Rapidplay Rules

FIDE Laws of Chess

All sections will be played under the FIDE Laws of Chess and in particular Appendix Article A.5 relating to Rapidplay events. You are strongly advised to make yourself familiar with these laws. See Fide handbook

Conditions of Entry

The Organiser reserves the right to refuse an entry, or transfer an entry to another section, without explanation. Unrated players cannot win a rating prize and, with the exception of the Open, may only win 50% of any other prize. Competitors can only win one prize and prizes will be allocated as the Organiser sees fit. The advertised prizes may be changed subject to the number of entries received. In the event of a dispute, the decisions of the Organiser and/or Chief Arbiter will be final in all matters. Players must agree to their rating information being published on the ECF and FIDE websites. The submission of an entry form and payment of the entry fee denotes acceptance of the tournament’s terms and conditions.

ENTRY FEE

All entrants are required to be members of the English Chess Federation (ECF) at Silver (new Gold*) level or above. Bronze or non-members will pay a surcharge of £9.00 on top of the basic entry fee of £20.00 (£17.00 juniors).

*The ECF are merging the old Silver and Gold membership levels at the start of July 2024.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON ECF MEMBERSHIP

Telephone: 01424 775222 Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm.
Website: ECF Membership

Non-ENG PLAYERS who belong to a FIDE nation other than ENG (e.g. SCO or USA) don’t need to belong to the ECF but it will cost them more to play. HOWEVER you do need to quote a FIN (FIDE Identification Number) with your entry. Non-English players will have to obtain a FIN from their national federation in good time prior to the tournament otherwise you cannot enter.

Pairings

Pairings will be made according to FIDE Pairing Rules using the Swiss Manager programme.

Disclaimer

The Organiser, along with Darnall and Handsworth Chess Club, accept no responsibility for any damage, theft or accident to the person or property of anyone attending this event.

Eligibility for Sections

Eligibility for Sections will be based on the highest rating a player has from the following options:

FIDE Rapidplay Rating (August 2024)
ECF Rapidplay Rating (August 2024) — A or K categories only

For players without any of these ratings, section eligibility and the rating allocated for pairings will be determined by the Organiser on a case-by-case basis. Seedings and pairings within Sections will be based on the most up-to-date ratings available.

Phones / Electronic Devices

During a game, a player is forbidden to have a mobile phone, electronic means of communication or any device capable of suggesting chess moves on their person in the playing venue. Such devices may be stored in a bag as long as the device is completely switched off.

If you are found with a device in your possession when away from the board during your game, e.g. in the toilets, then you will lose your game and may be banned from the rest of the tournament and / or future events.

Late Entries

Please enter early to aid administration and to avoid disappointment. Entries submitted after 26 August 2024 will only be accepted at the organiser’s discretion and will be subject to a £5.00 surcharge.

Late Arrival for Any Round

Players will be defaulted if they have not arrived at their board within 10 minutes of the start of the round. Re-pairing will take place if possible.

Half-Point Bye in Round 1

Players may request a half-point bye in Round 1 only if they do so at the time of submitting their entry.

A half-point bye will not be allowed in the final round and will only be allowed in other rounds at the Organiser's discretion.

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