Organised by the Dorset County Chess Association
Friday 23rd – Sunday 25th January 2026
The West Cliff Hotel
Durley Chine Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5JS
Tel 01202 544118
Open
Major: under 1850
Minor: under 1650
This congress is open to Dorset players only
Please see Congress Rules and Conditions for eligibility criteria
Prizes
Open |
Major |
Minor |
|
| 1st | £200 | £100 | £100 |
| 2nd | £80 | £50 | £50 |
| Rating 1 | £50 | £40 | £40 |
| Rating 2 | £50 | £40 | £40 |
Open Rating Prizes: U2000 and U1900
Major Rating Prizes: U1700 and U1600
Minor Rating Prizes: U1500 and U1000
Entry Fees
Open |
Major & Minor |
£40 |
£30 |
- The entry fee for non-ECF members is £21 extra (Juniors £7.50 extra)
- The entry fee for late entries (after 18/1/26) is £5 extra
Time Control
1 hour for all moves with 30 second increments for each move.
Format
All tournaments are a 5 round Swiss with about 3 hour playing sessions.
Playing Schedule
| Round 1 | Friday | 19:30 to 22:30 |
| Round 2 | Saturday | 10:00 to 13:00 |
| Round 3 | Saturday | 14:00 to 17:00 |
| Round 4 | Sunday | 10:00 to 13:00 |
| Round 5 | Sunday | 14:00 to 17:00 |
Congress Rules and Conditions
To be eligible to play, one of the following must apply:
a) Born In Dorset
b) Has lived in Dorset for over 5 years
c) Plays regularly in either the Bournemouth and District Chess League or the Dorset Chess League.
Please read the full Congress Rules and Conditions of Entry.
Agreement to these is required for entry.
Organiser and Controller: Martin Simons
Contact Martin on https://www.dorsetchess.co.uk/contact-martin-simons
Parking
There is parking available at The Bournemouth West Hotel which may be chargeable and Parking Eye CCTV is used to monitor usage. We have been advised by the hotel that:
A) there may be an overnight rate of £15 per 24 hours if staying at the hotel
B) if you park at the hotel during the day, then this is complimentary
but please check parking arrangements and charges with the hotel on arrival.
In all cases you must register your car number plate details at the hotel reception within 10 minutes of parking to avoid any potential fine. The Dorset County Chess Association takes no responsibility for any parking charges/fines issued by the hotel which is a separate contract between you and the hotel.
There is ample free on-street parking in the nearby side roads.
Accomodation
Special rates for the Classic double/twin rooms on a bed & breakfast basis have been agreed with the hotel as follows (please book early as there is a limited number of rooms):
Friday 23rd & Saturday 24th January – £79 single occupancy £89 double occupancy
Sunday 25th January – £89 single occupancy £99 double occupancy
Please quote the Dorset County Chess Tournament. We have been advised by the hotel that these prices will only be held until the 2nd January 2026 so you will need to book before then.
