4th Torquay Riviera Chess Congress takes place on September 5-11, 2026, in Torquay, England. The congress offers four FIDE- and ECF-rated standard-play sections at the TLH Carlton Hotel.

This is a chess tournament in Torquay, England, in 2026. Players can compete in morning or afternoon sections, with Open and rating-limited options available across the week.

The event uses the Madison Suite at the TLH Carlton Hotel. In addition, discounted TLH accommodation is available for players who book directly with the hotel reservations team.

♟️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

All sections use standard-play time control. Each player receives 90 minutes for the game, plus a 30-second increment from move one.

The congress is FIDE-rated and ECF-rated. Therefore, it gives players a full-week classical chess tournament with rating value in every section.

Pairings use Swiss-Manager computer pairings. Pairings and results will appear on Chess-Results.

The default time is 30 minutes after the scheduled start of a round. Mobile phones must be switched off in the playing area.

💰 Prize Fund

The listed cash prize fund is £2,475, approximately $3,310. Unrated players in rated sections may receive only 50% of any prize money.

Afternoon Open Prizes

Other Section Prizes

No competitor may win more than one prize. In addition, the organizers may redistribute all or part of a prize when needed.

🧩 Sections / Groups

The July 2026 ECF standard rating list determines section eligibility. However, September 2026 ratings will be used for pairings and rating prizes.

Players entering both a morning and an afternoon tournament can deduct £10 from the total entry fee.

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

All entrants must be ECF Gold members or members of another national federation. In addition, each player needs a FIDE ID.

Players may take two half-point byes in rounds 1–6 of the afternoon sections. Morning-section players may take one half-point bye in rounds 1–5.

🏛️ Organizer

John Constable and Bude Chess organize the 4th Torquay Riviera Chess Congress. The event gives players a full seaside chess week with FIDE-rated games, flexible section choices, and hotel-based playing conditions.

Email: budechess@gmail.com
Phone: +44 7771 544721

📍 Venue

TLH Carlton Hotel, Falkland Road, Torquay TQ2 5JJ, England

The congress takes place in the Madison Suite at the TLH Carlton Hotel. The hotel sits within the TLH Leisure Resort complex, with entrance and car park access from Falkland Road.

🏨 Accommodation

TLH Derwent Hotel

The discounted rates apply for bookings from September 5–11, 2026, with a minimum stay of two nights. Players should quote Booking ID 57594 when calling the TLH reservations team.

Hotel reservations phone: +44 1803 400500

The rate cannot be booked online or through third-party booking sites. A 10% non-refundable deposit is due at booking, and the remaining balance is due 7 days before arrival.

Guests staying at TLH hotels may use the recreation facilities across the TLH hotel group.

🚆 How to Get There

Players should use TLH Carlton Hotel, Falkland Road, Torquay TQ2 5JJ, as the main navigation address.

The venue is part of the TLH hotel complex in Torquay. Players can arrive by car, taxi, local bus, or by traveling first to Torquay railway station.

Parking is free for hotel residents who book directly with the TLH reservations team. Otherwise, parking costs £10 per day.

ℹ️ Other Information

Players with accessibility support needs should provide their practical requirements when entering.

Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the hotel premises. In addition, any health restrictions in force at the time of the congress must be followed.

The organizers may use event photos for publicity unless informed otherwise.

The 4th Torquay Riviera Chess Congress offers a full FIDE-rated seaside chess week with flexible morning and afternoon play in Torquay.