The Shropshire Congress 2027 takes place from January 1–3, 2027, in Telford, England. Shropshire Chess Association organizes the five-round competition at The Wrekin Housing Group.
The congress offers four ECF-rated sections: Open, Major U1900, Intermediate U1700, and Minor U1500. Therefore, players can select a section that matches their December 2026 ECF rating.
Each player receives 100 minutes for the game, together with a 10-second increment after every move from move one. Moreover, the organizer will broadcast leading games from every section on DGT electronic boards.
📌 Event Details
| Event Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 🏆 Tournament | Shropshire Congress 2027 |
| 📅 Dates | January 1–3, 2027 |
| 📍 Location | Telford, Shropshire, England |
| 🏟️ Venue | The Wrekin Housing Group – Colliers Way, Old Park, Telford, Shropshire TF3 4AW, England |
| 🏛️ Organizer | Shropshire Chess Association |
| ♟️ Format | Standard Swiss tournament |
| 🔢 Rounds | 5 |
| 🧩 Sections | Open, Major U1900, Intermediate U1700, and Minor U1500 |
| ⭐ Rating | ECF standard rated |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 100 minutes plus a 10-second increment from move one |
| ⏳ Default Time | 45 minutes |
| 👥 Maximum Capacity | 180 players |
| 👤 Tournament Directors | Phil Love and Chris Lewis |
| 🌐 Official Tournament Page | https://shropshirechess.org/shropshire-congress/shropshire-congress-2026/ |
| ♟️ Chess-Results – Open | https://s1.chess-results.com/tnr1451270.aspx?lan=1&SNode=S0 |
| ♟️ Chess-Results – Major U1900 | https://s3.chess-results.com/tnr1451271.aspx?lan=1&SNode=S0 |
| ♟️ Chess-Results – Intermediate U1700 | https://s3.chess-results.com/tnr1451272.aspx?lan=1&SNode=S0 |
| ♟️ Chess-Results – Minor U1500 | https://s3.chess-results.com/tnr1451273.aspx?lan=1&SNode=S0 |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The organizer runs every section over five Swiss-system rounds. Therefore, players meet opponents with similar scores as the congress progresses.
Each player receives 100 minutes for the game. In addition, the clock adds 10 seconds after every move from move one.
Players must record their moves until their remaining time falls below five minutes. Meanwhile, Swiss-Manager handles the pairings and tournament administration.
| Tournament Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| ♟️ Pairing System | Swiss system |
| 🔢 Number of Rounds | 5 |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 100 minutes plus 10 seconds per move |
| ⭐ Rating Calculation | ECF standard rating |
| ⏳ Default Time | 45 minutes |
| 📝 Recording Moves | Required until the player has less than five minutes remaining |
| 🧮 Pairing Software | Swiss-Manager |
The organizer uses the December 2026 ECF rating list to determine section eligibility and rating-prize categories.
🏆 Prize Fund
The published awards provide a total prize allocation of £2,800, approximately $3,780. Each section offers three main prizes and three rating prizes.
Prizes in Each Section
The following prize structure applies separately to the Open, Major U1900, Intermediate U1700, and Minor U1500 sections.
| Prize Category | Award |
|---|---|
| 🥇 1st Place | £300 / approx. $410 |
| 🥈 2nd Place | £150 / approx. $210 |
| 🥉 3rd Place | £75 / approx. $110 |
| 📊 Rating Prize 1 | £50 / approx. $70 |
| 📊 Rating Prize 2 | £50 / approx. $70 |
| 📊 Rating Prize 3 | £50 / approx. $70 |
A player may receive only one prize within a section. However, when players share a prize-winning place, the organizer divides the applicable prize money equally.
Best Performing Female Player
The congress awards £100, approximately $140, to the best-performing female player across all four sections.
The organizer compares each eligible player’s performance rating with her published rating. It uses the following calculation:
Performance Rating = (Total of opponents’ ratings + 400 × wins − 400 × losses) ÷ games played
The calculation excludes unrated players and defaulted games.
Ray Cox Junior Trophy
The organizer awards the Ray Cox Junior Trophy to the highest-scoring eligible Shropshire junior across all sections.
To qualify, a player must have been born on or after September 1, 2008. In addition, the player must meet at least one of these conditions:
- Reside in Shropshire
- Attend a school in Shropshire
- Attend a chess club in Shropshire
If eligible juniors finish with the same score, the organizer uses Buchholz to determine the trophy winner.
The congress will not hold a prize-giving ceremony. Instead, the organizer will send prize payments to the winners after the event.
♟️ Sections / Groups
The congress offers four separate ECF-rated sections.
| Section | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| 🏆 Open | Open to eligible players of all ratings |
| ♟️ Major U1900 | Players rated below 1900 |
| ♟️ Intermediate U1700 | Players rated below 1700 |
| ♟️ Minor U1500 | Players rated below 1500 |
The organizer uses the December 2026 ECF list when checking eligibility. Therefore, players should select their section according to that list rather than an earlier published rating.
