Manchester Summer Chess Congress 2023: A Meeting of Minds and Strategy
Manchester – a city known for its dynamic cultural scene, thriving music industry, and illustrious football history, is also a mecca for chess enthusiasts, boasting a diverse and vibrant chess community. This year, the city gears up to host one of the most prestigious events on the chess calendar, the Manchester Summer Chess Congress 2023.
The annual Congress, organised by the Manchester Chess Federation (MCF), brings together avid players of all ages and abilities. This year, the congress takes place from Friday, August 18, to Sunday, August 20, at The University of Bolton Arena. The venue, situated in Horwich, Bolton, boasts ample free parking and a prime location adjacent to popular hotels like Premier Inn and Whites Hotel, providing a blend of convenience and accessibility.
This year’s Congress features several competitions catering to different levels of skill and experience, from the open competition to the junior championship:
The Harry Lamb Memorial FIDE OPEN: This tournament invites participants with FIDE grades. Noteworthy prizes for this category include £500 for 1st place, £250 for 2nd place, and a Grand Prix prize of £75 for players under 2050 rating. The time control for this competition is 110 minutes for all moves with a 10-second increment for each move.
The ECF Rated Major and Knights: These tournaments are suitable for players with an ECF rating under 1930 and 1630 respectively. Both events offer a £300 prize for the winner, £150 for the runner-up, and a Grand Prix prize of £50 for players under respective rating thresholds. The time control for these sections is 80 minutes plus a 10-second increment per move.
The Manchester Junior Championship: This championship, entirely funded by the University of Bolton, welcomes all chess-playing youth. Trophies are awarded to the top boy and girl from each age category. The time control for this championship is 20 minutes with a 10-second increment for each move.
Every participant must be a member of the English Chess Federation, with those entering the FIDE OPEN requiring Gold Membership or higher and Silver Level or higher for the other categories. All competitions will follow the Swiss Tournament format, with pairings and results made available on Chess-Results.com and posted in the playing area.
The Congress team reserves the right to carry out random metal detector checks as an anti-cheating measure. Mobile phones must be switched off and placed face down next to the board during games. It’s worth noting that the Congress team’s decisions are final in all disputes.
Refreshments will be available from the cafe inside the arena. However, participants and spectators are reminded that they are not allowed to consume their own food inside the venue.
The event also features a bookstall by Howard Wood, a great opportunity for attendees to expand their chess literature collection.
The Congress takes safeguarding very seriously. MCF has adopted the ECF Safeguarding Policy, as advised by the NSPCC. The Safeguarding Officer for the event is Julian Clissold.
Registration and entry fee details are as follows: FIDE Open – £45, Major – £40, Knights – £40, and free entry for the Junior Championship (21 and under), thanks to the University of Bolton’s funding.
With a commitment to fairness, transparency, and respect for all participants, the Manchester Summer Chess Congress 2023 promises to be a memorable event, fostering community, competition, and a love for the game of chess.
Register here: https://congress.org.uk/congress/280/home
