Venue: 

St Matthew's Church Hall, St Matthews Church, Stroud GL5 4JE

The venue can be reached by entering the church gates, walking down the path and turning right at the end. The hall is straight ahead. Keep an eye out for signage if you’re having problems.

Entry: 

Limited to 60 players. First come, first served.

Entry Fee:

£18 + Additional £9 if not an ECF Gold member or above. £2 discount for juniors (under 18).

*Note*: ECF Gold Membership is available to juniors free for the first year. 
For further details, see: English Chess Federation membership rates.

Competition Format: 

Single Open Section, 6 Rounds, ECF Rated

Time Control: 

15 minutes + 5 second per move increment

Playing Schedule:

- Round 1: 10:30

- Round 2: 11:30

- Round 3: 12:30

 Lunch Break

- Round 4: 14:00

- Round 5: 15:00

- Round 6: 16:00

Rating: 

Recent ECF ratings (highest from standard, rapid, or blitz)

Unranked Players: Ratings determined by the Organiser

Prizes: 

Monetary awards based on entrant numbers. Includes 1st, 2nd, rating, and junior prizes.

This time there will also be a “David v Goliath” £30 pizza voucher prize provided by local pizzeria ‘Crust Issues Pizza’ for the player who secures the win with the largest upward rating difference in the tournament!

Parking: Limited on-site; nearby street parking suggested. There is also a small car park at Victory Park round the corner.

The hall is wheelchair friendly and a disabled toilet is available.

Refreshments: Tea, coffee and squash available for a 50p each donation so please remember to bring some change.

(We kindly ask you keep your mug with you between games on the day, and wash it up once you’re finished if possible. Thank you.)

A healthy grain and veggie salad with dressing will also be available during the lunch break for a recommended £5 donation.

Please bring a refillable water bottle where possible to reduce waste. Local eateries and a large Co-op within easy walking distance.

Smoking/Vaping: Strictly prohibited within the venue and grounds.

Tournament Conditions:

-  Prize Fund Adjustment: May reduce for fewer than 40 players.

-  Decision Finality: Organiser’s and Arbiter’s decisions are final.

-  Entry Refusal: The Organiser reserves the right to refuse entry without giving a reason.

-  Cancellation Policy: Possible due to weather or other reasons; partial refund attempted.

-  Mobile Devices: Must be off and unreachable during games. Non-compliance may result in expulsion for that round.

-  Data Use: For tournament administration; opt-out option for photo use and/or publishing.

-  Liability: Organiser not responsible for personal items or accidents.

-  Child Supervision: Responsibility of parent/guardian.

-  Data Handling: Players' details held electronically for administration and future events; deletion or update upon request.

-  Penalties: Non-compliance with tournament rules may result in penalties including disqualification or expulsion.

- Move notation not required, but optional.

- Touch move will be in effect, and a first illegal move will result in a minute being added to your opponents clock, a second illegal move resulting in forfeit.

We warmly welcome entrants of all ages, abilities, genders, sexualities and from all countries.