Hull 4NCL Congress 2026 takes place on September 25-27, 2026, in Hull, England. The congress runs in partnership with Hull & East Riding Chess Association and incorporates the 63rd Hull Congress.

This is a chess tournament in Hull, England, in 2026. Players can compete in FIDE-rated chess tournament sections, ECF-rated lower sections, and a strong weekend congress format on the University of Hull campus.

The Open, U2000, and U1700 sections run from Friday to Sunday at Canham Turner Conference Centre. In addition, the U1500 and U1200 sections run from Saturday to Sunday at Brynmor Jones Library.

♟️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

Open, U2000, and U1700 Sections

The Open, U2000, and U1700 sections use a 5-round format. Each player receives 90 minutes for the game, plus a 30-second increment from move one.

These three sections count for both FIDE and ECF rating. Therefore, they offer a serious standard-play chess tournament for players who want international and English rating value.

Players may take one half-point bye in rounds 1–4. Re-pairing takes place 30 minutes after the start of a round, and the default time is 30 minutes.

U1500 and U1200 Sections

The U1500 and U1200 sections use a 6-round format. Each player receives 50 minutes for the game, plus a 10-second increment from move one.

These sections count for ECF rating. However, re-paired games in the U1500 and U1200 sections will be rated as rapid because of the reduced time control.

Players may take a maximum of two half-point byes in rounds 1–5. Re-pairing takes place 15 minutes after the start of a round, and the default time is 15 minutes.

💰 Prize Fund

The confirmed total prize fund is £4,250, approximately $5,690. The Open, U2000, and U1700 sections share a £3,000 prize fund, while the U1500 and U1200 sections share a £1,250 prize fund.

Open Prizes

U2000 Prizes

U1700 Prizes

U1500 Prizes

U1200 Prizes

No player may win more than one prize. In addition, place prize money will be shared equally between tied players.

🧩 Sections / Groups

Players’ September 2026 ECF standardplay ratings determine section allocation, pairings, and best performance prizes. However, players without an ECF standardplay rating may receive an assigned rating based on other available rating information.

📅 Schedule

Open, U2000, and U1700 Sections

U1500 and U1200 Sections

📝 Registration

GMs and IMs receive free entry, while FMs pay half price. Late entries may be accepted on the day, subject to availability, cash payment, and a £10 surcharge.

Players can pay the entry fee by credit or debit card. In addition, players should check their section eligibility before entering if they do not have a current ECF standardplay rating.

🏛️ Organizer

4NCL organizes Hull 4NCL Congress 2026 in partnership with Hull & East Riding Chess Association. The congress brings players to the University of Hull for FIDE-rated standard play, ECF-rated lower sections, and a long-running Hull chess tradition.

Email: mike@truranfamily.co.uk

📍 Venue

Canham Turner Conference Centre, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull HU6 7RX, England

The Open, U2000, and U1700 sections take place at Canham Turner Conference Centre. The U1500 and U1200 sections take place nearby at Brynmor Jones Library, also on the University of Hull campus.

Players should check their section before arrival and go to the correct campus venue for their first round.

🏨 Accommodation

The Courtyard Residence, University of Hull

Visitors can book overnight ensuite accommodation in the guest block at The Courtyard Residence on the University of Hull campus. The accommodation is about two minutes on foot from the playing venue.

A 10% discount is available from the £51.50 per night room-only rate with the promotional code “event.” Rooms are available at the special rate for the nights of September 24–27, 2026.

Breakfast can be purchased nearby at the University library café or at Wetherspoons in the Students’ Union. In addition, a supermarket is located on campus close to the accommodation block.

🚆 How to Get There

The University of Hull is about two to three miles from Hull Paragon station. Players can reach the campus by bus in about 12–14 minutes during normal service times.

Bus routes 103, 105, and X47 serve the University area. During the day, buses usually run several times per hour, with evening service continuing until around 23:30.

Free on-site campus parking is available after 17:00 on Friday. The multistorey car park near the playing hall is about four minutes on foot from the venue.

ℹ️ Other Information

Cafés and bars are available on campus. In addition, Newlands Avenue is about ten minutes on foot and offers further cafés, bars, and restaurants.

A small number of parking spaces immediately outside the playing hall should be kept for players with mobility needs. Players who need access support should contact the organizer before the event.

Hull 4NCL Congress 2026 offers a strong University of Hull chess weekend with FIDE-rated sections, new ECF-rated lower groups, and a practical campus tournament setup.