English Chess Forum

Hi All,

I was just wondering does anyone have any experiences about the Blackpool Chess Congress, I was giving it hard consideration seen I was probably going to play in it this march around my birthday.

It appeared to me that it's very popular, and I have the entry form, but can you pay over the phone or online. The other thing I found hard to comprehend is why does it get such popularity I assume due to the surroundings might be one reason.

But the Prize fund is huge must be the third biggest prize fund behind the British and hastings.

Please let me know how you found participating in the event!

Regards Matt.

matt_ward wrote:The other thing I found hard to comprehend is why does it get such popularity I assume due to the surroundings might be one reason.

I assume that you've not been to Blackpool before.

Jonathan Bryant wrote:

matt_ward wrote:The other thing I found hard to comprehend is why does it get such popularity I assume due to the surroundings might be one reason.

I assume that you've not been to Blackpool before.

Yeah, I don't mind Blackpool myself - but there is no doubt it has gone downhill in recent years

But in reply to the first post - I have played in the Chess Conference (as it is grandly titled) every year bar one since 1995 and can unequivocally recommend it. The reason why it is so popular is that it is one of the best congresses in the whole country - and whatever else you say, accomodation in the town is cheap.

Give it a go

I've played at Blackpool for 3 of the last 4 years. It's like Scarborough in that it attracts a big entry, so the organisers can run plenty of different sections, uniformly strong within the grading band and full of players who could potentially win if they happened to hit a vein of form. You should always get plenty of tough games.

As far as I can tell, it's very well run.

Reaction to the town itself is a matter of taste. Some people love it. I didn't like it all on my first two visits, but there again it was cold and wet and I'm just a soft Southerner. Last year, the sun shone and the congress was held at the smarter, northerly end of town and I had a great weekend.

Okay thanks Guys,

Much appreciate these comments will take them on board and will do the tournament.

Matt.

And dont forget that Preston Congress is just round the corner.. w/e 26th November..
And....this w/e is the Bolton Rapidplay...more goodies on the Northern chess circuit...
You`ve got to be in-it to win it....but good chess a chance to do battle and enjoy some cameradery make these events great offerings for players of all standards..
Coming in early December is the annual Bury Rapidplay...
And Bradford are hosting the first Idle Congress shortly too....!
See ECF Calander for more details......or see here on Stockport League website...!! http://stockportdistrictchess.110mb.com ... events.htm

Just to add that Bill O`Rouke & his team deserve much credit for creating this great event at Blackpool.
Its one of a number of Congresses which is on my `to do` list. I hope they all get excellent support.