English Chess Forum

The first post lockdown OTB chess tournament that is going ahead is the Northumberland Chess Congress in North Shields from the 25th to 27th September.
Entry is limited to 120 with hygiene protocols in place.
There is a lengthy statement by the congress organiser Mick Riding on the Northumberland Chess Association website.

Simon Rogers wrote: ↑

Wed Aug 12, 2020 4:07 pm

There is a lengthy statement by the congress organiser Mick Riding on the Northumberland Chess Association website.

Other than being in North Shields, the announcement doesn't say where. Is it the venue used for the 2012 British?

Not sure if it's same as 2012. I played in 2011 at Sheffield and was fortunate to see a lot of events at the Olympics in London. There is the full address for the tournament on the ECF Calendar.
I don't know much about the tournament. I've never played there.

Simon Rogers wrote: ↑

Wed Aug 12, 2020 4:32 pm

There is the full address for the tournament on the ECF Calendar. .

This would appear to be the website.
https://northumberlandchesscongress.webs.com/

It's not the same venue as 2012, but not very far away.

(edit) It's actually the same place.

It IS the same venue as the 2012 British.

It is at the Parks Leisure Centre

However it is in the large gym one of the few areas not used as part of the British. For regulars it is not in the usual room either. Using the 5 sq metres per person the hall (similar to Horntye at Hastings) would hold 172 people but it has been decided to restrict the numbers to 120.

I note elsewhere that it is said that it is certain to go on. Perhaps it would be better to say that it is as certain, as possible in these times, that it will go ahead.

Any other compulsory measures apart from spacing, eg facemasks, handwringing, etc?

The restrictions should be on the website soon if not already.

Only a single board, players expected to sit back except when moving.
Face masks must be worn. Those with a medical reason for not doing so must wear a visor.
Sets cleaned between rounds
One way system
hand washing as should be expected
Gloves must also be washed if worn

No canteen.

Alex McFarlane wrote: ↑

Wed Aug 12, 2020 8:28 pm

== text omitted ==
No canteen.

Yippee. We can take in our plastic bags with a clear conscience.

Alex McFarlane wrote: ↑

Wed Aug 12, 2020 8:28 pm

Face masks must be worn.

Half an hour in a supermarket is bad enough. I would find that a disincentive to enter. But perhaps it will be over subscribed for the novelty value.

I work in retail. I have to wear a mask all day.
The important thing is at least there will be a OTB tournament in the UK next month
Thanks for posting the link for the Northumberland Chess Congress website Roger.

Can't you get a visor instead? Many retail workers use them and find them rather more comfortable than masks.

Visors may protect the wearer but offer much less protection to others. (This seems to be generally agreed and was stated by the Scottish Government.)

Therefore to minimise risk this seems to be a necessary evil.

I've entered - looks like 23 so far. At the moment my masks are red & white poka dot or blue & white check, but I'll be getting chess designs for Northumbria. There are some great chess masks out there, I liked this one https://www.redbubble.com/i/mask/Obsess ... 6626.9G0D8

They were waiting for this meeting before fully advertising the event in case of changes.

Received from Michael Riding today:

Please can you share with leagues/clubs as far and wide as possible.
Traditional greetings and apology if you've already had this.

25 entries as I write. Document attached outlines measures being taken . Council very supportive - last meeting 13/08/20. As I write we're going ahead.

Link to site is https://northumberlandchesscongress.webs.com/

Please note I need to update entry form. The Open is no longer FIDE rated and there will be no Foundation section.

If you wish to play please enter now. The council are being massively supportive. We need to reciprocate this with numbers. Previous assurances wrt returning entry fees etc in the event of problems beyond our control apply.

If you wish to play but there are shortcomings in the document - please let me know and if I can address I will.

If you don't wish to play because of the current situation that's fine. We (NCA) respect that and hope to see you again in better times.

Finally - whether you do or don't enter - please share this with all your chess playing friends/colleagues. We need all the support we can get and I cannot understate how much it would mean if - regardless of personal opinion - you could pass on.

Many thanks - Mick