This year’s International Autumn Tournament will be held at the Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth, which has proved to be a very popular venue for our events.  It is very friendly and comfortable, and we also have use of an outdoor heated pool.  The parking and green areas are also very good.

The format will be a five round Swiss tournament.  If there are sufficient entries there will be two sections, an Open and a Challengers for those rated under 1450.  The cut-off point for playing in the Challengers Section is currently graded at 1450 (this figure is currently under review).  When making your booking, please state the section you wish to play in.  If you do not state a preference, it will be assumed you wish to enter the section according to your rating.  Both tournaments are open to blind and partially sighted players and to associate members of the BCA.  The tournament entry fee is £12, regardless of which section you enter.

The rate of play is likely to be 90 minutes for each player for all moves.  Any player can request a half point bye in any one of the first four rounds or a delay in the start of their game in round 1 of 30 minutes.  Likely start times for the rounds are 20.00 on the Friday evening, 09.45 and 14.15 on the Saturday and 09.45 and 14.00 on the Sunday.  Rooms will probably be available on the Friday afternoon from 15.00.

The cost for dinner, bed and breakfast for BCA members and associate members per night is: for a single room, £78; for a twin/double room, £69 per person.  Bookings can be made via the appropriate online form on https://braillechess.org.uk/events/event-forms or by contacting the organiser, John Jenkins: Email organiser.autumn@braillechess.org.uk.  There are options for guests to pay significant supplements for a sea view room or sea view plus balcony.  Please contact John if you would like to know more or you wish to stay additional nights at the beginning or end of the tournament.  The closing date for entries is Friday 31st July 2026.

Payment for all accommodation (including Sunday if required) together with the entry fee should be sent to the Treasurer, Tristram Cole.  Bookings accepted after the closing date of 31st July are at the discretion of the organiser and will be subject to a late booking fee of £10 per person.  Please note that rooms will not be reserved until full payment has been received.