English Chess Forum

Now that we have a very welcome early announcement of the British for 2026, I wonder if there is any prospect of a similarly early announcement for the English Seniors (and the English Championship) for 2026. As a club captain, it would help me and, I am sure, other captains to arrange League fixtures if we had the dates well in advance. As a senior player myself, I hope that the events remain at Kenilworth which is an excellent venue.

John Moore wrote: ↑

Sun Aug 10, 2025 5:26 pm

Now that we have a very welcome early announcement of the British for 2026, I wonder if there is any prospect of a similarly early announcement for the English Seniors (and the English Championship) for 2026. As a club captain, it would help me and, I am sure, other captains to arrange League fixtures if we had the dates well in advance. As a senior player myself, I hope that the events remain at Kenilworth which is an excellent venue.

In my opinion, the Holiday Inn is let down by limited on-site parking and, as far as I am aware, no suitable nearby parking on the road. The nearby Woodland Grange was a much better venue.

Well, yes, if you have a car no doubt. I leave my car at home with my wife and use public transport. In Kenilworth, I don't have to stay in the Holiday Inn (there are alternatives) and I certainly don't have to eat their overpriced food when there are many alternatives in Kenilworth itself.

I post this here but it could equally apply to some of the other threads.

The number of entrants in the Senior Championships is becoming unwieldy and will only increase with the number of boomers as far as I can see.

The tournaments have exactly the same age constraints for both the British and English Championships (over 50s and over 65s). Wouldn't it be possible to make one of the two tournaments for over 55s and over 70s rather than a mirror image of the other?

Neil Graham wrote: ↑

Mon Aug 11, 2025 4:16 pm

The number of entrants in the Senior Championships is becoming unwieldy and will only increase with the number of boomers as far as I can see.

I think the British Seniors should have 9 rounds and run in parallel to the Champioship and Major Open.

Neil Graham wrote: ↑

Mon Aug 11, 2025 4:16 pm

The tournaments have exactly the same age constraints for both the British and English Championships (over 50s and over 65s). Wouldn't it be possible to make one of the two tournaments for over 55s and over 70s rather than a mirror image of the other?

The choice of 50+ and 65+ is to align with FIDE.

This just leads to its own "why" question, though. FIDE don't care what age categories you have for national championships, or any other events that aren't official FIDE events.

Does anyone have any news of the 2026 English Seniors at Kenilworth?

Phil Neatherway wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 14, 2026 8:11 pm

Does anyone have any news of the 2026 English Seniors at Kenilworth?

I heard a rumour it was moving to Liverpool ...

Liverpool ... hmmmm. Much less convenient than Kenilworth. But at least it would be more evidence of the northern powerhouse.

Liverpool isn't *that* hard to get to from most of England.

Announced at ECF website as Oct 24-31 at Peterborough. Still only seven rounds, but double-round days reduced to one.

Tim Spanton wrote: ↑

Sat Feb 14, 2026 10:50 am

Announced at ECF website as Oct 24-31 at Peterborough. Still only seven rounds, but double-round days reduced to one.

Just noticed - no halfpoint byes permitted!

Tim Spanton wrote: ↑

Sat Feb 14, 2026 10:50 am

Announced at ECF website as Oct 24-31 at Peterborough. Still only seven rounds, but double-round days reduced to one.

... and being played at the same time as the English Championships, so senior players can no longer play in both.

Something new on the entry form, I think, is that events with a minimum rating requirement now say that a "live" rating at the required level is sufficient for entry, although it's not clear whether that applies to all players or just players claiming eligibility through having won an event at the 2026 English Youth Championships.

Tim Spanton wrote: ↑

Sat Feb 14, 2026 10:50 am

Announced at ECF website as Oct 24-31 at Peterborough. Still only seven rounds, but double-round days reduced to one.

https://www.englishchess.org.uk/english ... hips-2026/

Running alongside the English Championship which is 9 rounds.

There's a near overlap with Guernsey which is 1st to 7th November.

It's not the most appealing destination or hotel for a week's stay I would have thought. It would clash with the league season as well.

Having the double round day on the first day (Monday) is also a little annoying since it makes travelling to the event on Monday morning that bit more difficult. Unlike the British Championship, the final roumd is in the afternoon. That can make getting home the same day more difficult as well.

The minimum rating for the Championship is somewhat lower than in previous years

1600, or
1400 for any champion at the 2026 English Youth Championships
This should be their published or live FIDE rating at any time in 2026

I didn't think FIDE publish "live" ratings. The ECF do of course. With the recent reforms isn't the minimum FIDE rating 1400 anyway?

Very disappointing.
I thought last years event was excellent so why change the format.
The schedule is very poor.
If you are going to have a double round day why not in the middle of the event.