English Chess Forum

Is this being played in January 2021?

Large amateur sections, usually with entries by several British players.

My suspicion is that it may go ahead but with a more restricted number allowed to enter than usual.

Matt Mackenzie wrote: ↑

Fri Aug 14, 2020 2:45 pm

My suspicion is that it may go ahead but with a more restricted number allowed to enter than usual.

Have played in the amateur sections several times, I don't think the venue will be struggling to accommodate anything more than the Master's & Challenger's.

The website has not been updated for some time.
Entry to the amateur tournament's is usually well advertised.

Why not contact the organisers? Although it may be difficult in the middle of a global pandemic to give a definitive answer, any response would probably be better informed than this forum.

I have written to the organisers as this would be top of my list for 2021! They do an interesting event, which is all play all sections of 4 players, so you just play one game a day for three days. 500 players usually take part in that event alone!

Adam Raoof wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 15, 2020 4:21 pm

I have written to the organisers as this would be top of my list for 2021! They do an interesting event, which is all play all sections of 4 players, so you just play one game a day for three days. 500 players usually take part in that event alone!

I have also emailed the organisers.
Will keep people informed of my reply.

The Weekday Section of 4 Players (Dagvierkamp) is usually easier to enter than the weekend or large 9 round event, as these last two events fill up very quickly.
FIDE (FIN) is now compulsory, unless you are a member of the Koninklijke Nederlandse Schaakbond (KNSB).

No reply from the organisers.
But if I remember correctly from a couple of years ago, the website does not get updated until October.

1 of the issues I guess is they don't know when the Candidates will resume so not easy to plan who will be available

Another one might be whether Tata Steel continue to sponsor the tournament in the Netherlands as the business there is in some trouble. The CEO went in May, there was a strike in June and there have been substantial job losses due to you know what.

Signs of life here as I've noticed that the cover photo on FB for the 2021 event has been updated twice in the last couple of days and the dates given on the website are 15-31 January 2021 with a note to say further details coming soon.

They've woken up on Twitter too, so yes it is looking like they intend to play

It will in theory come after, rather than before as last year, the Candidates

This is good news, my favourite elite event.

I don't think anyone really knows what the situation will be in Wijk ann Zee or anywhere else next year. But enough experience running events in bubbles now that I am optimistic.

We definitely should not take Tata's sponsorship for granted. But hopefully the growth of chess in India helps.

https://www.tatasteelchess.com

Website has been updated.
Entry information for Amateur Sections is going to be published much later than usual.

Some of the Dutch current restrictions:
Public meetings of more than two people from different households are banned and museums, theatres, cinemas, zoos and amusement parks are closed.

Looks like the tournament may have to be a closed GM event - No amateur sections.
Anybody have any more information?

If ECF ran at Port Talbot and BritisH Gov got a trade deal with India it may help and be closer to home.