We are thinking of running a series of online Chess Tournaments as Official Chess Scotland events and allowing  the grading of the online games from the tournaments on the Allegro grading list.  By doing this we can link to the Grand Prix next year and keep that relevant and has the benefit of money coming into Chess Scotland as we are losing income from Grading Fees.  The events would take place on Lichess as from an arbiting point of view it is easier to view games.  The draws would be done offline using Swiss Manager or Vega.

We would really like to hear your views on this as there is no point doing it if no one actually wants to play.

All tournaments will award prizes and prizes will not be released until the Anti cheating checks are done. I am putting together the Anti Cheating Regulations based on a League and tournaments I am working with at the moment.  There is a forum post with my thoughts and idea on that for comment.

We are running some test tournaments with the SCT and will work with them so we are not competing over dates and have things spread out.  Depending how it works with the experimental tournaments we are doing, we are considering holding some competitions with prizes. and using the allegro grading so they can count towards the Grand Prix.    

In all events, 50% of the Entry fee goes to prize fund  47% goes to Chess Scotland 3% are Paypal fees.  Nothing goes to the Organisers or arbiters, we are giving our time free here.

The plan would be for Chess Scotland Members only, however the first non titled tournament would be open.  We are having discussions about membership at the moment but I will hold off for now until we have agreement on it.

Events I am thinking of at the moment are (the events and entry fees are not set in stone!)

June 

Scottish Online Rapidplay Championships - Entry £10, 5 Rounds in a day., CS members only Time control 25+5

Scottish Online Lightning Championships - Entry £5, 9 Rounds in a day, CS members only Time control 5+3

July

Scottish Online Championship - Entry £15, - 9 round championship played in the evening
Played from Sat to Sunday.  U1500,  U1800 and Weekend Open events as well - CS Members only,  Time control 60+15     

August

Scottish Triathlon Chess Event - Entry £10 - 3 Round Normal, 3 Rounds rapid, 3 rounds Time  Lightning, over 3 days each day has 1 of each, open to all, Time controls 45+15, 25+5, 5+3

Starting August / September

Monthly Online Grand Prix Weekend congress - Entry £15 5 rounds as normal weekend congress or 5 evenings, First Open to all then members only, Time control 60+15 or 45+15

Monthly Online Rapidplay Grand prix event - Entry £10, 5 rounds alternating Saturdays and Sundays so people can play.  First open to all then members only Time control 25+5  

Here is a rough idea of how the prizes would break down for a £10 entry fee

I have put together a short survey to allow you to express your views, especially on cost of the events.  It is anonymous and i would appreciate it if you would take the time to  do it.  The link is https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/25MLF7R

Posted on: 08-05-2020
Categories: News