12,000 players in the new list - here are the top juniors and top overall in Bucks. For some context, consider that Poulton is ranked joint 50th in the country, and that Dishman and Hansen are ranked joint 179th. The number by each name is their 'grade'. Stronger players have higher numbers - Grandmaster Luke McShane is English #1 with a grade of 275. The system is designed so that a grade of roughly 300 represents the perfect player.

Overall 1. Jim Poulton 220 (Aylesbury) 2= Stephen Dishman 201 (Wycombe & Hazlemere) 2= Hans Hansen 201 (Aylesbury) 4. Andrew Smith 200 (Bourne End) 5. Sam Walker 191 (Bourne End) 6. Phil Makepeace 190 (Wycombe & Hazlemere) 7. Michael Trent 189 (Slough) 8= Phil Bonafont 188 (Gerrards Cross) 8= Koichi Nicholas 188 (Unattached) 10. Mateusz Dydak 187 (Slough) Juniors 1. Sam Walker 191 (Bourne End) 2. Ilya IIyengar 180 (Wycombe & Hazlemere) 3= William Claridge-Hansen 175 (Aylesbury) 3= Guy Moss 175 (Wycombe & Hazlemere) 5. Jamie Tilston 168 (Wycombe & Hazlemere) 6. Matthew Saunders 163 (Wycombe & Hazlemere) 7. Joseph Walker 126 (Bourne End) 8. Mark Cleary 122 (Dr. Challoner's) 9. Harvey Klyne 116 (Wycombe & Hazlemere) 10. Elliot Klyne 108 (Wycombe & Hazlemere)

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