📅 Schedule
All times follow local time in England.
| Round | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | Friday, January 1, 2027 | 19:00–23:00 |
| Round 2 | Saturday, January 2, 2027 | 09:30–13:30 |
| Round 3 | Saturday, January 2, 2027 | 14:30–18:30 |
| Round 4 | Sunday, January 3, 2027 | 09:30–13:30 |
| Round 5 | Sunday, January 3, 2027 | 14:30–18:30 |
Friday features one evening round. Afterwards, players complete two rounds on Saturday and two more on Sunday.
📝 Registration
The entry fee costs £39, approximately $60, in every section. Adult and junior players pay the same basic fee.
Players who do not hold ECF Gold or Platinum membership must also pay the ECF congress fee.
| Registration Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| ♟️ ECF Gold or Platinum Member | £39 / approx. $60 |
| 🪪 ECF Bronze Member or Non-Member | £54 total / approx. $80 |
| 🏛️ Additional ECF Congress Fee | £15 / approx. $30 |
The organizer caps the congress at 180 entries. Consequently, players should submit their entries before the available places fill.
Online Entry
https://shropshirechess.org/shropshire-congress/shropshire-congress-online-entry/
Postal Entry Form
https://shropshirechess.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2027-Shropshire-Chess-Congress-Entry-Form.pdf
Payment Options
Players may pay by bank transfer, cheque, or on arrival.
| Payment Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Account Name | Shropshire Chess Association |
| Account Number | 60809748 |
| Sort Code | 20-77-85 |
| Cheque Payable To | Shropshire Chess Association |
| Postal Address | Shropshire Congress, 26 Longford Road, Newport, Shropshire TF10 7PU |
Required Entry Information
Players should provide:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Address and postcode
- Email address
- Phone number
- ECF membership number
- ECF rating code
- Federation
- Chess club
- Chosen section
Unrated players should also provide details of previous ratings, tournament results, or relevant online ratings.
Half-Point Bye
Players may request one half-point bye in any one of Rounds 1–4. However, they must submit the request when entering the congress.
Registration Contact
Contact Persons: Phil Love and Chris Lewis
Email: shropshire.congress@gmail.com
Phone: +44 7970 290142 / +44 7508 487092
🏛️ Organizer
| Contact Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 🏛️ Organizer Name | Shropshire Chess Association |
| 👤 Contact Persons | Phil Love and Chris Lewis |
| ✉️ Email | shropshire.congress@gmail.com |
| 📞 Phone Numbers | +44 7970 290142 / +44 7508 487092 |
📍 Venue
The Wrekin Housing Group – Colliers Way, Old Park, Telford, Shropshire TF3 4AW, England.
The venue lies near Telford town centre and offers free on-site parking. Moreover, it provides full disabled access for players and visitors.
The organizers will create a large practice and study area. In addition, television screens will show games from all four sections.
The venue requires every entrant to sign in and out whenever they enter or leave the building.
🚆 How to Get There
Telford Central provides the main railway connection for players using public transport. The station offers step-free access to every platform.
| Travel Option | Recommended Route |
|---|---|
| 🚆 From Telford Central Station | Continue to The Wrekin Housing Group by taxi or local bus. The venue lies in the Old Park area near Telford town centre. |
| 🚌 From Telford Town Centre | Use a local Arriva service toward Old Park or Overdale. Afterwards, continue to Colliers Way on foot or by taxi. |
| 🚆 From Birmingham | Take a train from Birmingham New Street toward Telford Central. After arrival, continue to the venue by taxi or local bus. |
| ✈️ From Birmingham Airport | Walk from the terminal to Birmingham International station. Then travel by rail toward Telford Central, changing where required. |
| 🚆 From London | Travel from London Euston toward Birmingham New Street. Afterwards, continue by train to Telford Central. |
| 🚆 From Shrewsbury | Take a direct regional train from Shrewsbury to Telford Central. Then continue to Colliers Way by taxi or local bus. |
| 🚕 By Taxi | Ask the driver to travel to The Wrekin Housing Group, Colliers Way, Old Park, Telford TF3 4AW. |
| 🚗 By Car | Travel toward Telford and follow local directions to Colliers Way in Old Park. Free parking is available at the venue. |
Arrival Advice
Round 1 begins at 19:00 on Friday. Therefore, players should allow additional time for New Year rail schedules and possible reduced public transport services.
Participants should check current National Rail and local bus information before travelling.
ℹ️ Other Information
Live Games
The organizer will use DGT electronic boards on the leading boards in every section. Therefore, spectators can follow selected games online throughout the congress.
Practice and Study Area
A separate area will provide space for preparation, analysis, and casual games. Moreover, television screens will display live games from each section.
