This will take place at The Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate.  The tournament is open to all visually impaired chess players and to associate members of the BCA.  The title of BCA British Champion will be awarded to the highest placed visually impaired player who has been resident in the UK for at least the last three years and has not played chess for a country other than the UK.

The event will be played over 7 rounds with one round each day.  Round 1 will be played on the Saturday evening (probably commencing about 7.00 PM), with subsequent rounds played Sunday to Friday during the day.  The rate of play will be all moves in two and a half hours per person.  Players may request a half point bye in any one of the first six rounds.  If there are sufficient numbers there will be two sections, with the Challengers’ section being limited to those whose grade or estimated grade is below 1450.  If it is only possible to hold one section, there will be separate prizes for those graded below 1450.  If a sufficient number of lady players enter and the majority of them are in favour of having a Ladies’ Championship, they will compete for the Julia Scott Trophy.

The cost of dinner, bed and breakfast to members and associate members of the BCA is £70 per night for dinner, bed and breakfast in a single room (£490 for the week), and £60 per person per night in a shared room (£420 for the week). Note that there is a car parking charge of £12 per day payable direct to the Hotel on arrival.  The entry fee is £12.

The closing date for bookings and payments is May 3rd, 2026.  Bookings accepted after that date, at the discretion of the organiser, will be subject to a late booking fee of £10 per person.

To book, please complete this form.

All enquiries and bookings for those who are unable to complete the online form should be sent to the organiser, Bill Armstrong:

Email:  organiser.championship@braillechess.org.uk