Stroud’s rapid tradition returns this spring with the Stroud Spring 2026 Rapid Play Chess Tournament on Saturday, 28 February 2026 at St Matthew’s Church Hall, Stroud (GL5 4JE). This welcoming one-day open features seven quick-fire rounds, a clear prize structure, and friendly on-site refreshments — perfect for ambitious club players, improving juniors, and titled guests alike.

Run by Stroud Chess Club with experienced arbiters, the event uses a smooth timetable from morning check-in to late-afternoon prize-giving. With 15+5 time control, ECF rapid rating, and capacity for 72 players, the tournament combines competitive chess with a relaxed community feel in the heart of Stroud.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

Prizes are based on entries and may be adjusted if there are fewer than 50 players.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

• Rapid time control: 15’ + 5″ increment from move one.

• 7-round Swiss in a single open section.

• ECF rapid ratings used for seeding; unrated players may receive a provisional rating.

• Touch-move in effect. First illegal move: +1 minute to opponent; second illegal move: forfeit.

📂 Sections / Groups

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

• Capacity: 72 players — first come, first served.

• Enter online (entry form): https://forms.gle/8bqSgk5oTzF4aKjv6

• Player list: https://www.google.com/url?q=player-list (live list as published by organizer)

• Entry fees:

  • Titled FIDE players (CM/WCM and above): FREE

  • ECF Gold (or above) — Standard: £18.50 • Junior: £16.50

  • ECF Member (non-Gold) — Standard: £33.50 • Junior: £22.50

  • Note: ECF Gold is free for juniors for the first year (see ECF website).

• Policies: Organizer may refuse entry; event may be cancelled for weather/other reasons (partial refund attempted). Mobile devices must be off and unreachable during games.

👥 Organizer

Hosted by Stroud Chess Club.

• Website: https://www.stroudchess.club/spring-2026-rapid-tournament

🏨 Venue

St Matthew’s Church Hall, St Matthews Church, Stroud GL5 4JE. Enter the church gates, walk down the path, then turn right at the end — the hall is straight ahead. The hall is wheelchair-friendly and has an accessible toilet.

🛎️ Accommodation

Local B&Bs and hotels are available around Stroud town centre; early booking is recommended for Saturday stays.

🚗 How to Get There

• By train: Stroud station (GWR) with a short walk/taxi to St Matthews.

• By car: Parking is limited on-site; use nearby street parking or the small car park at Victory Park around the corner.

• By bus: Local services stop within walking distance of the church.

Round off your winter chess with a crisp day of rapid games — see you in Stroud for the Spring 2026 Rapid Play!