Catering and Refreshments
Light snacks will be available through an honesty box on Friday and Saturday evenings.
On Saturday and Sunday, The Wrekin Housing Group catering team will serve cooked breakfasts. In addition, the venue will offer main courses from lunchtime, including a Sunday roast.
Tea, coffee, and soft drinks will remain available throughout the weekend.
Chess Bookstore
Chess Essentials will operate a bookstall during the congress. Consequently, players can browse and purchase chess books and other materials at the venue.
Accessibility and Parking
The venue provides full disabled access and free on-site parking.
Players who need specific practical arrangements should contact the congress organizers before the event.
Sign-In and Sign-Out
The venue requires all entrants to sign in when they arrive and sign out whenever they leave. Therefore, players should follow the reception procedure during every visit.
Pairings and Results
Chess-Results publishes the entries, pairings, standings, and results separately for each section.
Open:
https://s1.chess-results.com/tnr1451270.aspx?lan=1&SNode=S0
Major U1900:
https://s3.chess-results.com/tnr1451271.aspx?lan=1&SNode=S0
Intermediate U1700:
https://s3.chess-results.com/tnr1451272.aspx?lan=1&SNode=S0
Minor U1500:
https://s3.chess-results.com/tnr1451273.aspx?lan=1&SNode=S0
Finally, players should review the official congress page and their section’s Chess-Results page before travelling.
Additional Details
Organizer
♟️ About Shropshire Chess Association
Shropshire Chess Association is the organizing body for chess clubs across Shropshire, England. Founded in 1894, the association has supported local chess for more than 130 years. Moreover, it coordinates leagues, county championships, junior programs, and major open tournaments.
The association connects clubs from towns and communities throughout the county. It also maintains competition rules, rating information, historical records, and current results. Therefore, players can move from local club chess into county and regional competition through one established structure.
Shropshire Chess Association operates as a registered charity under charity number 1202959. Matthew Clark serves as President, while trustees and appointed officials manage competitions, finances, safeguarding, publicity, and development. In addition, Christopher Lewis supports several key areas as Treasurer, Head of Junior Chess, ECF Delegate, and Shropshire Congress Organizer.
🏆 Leagues, Championships and Tournament Activity
The association manages the Shropshire Chess League, which provides regular team competition for affiliated clubs. The program includes three standard-play divisions and two rapidplay divisions. Consequently, clubs can enter teams at different competitive levels and give more members regular match experience.
Shropshire Chess Association also runs several team competitions outside the main league. These include the Cox Trophy, Minor Knockout Trophy, and Shropshire Team Quickplay Championship. Moreover, the association supports county teams and participation in wider regional or national events.
Individual players can compete for several county titles. The annual program includes the Shropshire Individual Championship, Minor Individual Championship, Rapid Championship, Blitz Championship, and Shrewsbury Town Championship. In addition, memorial and summer competitions create further opportunities during the season.
The Shropshire Chess Congress is the association’s principal annual open event. It offers several rating sections and welcomes players from Shropshire and other parts of Britain. Meanwhile, live electronic boards, published pairings, and experienced tournament officials support the player experience.
🎓 Junior Chess and Schools Development
Junior chess development forms a central part of the association’s work. Shropshire Junior Chess Club provides regular coaching for children during school terms. The association relaunched the club in 2021 with a new venue and volunteer team. Moreover, the English Chess Federation recognizes it through the ECF Development Pathway.
The junior club meets on Saturday mornings at Meole Brace Peace Memorial Hall in Shrewsbury. Coaches support beginners and experienced young competitors through lessons, exercises, and practical games. Therefore, children can develop their skills before entering county, regional, or national tournaments.
The association organizes the Shropshire Junior Chess Championships and an online Junior Grand Prix. It also supports Junior 4NCL participation and the UK Chess Challenge Megafinal. As a result, young players can follow a clear route from weekly coaching to stronger competitive events.
School chess also receives substantial support. The association runs championships for primary and secondary schools, girls’ events, and ECF team-challenge qualifiers. Furthermore, schools and community groups can access coaching contacts and chess equipment through the association.
🤝 Clubs, Inclusion and Community Chess
Shropshire Chess Association helps residents find suitable clubs across the county. Its network includes traditional competitive clubs, junior organizations, and community-based groups. Therefore, adult players, juniors, beginners, and returning competitors can find an appropriate entry point.
The association also promotes more inclusive forms of participation. Its program includes women’s and girls’ chess activities and quiet chess clubs. In addition, dedicated officers support community events, inclusion, safeguarding, and public communication.
Volunteers remain essential to the association’s work. They direct tournaments, manage leagues, coach juniors, operate live boards, maintain results, and support local events. Above all, Shropshire Chess Association combines a long competitive tradition with modern development programs for the whole community.
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