Congress Information

Venue

This years congress will be held at Abbs Cross school in Hornchurch.

The actual venue is in the new school gym area and the address is:-

Abbs Cross School, Abbs Cross Lane, Hornchurch, RM12 4YB. 

Directions are listed below:-

http://www.abbscrosshealthandfitness.co.uk/findus.asp

The venue is close to both Elm Park Station and Hornchurch Station on the District Line. There is free parking on the school grounds for any number of cars with excellent links to the M25 and London.

In addition to the Chess the School will allow you the use of the swimming pool over the weekend for a £5 payment and completion of a short form for insurance purposes. So those swimmers amongst you please don't forget your swimming wear and towel. 

As the analysis area is within the school dance studio we have been requested that no high heels are worn (men or women!!) within the room as it could damage the wooden floors. Either that or you may have to remove your shoes when entering the room. This is only for the analysis area.

Food and drinks will be available during the event on site or there are excellent shop facilities close by.

Tournament

The tournament consists of three sections which are:-

The Open- No grade Limit

The Major- Open to players graded under 170

The Minor- Open to players graded under 135

The highest placed eligible competitor in the Open will be offered a place in the British Championship to be held in Sheffield from the 24th of July to the 6th August. The qualifying place is for the highest placed eligible player not already qualified. Should the offer be declined it may be offered to the highest placed player eligible for it and wishing to accept it. 

Entry Fees

The Open- £32

The Major- £30

The Minor- £28

If entries are postmarked before Tuesday May the 10th then there is a £3.00 discount

ECF Direct Members receive a £3.00 discount ( with proof of Membership)

Juniors ( Under 18 on 31/08/2010) will receive a £5.00 discount. 

Late entries on the day are subject to a £5.00 late fee subject to accommodation.

Rate of Play

The rate of play will be 36 moves in the first 1 hour 30 minutes. When Black has completed 36 moves, both clocks will be set  back 30 minutes. All further moves in that game shall be completed in the time remaining on each clock.

Default and re-pairing time is 30 minutes after the scheduled round start time.

Times of Rounds

The congress will be a six round swiss event. 

Saturday 28th May  10.15am- 2.15pm & 3.00pm-7.00pm

Sunday 29th May    10.15am- 2.15pm & 3.00pm-7.00pm

Monday 30th May    10.15am- 2.15pm & 3.00pm-7.00pm

Prizes

Open

1st Prize  £300

2nd Prize £150

3rd Prize £75

Grading and other prizes

Major

1st Prize £200

2nd Prize £100

3rd Prize £50

Grading and other prizes

Minor

1st Prize £180

2nd Prize £90

3rd Prize £45

Grading and other prizes

The prizes specified are the minimum amounts that will be paid for each section. Grading prizes, with a minimum overall total of £250, and any further additional or increased prizes, dependent on entry, will be announced after round 1.

In addition to these prizes the sum of £100 will be provided by the David Wood Memorial Trust, for the best performances by Essex Juniors (U18 on the 31.8.2010). 

Entries

Entries can only be accepted in writing. Please send these to David Brock 173 Main Road, Gidea Park, Romford, RM2 6LT.

Please make cheques and Postal Orders (should be crossed) to "The Essex Chess Association". 

Any enquiries with regards to the event can be addressed either by email to davidbrockhome@gmail.com or by telephone to 07866 574404.