Shropshire Chess Congress 2019

The 2019 congress will follow the successful format of last year with a five-round event across four sections from Friday evening to Sunday. And thanks to the support of a generous sponsor we are again able to confirm a fantastic first prize of £1,000 in the FIDE-rated event and look forward to participation of a number of titled players again this year and one of the strongest Open events ever in the county.

Sections and Prizes:

Open - FIDE-rated
First £1,000, Second £300, Third £150
Trophy for highest placed Shropshire-based player in the Open
Grading prize

Major U170 - ECF-graded
First £300, Second £150, Third £75
Plus Grading prize

Intermediate U135 - ECF-graded
First £300, Second £150, Third £75
Plus Grading prize

Minor U100 - ECF-graded
First £300, Second £150, Third £75
Plus Grading prize

No player may win more than one prize in any section. In the event of a shared place prize, all prize money will be split equally.

Entry fees:
Open - Adult £35 Junior (U18) £25
Major, Intermediate and Minor Adult £25 Junior (U18) £20

Additional late entry fee if received after 24/12/18 - £5
ECF congress fee for Major and Minor section if not Silver/Gold/Platinum member - £7.50

English-registered players in the FIDE-rated open are required to be Gold or Platinum ECF members. Non English players must provide their FIDE Identification Number (FIN) at the time of entry. If you do not have an FIN, you must apply to your own federation for an FIN.

Playing Schedule
Round 1 - Fri 4 Jan 2019 - 7pm - 11pm
Round 2 - Sat 5 Jan 2019 - 9.30am - 1.30pm
Round 3 - Sat 5 Jan 2019 - 2.30pm - 6.30pm
Round 4 - Sun 6 Jan 2019 - 9.30am - 1.30pm
Round 5 - Sun 6 Jan 2019 - 2.30pm - 6.30pm
Prizegiving will take place as soon as possible after round 5. Players may request a half-point bye in any one of the first three rounds at the time of entry.

Rate of Play
All moves in 90 minutes, plus 30 seconds per move from move one.

Ratings and gradings
FIDE Ratings from the December 2018 list and standard ECF grades published in the July 2018 list will be used.