This event is dedicated to the memory of Graham Lilley, our former champion who represented the UK countless times at IBCA events around the world.  He was a highly respected member Honorary Life Member of the BCA, who is greatly missed by his many chess friends.

The BCA is very grateful to the Sylvia and Colin Shepherd Charitable Trust, who donated £500 to be spent in Yorkshire. The money will go towards this event, which is being held at The Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate, from the 22nd to the 29th of June 2024.  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 £57 per night for dinner, bed and breakfast in a single room (£399 for the week), and £48 per person per night in a shared room (£336 for the week). The tournament entry fee is £10. Note that there is a car parking charge of £10 per day payable direct to the Hotel on arrival.

The closing date for bookings is 10th May 2024.  Bookings accepted after that date, at the discretion of the organiser, will be subject to a late booking fee of £10 per person.

The organiser is Steve Burnell.  Please contact us with any enquiries.  To book please complete this form.