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

🏆 Prize Fund

All four sections offer the same prize structure.

Section prizes (each section):

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

Organizers may apply alternative rating lists when necessary.

📅 Schedule

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.

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.