7th Simon Bartlett Memorial Chess Congress
Torquay’s seaside chess tradition continues with the 7th Simon Bartlett Memorial Chess Congress, held from Friday, February 27 to Sunday, March 1, 2026 in Torquay, United Kingdom. This 5-round classical congress takes place at the TLH Victoria Hotel and offers four FIDE- and ECF-rated sections suitable for a wide range of playing strengths. The event maintains a friendly and competitive atmosphere on the English Riviera, supported by a clear set of rules, equal prize structures across all sections, and a consistent schedule designed for smooth weekend play.
Entrants honor Simon Bartlett’s memory by wearing bright and “loud” shirts or tops, with two special prizes awarded during Saturday morning’s round. Organizers emphasize fairness and simplicity, offering identical first, second, and third prizes for every section, along with rating prizes, junior discounts, and a single classical time control for the entire congress.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | February 27–March 1, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | TLH Victoria Hotel, Belgrave Road, Torquay TQ2 5HL, United Kingdom |
| ♟️ Format | 5-round Swiss congress |
| ⏱️ Time control | 90 minutes for the game + 30 seconds increment per move |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE and ECF standard-play rated |
| 📂 Sections | FIDE Open; U1975; U1750; U1600 |
| 💳 Entry fee | £40; Bronze or non-ECF members add £16; juniors under 16 on September 1, 2024 deduct £5 |
| 💰 Prize fund | Each section: £350 (1st), £250 (2nd), £150 (3rd), £60 rating prize |
| 🧩 Organizer notes | Loud-shirt theme with prizes; default time 30 minutes; one half-point bye allowed in rounds 1–4 |
🏆 Prize Fund
All four sections offer the same prize structure.
Section prizes (each section):
| Place / Prize | Amount |
|---|---|
| 1st | £350 |
| 2nd | £250 |
| 3rd | £150 |
| Rating prize | £60 |
Special loud-shirt prizes:
• 1st: £50
• 2nd: £25
Unrated players may only receive 50% of any prize they win. Players may claim only one section prize, though loud-shirt awards may be combined with section earnings.
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
All sections use a single classical time control:
• 90 minutes for the game
• 30-second increment per move from the start
Pairing and rules notes:
• 5-round Swiss across all sections
• FIDE Laws of Chess apply
• Default time: 30 minutes after round start
• One half-point bye available in rounds 1–4 if requested in advance
• January 2026 ECF list determines eligibility; February 2026 list used for pairings
• Organizers may move players to different sections if their actual strength differs from entered section
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Rating / target group | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FIDE Open | All eligible players | FIDE- and ECF-rated |
| U1975 | Under 1975 | FIDE- and ECF-rated |
| U1750 | Under 1750 | FIDE- and ECF-rated |
| U1600 | Under 1600 | FIDE- and ECF-rated |
Organizers may apply alternative rating lists when necessary.
📅 Schedule
| Date | Weekday | Time | Round / Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 27, 2026 | Friday | 18:50 | Opening ceremony |
| February 27, 2026 | Friday | 19:00–23:00 | Round 1 |
| February 28, 2026 | Saturday | 10:00–14:00 | Round 2 |
| February 28, 2026 | Saturday | 15:00–19:00 | Round 3 |
| March 1, 2026 | Sunday | 10:00–14:00 | Round 4 |
| March 1, 2026 | Sunday | 15:00–19:00 | Round 5 |
Players arriving more than 30 minutes late for their game lose by default.
📝 Registration
Players register online through the congress entry system.
Key points:
• Standard fee: £40 for all sections
• Bronze or non-ECF members add £16
• Juniors under 16 on September 1, 2024 deduct £5
• Online entry closes February 24, 2026
• Entries after February 22 add a £5 late fee
Organizers may reassign or refuse entries that do not meet eligibility requirements.
👥 Organizer
The congress is managed by the local Simon Bartlett Memorial organizing team.
Email: budechess@gmail.com
🏨 Venue
The TLH Victoria Hotel on Belgrave Road hosts the event inside the Richmond Suite. The venue sits opposite the Riviera International Centre and offers leisure facilities, comfortable common areas, and easy access to Torquay’s waterfront. Smoking is prohibited throughout the property.
🛎️ Accommodation
Accommodation is available across TLH hotels at discounted congress rates.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Booking phone | +44 1803 400500 |
| Booking reference | Quote ID 54502 |
| Discount | £10 per person per night off the best available rate |
| Board basis | Dinner, bed, and breakfast often recommended |
| Minimum stay | 2 nights |
| Deposit | 10% non-refundable at booking |
| Balance | Due at least 28 days before arrival |
| Cancellation | Per TLH Leisure Resort policies; travel insurance strongly advised |
Bookings must be made directly by phone; online booking sites do not apply the congress discount.
🚗 How to Get There
Torquay sits on the south Devon coast with convenient rail and road access. Drivers follow signs toward the seafront and Riviera Centre area, where the TLH Victoria Hotel stands on Belgrave Road. From Torquay railway station, players can reach the venue quickly by taxi or local bus.
Players who join the 7th Simon Bartlett Memorial enjoy a friendly, well-organized weekend congress with competitive FIDE-rated play, colorful personality, and a classic English seaside setting.