The 5th Tunbridge Wells FIDE Congress 2026 will take place on November 21–22, 2026, at Tunbridge Wells Bridge Club in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, United Kingdom. Organized by Psyon Chess, the two-day standardplay congress features five Swiss-system rounds across three rating sections: U2300, U1800, and U1550.

The U2300 and U1800 sections will be submitted for both FIDE Standard and ECF rating, while the U1550 section will be ECF rated only. All sections follow a time control of 60 minutes plus a 30-second increment from move one. Three rounds are scheduled on Saturday, followed by two rounds on Sunday.

The published cash prize fund totals £1,020 (approximately $1,370), based on at least 60 paid entries across the congress. Registration uses a tiered fee system based on a player’s rating and chosen section, while additional ECF pay-to-play charges may apply depending on membership status.

♟️ Event Details

The congress brings three rating groups together at Tunbridge Wells Bridge Club, with the two higher sections receiving both international and national rating.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

All three sections play five Swiss-system rounds. Each player receives 60 minutes plus a 30-second increment from move one, and moves must be recorded throughout the game.

Players may request one half-point bye in any round except the final round. The request should be made in advance on the entry form or with an arbiter or organizer before the relevant round.

The organizer may attempt to re-pair a player whose opponent has failed to arrive by the default time. Players who fail to appear without notifying the organizing or arbiting team may be removed from subsequent pairings.

🏆 Prize Fund

The published prizes total £1,020 (approximately $1,370) across all three sections. However, the amount is based on at least 60 paid entries and is therefore not guaranteed. The organizer may adjust the prizes if participation is lower or if sections must be merged.

U2300

U1800

U1550

Only players with a current non-provisional ECF rating or FIDE Classical rating are eligible for rating prizes. The rating prize is intended for the highest-scoring eligible player from the lower half of the section’s starting list who has the lowest rating among the qualifying players.

In the U1800 and U1550 sections, an unrated player can receive a maximum cash prize of £50.

When players tie for a place prize, the organizer combines and distributes the relevant prize money according to the published tie-sharing rules rather than using the tiebreak solely to declare one cash-prize winner.

Approximate USD equivalents are rounded upward to the next $10.

🧩 Sections / Groups

The congress uses three separate playing sections. For the two FIDE-rated sections, the higher of the player’s current ECF and FIDE Classical ratings is used for section placement.

For U2300 and U1800 placement, both the applicable ECF and FIDE Classical ratings must fall below the section ceiling. The organizer uses ratings published at the beginning of the tournament month.

The U1550 section uses the ECF rating for section eligibility. Players without an established rating may be asked to provide evidence of playing strength, such as previous ratings or other credible playing records.

The organizer reserves the right to move a player to the appropriate section and may merge sections if entries are insufficient.

🗓️ Schedule

The five rounds are spread across two days, with three games on Saturday and two on Sunday. Players are asked to arrive by approximately 09:00 on Saturday to support a prompt first-round start.

Saturday, November 21

Sunday, November 22

The organizer currently lists a planned finish at approximately 18:00 on Sunday. Round times may be adjusted if circumstances during the event require it.

📝 Registration

Registration uses tiered entry fees. The amount depends on both the player’s rating and the section entered.

U2300

U1800

U1550

The organizer’s additional ECF membership table lists a £16 adult fee (approx. $30) or £6.50 junior fee (approx. $10) where the pay-to-play charge applies. Gold or Platinum ECF members do not pay this additional charge.

Players without a FIDE ID who require one for the FIDE-rated sections can be registered under ENG where applicable. Players affiliated with another federation who already have an active FIDE ID may retain their federation while meeting the required ECF membership or pay-to-play conditions.

Deadlines and Late Fees

The event is limited to 100 players. Entries are accepted only after the required payment has been received.

On-the-day entries may be accepted only if capacity remains. They require cash payment approximately one hour before Round 1 and are subject to an additional surcharge and the organizer’s pairing discretion.

Payment can be made by bank transfer or PayPal. PayPal transaction-processing charges may apply.

Official tournament information and online entry:

https://congress.org.uk/congress/838/home

Refunds

Refund requests may be considered until seven days before the tournament starts. An administration charge of £10 (approx. $20) applies per player.

No refunds are normally issued during the final seven days before the event. A full refund applies if the organizer deletes a player’s section because of insufficient entries or cancels the tournament.

👥 Organizer

Psyon Chess organizes FIDE- and ECF-rated congresses across southern England. International Arbiter Satish Gaekwad is the principal tournament organizer and contact.

📍 Venue

The congress will be played at Tunbridge Wells Bridge Club – 40 London Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1DL, United Kingdom.

The venue sits close to the center of Tunbridge Wells and is particularly convenient for players arriving by rail. Limited parking is available on site, while additional paid parking is available nearby.

The venue is described as disability-friendly. Players who need assistance should contact the organizer in advance.

No organized catering service is planned inside the playing venue. However, shops, cafés, and other food outlets are available within a short walk.

🚆 How to Get There

Tunbridge Wells Bridge Club is located directly off the A26 on London Road. Its proximity to the railway station makes public transport a practical option for players coming from London and elsewhere in southeast England.

Because on-site spaces are limited, drivers should allow enough time to use the nearby paid car park if necessary.

ℹ️ Other Information

Electronic devices: Mobile phones, smartwatches, and other electronic devices must be switched off in the playing hall unless an approved medical exception applies. A player found using or carrying an active device during play may lose the game under the event’s fair-play rules.

Equipment: Digital clocks will be used in all sections. Scoresheets are provided, but players are advised to bring their own pen or pencil and a clipboard if useful.

Spectators: Players become spectators after finishing their games. Spectators may be asked to leave the playing hall, although limited seating may be available in a separate non-player area on a first-come, first-served basis.

Prize payments: Published cash prizes are paid by bank transfer after winners provide their bank details.

Junior players: Juniors are welcome, although parents or guardians should ensure that young entrants have sufficient over-the-board playing experience for a rated congress.

Tournament capacity: Entry is capped at approximately 100 players, so early registration is advisable.