English Chess Forum

Is there any news as to whether this is running next year and if so when and perhaps where if not at the University Arms?

The ECF is looking to appoint an Events Director. One job that ought to be on the list of things to do is to get earlier announcements of dates and timetables. It used to be the convention that details of the next British Championship Congress were available at the previous one. This timetable has slpipped quick dramatically in recent years. The more recently established English Championships seem to always have had a limited notice period. We have at least known the venue, dates and times of the 2025 British rapidplay for some months.

Roger de Coverly wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 12, 2024 11:59 am

Is there any news as to whether this is running next year and if so when and perhaps where if not at the University Arms?

The ECF is looking to appoint an Events Director. One job that ought to be on the list of things to do is to get earlier announcements of dates and timetables. It used to be the convention that details of the next British Championship Congress were available at the previous one. This timetable has slpipped quick dramatically in recent years. The more recently established English Championships seem to always have had a limited notice period. We have at least known the venue, dates and times of the 2025 British rapidplay for some months.

When I was looking at dates for my all-play-all I was told in September: "we are looking at April for Cambridge and May or June for the various English Championships."

Roger de Coverly wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 12, 2024 11:59 am

The ECF is looking to appoint an Events Director. One job that ought to be on the list of things to do is to get earlier announcements of dates and timetables.

I think Roger is well aligned to the thinking of the ECF Board. Something notable in itself.

I'm uncomfortable with events being subsidised by members. It seems unfair to those that are not.

Paul Cooksey wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 12, 2024 7:41 pm

I'm uncomfortable with events being subsidised by members. It seems unfair to those that are not.

Unless it considers an event a suitable one for use of DCMS funds, shouldn't they be run at the very least at break even? The ECF starts from a financially worse position as against independent bodies in that it incurs VAT on entry fees, but cannot reclaim it when entry fees are distributed as prize money.

I did not note down Nigel Towers AGM comments in full. I look forward to the minutes. But, no, the ECF is not able to run its events on a break even basis. It does not have enough volunteers.

Paul Cooksey wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 12, 2024 7:41 pm

I'm uncomfortable with events being subsidised by members. It seems unfair to those that are not.

I have to agree with that. It also seems unfair on those members who do not participate in events.

Details are now up at the ECF website.

https://www.englishchess.org.uk/3rd-cam ... onal-open/

It's from Monday 26th May to Saturday 31st May. The starting Monday is the Late Spring Bank Holiday.

Double round days are on the Monday, Wednesday and Friday with morning starts at 10.30 and afternoon starts at 16.30. Personally I would have preferred the initial Monday to start in the afternoon as it can mean an extra night in order to guarantee being on time for the first round. Move rate is 90 30.

Minimum rating is 1600 for automatic acceptance.

There's no direct mention of an entry limit, but if it's in the same room as last year, it's likely to be a maximum of around 120.

If there are any special deals at the hotel (University Arms as before), the ECF site doesn't mention them.

This event starts this morning at 10.30 am.

Pairibgs (accelerated) were on chess-results, but their server is down.

lichess broadcast link https://lichess.org/broadcast/3rd-cambr ... k#overview

Does anyone have any tips or predictions?

I'll start the ball rolling with a prediction of IM norms for Koby Kalavannan and Jan Murawski. I've experienced directly how strong these guys are!

And I'll go for Dan Fernandez to win the tournament, with Brandon and Ameet up there too.

Well - too late to make a bet that Adams would draw his first round game again ...

But on the bright side he's in 3rd place after one round ( if you only count players called Adams).

Last year, Rafe Martyn started as the local hero, drawing with Adams and in round four (I think) beating Roberson. This year it is Liam Varnam, conqueror of an FM and a 2400 rated IM in the first two rounds.

Jonathan Rogers wrote: ↑

Mon May 26, 2025 7:58 pm

Last year, Rafe Martyn started as the local hero, drawing with Adams and in round four (I think) beating Roberson. This year it is Liam Varnam, conqueror of an FM and a 2400 rated IM in the first two rounds.

Continuing his excellent form from the final 4NCL weekend. Next up, board 2 against Mickey in the morning.

LawrenceCooper wrote: ↑

Mon May 26, 2025 9:39 pm

Jonathan Rogers wrote: ↑

Mon May 26, 2025 7:58 pm

Last year, Rafe Martyn started as the local hero, drawing with Adams and in round four (I think) beating Roberson. This year it is Liam Varnam, conqueror of an FM and a 2400 rated IM in the first two rounds.

Continuing his excellent form from the final 4NCL weekend. Next up, board 2 against Mickey in the morning.

Only 1 game tomorrow so in the afternoon?

Ian Jamieson wrote: ↑

Mon May 26, 2025 9:45 pm

LawrenceCooper wrote: ↑

Mon May 26, 2025 9:39 pm

Jonathan Rogers wrote: ↑

Mon May 26, 2025 7:58 pm

Last year, Rafe Martyn started as the local hero, drawing with Adams and in round four (I think) beating Roberson. This year it is Liam Varnam, conqueror of an FM and a 2400 rated IM in the first two rounds.

Continuing his excellent form from the final 4NCL weekend. Next up, board 2 against Mickey in the morning.

Only 1 game tomorrow so in the afternoon?

Ah yes, I forgot it's over six days.