Winter 2026 Rapid Tournament

Stroud Chess Club is delighted to announce the Winter 2026 Rapid Chess Tournament, comprising 7 rounds and open to all.

This ECF-rated, one-day tournament will be held on Saturday, 7th of November 2026, with lots of monetary prizes across different rating ranges, including a junior prize. 

Free Entry and additional limited travel assistance for titled players (CM, WCM and above).

Details

Date: Saturday, 7th of November 2026

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. 

Entry: Limited to 72 players. First come, first served.

Entry Fee:

 Adult £19 with additional £16 if not an ECF Gold member or above.   
Junior £17 with additional £3 if not an ECF Gold member or above.  

Free Entry and additional limited travel assistance for titled players (CM, WCM and above).

Competition Format: Single Open Section, 7 Rounds, ECF Rated

Time Control: 15 minutes + 5 second per move increment

Playing Schedule:

- Round 1: 10:20
    - Round 2: 11:10
    - Round 3: 12:00

- Lunch Break

- Round 4: 13:40
- Round 5: 14:40
- Round 6: 15:40
- Round 7: 16:40

Rating: ECF November 2026 rapid ratings.

Unranked Players: Ratings where possible determined by the Organiser.

Prizes: Monetary awards based on entrant numbers. Includes 1st £150, 2nd £100, 3rd £60, many rating prizes of £40 each and junior £40 (18 or under on 1st November 2026).

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

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

Refreshments: Tea, coffee and biscuits available on a donation basis. Please bring a refillable water bottle where possible to reduce waste. Local eateries are within easy walking distance.

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

Tournament Conditions:

-  Prize Fund Adjustment: May be reduced 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: Refunds paid if replacement found.

-  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.