FIDE RATED U1700 Groomsport Autumn Blitz

Format: Swiss pairings

The event will run as one open section with trophies awarded for Champion, 2nd, 3rd, U1500 Intermediate Champion and Best Newcomer.

Newcomers/beginners/unrated are very welcome.

Number of Rounds: 8

Time control: 5+3

Please note, all events at the Bangor Chess Club run on schedule, with all clocks starting at exactly 19:30. The time control is 5+3, therefore if a player fails to arrive within 5 minutes of the games starting, the player will lose the game when their time expires.

Timetable:

Take seats at 19:25

Round 1 at 19:30

Prize-giving at 21:45

FIDE rules will apply. Remember mobile phones must be switched off and no food allowed in playing hall. Drinks are permitted at the tables.

CHESS FEDERATION FEES:

Apart from tournament fees, remember to renew your ICU fees for the 2025/2026 season [1 Sept 2025 to 31 Aug 2026].

As per FIDE regulations, all players participating in a FIDE rated tournament must be paid up members of their National Federation, which in our case is the ICU which covers FIDE events in Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Please renew your ICU fees online before the event at www.icu.ie/shop or send the equivalent in UK pounds along with your entry fee to B. Jamison, before the deadline.

The tournament organiser has ICU admin access to check the paid status of participants. The ICU updates the list at 06:30 each morning.

Tournament entry fees:

50% reduced price of £10 for players paying in advance by bank transfer, Revolut or PayPal.

£20 for anyone paying cash on the day (if we still have space available, only players who pay in advance are guaranteed a place).

Free entry for extra players from the same family.

Max table capacity in hall = 60 players.

Trophies will be awarded as prizes.

Chief Arbiter: B. Jamison

Deputy Arbiter: P. O’Connor

Tie Break order: Buchholz, Progressive, TPR Mixed

Pairing Software: Swiss Master. This is not compatible with the Chess Results website but all rounds (including final standings) will be displayed on the giant flat-screen television in the main hall. The tournament rating file will be sent to ICU rating officer Andrei Ivanov for upload to FIDE rating site and FIDE will rate the event on the afternoon of October 31, 2025.

Free public car park almost directly opposite venue. Harbour and beach behind venue. 2 minutes walk.

To enter please send your full name and FIDE ID (or DOB if you don't have a FIDE ID yet) to event organiser/arbiter B. Jamison. Once payment is received, the player will be added to entry list.