Maidenhead's teenage chess star Bohdan Terler shines at British Championships

Bohdan Terler. Photo credit: Yuri Krylov

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Maidenhead Chess Club made its mark at this year’s British Chess Championships, held at the historic St George’s Hall in Liverpool.

Grandmaster (GM) Matthew Wadsworth led a strong contingent that also included FIDE Master (FM) Andrew Smith, Maidenhead’s junior organiser Nigel Dennis, and former Berkshire & Buckinghamshire Chess Congress Champion John Wager.

But one of the standout stories from the event came in the form of 16-year-old Bohdan Terler. Having fled the war in Ukraine with his family in 2022, Bohdan has quickly become one of the club’s most exciting young players.

Making his debut in the Major Open, he impressed with his attacking style and finished tied for 10th. That result earns him qualification for next year’s British Championship - the top section that determines the British champion - where he will play alongside Matthew.

For Bohdan, the tournament was an unforgettable one. He took three wins from the opening three rounds, putting him well in contention against several seasoned top-level players.

“It was an amazing experience for me,” Bohdan said. “Playing in the Major Open for the first time was both exciting and challenging. I faced some very strong opponents and learned a lot from each game.

“And the venue, St George’s Hall, was amazing. It made the whole event feel even more special. The atmosphere there was incredible, and it’s something I’ll never forget.”

“In the third round, I found myself in a very difficult position, but I discovered a way to win by sacrificing pieces, finishing with just two pawns against two rooks. That was the most memorable game of my tournament and one I will remember for a long time.”

Bohdan also boasts a unique playing style, drawing inspiration from some of the greatest players in chess.

“I sometimes like to play actively and look for dynamic opportunities, even if it means taking risks,” Bohdan explained “I’ve developed this style by studying the games of aggressive and creative players like Garry Kasparov and Magnus Carlsen. I admire their courage, imagination, and ability to create chances from almost any position, and I try to bring some of that spirit into my own games.”

Bohdan’s participation was made possible thanks to the English Chess Federation’s Bursary Fund, with support from ECF officials Mike Truran and Nigel Towers, while Maidenhead Chess Club also contributed through fundraising efforts.

Maidenhead’s Yuri Krylov (the ECF Home Development Director) helped to coordinate arrangements, ensuring Bohdan and his family could take part in the Championship.

“The support from the ECF and Maidenhead Chess Club was fantastic,” Bohdan reflected. “Being at the chess club here really feels like being part of a family.

“Since my family are refugees from Ukraine and my parents are currently looking for work, we didn’t have the means to travel to the British Championship on our own. The club kindly helped to raise some funds for the trip, and Yuri helped to arrange accommodation through the ECF.

“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who supported us - their kindness and generosity made this experience possible for me.”

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Bohdan and his family fled Ukraine in August 2022 after a missile strike near their home left him traumatised. They were hosted by a family in Eton before moving to Slough in August 2023.

“I was psychologically traumatised when the missile strike happened close to our home, but I’m very grateful for the kindness we’ve received here. I really like it - it’s a friendly area, and being close to Maidenhead means I can visit the club easily.”

Next year, Bohdan will compete in the British Championship itself. He’s already preparing to make the most of the opportunity. “Qualifying for next year’s British Chess Championship is a big motivation for me,” Bohdan said.

“I think I need to work on my opening preparation and deepen my understanding of certain positions, especially in slower, more strategic games. I also want to improve my calculation speed so I can make better decisions under time pressure.

“Over the next year, I’ll be training hard to make sure I’m ready to compete at the highest level.”

Off the back of the British Chess Championships, Bohdan entered the 5th annual Mindsports Festival, held in West London. There, he beat a strong International Master (IM) from Romania, showing he has what it takes to compete against the very best players in the game.

Elsewhere in Liverpool, GM Matthew Wadsworth enjoyed a strong start to the week, tying for first after round four. He also managed an impressive draw with Nikita Vitiugov - the event’s top seed and the highest rated player in the country - with the black pieces.

Matthew had secured his second GM norm at last year’s Championship and came to Liverpool looking to improve on his third-place finish. However, a loss to Britain’s youngest GM, Shreyas Royal, derailed that bid, but he still closed with a win and a draw to finish tied for seventh.

With both Matthew and Bohdan now qualified for next year’s Championship, Maidenhead Chess Club is excited to have two players represented.

In the Over 65s category, FM Andrew Smith and long-time club veteran John Wager both scored solidly, tying on points and finishing in the top half of the field.

John himself has a proud history at the British Championships, having qualified in 2014 after winning the 49th Berkshire & Buckinghamshire Chess Congress. At that event, he famously beat one of his own students, none other than Matthew Wadsworth.

Junior organiser Nigel Dennis also impressed, notching up two victories at the age of 80, which is a testament to both his experience and love for the game.

Bohdan’s success has not only put him on the map as one of the country’s brightest young talents, but also showcased the supportive, community-driven spirit of Maidenhead Chess Club.

With the future looking bright, attention now turns closer to home, as the 59th Berks & Bucks Chess Congress takes place at St Piran’s School in Maidenhead this weekend. The event is a celebration of local chess where beginners, enthusiasts, and spectators alike can get involved.