English Chess Forum

Andrew Zigmond wrote:Of course constructive feedback should be sought and welcomed. The provision of extra chairs for spectators at Llandudno after comments were raised is an example of that. My comments were directed at a small number of serial complainers who either don't know that the team at the British work a fortnight's worth of unpaid twelve hour days or simply don't care.

I haven't really detected that attitude on this forum.

I think most people's interest is to find information on next year's event. Doubtless, negotiations are still in progress and an announcement will be made once these have been finalised.

Andrew Zigmond wrote:the team at the British work a fortnight's worth of unpaid twelve hour days

Unless the rules have changed in recent years, I had the impression that arbiters etc at the British receive complimentary board and lodging or at least a subsidy. That would contrast with most players including those nominally professional who are totally out of pocket unless they are a prize winner.

This year, there appears to have been financial support for IMs and GMs regardless of performance. It isn't always so.

Carl Hibbard wrote:Episode 50 of the Full English Breakfast podcast is worth a listen on the Championship.

Also recommended is the perpetual chess podcast with Gormally on the latest episode 38

so any news yet on the 2018 venue yet?

John Reyes wrote:so any news yet on the 2018 venue yet?

http://www.ecforum.org.uk/viewtopic.php ... 77#p204545

see Hull has been picked for the 2018 event

how do they decided where the venue is etc?

The venue is given in the announcement

That's a whole new definition for Chess for Tigers.

"That's a whole new definition for Chess for Tigers."

But at that time of year, you can only watch the Robins... (or the other lot).

In an attempt to outdave Dave, I am already organized to get there.

Lol Bloody Hull town hall? Don't get me wrong I always enjoy the Hull congress but that's out In the sticks - anyone who knows me knows I aren't snobby, but dear god, I saw people with tattoos on their faces walking round that area last time I was there

"I saw people with tattoos on their faces walking round that area last time I was there "

Chess players should merge into the background then...

It could be worse - it might be women in trousers or men with long hair, like those Beatle chappies. (I can still remember my father being very embarrased at having corrected an entire class-worth of essays from 'Beatles' to 'Beetles').

Of course the admin team have their expenses paid. When I organised the British and it was sponsored, I received a fee. 20 years ago I estimated it was the equivalent of 7 weeks full-time work. David Welch once told me the job has become more complex now.

I was always able to get a free venue. We did pay in Edinburgh in 1985, but Grieveson, Grant wanted it there. That was the worst venue I ever selected. I am told it is now virtually impossible to get a free venue. There were 1200 tournament entries in 2016 (the last 2 week event), more than I ever managed.

Some of the rooms in Venue Cymru were empty. I was told this was because the ECF didn't want to pay the extra money and it would have cost the centre money to keep them open. This seemed to me short-sighted on the part of the venue. The cost of making a room available is marginal.

I always had the BCF Board vote on the location. Occasionally I offered more than one possibility for a given year. I tried to work to a four year schedule, but that wasn't always possible.