This will take place at the Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth, which has proved to be a very popular venue for some of our recent 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 tournament is open to all blind and partially sighted chess players and to associate members of the BCA.  The Chairman’s Cup will be awarded to the highest placed player, whether VI or associate member, whose most recent published grade is 1750 or below (equivalent to about 140 under the old ECF grading system).  A player who scores the highest number of points but does not meet the rating criterion will be recognised as the overall winner of the tournament but will not receive the Chairman’s Cup.

If there are sufficient entries we will run two sections, an Open and a Challengers for players whose rating or estimated rating is 1300 or below.  Both are open to blind and partially sighted players and to associate members of the BCA.  Please state when booking which tournament you would like to enter – subject to eligibility.  The entry fee for each section is £12.

Rooms are likely to be available on the Saturday afternoon from 15.00 with dinner that evening at 18.00.  The event will be played over 7 rounds with one round each day.  Likely starting times for the seven rounds are 19.45 on the first Saturday evening and a morning start of 10.30 for the remaining six rounds but these times might have to be changed a little depending on discussions with the hotel.  The rate of play will be all moves in two hours for each player.  Players may request a half point bye in any one of the first six rounds.

In addition to the chess tournament there will be a varied programme of social activities.  Anyone with ideas for social events, or who wants further information about the hotel or tournament should email the organisers, John and Pam Jenkins, on organiser.chairmanscup@braillechess.org.uk

Please send your entries to John Jenkins or complete this form.  The closing date for entries is Friday 23rd May 2025.

The cost of dinner, bed and breakfast to members and associate members of the BCA is £420 for the week irrespective of room type.  The cost to those booking for less than the full week will be £60 per night for members and associate members.  There are options for guests to pay significant supplements for a sea view room or sea view plus balcony.  Please contact John Jenkins if you would like to know more or you wish to stay additional nights at the beginning or end of the tournament.

Bookings accepted after the closing date of 23rd May are at the discretion of the organiser and will be subject to a late booking fee of £10 per person.  All payments should be sent to Tris Cole.  Please note that rooms will not be reserved until full payment has been received.