Inaugural Wells Chess Congress, 8th to 10th March 2024
A 5-round Swiss tournaments in 3 sections with 4-hour playing sessions.
Venue: The Town Hall, Market Place, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2RB
Date: 8th to 10th March 2024
Entry for this tournament is now closed
Tournament sections
| Section | Grade Limit | Entry Fee* | Prizes |
| Open (FIDE-rated) |
None | £35 | First: £350 Second: £200 Third: £150 |
| Major | Under 1900 | £30 | First: £250 Second: £150 Third: £110 |
| Minor | Under 1600 | £30 | First: £250 Second: £150 Third: £110 |
* Not including any applicable ECF fee. Anyone under 18 on 1st September 2023 will receive a £5 discount. Late entries after 1st March 2024 incur a £3 additional charge. No entries after 6th March 2024.
ECF fees
In the Open section the ECF grading fees are as follows:
- no charge for Gold or Platinum ECF members,
- £1.50 for FIDE registered players with a non-English affiliation,
- £12 for all other players.
In Major and Minor sections:
- no charge for Silver, Gold or Platinum ECF members,
- £9 otherwise.
Cash prizes
Depending on entry, there will be at least one grading prize in each section.
There is a team prize of £50 awarded to the highest scoring (genuine club) team of 4 players.
Except in the Open tournament, no ungraded player will be awarded a cash prize greater than £60.
Playing schedule
Friday
18.50 Opening
19.00 Round 1
Saturday
10.00 Round 2
15.00 Round 3
Sunday
10.00 Round 4
15.00 Round 5
Playing sessions are 4-hours. Players will be defaulted if not present within 30 minutes of the start of a round.
Time controls
In all sections, the time controls will be 90 minutes plus 30 seconds per move from the start of each game.
Byes
A half-point bye may be requested in any one of rounds 1,2,3 or 4 (prior to the start of the round).
Refreshments
Catering arrangements are still under negotiation, but the organising committee are committed to ensuring that hot and cold drinks and snacks are available for purchase.
Rating information
The February 2024 FIDE and ECF standard play published ratings (original) will be used to determine eligibility for a section. The FIDE rating will take precedence in the Open.
The organisers reserve the right to transfer players to another section at their discretion.
It is a condition of entry that all entrants agree that their game results will be forwarded to the ECF and FIDE for grading.
Conditions of entry and competition rules
Please click below for the full conditions of entry and competition rules.
Cost
The total cost of entry including all fees is shown below. Fill in the form below and 'Add to basket' to see the fee that would apply to you.
£28.00 – £50.00