Stroud Spring 2026 Rapid Play Chess Tournament
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
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗓️ Date | Saturday, 28 February 2026 |
| 📍 Venue | St Matthew’s Church Hall, St Matthews Church, Stroud GL5 4JE, England |
| ♟️ Format | 7-Round Swiss, single open section |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 15 minutes + 5 seconds per move (from move 1) |
| ⭐ Rating | ECF Rapid rated (national) |
| ✅ Eligibility | Open to all; maximum 72 players |
| 👤 Officials | Chief Arbiter: Vince Southcott • Deputy: Dave Horton |
| 🖥️ Pairings | Swiss-Manager (Heinz Herzog) |
🏆 Prize Fund
| Prize | Amount |
|---|---|
| 1st Overall | £120 |
| 2nd Overall | £80 |
| 3rd Overall | £40 |
| Rating Prizes (multiple bands) | £30 each |
| Best Junior | £30 |
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
| Section | Eligibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Open | All players | ECF rapid rated; prizes by overall and rating bands |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Time | Activity / Round |
|---|---|---|
| Sat, 28 Feb | 10:30 | Round 1 |
| 11:20 | Round 2 | |
| 12:10 | Round 3 | |
| — | Lunch Break | |
| 13:30 | Round 4 | |
| 14:30 | Round 5 | |
| 15:30 | Round 6 | |
| 16:30 | Round 7 | |
| After R7 | Prize-giving |
📝 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.
🏨 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!
Organizer
Stroud Chess Club is a community-focused chess tournament organizer in Gloucestershire, running a welcoming calendar of open play, weekend rapid tournaments, and club nights for juniors, adult improvers, and experienced competitors. With friendly venues, clear formats, and a supportive culture, the club provides practical pathways for Stroud chess players to gain experience, improve, and enjoy competitive rapid and blitz events alongside classical play.
Known for smooth logistics and a player-first approach, Stroud Chess Club blends training, casual sessions, and structured competitions to bridge the gap between local club chess and larger regional events. Its year-round activity, junior hour, and inclusive atmosphere make it a trusted hub for open chess events in the South West and a steady contributor to the wider England chess scene.
Contact
Club Venue: Star Anise Arts Café, 1 Gloucester Street, Stroud, GL5 1QG, United Kingdom
Email: chessinstroud@gmail.com
Website: https://www.stroudchess.club
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StroudChess
Vince Southcott is a UK-based chess tournament organizer and arbiter best known for coordinating open, rapid, and blitz events in the Stroud/Gloucestershire area. His tournaments emphasize clear sections by rating, smooth scheduling, and friendly, accessible venues—giving juniors, adult improvers, and titled players dependable opportunities for competition and rating progress.
With a player-first approach and experienced event staff, Vince has helped grow participation through well-run weekend festivals and club-led rapidplays. Competitors value the combination of fair-play standards, efficient pairings/results, and welcoming settings—making his events a reliable fixture on the South West England chess calendar.
Contact
Event Venue (typical): St Matthew’s Church Hall, Church Road, Cainscross, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 4JE, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 7983 458727
Website: https://www.stroudchess.club
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StroudChess