The Summer Cup will be a five-round tournament in which games are played on any mutually agreed internet-based platform such as Zoom, Lichess, Jitsi or WhatsApp, or by telephone.  The general default platform will be Zoom as most members find this accessible and people can dial into meetings if they prefer or if they do not have internet access.  Players for whom Zoom is genuinely inaccessible should mention this when entering and if possible special arrangements will be made to accommodate their participation.

The event will run for 12 weeks with two weeks allowed for each round.  Games are played at a mutually convenient time agreed by the two players.  Ideally, there should be a third-party timekeeper for each game unless it is played on a dedicated chess server such as Lichess.  Players may take a half point bye in any one of the first four rounds and will be able to request this when entering or arrange it at fairly short notice.  The arbiters will be Gerry Walsh and Julie Leonard.

The 5th Remote Summer Cup is open to all members and associate members of the BCA.  Entry is free.  Depending on entries, we may be able to incorporate a Ladies’ section and a Challengers’ section for those whose ECF online standard play rating or estimated rating is below the cut-off point, which is likely to be around 1700.  Trophies will be awarded to section winners, provided they are based in the UK or can arrange to collect the trophy at one of our over the board events within twelve months.  Trophies will not be posted to overseas winners.

The tournament will be a friendly and fairly informal event.  We urge members and associate members to “have a go” regardless of their playing strength.  Results will be sent for rating in the ECF Online Rating system.

To enter please complete this form by Monday 13th July 2026.  The online form is the preferred method of entering.  Please try it as it will guide you through the information you need to provide.  If you cannot use the form, you may send your entry to the organiser, Julie Leonard on organiser.summercup@braillechess.org.uk , giving your full contact details, your location or time zone if you’re not in the UK and stating which playing platforms you can use.  You must also give consent for your contact details to be shared with all arbiters and players in the 5th Summer Cup and for rating information to be sent to the ECF.